COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 29, 2001 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 P R O C E E D I N G S
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 welcomes the Reverend Laura Donavan, Pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase. She is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. Members and guests will please rise.
Thank you, Madam President. Shall we pray. Holy God, Aluhanu (ph), Goten Himel (ph), Notre Pare (ph), Lord Jesus, the peoples of the earth have many names for you, and in this City you have called the peoples from all corners of the earth to live and dwell as a diverse community. Yet in your eyes, we are but one people, the creatures of your making. We worship you, our creator, for you have made humanity in your image. We pray this day that your spirit might be upon this body today and every day so that your creativity and wisdom might flow freely among your people here in this INVOCATION Council Chamber. For these good women and men were chosen to order the life and work of this City with more than a million residents from every walk and every corner of the earth. Lord God, this is no small task. For we are but human. Yet we praise you that you do not call these women and men to this task unprepared but that it is you that is behind all that they do. And so we ask you that you might inspire these, your servants, with your own just rule that they may care for the people and the resources of Philadelphia with intelligence, imagination and love. Uphold them in their work that the decisions they make might promote the general welfare and so be pleasing in your sight. And Lord, when the day is done and the work is complete, give them rest and recreation with their loved ones that they may be refreshed in the enjoyment of the blessings you bestow now and forever more. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Donavan for her very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2001. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting Thursday, March 22, 2001, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2001, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2001, has been approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. LEAVES OF ABSENCE - WELCOME
Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Frank Rizzo.
Leave will be granted. 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 today. 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. Every year we grant greet students of various ages Z and from various schools. Winners of the Annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest. I am very pleased that this tradition is continuing this year, as we hear the winning speeches from each PRESENTATIONS level. To introduce the winning students and to announce their names, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Good morning. Today we are honored to have in our presence the top 12 finalists of the School District of Philadelphia's 22nd African-American History Oratorical Competition. During this competition, school winners representing the best entries from the lower, middle, and upper grade levels were selected to compete in the City-wide finals by delivering their orations before a diverse panel of judges. This annual event is coordinated by the efforts of Dr. Carolyn Holmes and Mrs. Diane Partee of the School District's African-American Studies Department. For many years these women have put their hearts and souls into organizing this program. We'd like Dr. Holmes and Mrs. Partee to please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
Today, we will orations from the three first-place winners. PRESENTATIONS However, I would like the following participants, their coordinators and families to please stand and be recognized. And they are: From the elementary school level, second-place winner, Tierra Palmer, 6th Grade, M.H. Stanton. (Applause.)
Middle school second place, Jenne Ayers, 7th Grade, Masterman. (Applause.)
Upper level, second place, Stephanie Tisdale, 12th Grade, Central High. (Applause.) PRESENTATIONS
Third place, Carmen Rosa, 12th Grade, Carver High. (Applause.)
Fourth place, Joy Cooper, 12th Grade, Girls High. (Applause.)
We will now hear from the first-place winners in this order. They are elementary level, we'll have Meoshe McQueen, 6th Grade, Gillespie School. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Meoshe McQueen. I am a sixth grader at the Gillespie Middle School, and the title of my oration is "Dreams." Jesse Jackson once said that we must create new dreams. We must remove any ceilings or barriers that limit our legitimate aspirations. Dreams. I have dreams. Dreams that are deeply rooted in the African-American Dream. Dreams that will not be overshadowed by the negative images that surround me. Today I stand before you confident and self-assured that I will fulfill my dreams. My PRESENTATIONS dreams of becoming a voice for African-Americans will become a reality because I will arm myself with the determination, preservation, imagination, and will of my ancestors. If Harriet Tubman could brave through woods and rivers and free hundreds of slaves, I can fulfill my dreams. If Mary McLeod Bethune could break down the barrier of racism and start a school with a dollar fifty, I can fulfill my dreams. If Ben Carson could become a surgeon despite a second-class education, I can fulfill my dreams. If Roxanne Jones could escape poverty and welfare to become a state senator, I can fulfill my dreams. Oh, yes, I have dreams, dreams that are deeply rooted in the African-American dream. Young people, grab hold on to a dream, embrace it and achieve it. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays reminds us that it is not your environment, it is the quality of your mind, the integrity of your soul, the determination of your will that will decide your future. So regardless of our surroundings, we must take control of our own destiny. We must choose the road best for ourselves and the future generation. The opportunity to succeed is here. All PRESENTATIONS we have to do is accept the challenge. Yes, there will be obstacles, discouragement, and temptations to battle. However, our and ancestors faced greater odds than we face today. They survived the enslavement and help build this nation. So it is our duty to claim that rich heritage and fulfill our dreams. In the great words of Jesse Jackson, dreaming is a gift of the spirit that can lift you above misery to miracles and allow you to smile through tears. So climb high. Climb far. Your goal, the sky. Your aim, the star. Yes, I have dreams, dreams that are deeply rooted in the African-American dream. Dream young people. Dream. (Applause.)
Great. Outstanding. We know now why she's the first place winner. Congratulations to you and thank you so much. Let's give your another round of applause. (Applause.)
Now, the first place winner from the middle level, we have Marvin Hickman, 8th Grade, Amy-Northwest. PRESENTATIONS
The title of my oration is "The African-American Male Motivated and Moving." Good morning. My name is Marvin Edward Hickman. I am a student at the Amy Northwest Middle School. I am a young African-American male who is most certainly motivated and moving. I might not wear Tims or that flashy Guess. I might not have a body like Tyson or that Denzel flex. Sometimes I look at girls, I might say hello or hi. They may turn around, look at me and say I need some other guy. But I don't worry about them. I just keep on grooving, because I am an African-American male and I'm motivated and moving. What men on do I think of when I hear the motivated and moving? I think of Dr. Maulana Karenga, Jesse Jackson, Nelson Mandela, and the late Marvin Hickman, Sr., just to name a few. Dr. Karenga, founder and chairman of the Black Nationalist Organization, he gave us Kwanza, a cultural holiday that introduces and establishes principles and practices designed to recapture the essence of our African selves and to give my peers a positive value system for the future. Kwanza is PRESENTATIONS observed from December 26th through January 1st. But these principles should not only be practiced on just those days. They should be practiced throughout the whole year. Jesse Jackson is certainly motivated and moving. Did you know that he used to be teased because he was born before his mother was married. As recent as 2001, he has had to deal with negative publicity. But he did not give up. He continues to pull and push himself through life. Today, Jesse Jackson has a Rainbow Coalition. His rainbow is filled with colors, his mind filled with thoughts, thoughts that he eloquently expressed to the NAACP on July 13th of 2000. The thought, what do we have in common? The dream of America that the next generation will be better, not worse. That our children will have food, good schools, and a chance to go to college. The desire that our adults will be safe from criminals. That's what we have in common. What do we have in common? Too much poverty, too many dying too young, second-class schools and first-class jails, too many drugs and too many guns. Jesse Jackson reminds us that the things we do have in common can bring us closer to PRESENTATIONS accomplishing what we don't have in common. Another thing that Jesse Jackson taught me and other people is never give up and always keep hope alive. Also motivated in moving the Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela. His first name can be interpreted prophetically as troublemaker. It was given to him by a school teacher with dilutions of imperial splendor. Former president of the African National Congress and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela has had to spend 27 years in prison. Even with enduring such a monstrosity, Nelson Mandela remains motivated and moving as he continues the idea, I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an idea that I am to prepared to live for and achieve, but if need be, it is an idea that I am prepared to die for. Now I speak to you about my father, the late Marvin Hickman, Sr. My father was a working man. He came home from work with papers in his hands. He taught me to be good for which whom I stand. He taught me to be a man. But when it came PRESENTATIONS his time to die, I kept what he taught me close inside. So now I keep my father's plan, to be motivated and moving as an African-American man. As I stated earlier, I and many other brothers may not wear those Tims or that flashy Guess. We might not have bodies like Tyson or that Denzel flex. Sometimes we look at girls, we might say hello or hi. They may turn around, look at us and say they need guys. But we don't worry about them. We just keep on grooving because we are African-American men and we will remain motivated and moving. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Marvin. A great job. Let's give him another round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I apologize for interrupting the proceedings. Unfortunately I need to leave the Chamber on other Council business. The calendar may be called before I returned. PRESENTATIONS Therefore, I wish to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions that may be presented today as well as the amendments as offered by Councilwoman Tasco on her bill, which I believe is 000715. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I am pleased to introduce to members of this body, the National Congress -
I'm sorry. We still have other students to be recognized.
I yield then to my colleague Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you very much. Our last first-place winner from the upper level is a 10th grade student from the Creative and Performing Arts School, and he is Raymond Lynn. (Applause.)
Good morning. " We have a long cultural tradition founded upon the extended family. Family life is a basis for which African-Americans maintain their cultural traditions. The extended African family tradition was connected to the development of the community. The challenge that African-Americans face as we enter the 21st Century, according to Dr. Conrad W. Waral (ph) is to create programs, strategies, and institutions that will reclaim and preserve our rich culture. We know from experience that what we choose do to matters what more than what is done to us. For many years African-Americans supporting have talked about supporting black businesses. Economic power, the fourth principal of Kwanza, Umoja, has become the catch phrase for the future. Our progress on our commitment to share our financial and intellectual resources. , (ph) of the Greater Cincinatti African-American Chamber of Commerce said, Our true power lies in our action, not our PRESENTATIONS rhetoric. Our very survival in this country depends upon our ability and willingness to form alliances, partnerships, and business among businesses and with the businesses of others. This is a principle of networking that we hear so much about today. This networking all takes place within the African-American community. Through this source of networking, businesses can be formed. This networking all follows the motto, united we stand, divided we fall. If we as African-Americans set aside our differences, we can work together to rebuild our communities and give our children better learning environments. But if we don't support one another, nothing will be done. Change comes to those who work together. We may think we can succeed alone, but we will always need the support of others. In order to take full advantage of the power of networking, we have to embrace education and new technologies. There are people of all races who fear changes in technology. It is almost human nature to resist new innovations that at first glance seem complicated or unnecessary. But we should remember that once the television, radio, telephone, the printing press and PRESENTATIONS even the pencil were new inventions. Can you imagine not using these technologies today? Can you imagine what education would be like if there were not enough books for everyone because they had to be printed by hand? Just like the printing press and the pencil have been important to learning and communicating, so is new computer technology which can combine writing and speaking. It is easy to say that you are not a tech person, that technology is for the young or that I am too old to learn about new inventions. However, in 1996 Rosa Parks said, "I am 83 years of age and I many still learning. " This plain, quiet dignified woman is a model for us to follow as a representative as a life-long learner. We should never believe that is too late to change or learn something new. Formal schooling is not the end of our educational life. In the new millennium, education will have to be a life-long process. New technologies will rapidly and continually change opportunities in the workplace. PRESENTATIONS By the time we are young adults, more than 50 percent of the jobs that are available to us have not even been invented yet. This means that flexibility and ongoing education will be a necessity to cope with technology's influence on our lives in the future. So let the African-American community embrace new technologies to unite our people through better communication, sharing and support of one another. The power of the people rests first in our hands, minds, and souls, but technology can take this power to a new level. We must act as we have the power to change our lives. We must use our tremendous financial resources to benefit as many people as possible. We must be willing to learn advanced technologies in order to prosper in the future.
Education, economic development, and technology will all be closely connected to our people's future in the new millennium. We have to grab hold of these tools and refuse to let go. I thank you. )
Thank you, Madam President. We are indeed grateful to be able to PRESENTATIONS have these students again come to us to make their presentations. I'd like to thank again Dr. Holmes and Mrs. Partee for their continued work with these young people. I want to say thank you to the parents and the sponsors in the schools for working with these young people. They've done a fine job and we're very happy to have had them here today in City Council. Let's give them all a round of applause.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Another round of applause. (Applause.)
We have asked City Council, or if they can't attend, a member of their staff to join us for lunch today honoring these talented students at 12 noon at the Mellon Bank Executive Dining Room, 1735 Market Street. At that time we will present citations to each of the students during the luncheon. Again, thank you so much and we'll take pictures with the students with Councilmembers.
Thank you. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.) COMMUNICATIONS
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 28th, I signed Bill No. 000063 that was passed by Council on its session on March 15, 2001. And on March 23rd I signed Bill No. 010123 and 010124 that passed Council at its session on March 22, 2001. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce of Public Property to acquire by amicable and negotiation, by condemnation fee simple title to a certain parcel of property owned by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia and the new Eastwick Corporation, successors and assigns located on the south side of Bartram Avenue. And a resolution approving the COMMUNICATIONS redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of new Kensington and Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I wish to welcome -- and Councilman Michael Nutter in his absence, he and both want to welcome the National Congress of Political Black Women, their first ever youth congress. Please stand up, young people. This is a City-wide organization of young people represented high schools from around our City between the ages 13 and 18 who meet on a weekly basis to discuss, talk about, and debate the means of government. Let's welcome them. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (Applause.)
Wonderful. Welcome. We welcome you and invite you to come again. Thank you so much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Earlier in Caucus I had circulated a resolution regarding a specific issue. During the course of the time prior to the start of this session with the support and advice from Councilmembers Blackwell, Nutter and Cohen, I am going to add a few words to the original title of the resolution which will now read "A resolution authorizing the legislative oversight and law and government committees to hold hearings for the purpose of making recommendations to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation that will allow the Philadelphia Police Department to properly identify defendants arrested for summary offenses." I offer this resolution and thank my colleagues for their advice and support.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Legislative Oversight and Law and Government Committees to hold hearings for the purpose of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS making recommendations to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation that will allow the Philadelphia Police Department to properly identify defendants arrested for summary offenses.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I offer two bills on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance directing the Director of Commerce and Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by amicable negotiation or by condemnation fee simple title to a certain parcel of property owned by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia and Eastwick Corporation and their successors located on the south side of Bartram Avenue.
The this bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 990366, approved July 1, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 17S and abandoning a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of former Annex Street extending 50 feet for a right-of-way of former 28th Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills and two resolutions.
The Clerk will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Angel Carrasquillo, owner of the property located 2434 North Fifth Street to construct, use and maintain a one-story building addition serving as a porch on and over the west footway of Fifth Street adjacent to the property 2424 North Fifth Street.
The bill will be referred to appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 970720, approved March 20th, entitled an ordinance authorizing and direction a revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 51 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Peer Street extending from Adams Avenue easterly to Church Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
And a resolution declaring May as correct posture month in Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
I want everybody to sit up straight. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 19th and 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption, Madam President. And, Madam President, I'd like to say on the previous resolution that Mark INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS McDonald from the Daily News and Tony Romeo from KYW have the best posture in the room and they can commended for that.
Has Councilman Mariano's motion been seconded? (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on behalf of my colleague Councilman Michael Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 34th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. Councilwoman Brown, do you have any bills or resolutions on your own behalf?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have resolution on behalf of Councilman Nutter also.
Thank you. 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 deeds located in the 38th, 44th and 52nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance granting permission Williams Communication, LLC, its successors and assigns to construct, maintain, operate, replace and remove telecommunication system along, over, in, and under the public rights-of-way of the City of Philadelphia and to place such INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS telecommunication systems within the existing facilities owned by Verizon PECO Energy.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for Redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Redevelopment Area.
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. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution temporarily renaming certain portions of the right-of-way of the 500 block of Adison Street to the abutting property owner for religious observance.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Herman Hinton, owner of the news stand located at the north footway of Fairmount Avenue near the northwest corner of 19th Street and Fairmount Avenue to construct, use, and maintain overhead electrical and telecommunication lines from existing utility poles.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 33rd Street and Berks Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Thank you. The next order business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred Bill No. 010179 entitled an ordinance authorization the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, setting forth the capital purposes and the amounts for which the proceeds of the loan or loans will be expended, providing for obtaining the consent of the electors REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES to increasing the indebtedness of the City of Philadelphia, fixing a day for holding the election for obtaining such consent and providing for the arrangement for holding such election, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspend so as permit first reading this day of Bill No. 010179. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No. 010179 today. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) The ayes have it and Bill No. 010179 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for a report from the Committee on Public Safety.
Madam Chair, the Committee on Public Safety reports one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety to which was referred Resolution No. 000664 entitled a resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on enforcement relating to Section 12-1130 of the Philadelphia Code and the possibility of a City-wide livestock program, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Resolution 000664 will be placed at the end of today's calendar. The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. And the Clerk will please reads the titles of the bills on the First FIRST READING CALENDAR Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 010179, an ordinance authorization the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at a public or private negotiated sale, setting forth the capital purposes and the amounts for which the proceeds of the loan or loans will be expended, providing for obtaining the consent of the electors to increasing the indebtedness of the City of Philadelphia, fixing a day for holding the election for obtaining such consent and providing for the arrangements for holding such election.
The Chair agrees. This concludes the bills on the First Reading Calendar for today. The bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for next week. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 010100, Bill No. 000714, 000765, 000767, 000769, 000788, 010008, 010009, 010063, 010064, 010067, 0100068, 010108, 000712, 000713 are being called up. Bill No. 000715 is being amended, and all other bills are being held.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The first bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000715. The Clerk will please read the title of the ordinance.
An ordinance enacted a new Chapter 9-2400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Prohibition Against Predatory Lending," and amending Section 19-201 entitled "City Depositories," Section 19-2602 entitled "Licenses," and Section 22-1001 entitled "Investments," to prohibit all business entities and their affiliates from making, issuing, or arranging any sub-prime or high cost loan or assisting others in doing so in any manner which has been determined to be abusive, unscrupulous and misleading, providing penalties for noncompliance establishing a Predatory Lending Committee to investigate alleged predatory loans and SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR to make enforcement recommendations against business entities who have made, assisted with, issued or arranged a loan determined to be predatory and granting remedies to aggrieved parties and community organizations, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like to offer amendments to the bill.
Does everyone have a copy of the amendments? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, the amendments have been circulated, but I have two corrections I'd like to note. One is a typographical error on , Paragraph I. It should be 12 USC instead 21 USC. It's a typographical error. And then on the last Page under Section 5 we're changing the effective date. It should read "Effective date, this ordinance shall take effect 90 days after passage." Those are the two corrections that were SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR not circulated earlier. We did note the one in Caucus Session.
Thank you. Does the stenographer have a copy of the amendments? (The stenographer given a copy of amendments.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the amendments. (Duly seconded.)
It has been a moved and properly seconded that the amendments be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (Councilman O'Neill, Councilwoman Krajewski and Councilman Longstreth reported as voting no.)
Bill No. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR 000715 has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010100.
An ordinance approving a new plan estimated costs and proposed method charges of the Frankford Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Frankford Avenue Business District of the City of Philadelphia.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.
The amendments to the bill passed 000715, I'd like to be recorded as voting no on those amendments. Thank you.
I would like to be reported as voting no on the amendments.
The record will indicate that the amendments proposed by Councilwoman Tasco passes by a vote of 14 to 2. Two votes against were Councilman O'Neill and Councilwoman Krajewski. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000714.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed conveying fee simple to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situated at 500, 502, 504, 506, 508 and 510 West Montgomery Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter is voting aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000765.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill 990754, approved December 24, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from City Plan and vacating 42nd Street from Woodland Avenue to 43rd Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter is voting aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill No. 000767.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 990834, approved December 30, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of 45th Street Sayerbrook and Melville Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter is voting aye. Councilman O'Neill. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
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 next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000769.
An ordinance authorizing the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, tenant of the property 21 North Juniper Street to construct and maintain three aluminum flagpoles and three in-ground floodlight fixtures in and on the public right-of-way of North Juniper Street.
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. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000788.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of sewers and appurtenant work in portions of Fulton Street and Clymer Street.
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.
Aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 010008.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 57 by striking from the City Plan Eadom Street from Pratt Street to Granite Street.
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 AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010109.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by permitting sidewalk sales in the 6th Councilmatic District by owners or tenants of abutting buildings, under certain terms and conditions.
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.
Aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010063.
An ordinance authorizing the Raul Cadrera, owner of the property located 162 West Wishart Street to construct, use, and maintain a one-story garage extension on and over the east footway of Masters Street.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for considered is Bill No. 010064.
An ordinance granting permission to William Schluth, 6401 Torresdale Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain private combination sanitary storm sewer main with five service connections under the east footway of the 6400 block of Vandike Street.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010067.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by providing for sidewalk sales on the 5000 block of Wissahickon Avenue on the west side.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill past finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill No. 010068 is being called for consideration. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by providing for sidewalk sales on the 3200 block of Fox Street on the east side.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill No. 010108 is the next bill being called for consideration.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by revising and expanding an SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR existing area in which sidewalk sales are prohibited so as to prohibit sidewalk sales within an area bounded by Oregon Avenue, I-95, Front Street as extended to I-95.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall 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, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000712.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code and Section PM102.4 "Vacant Structures and Lots," by including vacant SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR commercial buildings and lots and vacant wares, piers and docks as properties to be licensed, under certain terms and conditions.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is bill 000713.
An ordinance amending Sub-Code PM of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by requiring owners of vacant lots and vacant SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR buildings to post a bond or other security for the City's potential cost of correcting code violations or abating unsafe and imminently dangerous conditions when authorized by law, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Longstreth. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title Resolution No. 000664.
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT hearings on enforcement relating to Section 12-1130 of the Philadelphia Code and the possibility of a City-wide livestock program.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000664 be adopted. All of those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 000664 has been adopted. This concludes our calendar for today. Are there any speeches on of the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT I'd like to be registered AS voting against 000715, the amendments that were offered today.
The record will so indicate. Thank you. Are there any further speeches on part of the minority? Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Everyone is concerned about the gas situation in Philadelphia. For the last few days, the radio has been blaring forth with threats by the Gas Works of large numbers of indiscriminate cutoffs of gas service beginning with April the 1st, which happens to be Sunday. It seems to me it's very important and the City Council has a very real interest in this matter because we made a very heavy loan to the Gas Works, we're all interested in having gas bills paid. But to suggest indiscriminate shutoffs means to suggest all kinds of damage to the City of Philadelphia. I've been getting many calls from residents of the City who say they've not been able SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT to get through the telephone lines. Some of them have said that when they did reach somebody, if they persisted long enough, in some cases, many hours spread over many days, that the response was not a friendly or cooperative response. To get complaints like that is extremely troubling. It does not help in getting bills paid. What it does help is increasing the number of houses that will be abandoned, the number of senior citizens and other low-income people who will be severely hurt. We have to remember that the bills that customers have received are bills that boggle the mind. There must be developed I hope at the Gas Commission participation and the Gas Works and the Council are programs that will make it possible for people to meet the obligation posed by their bills. There's no indication, for example, that all of the customers who may be eligible for the LIHEAP Program, the energy assistance program for low income people, there's no indication whatever that there's been large-scale information made available to the people. Nor is there any indication that the Gas Works own customer responsibility program has been made known to the SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT people, how they apply in an orderly, friendly, cooperative way. Everybody will be helped if a sensible approach is followed which does two basic things: Ensures both continuity of service and payment of the gas bills. Because we have to get bills paid, but we also have to understand the enormous burden that's been placed upon everybody who have received the kind of bills that have come in the mail, where bills have been tripled so that some people have just given up the hope of being able to deal with the situation. So I'm just suggesting today that I think before there are any cutoffs that there must be developed plans. The plans ought to be made available to us in Council so we can help inform all of our constituents and that there's got to be available a method by which customers can reach the Gas Works, get this information and make arrangements for the payments, get whatever assistance is available to them. In many cases, it may be fairly extensive assistance, and make arrangements for an orderly way of dealing with these huge gas energy bills that almost nobody can meet immediately because of the enormous burden that SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT is placed on everybody's budget. So I hope, to our colleague Councilwoman Tasco, Chair of the Gas Commission, to any of the folks Gas Works that are here, and to members of City Council, I'm hoping that there will be developed a three-method approach to how we deal with this emerging crisis. It really is crisis because I can tell you that if there is indiscriminate cut-off, children are going to be hurt, senior citizens are going to be hurt, poor citizens are going to be hurt, and the City's whole financial structure is going to be hurt because what happens when there are gas shutoffs is there is an enormous increase in the number of abandoned houses. People tend to leave houses because they can't live in them if there is neither heat nor hot water. And that's particularly true with respect to single parents with small children, and they will be the worst sufferers.
So I'm urging all the parties involved, act sensibly, reasonably, get information out, make available all kinds of services to the people. Thank you, Madam President.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. (Applause.)
Councilwoman, I'm sorry. I believe Councilman Cohen wants to be recognized again.
I understand today that the Action Alliance for Senior Citizens, together with the Consumer Education and Protective Association, with a tenants action group, and ACORN have joined in a letter to Mayor Street calling attention, his attention, to the urgency of the situation and asking the Mayor to take immediate action along the lines that I suggested in the speech to make it possible to get bills paid and to provide against indiscriminate cutoffs, turning people out on their homes. We hope the Mayor acts, but I recommend that the three agencies I discussed, the Gas Works, the Gas Commission, and the Council be ready to step into the picture immediately to demand fair treatment for everyone in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.) SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I agree with Councilman Cohen about the crisis nature of this gas environment at this time. While the Commission no longer has tariff jurisdiction over the gas cost or the gas cost rate or the rates, we will meet today at 2 o'clock. I will ask the Commission to schedule a special meeting to bring PGW forth to talk about the areas that he has mentioned just so that we will have a handle on how they plan to deal with any possible cutoffs, about the LIHEAP and about the CPR. We do hear about those things during t course of the budget, but I think an update will be fine. And we will do that in the interest of the ratepayers of the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion. SPEECHES AND ADJOURNMENT
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 5th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 5, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday April 5, 2001. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:45 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of March 29, 2001, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public