COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 3, 2011 10:00 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 come to order, please. 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 Dr. Clarence Hester, Pastor of Erie Avenue Baptist Church and Police Clergy. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Goode. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Giving honor to God, to you, Madam President, and members of the Council and to Mayor Nutter. We do thank God and Councilman Goode for this august privilege to stand before this prestigious body of servants and lift you up to an almighty God. and ever-gracious God, we come pausing in this moment to reverence your name and to lift you up in the spirit of prayer, that these deliberations may be consumed by you. We pray that your countenance may shine upon this Council and bless them with guidance. Though we are confronted with fiduciary turbulence, we ask that you bless Mayor Nutter and this Council with the wisdom and direction as they deliberate over the budget and the economic welfare of this city. May you grant unto us the provisions and resources to enhance the quality of life and afford us favor as they work to create a more viable city. We pray that you sanctify their thoughts and intentions, even their words and their actions, that all that they speak and do will abound to the honor of you and the well-being of our great city. Lord, look down on our Mayor, Council and help them to work together to face the serious facts of our times and to find the courage to meet them justly with wisdom, discipline and resourcefulness. Grant to us all an undiminishing faith in the absolute necessity of an inward life, in an efficacy of dedicated intelligence and the power of an active, even sacrificial goodwill. Even now, Lord, help them to seek guidance in all their worthy pursuits and ever-widening opportunities for continuing service to you and the people of Philadelphia. We ask that you achieve unity of purpose among this Council and grant unto us the victory of faith on the ideals of which we were committed as a city. Strengthen us with honor and grant our city peace and prosperity. Provide this body with strength and spiritual sustenance for performing with great might the task with which our common lives yet confront us the deeper currents of faith, service, courage and sacrifice be a power within us to do the things we ought and to extend the boundaries of a full and enlightened life for all. Even now, Lord, use this body as instruments of your glory to enhance the services and the quality of life for all the residents of this great city. This we pray as you bless this assembly in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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, February 17th, 2011. Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 17th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 17th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, 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 Rizzo.
Madam President, we all either knew or knew of Mr. Anthony Zecca. I know that you have. And I ask if this is the appropriate time for us to acknowledge his death with a moment of silence. And we all know, again, that he served for Mayor Dilworth, Rizzo and Tate, and he was a very valued employee of the City of Philadelphia. So if we could do that, it would be greatly appreciated.
The Councilman is requesting that we all have a moment of silence for Tony Zecca. Please stand for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo for -- are there any -
Madam President, I don't believe there's any requests for leave of absence from the republicans. Thank you.
Thank you. 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 to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. We have many distinguished visitors with us today, including elected officials, heads of departments, boards and commissions, and many representatives from the Administration. Please know that we appreciate your being with us today. We want to extend a warm welcome and to offer our thanks for all of the good work that you do. We will all say thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill Nos. 100720, 100759, 100873, 110051, 110053, 110071, 110074, 110083, and I am also transmitting today a letter providing City Planning Commission approval of certain Master Plan amendments for Drexel University; and I am pleased to advise you that on February 25, 2011, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on February 17, 2011; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 311, also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 814 South Twelfth Street; and redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 96 and 97, also sometimes identified by respective house numbers and street addresses for Parcel No. 96 as 1704 Willington Street and for Parcel No. 97 as 1715 Willington Street; and A resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2012 through 2016, and incorporating proposed changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2011; and An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2012 through 2017 inclusive; and An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2012 Capital Budget; and An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2012; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates and making technical changes; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing the in Philadelphia, located at 600 South 43rd Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the form of auxiliary seating within the right-of-way adjacent to the building at 4140 Woodland Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing 217 West George Street Limited Liability Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 217 West George Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
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, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide a credit against the tax for owners of condominiums and cooperatives and planned community units who do not receive regular City refuse, recycling and bulk item collection services.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two bills and two resolutions, one resolution of which is co-sponsored by Councilman Jones, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution urging the United States Senate not to pass H.R. 1, read for a motion on the resolution as well.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by regulating vending along the south side of Market Street between 48th Street and 49th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts," by creating the 52nd Street Business District for Sidewalk Vending.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings on prayer in Philadelphia public schools.
This resolution will be referred to our Calendar for our next session.
And a resolution urging the United States Senate not to pass H.R. 1, the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011, which would result in funding cuts of almost $150 million impacting Philadelphia, including a 66 percent cut in funds for the Community Development Block Grant program.
Thank you, Madam President, and we would like the Education one to be referred to committee. I hope that was in the title. Oh, she did say that? My error. All right. Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution designating March 10, 2011 as "Public Service Workers Day in Philadelphia."
This resolution will be placed on our Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer six bills and one resolution on behalf of the Administration, two bills and one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Warfield Street, the Schuylkill Expressway, Reed Street, a Railroad right-of-way, and Moore Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new Section prohibiting the issuance of any permit for the construction of buildings, additions or roof decks, exceeding a certain height.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2012 through 2017 inclusive.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2012.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education to impose a tax on real estate within the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates and making technical changes.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2012 through 2016, and incorporating proposed changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2011.
The resolution be 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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed on our Second Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two bills and one resolution, and the resolution needs to be referred to committee. Thank you.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance repealing Chapter 21-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Police Advisory Board," and replacing with a new Chapter 21-1200 that reconstitutes and renames the board as the "Police Advisory Commission," and, as authorized by the Charter, provides for the Commission's appointment and the manner in which the Commission and other officers, employees, and agencies shall fulfill their respective responsibilities.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Police Advisory Commission.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Police Advisory Commission.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Outsourcing," to require a cost-benefit analysis before any City contract may be awarded or renewed.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Joseph Lozito, a resident of Philadelphia, for his courageous actions in helping to detain an alleged serial killer in New York City.
Yes. For the record, that is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
This will be placed on our Second Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Subsection 19-2604, Subparagraph 6 of The Philadelphia Code, under which businesses that enter into agreements to make contributions to community development corporations receive business privilege tax credits, by enacting a temporary moratorium on new contribution agreements under that subsection until Council enacts legislation modifying the terms and conditions of the tax credit.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I have 12 bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance authorizing 217 West George Street Limited Liability Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 217 West George Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carpenter Street, both sides, 10th Street to 11th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Franklin Street, east side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Morris Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Clarion Street, west side, Ritner Street to Porter Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 12th Street, both sides, Mifflin Street to Moore Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McKean Street, both sides, 11th Street to 12th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McClellan Street, south side, Juniper Street to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Iseminger Street, west side, Mifflin Street to McKean Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Juniper Street, west side, Porter Street to Shunk Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Porter Street, north side, 13th Street to 12th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 311 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 814 South Twelfth Street.
The resolution will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill, one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by relocating the northeasterly curbline of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from Twentieth Street to Twenty-First Street.
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, situate in the Eighteenth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports two bills out with favorable recommendations.
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 Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 110051, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to provide for changes to the zoning designations of located within an area bounded by Tacony Street, Dark Horse Street, the Delaware River, Frankford Creek, and Bridge Street"; and Bill No. 110053, entitled "An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Milnor Street, Levick Street, the Delaware River, and Robbins Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam President, I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110051 and 110053. (Duly seconded.)
It 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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Law and Government reports two bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 110050, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fair Practices,' by changing the title to 'Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,' by replacing 'handicap' with disability as a protected status, by adding domestic or sexual violence victim status, familial status, and genetic information to the prohibited bases for discrimination; by amending the definition of discrimination, employer, life partnership, public accomodation and other terms, and by adding or deleting other definitions"; and Bill No. 110060, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Jobs Commission; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election"; and Resolution No. 110063, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Jobs Commission; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110050 and 110060. (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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution No. 110063 will be placed on the Final next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100677, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 060317), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 275 by extending Parker Avenue from its current terminus on the northeasterly side of a 66 foot wide right-of-way for railroad purposes,' by compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 110071, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Avenue,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit of the two bills that have just been read into the record. (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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspection reports one bill
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 110084, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 1, Subcode 'PM' of The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code by amending Section PM-102.0, entitled 'Licensing,' to provide for exemptions for certain vacant property uses; and by amending Section A-906 of Subcode 'A,' entitled 'Property Maintenance Code Fees,' to reduce the license fees charged to own a vacant lot, vacant building or vacant wharf; all 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.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading for Bill 110084. (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 saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes 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.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 080474, entitled "An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled 'Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces,' to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave, all 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.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. So Bill No. 080474 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the 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 now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today. 3/3/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution Nos. 110121, 110122, 110123, 110124, 110125, 110126, 110127 and Bill Nos. 100860, 100871, 100872, 110004 and 110055 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. Bill No. 100782 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: Speakers will be called in the order in which their names appear on the sign-up sheet for today's session. If you did not sign up, you will have the opportunity to speak after those who did sign up have the opportunity to do so. Your public comment must concern matters on the Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. Public comment is limited to Philadelphia residents and taxpayers. So please state your name and where you live, and if you are not a Philadelphia resident, that you are a Philadelphia taxpayer. You will have up to three minutes -- I reiterate, three minutes -to speak. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
My name is Carla Fields and I'm a domestic violence victim, as well as a person of interest in the bill. It's a question that I'm getting to right now is 00 -- I mean, 110054, the acute bill that y'all have on paper. Okay. I have a concern about that bill, and my concern is, I just got out the hospital last week.
I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt you. What bill did you say you were commenting on?
Let me get my bearings right. 110054. That's the acute bill that y'all have on the table today.
Thank you, ma'am. Okay. I just got out the hospital like less than a week ago. I've been discriminated during this time. And this is not my first time approaching talking to Council about my situation. Okay. And I see that nothing hasn't changed in the past year, which I been watching closely, and me and (unintelligible) have been watching closely. I have been discriminated against by shelter, DV systems, everything. And my question to you and to Council, what is going to change about this bill? Okay. Because at the moment, I'm homeless. I have acute acquired centrum disease, okay, and I just feel as though that I don't see the City doing anything to change anything for people like me and myself and my sisters and brothers out here. I'd like to know, what is Council really going to do?
May I ask you to remain after the session and we will try to assist you.
There are no other names on the public comment list, Madam President.
Do we have anyone who wishes to provide public comment on today's agenda and have not signed up? We're going to have to wait a minute. There's someone, I believe, up in the balcony that would like to be recognized. Other than the gentleman that will be approaching the microphone, do we have anyone else that wants to be recognized? Excuse me. Miss, did you want to make any public comment?
Yes. My name is Doris Thomas. I am a Philadelphia resident located at 8127 Fayette Street, Philadelphia, PA.
You're going to comment on a bill that we may consider today on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar?
Yes. I am currently in a situation where I need housing. I worked for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1992 through 1998. I'm a U.S. Army veteran. I've been coming across extreme difficulty with the City shelter system, in addition to the VA Medical Center with the HUD-VASH vouchers, and I would like to know, what are you doing to assist veterans who are returning from OEF, OIF operations, those of us who have -Vietnam War veterans who are experiencing homelessness? I personally served as an Operation Joint Guard/Joint Endeavor direct support personnel, and I am in a situation where I need permanent housing, and I would like to know, what is City Council doing to assist those of us who are veterans who served their country, they've come back and they found themselves in a situation where their home was in foreclosure?
I would suggest that you wait until after Council session is over and perhaps we can have someone try to assist you. Thank you.
Did the gentleman from the balcony ever come down?
Do you want to approach the microphone, please. Good morning.
Thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. It's a little difficult. I had to go to the 5th Floor and then I made my way down here.