COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 30, 2000 10:30 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON 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 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
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 seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Gabay, who is the Police Chaplain at the 2nd and 15th Police Districts. He is here today as a guest of Councilman O'Neill. Members and guests will please rise. All rise.)
Our Father, who art in heaven, protector and redeemer of mankind, bless Thou the City of Brotherly Love, the City of Philadelphia. Shelter it beneath the wings of their love, spread over it the canopy of peace, send Thy light and Thy truth to its leaders, officers and counselors, and direct them with good counsel. O, God, establish peace in this city and everlasting joy city joy for it is inhabitants. And let us all say amen. ALL: Amen.
Kindly be seated. GREETING/INVOCATION Honorable President, Miss Anna Verna, members of the City Council, Shalom to you, and have a great day and an excellent and productive meeting. May the Lord bless and protect, help and guide you, the members of the Council of the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. May the Lord, in His mercy, sustain you and deliver you from all harm, inspire you and all your counselors and aides to improve the life of all the inhabitants of this city. May the Lord instruct you that you may administer all affairs of this city in justice and equity, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, pride and freedom may forever abide among us. May the Lord guide you to unite all the inhabitants of our city, whatever their origin and creed and to a bond of true brotherhood to banish hatred and bigotry and to serve God freedom to all the inhabitants of this city. May the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon you. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord make His faith to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and grant you peace. May you be an influence for good in our beautiful Philadelphia, uniting all of us APPROVAL OF 3/23/00 JOURNAL in peace and freedom. And let us all say amen. ALL: Amen.
Shalom. The Chair thanks the rabbi for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of March 23, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, March 23, 2000, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 23, 2000, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion is carried.
The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence today on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I understand that Councilman Longstreth is en route, and there are no requests at this time for leave of absence on behalf of the Republicans.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION chambers this morning. On behalf of all Councilmembers, I welcome you to on your Council session this morning. 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. This morning, we are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Daily News. I invite Councilwoman Krajewski, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Mariano, and Councilman DiCicco to come forward to make the presentation, which will be presented to the editor, Zachary Stalberg. And if those who are accompanying Mr. Stalberg will accompany him to the podium, the presentation will be made. (Honoree and Councilmembers come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. This is indeed an honor. This is a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Daily News on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Whereas, the Philadelphia Daily News VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION printed its first issue on March 31, 1925, it became the seventh daily newspaper being printed in the City, and today only it and the Inquirer remain;
And whereas, the Daily News saw hard times early on and some years even saw layoffs and cutbacks, but "The Daily" had spirit and it had heart, and it has survived until today through discipline, dedication to this city, and determination to do its job and do it right; and. . .
Whereas, today, the Daily News is technologically advanced and highly automated, although the staff is larger than in the old days, there is still a camaraderie among the hundreds of men and women running the machines, taking the photos, doing the writing, driving the trucks, and in every other way getting the paper to the people; and. . .
Whereas, over the years, Philadelphians have adopted the paper as their own, and the Daily News has responded by developing an almost personal relationship with its readers. From the awesome headlines to the Yo VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION Column, from the detailed articles to the in-depth investigation, from full coverage of City celebrations and tragedies, "The Daily" brings the world to the people, and the people are appreciative every day. Now, therefore. . .
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the Daily News. We thank the Daily News for its commitment to Philadelphia and its identification with our citizens. We congratulate the paper on its 75th anniversary.
Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Zachary Stalberg, editor of the Philadelphia Daily News, as evidence of the respect and deep admiration of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted in the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 2nd day of March, 2000, signed by the President of City Council Anna C. Verna, cosponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.) VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION
Thank you very much Council President and all the members of City Council. This means a great deal to me. I spent many Thursday mornings covering this body and many warm spring days covering budget hearings from right about in this spot. So it means a lot to me. It's a very exciting moment for the Daily News. We'll be putting out a 448-page paper tomorrow, which is the biggest in our history by about twice the normal number, and it's dedicated to the 75 things we love about Philadelphia. And I have to confess that City Council didn't make that list because. . . (Laughter.)
Who would believe it? But the -- but you're in our hearts. It's -without the wild and woolly stories that City Council has produced over the years, I'm not sure we would have made it 75 years. So thanks very much. (Applause.) VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.)
Councilwoman Brown, do you want to be recognized? Councilwoman brown, your light is on. Do you want to be recognized?
May I ask everyone to please put their mike on so that they can be heard. City Council is honored this morning to be joined by the winners of the African-American oratorical contest. Would Councilwoman Tasco kindly come forward to make the introductions.
Thank you, Madam President. This honor was granted to me by the sponsors of this program from the School District -- Dr. Carolyn Holmes and Mrs. Diane Partee. For many years, our sister Councilwoman Augusta Clark presented the winners of the oratorical contest to VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION City Council, so I am really honored to have been asked to follow in her foot steps to present the winners today. We are honored to have in our presence the top 12 finalists of the School District of Philadelphia's 21st African-American History Oratorical Competition. During this competition, 33 school winners representing the best entries from the lower-, middle- and upper-grade levels were selected to compete in the citywide 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 programs. I would like to ask Dr. Holmes and Mrs. Partee to please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
Today, we will hear orations from the three first-place winners. However, I would like the following participants, their coordinators, and families to please stand VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION and be recognized. They are: In the elementary school category, second-place winner, LeLand Kent, 5th grade, Elwood School. (Applause.)
Third-place winner, Meoshe McQueen, 5th grade, Stanton School. (Applause.)
Fourth place, Justin Jones, 4th grade, Blaine School. (Applause.)
Maybe he's on his way in. We'd like to congratulate you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The middle school winners: Second place, Donna Reddy, 9th grade, Parkway. (Applause.)
Third place, Dominique Barge, 8th grade, Gillespie. (Applause.) VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION
Fourth place, Raymond Lynn, 9th grade, Creative and Performing Arts. (Applause.)
We'd like to congratulate these students. (Applause.)
The upper-level: Second place, Stephanie Tisdale, 11th grade, Central High. (Applause.)
Third place, Alia Hatch, 10th grade, Carver High. (Applause.)
Fourth place, Nathan Harmon, 12th grade, Creative and Performing Arts.
We really congratulate you and thank you for coming. (Applause.)
We will now hear from the first-place winners in this order. The first will be Jenne Ayers, representing the elementary level, 6th grade, at Masterman School. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION Welcome, Jenne. ' Well, I waited. For a hundred years, I waited. In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies, outside of schools and voting booths. Then a new wind blew and a new voice rode its wings with quiet urgency. 'No,' it said. " Lines from a poem by Naomi Madgett, Alabama Centennial. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jenne Baccar Ayers. R. Masterman School. ) MISS AYERS: All through history, we as African-Americans have been told to wait or it is not the right time. We have been more than patient. Through the long sufferings and pain, we have been able to remain strong. I come to tell you today, let's stop putting our ideas and dreams on the back burner. It is time to make a change we waited long enough. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION "They said wait. Well, I waited. For a hundred years. " During slavery, our ancestors were forbidden to educate themselves and each other. Not to mention, starting their own businesses and being recognized for their inventions and achievements. In 1776, in The Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's paragraph condemning human bondage was stricken. The Constitutional Convention in 1787 said only three-fifths of slaves could be counted in the South for representation in Congress. The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made Dred Scott wait for his freedom. "They said wait. Well, I waited. Then a new wind blew and a new voice rode its wings with quiet urgency. 'No,' it said. '" . So in 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Industrial School for Young Negro Women. 50 in cash, 5 students, and a rented college that became Bethune Cookman College in 1923. What if Mary McLeod Bethune had awaited? VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION Then there was Carter G. Woodson, historian and educator. Woodson was unable to attend school until the age of 20. That did not stop him. He educated himself and received his high school diploma in less than two years. The work of Carter G. Woodson has provided us with a meaningful understanding of African-Americans, past and present. What if the inventor Gary Morgan decided to wait on his inventions? Would there be air masks to help firefighters to enter smokefilled, burning buildings when rescuing men, women, and children? Or automated stop signs to aid the movement of traffic? The "Real McCoy" would have never happened if Elijah waited. When Emma Chappell formulated her idea to give us a black bank that can recycle our money back into our communities, this was another chance for us to regain strength. She didn't wait to contribute to our community's economic empowerment. Don't wait to take chances on things that will help improve our future. They are worth VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION the risk. We must change our habits and our thinking now. We need to listen to our elders and follow their directions. We should handle our money like we're going to need it in the future. We need to stop sign violence and recycle that energy for good. We need to take the chance. It is worth the risk. Don't wait to voice your opinions or concerns that are vital to your community. Don't wait to open businesses in your community. Don't wait to register as a voter. And please, please don't let opportunities pass you by. We have power among us. The power is in our minds. When we use our minds constructively, we can do whatever we want to do. In the words of famed poet Maya Angelou, "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. "Lift up your eyes upon this day breaking for you. Give birth again to the dream. "Women, children, men, take it into the palm of your hand, mold it into the shape of your most private need, sculpt it into the image of VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION your most public self. "Lift up your hearts.
Each new hour holds new chances for a new beginning. " We've waited long enough. Thank you. )
Again, that was Jenne Ayers. A wonderful presentation from the sixth grade of Masterman School. Thank you so much, Jenne. We can see why you won. Representing the middle level is Frances Quarterman, 7th grade, Lamberton Middle School. MISS QUARTERMAN: Good afternoon. My name is Frances Allene Quarterman. I attend the Robert E. Lamberton Middle School, in the Overbrook Cluster. I am currently in my seventh year of study. The title of my oration is "The Becoming of Thoughts and Dreams." Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first American women of any race to become a millionaire through her own hard work, made the statement, VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION "I've got myself a start by giving myself a start." The start she was referring to was a dream of being an independent entrepreneur. The question I have for you is, have you given yourself a start? Do you have a dream that drives you, that encourages you, that makes you reach for the stars? While others attempt to discourage you, when they don't believe you can do it, do you have a dream that will keep you focused and moving forward? And do you have the courage to pursue that dream? In the book of Proverbs, it states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Will you make it your purpose to inspire our young people to dream? (Miss Quarterman pauses.) (Applause.)
That's okay, Frances. Sometimes we all get a little overwhelmed, so if you might want to make your presentation after the next one, you feel free to come back. Representing the upper level will be Claudia Streets, 12th grade, Masterman. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION (Applause.)
Good morning. R. Masterman High School. " "We went in for agitation. We pushed our ways into the courts. We demanded the right to vote. We urged and impelled our children into college. We encouraged Negro arts and literature we studied African history. B. DuBois. Our reimbursement for 400-plus years of still ever-present oppression of my black people is disintegration of welfare, vanishing affirmative action, and the chronic affliction of the "while black" epidemic. " Defeated, parasitic minds try to instill in us a mentality of "You're only a black in America, with the statistics and odds already against you. " Allow me to ask you a question: Do you know who you are and the strong heritage from which you have come? Inside each of us lies the seed of achievement which, if nourished, will carry you to heights such as you may never have hoped to attain. If you have ever been delusioned and discouraged, if you have ever had difficulties to surpass which have taken the very soul out of you, I am here to tell you that whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. A person is product of his own thoughts. We can alter our lives by altering our attitudes of mind. In the words of Fredrick Douglas, "Our destiny is largely in our own heads. If we succeed, it must be by other own energies and are own exertions. " Take full responsibility of your life. You should be on the front lines, not the side lines. Resolve that you are no longer going to be a volunteer victim. Stop counting the days, and make the days count. If we want to begin to move, we have to VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION eliminate all the unnecessary baggage that is weighing us down. Franklin Roosevelt reminds us that men are not prisoners of fate but prisoners of their own mind. We are born into a limited mindset and we buy into it. Some go to their graves without discovering their true greatness. Many do not succeed because we are living within the context of the conversations, opinions, or the expectations that other people have of us. Do not allow other people's limited perceptions to define you. Nothing more splendid has ever been achieved, except the feats of our strong black ancestors who dared to believe that something inside was so strong, indomitable to all circumstances. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. There may be no heroic connotation to the word "perseverance," but the attribute is to the character of man what carbon is to steal. No matter what thing you do, you're going to have oppositions, difficulties, and challenges. You cannot begin to expose yourself to new abilities you have, going through life trying to get by easily. Plan your work, relentlessly work your VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION plan. The future belongs to those who prepare for today. Your life belongs to you, claim it. The entire history of my people has served as evidence that we are never defeated until our defeat has been accepted as a reality. We didn't write a constitution; we lived one. We didn't say, "We, the people"; we are one. We didn't have to add as an afterthought "under God"; we turned our faces to the rising sun from which cometh our hope, knowing that a new day was dawning. Our impulse is strong determination, recognizes no such word as "impossible," accepts no such reality as failure, and will not acknowledge defeat as being anything more than a temporary obstruction. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. It's time to stop talking about it and be about it. You can listen to what everybody else says but the fact remains that you have to go out there and do it yourself. Nobody's going to open up your store, write your book, start your business. Make a Declaration of Independence to yourself, of your soul, of your destiny. Prepare VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION yourself for what it is you want because you expect to get it. The fulfillment of your dreams lies within you and you alone.
When you understand this -- that nothing or no one can deny you greatness -- the power to succeed is yours. Your mind will not be proof that whatever the mind of man can confidently conceive and emphatically believe, it can with no doubt achieve. Thank you and God bless. )
Councilwoman Tasco, excuse me. I think we may have the other contestants ready now.
Good afternoon. My name is Frances Allene Quarterman. I attend the Robert Lamberton Middle School, in the Overbrook Cluster. I am currently in my seventh year of study. J. " The start she was referring to was a dream of being an independent entrepreneur. The question I have for you is, have you given yourself a start? Do you have a dream that drives you, that encourages you, that makes you reach for the stars? While others attempt to discourage you, when they don't believe you can do it, do you have a dream that will keep you focused and moving forward? And do you have the courage to pursue that dream? " Each and every one us needs something to reach for. Without a vision, a dream, we are like fall leaves, spiraling down from the tree of life, only to be crushed underfoot. " A dream has the ability to carry you to a new possibility. It brings with it an opportunity for increased knowledge, interest, and new experiences, but it starts with the dream. Without the dream, you don't even see the possibilities. A portion of my generation can't see past today. They are preoccupied with surviving or caught up in the joy of the moment. They don't have a dream, or they are choosing not to pursue their dream at this time. But precious time is wasting. Each day should be filled with accomplishment. We cannot passively wait for our dreams to come true; we must aggressively stalk their fruition. The history of my people is beautifully embellished with dreams. There are stories of dreams realized like those of Jackie Robinson, who was the first African-American to play major league baseball, and my aunt Constance Quarterman, who has seen many of her poems and short stories published. There are also stories of dreams not yet fulfilled, dreams that have been passed on to a new generation. " I, too, have a dream. It is a dream of one day being at the pinnacle of the medical profession. What drives me to fulfill this goal is my desire to help others. My dream is of being a brain surgeon. What fascinates me about the brain is the fact that it is the organ that controls the whole body. Did you know that most people use only use 3 percent of their brain? Imagine what thoughts and dreams we would have if 50 percent of that gray matter were being tapped. Our School District's "Reaching Higher" dream could realistically be achieved. " It is a book that chronicles the achievements of African-American women. One of the aspiring persons presented in this book was Dr. Alexa Canady. She was the first African-American female neurosurgeon in the United States. However, my VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION chief inspiration was from Dr. a. " Uncle Sonny was an orthopedic surgeon. He met an untimely death six years ago on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. My uncle's dream of becoming a doctor and marrying his childhood sweetheart was realized. His obtaining his dream inspires me and encourages me to endure the challenge ahead. This dream will come true. I believe the words of author and editor Toni Cade Bombara, who stated, "The dream is real, my friend. " The youth are the main concerns. We are the holders of the future, the carriers of the great dreams. It is up to us to embody the dreams of Langston Hughes and Dr. , but before we can embody their dream, we must first create, nurture, and achieve our own dreams. To do that, we must be inspired remember. Remember, where there is no vision, the people perish. Will you make it your purpose to inspire our young people to dream? " I thank you. )
Again, I'd like to thank Jenne Ayers, Frances Quarterman, and Claudia Streets for their wonderful presentation. We appreciate it, they were absolutely wonderful, and we can see why you are winners. We want to congratulate the other young people who represent the other schools and hope that some day we will hear your presentation as we travel throughout the School District for various programs. We'd also like to thank the sponsors, Dr. Holmes and Miss Partee, for their leadership. And we'd like to ask the parents and friends who have accompanied these young people here today to please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
I would like to say that each of the students will receive a City VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION Council citation and also will be hosted by Mellon Bank in a luncheon that's usually held the day of the event, but we will have it before the month of April is over. I'd like to again thank you again very much. And it's my honor, Madam President, to have been asked to be the sponsor of these students here in City Council today. Thank you.
Madam President, I'd like to recognize Dr. Edward Robinson, who is a noted black historian of African-American history in this country, and I would -(Applause.)
As you know, he is his own personality in his own write, but is the uncle of Dave Richardson, our former State Representative. He is accompanied by his wife, Harriet Robinson, and their niece, noted historian and African-American -- and their niece Michelle Harmon. Michelle went to Bennett with me, yes. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION Thank you. (Applause.)
Okay, and the grandparents of Nathan Harmon. We wondered why they were here today. (Applause.)
And also, Madam President, I'd like to introduce the grandson of my former Chief of Staff, Marilyn Clyburn. His name is Frankie Clyburn, and he's visiting us today from Phoenix, Arizona. He is 10. (Applause.)
And he's accompanied by his cousin, Brandon Charity, who is in 8th grade at Penn Charter School here in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. And, again, congratulations to all of you. You were absolutely magnificent. Let's give them another round of applause. Beautiful. (Applause.) 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 read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the City Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bills, which were passed by Council at its session of March 16, 2000: Bill No. 000016, 000017, 000020, 000024, 000026, 000080, 000083 and 000087. 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1217 North Third Street. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved November 13, 1997 (Ordinance No. 970270), which authorized the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the COMMUNICATIONS Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable the following: Two resolutions appointing members to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia, namely Allen Greenberger, term to expire December 31, 2003; and Bush Bell, term to expire December 31, 2001. And five resolutions appointing members to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia, namely: Howard Lander, term to expire December 31, 2004; Marlene Weinberger, term to expire December 31, 2004; Al Sitnick, term to expire December 31, 2004; Norman Tisian, term to expire December 31, 2001, 2001; and Fluffy Palmer, term to expire December 31, 2003.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will read any other communications in her possession. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
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 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by adding a definition, "information technology services," and by excluding from the definition of "receipts" any receipts from information technology services, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Could we have the students come back again so that we can have a photograph taken with all of the Councilmembers. Council will be at ease for just a moment, please.
While we're waiting for them, we would like to introduce -Councilman Mariano just introduced me to a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS gentleman on the side who's dressed in native garb. His name is Mr. Nannen Jiffey, III (ph.). He's a senior divisional chief of the Cape Coast in Ghana. And there he is at the side, he just stepped inside the gate so that we could all meet him. (Applause.)
Councilwoman, while we're waiting, do you have any bills or resolutions. Okay, we might as well wait. Councilmembers will please join the students for a photograph. (Council stands at ease.)
Councilwoman Blackwell, do you have any bills or resolutions to be introduced today?
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions and one bill -- one bill and a resolution on your behalf and two resolutions on my behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS amending an ordinance approved November 13, 1997, (Ordinance No. 970270), which authorized the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erect and situate, on the northeast corner of Seventh Street and Pattison Avenue, in the 39th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commission of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds for properties situate in the 6th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the third 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 situate in the 36th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been move and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I offer one resolution cosponsored by all but one Democrat and one Republican. All other Members have could sponsored it.
Thank you. The Clerk will read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling for hearings by the Committee on Law and Government on the health effects of MTBE on Philadelphians.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS honoring and commending the members of the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies on their 20th anniversary of their magical championship season, and designating June 16th through 18th, 2000, as "Phillie Reunion Weekend" in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
An ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of the Philadelphia Code, which prescribes the civil penalties and cost for violation of the Philadelphia Traffic Code by increasing the civil penalties for violation of Section 12-1120, which prohibits a person from leaving parked any vehicle not capable of being moved under its own power or with deflated tires or without current license tags, and by increasing the civil penalty for violation of Section 12-916, which prohibits a person from parking a vehicle if the person is not licensed.
I forgot to mention the bill was cosponsored by Councilman Clarke and Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified as house number and street address as 1217 North Third Street.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill -- I'm sorry, one resolution cosponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending the accomplishments of Lurline Jones, as the girls basketball coach for the University City High School. Coach Jones led her team to 1999-2000 Public League Championship in 1998.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it and the motion is carried.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to know if someone can check my mike. I've been here now for four years and three months, and it seems like I've been having trouble time and time again with this mike.
Hopefully during the summer months, this will all addressed and we will all have new speakers.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-900 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Neighborhood Benefit Strategy," by further providing for safe harbor goals. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter 17-100, entitled Employment of Lowand Moderate-Income Persons by City Contractors."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 18 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commerce," by renaming the title to read as "Commerce Economic and Community Development," and further amending Title 18.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Earlier I reported seven resolutions; I'm revising that to eight resolutions and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-103 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Enforcement and Appeals," by providing that appeals to the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review shall not stay proceedings in the furtherance of the action appealed from, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance authorizing Gina DeJesse, owner of the property 1824 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain various encroachments.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Miss Hauser perhaps, you could read all of the eight resolutions, and we'll refer them to committee.
I will. A resolution appointing Allen Greenberger to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Service District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Bush Bell to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Service District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Fluffy Palmer to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District. And a resolution appointing Norman Tissian to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Howard INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Lander to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District. And a resolution appointing Marlene Weinberger to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Al Sitnick to the Board of Directors of the Headhouse District -- I'm sorry, Director of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Bob Pierson to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
The eight resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee for a hearing. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I have two resolutions -- one cosponsored by Councilwoman Reynold-Brown and INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS myself.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring the Strawberry Mansion High School Boys INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Basketball Team on winning the Public League Basketball Championship.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
I believe one report from the Rules Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report on from the Rules Committee.
Madam President, the Rules Committee reports one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the City Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 000105, entitled "An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of Parkside National Registered Historical District Redevelopment Area, Parkside National Registered Historical District Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Parkside Avenue and Girard Avenue on the north, Conrail freight railroad line running east and parallel to the 38th Street on the east." REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Madam Chair, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 105 today. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 105 on today's calendar. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. And this bill will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today's session. Are there any other reports from committees? (No response.)
The next order of business is the consideration of the FIRST-READING CALENDAR calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 000105, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Parkside National Registered Historical District Redevelopment Area, Parkside National Registered Historical District Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next meeting. I believe that is the only bill to be considered on the first-reading calendar.
So this concludes the bills on our second-reading calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on second-reading and FIRST-READING CALENDAR final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bills No. 000003 through 000010 are called up for second reading and final passage.
I'm sorry, Councilwoman. I did not hear your remarks.
Thank you. . Madam President, today Bill No. 000003 through 000010 are called up for second reading and final passage. I'm sorry, Madam President, I have the wrong -- my script is incorrect. Today all bills are being called up for second reading and final passage.
Thank you. The first bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000003. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six fiscal years 2001 through 2006, inclusive.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000006 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will pleas call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in SECOND READING - BILL 000004 the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilman Rizzo, do you want to be recognized?
Madam President, I don't believe my name was called on the roll, and I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on that.
Okay. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000004.
Bill No. 00004, an ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2001 Capital Budget.
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 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000005.
An ordinance to adopt the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2001.
I'm sorry, Councilman Cohen, your light is on. Would you like to be recognized?
Yes. Just to note that the appearance of completion of the Operating Budget may not, in fact, be a reality. There are a number of matters that different members of City Council have had under discussion at various times, and we all agreed that we ought to adopt a budget and later on, we may deal with a number of these items. They include: The issues of school tokens, a question of seniors at work, the bus attendants on the school buses, the question of fences that are needed desperately in parts of the City, the question of public access, and the question of crossing guards. All of these are matters still being considered by various members of Council and may require action on the current budget bill, or Bill No. 2001, which is this operating budget. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Clerk will call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 000005
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the SECOND READING - BILL 000006 affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000006.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing the rate of the tax.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call the roll.
Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown? SECOND READING - BILL 000006
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nayes are 0. A majority of all Members of Council have voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called the for consideration is Bill No. 000007.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1801 to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now, is shall the bill pass finally? SECOND READING - BILL 000007 The Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 000008 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill No. 000008 is next.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1806 to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, 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. 000009.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1804 to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on net income from real property and tangible and intangible personal property of SECOND READING - BILL 000009 the residents of the School District of the Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilman Kenney, do you wish to be recognized?
I want to be recorded as voting aye on all the votes taken while I was out of the chamber.
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000010.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes" by decreasing the rates of the tax based upon gross receipts.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? SECOND READING - BILL 000010 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 000015 majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the pill bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000015.
An ordinance amending Section 19-203 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Payroll Deductions," by adding a new provision to allow for payroll deductions by Philadelphia firefighters for insurance premiums paid to the Hartford Life Insurance Company.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The bill will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of City Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000122.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Section 22-1303, entitled "Exemptions From Attachment," to add the German-American Police Association to the list of designated payees to whom a member may direct the deduction SECOND READING - BILL 000122 from benefit payments, 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 Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, 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. Number 000012.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Police Department, the Department of Human Services, Office of Emergency Shelter and Services, and the Board of Trustees of the Free Library 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 17, 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. Number 000013. SECOND READING - BILL 000013
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, Shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call the roll.
Thank you, Madam President. Before the calling of the roll, I wanted to place on the record with respect to this particular bill -- some of my colleagues will recall in last week's Appropriations Committee hearing, this bill was the subject of discussion as it is a transfer ordinance for Fiscal Year 2000, the current fiscal year that we are presently operating in. The issue last week had to do with a SECOND READING - BILL 000013 proposed transfer of funds to the Department of Licenses and Inspections to deal with some ongoing fencing problems or requests here in the City. The amendment on that particular bill failed. There was some discussion about the prospect of amending this particular bill to still try to address that particular issue. I have chosen not to do that, Madam President. There are items -- funding sources that are being transferred in this particular bill that need to take place, and they need to take place today, one of which was the topic of much discussion here in the City regarding funding for hepatitis C issues involving our firefighters. I will not use this particular device or mechanism to address that particular issue because that issue is much too important. I will say, though, Madam President, that I had an opportunity to talk to the Mayor's Chief-of-Staff and the Mayor this morning. The Mayor assures me that to the greatest extent possible, the Administration would like to address fencing problems, and I will have -- and other Members, I know, will have discussions with the SECOND READING - BILL 000013 Administration about those concerns presently, notwithstanding the Administration's proposal to have a future program to deal with the much larger issue of blight. The issue that I've raised is somewhere between now and that program, people have needs and people have concerns. And whether it's the lady that I talked about in my district or many other districts throughout this city, these are serious issues where the City has demolished a property, they've done the stucco work, walked away, and we leave many citizens with a problem. In the particular case that I articulated last week, that citizen could not wait for the City and had to go and hire their own contractor to put a fence on a lot that they do not own, which is next door to their property, and they now have a bill which they have to pay because of work that was left undone, in my opinion, by the City of Philadelphia. It is not fair to that lady, it is not fair to anyone to have to pick up a financial responsibility as a result of work that we have done and leave them in potentially a more SECOND READING - BILL 000013 dangerous situation between the trash, the debris, abandoned cars, drug addicts and junkies and everyone else that hang out in these vacant lots next to someone's house. So I will continue the discussions and I encourage other Members to do so with regard to the Administration. We look forward to the blight elimination program in the future, but we need some program now. Thank you Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have to leave the chamber and would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions before us today.
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000117.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980617) approved December 15, 1998, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 295 by SECOND READING - BILL 000017 striking from the City Plan and vacating Codorus Road from Hendren Street to Spring Lane."
I would like to be recorded as voting aye on Bill No. 000013.
Thank you. This bill, Bill No. 000117, having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Kenney SECOND READING - BILL 000017 is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0 a majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The ayes are 17, 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. 000118.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980803) approved January 5, 1999 entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Dilworth Street."
This bill having been read on two different occasions, the SECOND READING - BILL 000018 question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in SECOND READING - BILL 000019 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000119.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 950316) approved July 24, 1995, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 58 and vacating Shamokin Street from Eleventh Street to Ridge Avenue."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call the roll.
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown? SECOND READING - BILL 000019
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000120.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980897) approved January 5, 1999, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the northerly curbline of Clover Street."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? SECOND READING - BILL 000120 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. INTRODUCTION - RES. 000002 Resolution No. 000002 will be read and voted on today.
Resolution No. 000002, a resolution providing for the approval of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a revised Five-Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2001 through 2005, and incorporating proposed changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2000, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution 2, which deals with the Five-Year Plan, continues to include reference to the Economic Stimulus Fund. And while I'm going to vote for the resolution because it's important to meet the time requirements of PICA, I want to point out several things that I think are very important. One is that although PICA itself has gone along year after year approving this INTRODUCTION - RES. 000002 Five-Year Plan of the City's, which contains references of the Economic Stimulus Fund, the PICA issued several days ago a report putting it to question what has come from the Economic Stimulus Fund, what has happened to the more than $1 billion that the Rendell Administration over the eight years invested in this so-called Economic Stimulus Fund? What has been accomplished? PICA's report indicates that there is serious doubt as to whether the Economic Stimulus Fund accomplished very much, and certainly nothing like a billion dollars investment would have called for. In view of that -- and incidently, what is so strange is, we've been spending in the Council formally and informally much time about the needs of firefighters in connection with hepatitis C, and the City Administration has been going very slowly, very carefully over the items needed by the firefighters for their health, even to the extent of separating a $150,000 payment from a balance of the $3 million promise by Mayor Street some time ago. And the City has been so very, very careful, demanding documentation, INTRODUCTION - RES. 000002 demanding proof of every penny spent. And one wonders how a government can be so careful, watching every single penny apparently spent for the care for the firefighters on the one hand, yet so easily and quickly spend more than a billion dollars of City funds from the Economic Stimulus Program without anybody being able to find much evidence of whatever that billion dollars investment is supposed to have produced. So, therefore, I'm going to be reintroducing in this session a resolution that I had introduced before -- it will be updated -dealing with and calling for a full hearing and an attempt to determine what in fact has been accomplished by the Economic Stimulus Fund, what is the scope of the jobs produced and the businesses brought back into the City. Because, certainly, it's very urgent for us to find out what happened to that $1 billion and what evidence exists today of any accomplishments from that program. So I just wanted to note that because the current program of the City still includes reference to continuing this great Economic INTRODUCTION - RES. 000002 Stimulus Fund. Let's find out what it's all about. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councilman Cohen. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. Councilman Cohen just gave a speech that I was going to give after we finish our business. But as an addendum to what he said, PICA I think pointed out the high cost per job that we're investing and also pointed out the lack of factual information about how the money is spent, different from what other cities have done. And as the Daily News story pointed out the other day, there are other cities that have spent money in developing their inner core, their center cities with taxpayers' money. But in those other cities, the accountability for each dollar spent is very clearly made and very clearly substantiated. What is absent in the last eight years and what is absent in our spending of the money is INTRODUCTION - RES. 000002 the substantiation for the expenditure that we are making, and we just seem to be giving monies to developers without questioning the end result of all of that money, what is that money bringing us to the City and to the taxpayers. So that's a small addendum, and I concur with Councilman Cohen, and I think we should question much more closely any more monies, any taxpayers' money that we continue to give developers to spend without asking for any accountability.
Councilwoman Blackwell? (Councilwoman Blackwell not present at this time.).
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of Council having voted in the affirmative the resolution passes. This concludes the calendar.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Tomorrow the City SPEECHES Council blood drive take place in chambers at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. As co-chair of the Freshman Caucus, I'd like to congratulate the Mayor in the passage of his first budget and am looking forward to more budget hearings. In view of the community development block grant hearings coming up, I would like to announce the release of my second policy paper next week on community development block grant studies, a ten-year study also comparing spending in ten different cities, and one of the major findings of that study is that there are community economic development dollars that are purposely not being spent by PIDC.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President, I'd like to be recorded as voting SPEECHES aye on this the last vote.
The record will reflect you vote in the affirmative.
Thank you. And may I also, while I have the mike, thank you for your leadership. We love this female power, and we appreciate the leadership that you have shown to bring us to this point closure on the budget and we applaud you and we thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council be adjourned until Thursday, April 13, 2000. (Duly seconded.)
It has been ADJOURNMENT moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 13th, at 10 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. Thank you all very much. (Adjourned at 12:06 p.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, March 30, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter