COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, February 19, 1998 10:25 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN ANNA CIBOTTA VERNA COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE B. HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order, Members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, The Chair welcomes Reverend Charles Pfeffer, who is the parochial vicar at St. Agatha-St. James Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Rizzo. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Good morning. And let us remember the presence of God among us now. Spirit of God, this dedicated company is assembled for prayer and praise. Through you, may we experience the wisdom of God's word, the power of God's presence this day and forever. And now bless the Lord, who has crowned you with glory. May He grant you wisdom of heart to govern his people in justice, lest their welfare should be forgotten, for your authority INVOCATION throughout all time. Psalm 98. The Lord will rule the world with justice, and the peoples with equity. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds. His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. The Lord has made his salvation known. And in the sight of the nations, he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the House of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen his salvation by our God. The Lord will rule the world with justice, and the peoples with equity. Sing joy to the Lord. All you lambs, break into song, sing praise, sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp, a melodious song, with trumpets in the sound of the horn. Sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. The Lord will rule the world with justice, and the peoples with equity. Let the sea and what fills it resound the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands and the mountains shout for them with joy before the Lord, for he comes, INVOCATION INVOCATION for he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice, and the peoples with equity. Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you, authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this City Council and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government. May they seek to persevere and to preserve peace, promote municipal happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality. We pray for the Members of this Council, for all elected civil officials, and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare. May they be enabled by your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability. We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy all the Citizens of the City of Philadelphia, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL holy law. May we truly be the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. We pray to you, who are our Lord and God forever and ever, Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Pfeffer for his inspiring invocation.
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of Thursday, February 12, 1998. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the journal of that date. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. All those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it, the journal is approved. LEAVES OF ABSENCE/WELCOME TO VISITORS
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for a leave of absence.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman Verna. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neil.
On behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
At this time, we will dispense with our regular order of business to recognize our visitors and guests this morning. To all of our visitors and guests this morning, we welcome you here and applaud your interest in the civic affairs of our City, and we certainly invite you to come again. LEAVES OF ABSENCE/WELCOME TO VISITORS LEAVES OF ABSENCE/WELCOME TO VISITORS At this time, our first presentation honors Brother Joseph Burke, President of LaSalle University. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilman Longstreth. The Chair invites Brother Burke to come forward and receive this resolution. Will Councilwoman Verna please approach the Chair. (Councilwoman Verna approaches the Chair.) (Councilman Longstreth and Brother Burke come forward.)
One of the great jewels that we have in Philadelphia and in the suburban communities are our universities. We probably have more world-famous universities and a greater degree of involvement of those universities in the affairs of government in southeastern Pennsylvania than in any other place in the United States, and it's always a source of great pride and great interest to us when this is recognized by national and international organizations. And so this resolution honors and PRESENTATIONS commends LaSalle University. And I would like our beloved -- oh, here he is -- our beloved president, Brother Burke, who matches this honor of his university with his own desire to take a vacation for a year. BROTHER BURKE: Absolutely.
Brother Burke is going to be resigning from the chief executive's position at LaSalle, will spend a year learning important things, and then will come back and teach those things to our children and their children and their children, hopefully, at least. So that this resolution honors and commends LaSalle University for being awarded by the United States Department of Labor the Exemplary Voluntary Efforts Award, E.V.E., citing the school's commitment to providing community services to its surrounding neighborhood. And at a time when we are so heavily dependent in our neighborhoods for universities and institutions and businesses and commercial enterprises, etc., to develop this partnership between government and the private sector, LaSalle's example is one that we hope that many, PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS many other institutions will follow in the coming months. And I would like to have Mr. Kenny come up and read this resolution or that part of it that he thinks is applicable in honor of LaSalle. (Councilman Kenney comes forward.)
Thank you, Councilman. And thank you, Brother. Whereas LaSalle University is the first private college to be honored with the E.V.E. Award since it was established 14 years ago, and LaSalle is one of only five organizations nationwide to receive the award. Specifically, LaSalle was cited by the Labor Department for, quote, providing the residents of the immediate neighborhood with the educational resources and expertise to improve the quality of their lives and to provide learning experiences in both traditional and non-traditional settings; Whereas, students, faculty, and staff of the University donated one hundred thousand hours to more than 25 community groups and service projects in the past year, and over half of PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS LaSalle's undergraduate students participate in area volunteer efforts; Whereas, one of the most visible efforts is the Neighborhood Nursing Center run by LaSalle's School of Nursing. In 1996-97, more than 10,000 local residents received basic health and educational services, including substanceabuse counseling and immunizations. The Center also provided health programs for low-income senior citizens living in HUD-funded housing; Whereas, LaSalle's Urban Study and Community Services Center, founded in 1967, is one of the City's oldest educational organizations. By combining student efforts and scholarship, the Center provides services such as adult literacy, literacy training, mediation services and neighborhood Town Watch. In 1991, the Center's general education diploma GED testing program has assisted 1500 students in earning their high school equivalency; Now therefore resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, we hereby honor and commend LaSalle University on their tireless efforts to improve the quality of life in their PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS community and on receiving the E.V.E. Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Brother Burke for remarks. Brother BURKE: Thank you very much. I entered Council today, and several people asked me if it's true that I'm running for Council at large with the year I have off -- and it's not true. As much as I admire what goes on here, I don't think it's the sort of thing that would be good for me to be involved in. This really is a tribute to a great many people; and certainly, least of all, myself. We draw students from across the East Coast, many of whom are living in cities for the first time in their lives. And one of the things that we find consistently is that whether or not those youngsters end up working in soup kitchen or with the homeless or with neighborhood organizations, that many of them decide at the end of their time at LaSalle and the other universities in this PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS city, to stay in this city, to build loyalty to this city because it is, in fact, a great city. So I will return to LaSalle and let everyone know of the great honor that our students and faculty and staff are receiving from Council today. And in a particular way, I'd like to thank Councilman Longstreth, as well as Councilman Kenney, for their support over the years in the many issues that LaSalle has brought before Council. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Our second presentation recognizes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilwoman Tasco. The Chair invites Mr. James Hawes, III to come and receive this resolution. (Councilwoman Tasco and Mr. Hawes come forward.) PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS
It gives me pleasure this morning to present this resolution declaring January as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. Whereas, carbon monoxide is a silent threat to all homes with fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, charcoal grills, furnaces, kerosene heaters, and gas stoves; and Whereas carbon monoxide, which is also generated by gasoline-powered engines, can enter a home through an attached garage and becomes a menace because it's odorless and tasteless; and Whereas, carbon monoxide poisoning is the number-one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, reaching a level of toxicity quickly and in high concentration or slowly over long periods of time; and Whereas, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be mistaken for common illnesses with symptoms of those of influenza, headache, and fatigue; and Whereas fire-related carbon monoxide PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS poisoning can surprise even the most skilled firefighter, as occurred in West Oak Lane in October of 1997; and Whereas carbon monoxide detectors do exist and have been designed to protect residential properties through cutting-edge technology; and Whereas, educational pamphlets and information on detectors are being developed by the Philadelphia Gas Works from October to March, when the greatest number of injuries occur; Now therefore resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares January as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, with demonstrations around the City and the distribution of carbon monoxide detectors for residential use; Further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Aims Safety for the pioneering of professional gas detection instruments for industry and home. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, on the 20th day November, PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS 1997, signed by the President of City Council, introduced by Marian Tasco, and supported by all Councilmembers. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman Tasco. It is a pleasure to be here today under these circumstances. This is -- carbon monoxide is very serious business. And while we have searched the industry for the best product we could have and could deliver to our customers, we appreciate being here. But the most important thing is the reason we think this is important is because it saves lives. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of introducing a visiting group. PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS
Thank you, Madame Chair. It is my pleasure to introduce the Paul Robeson Troupe to City Council. (Paul Robeson Troupe comes forward.) (Applause.)
This is a group of young performers who began singing at Wagner Middle School. As more students have been added, former students have continued appearing together with them. They are coached by a talented music teacher -- and a former neighbor of mine -- from the Wagner Middle School, Mrs. Nancy Jackson. The Paul Robeson Troupe has developed such a repertoire, that members have been invited to appear at an international cultural festival in Ghana in April. Each Councilperson has a booklet describing their activities on their desk. The Troupe is conducting a fund-raising campaign to raise enough money to pay the fare for each child. When you have heard them perform, you will see why they deserve our support in reaching their goal, and I trust that they will find a generous benefactor or benefactors through their appearance here this morning. PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS Thank you very much. And we welcome the Paul Robeson Troupe to Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. (Paul Robeson Troupe performs for Council.)
That was absolutely beautiful. Thank you all so very much. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Kenny for the purpose of welcoming a visiting group.
Thank you, Madame Chair. On your behalf, and it is my pleasure to welcome a group of 35 third-grade students from the Philadelphia School at 25th and Lombard Streets. This group of young people have been studying the Constitution, and they are here today to see government in action. Accompanying these students, there are four teachers: Tracy Hagedorn, Amy Segal, Kristen Ciani, and Jessica Schwartz. Please stand.
Would you please COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTATIONS stand up. (Students and teachers stand.) (Applause.)
We welcome you and invite you to join us again. Thank you.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-At-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. (The Sergeant-At-Arms delivers Mayor's messages to Chief Clerk.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. Chief Clerk HAUSER: To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for your consideration an ordinance amending Title 1 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "General Provisions" by providing a general procedure for the issuance of notices of violation and payment of a specified amount in response to a notice of violation in lieu of a code enforcement complaint being issued and fines being imposed in the full amount COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTATIONS provided by particular sections of the Code or regulations adopted under any provisions of the Code, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
The message, as read, will be printed in the Journal.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madame Chair, today I have a bill on behalf of myself and President Street.
Is that a bill? Councilwoman Clark, at this time, I would like to recognize you for the purpose of suspending the rules so as to consider all resolutions immediately after introduction. COMMUNICATIONS
Madame Chair, I move that all rules be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions as presented.
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those opposed will say nay. The motion is so carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the -is that a bill or a resolution?
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property,, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with LTB Limited Partnership to lease up to 75,000 square feet, more or less, in the building known as the Land Title Building, located at 100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Chair thanks the lady. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the lady. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read the resolution. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
A resolution authorizing the Rules Committee to conduct hearings examining the problems that certified minority subcontracting firms experience, specifically in their attempts to collect funds due from certain general contractors.
The resolution will be referred to the Rules Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madame Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the lady. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Madame Chair, I have one resolution for introduction today.
The Chief Clerk COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS will please read the resolution.
A resolution urging all members of SEPTA's Board to select a competitive bid for advertising services that is entirely free of tobacco and alcohol advertising from all SEPTA vehicles and transit stations.
Madame Chair, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those opposed will say no. The motion is so carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance regulating the direction of traffic on Lima Street from B Street to Rising Sun Avenue eastbound. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution urging that the Office of Housing and Community Development negotiate good-faith and collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1971.
Madame Chair, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All opposed -
I think it's a shame that this resolution has to be introduced in City Council, but I think it indicates what I regard as persistent anti-labor policies followed by the COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS City Administration, one which brings us to a verge of a strike on SEPTA. I don't know what it is that causes the Administration to take these positions. This is a group of 35 people, as the resolution says, and I want to commend Councilwoman Tasco for taking leadership on this matter. But it just seems to me that the Administration ought to reconsider what it's been doing in the labor field. As you noticed in the press yesterday, the dispute at SEPTA seems to have really got them embittered when SEPTA took the position that money that could be used for operating budget purposes was not going to be used for that purpose. That made the amount of money available for operating budget purposes much smaller by some -- it looks like somewhere between 29 and $40 million. And the newspapers yesterday carried the report that when the State, when it allocated this extra money, never said that the money had to be limited to capital purposes but that the State intended fully that the money be used for operating purposes. Now, I was never happy with the other COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS David L. Cohen's position on labor matters. And it seems to me that this resolution deals with the same kind of matters. For some reason, the Administration picked out these 35 workers, mostly women, mostly minorities, all of them at the lower pay scales in that office and denied them the wage increase that all of us believe had been given to all employees when an agreement was reached with District Council 33. I hope the Mayor takes this resolution to mean that this City Council feels it's got to be full good-faith bargaining, and that when a contract is reached, that is just wrong to single out a small group of employees and to try to put extra pressure on them by denying them the wage increase until they agree to what appears to be reasonable demands by the Administration. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madame Chair. Let me agree with my colleague in all of his remarks. It is very, very sad that this COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS small group of individuals, they're just going every place, trying to get help. They're frustrated with trying to get a contract. And it seems to me that it's been time and time has passed, and it's just too long for a small group of people to have to wait so long to get a contract. Here we are, about to negotiate our budget with this department, and these people still don't have a contract. So, certainly, I concur with his remarks and urge my colleagues to vote yes on this resolution.
Madame Chair, I also associate myself with the comments of the previous speakers and would like to say that it is the rankest form of discrimination to be singled out, to have to do something special to get what everybody else got automatically. So I do urge the Administration to correct this situation and to bring these people parity, as they should have had in the beginning.
Thank you. The COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madame Chair, thank you. We saw it with the Sheriff's Department, we saw it in the Register of Wills. Workers that are at the lower scale of wages in this City are really badly treated by this Administration. We see this once again in OHCD, 34-35 individuals. Actually, what I think they hope is that these people will actually resign or just get tired of all of the problems that they're facing in trying to get a contract and just leave City government and City service. So I think it's about time that our labor relationships, in terms of the City and the workers, change. I think this is a message that these policies have to begin changing and be modified to take the interests of the workers in mind and fulfill them. Thank you.
Thank you. All those in favor of the resolution will -COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
We'll have a roll call vote. The Chief Clerk please read the roll call.
Aye. The record will reflect that the vote is 16 to nothing. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for the purpose of introducing bills and resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for the purpose of introducing bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section 12-2405 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Removal or Immobilization of Parked Vehicles Notice" by authorizing the towing or immobilization of any vehicle parked in violation of Section 12-902-1a. of the Code, which prohibits the parking of a vehicle upon any roadway for the purpose of displaying such vehicle for sale. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for property situated in the 31st Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madame Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Ail those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those opposed will say no. The motion is so carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madame President, I have no bills or resolutions. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
I thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madame President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Councilman Kenney, I have a resolution in my folder. Would you be kind enough to introduce it for me. Thank you.
On behalf of the Chair, I introduce one resolution today.
Thank you. The REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Chief Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situated in the 32nd and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those opposed will say no. The motion is so carried.
The next order of business is Reports from Committees. To the best of my knowledge, there are no reports from committees.
The Chief Clerk BILLS NO. 970694, 970716, 970720, 970785 will read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 970694, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved January 3, 1992, establishing vendor locations in Center City, pursuant to Subsection 92048-A, by deleting one location on the block facing Fourth Street from Market Street to Chestnut Street, east side. Bill No. 970716, an ordinance granting permission to Sunguard Recovery Services, Inc., 401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19108, to construct and maintain a concrete conduit bank housing electrical cables under and across 13th Street, north of Callowhill Street, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 970720, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55, by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Pierce Street extending from Adams Avenue eastward to Church Street, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 970785, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, BILLS NO. 970786, 970787, 970788 both sides, Fitzwater Street to Catherine Street. Bill No. 970786, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Seventh Street, both sides, Bainbridge Street to Fitzwater Street. Bill No. 970787, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, both sides, Seventh Street to Eighth Street. Bill No. 970788, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, both sides, Bainbridge Street to Fitzwater Street. Bill No. 970789, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Pemberton Street, north side, Seventh Street to Eighth Street. Bill No. 970790, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Juniper Street, west side, Mifflin Street to Passyunk Avenue. Bill No. 970791, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, both sides, Tasker Street to Morris Street. Bill No. 970792, an ordinance BILLS NO. 970792, 970715 establishing a parking regulation on Moore Street, both sides, 13th Street to Broad Street. Bill No. 970715, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Bicycle Regulations and Penalties," by amending Section 12-808 entitled "Riding on Sidewalks," to increase the penalties for violation of this section.
Just a question addressed to Councilman Kenney, just a matter of procedure. The resolution with respect to the authorization of the Rules Committee to conduct hearings for the purpose of examining the problems of minority subcontractors, was there a vote on that or did it go directly to the committee on that? Councilwoman Verna was in the chair at the time. BILLS NO. 970792, 970715 BILLS NO. 970792, 970715
Thank you, Mr. President. It's my understanding the bill was referred directly to the committee by the Chair.
Mr. President, may I have permission to leave the chambers? And I'd like to be registered voting "aye" on all bills.
Yes, sir, thank you very much. The leave will be granted. Will the Chief Clerk please approach the Chair. (The Chief Clerk approaches the Chair.)
The next order of business is the consideration of bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar. BILL NO. 970747 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. All bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar are being called for consideration, with the exception of Bill No.'s 960823-A, 960633, 960629, and 970272.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The first bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970747. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Executive Director of Fairmount Park and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with Beasley F.M. Acquisition Corporation ("Beasley"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, pursuant to which, Beasley shall be licensed to install and maintain radio wires in, on, and about that certain property in Fairmount Park situated generally at Belmont Avenue and BILL NO. 970747 BILL NO. 970747 Edgeley Drive, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rizzo.
Mr. President, I would like to abstain from voting on this, based on an affiliation with Beasley Corporation.
Councilwoman Fernandez. BILL NO. 970747 BILL NO. 970747
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. Councilman Rizzo is abstaining. Councilwoman Tasco.
Aye. The ayes 16, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative. The bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970831. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute an amended lease agreement by and between the City of Philadelphia and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for additional air rights over 11th Street and Cuthbert Street, between Filbert Street and Arch Street east of 11th Street. Such amended lease agreement to allow the construction by the Redevelopment Authority, or its approved sublessee, of certain structures over the parking garage at 11th Street and Arch Street, under BILL NO. 970831 BILL NO. 970831 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 call a roll.
Aye. BILL NO. 970831 BILL NO. 970831 Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970834. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for Industrial Development ("PAID"), without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain track of City-owned, with the buildings and improvements thereon situated, on the southeast corner of Third Street and Berks Street, under and subject to certain terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial Commercial Agreement between the City, PAID, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll. BILL NO. 970834 BILL NO. 970834
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill BILL NO. 970827 No. 970827. The 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. 307, by widening 11th Street on the westerly side from Arch Street to a point approximately 229 feet southwardly therefrom and connecting with the diagonal expansion to the existing confirmed curb line and house line, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the widened portion of 11th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970828. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Switzenbaum Paste Joint Venture, the developer of the Hilton Guard Inn, to be located at 11th and Arch Streets, to construct and maintain at such property various encroachments into and over the footways of Arch Street and BILL NO. 970828 BILL NO. 970828 Filbert Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, I'd like to ask Councilman DiCicco whether he'd be available for a question on that bill.
With respect to the final portion, which says that they're going to be able to have various encroachments all under certain terms and conditions, would you be in a position to -- will they be presenting to you for your consideration all of the various encroachments? You and maybe other City agencies?
Yeah. Most of that has already been presented to me and the Redevelopment Authority and the other agencies that have been involved in the process.
So that the private company, by itself, cannot make the decision? BILL NO. 970828 BILL NO. 970828
Thank you very much. The question recurs, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman BILL NO. 970828 BILL NO. 970828 Krajewski.
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970830. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Switzenbaum Paste Joint Venture to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over the south footway of Arch Street, between 11th Street and 12th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970832. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Reading Terminal Market Association, 1115 through 1145 Market Street, BILL NO. 970832 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain an electrified sign projecting over the facade of the Reading Terminal Building over the footways of 12th Street and Arch Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting "aye." Councilman Mariano.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. And this concludes our consideration of the calendar.
Are there any speeches on the part of Members of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of Members of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of Members of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Mr. President, at the national level, the issue of restricting the use of tobacco, particularly for minors, is certainly an issue at the national level. And the possibility -- even though I'm a little dubious SPEECHES that it will ever happen -- of a major settlement with the tobacco companies, or even it's questionable whether there will be decisive action by Congress. In light of all of the evidence that is coming out of the very disturbing and really outrageous actions by the tobacco companies over the years, particularly to target young people to get them hooked so that they will become good adult users of the product, I think that kind of evidence coming out in a debate at the federal level is very important. But here, at the local level, I think we cannot wait for any decisive action by Congress; and instead need to continue to look at all kinds of ways in which we can restrict youths' access to tobacco, and stop sending that message, because it's basically a serious, serious health hazard to begin to get hooked on a tobacco product. So the resolution that Council passed today around urging SEPTA to make sure that they do not use advertising on their buses to promote use of tobacco or alcohol, I think, is a very SPEECHES SPEECHES important step. And I think it's also important to note that -- and we'll probably hear about it next week from the budget hearings from the Licenses and Inspections Department -- L&I has been working very closely with community groups to really go after the stores in this City that are illegally selling tobacco to minors. And they've made some dramatic progress, reducing the percentage of time that young people are illegally being sold tobacco products, from 80 percent, where it used to be. It used to be 80 percent of the time that a young person could go into a store in the City of Philadelphia and get sold tobacco illegally. Now, with the work of L&I and the cooperation of community groups, they've reduced that down to 50 percent. That's a good decrease, but it is still not enough. So I think we have a lot of work still to do here at the local level, and I would urge L&I to continue their efforts to send a strong message: If you illegally sell tobacco to minors, you will be fined, you will be caught. And I SPEECHES SPEECHES think we need to reduce that percentage of sales from 80 to 50 to 0 percent. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Are there any other speeches? (No further speeches.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February, 26, 1998, at 10 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. This Council stands adjourned till Thursday, February 26, 1998, 10:00 a.m., in these chambers. (Adjourned at 11:31 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, February 19, 1998 were reported and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, RPR