COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 20, 2005 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the very popular Father Paul C. Brandt, President of Roman Catholic High School. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kelly. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Let us pray. God, you are the source of all that is good and all that is loving. We thank you for the many blessings that you bestow upon us as citizens of the City of Philadelphia. We ask you to be with all those who are in need throughout the world, victims of recent natural disasters. Give them strength to rise above the many challenges that they face. Watch over our fellow citizens who are challenged by the realities of violence, homelessness and illness. Give your wisdom to the members of City Council that they may clearly see the concerns of their people within the City of Philadelphia and make the best decisions to continue to improve the lives of those they have been called to serve. We ask this in your name. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Father Brandt for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meetings -- I'm sorry. level is much too high. Anybody having private conversations, I'd suggest you do it in the corridor. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meetings of Thursday, September 29, 2005 and Monday, October 17, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meetings of Thursday, September 29, 2005 and Monday, October 17, 2005 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meetings of Thursday, September 29, 2005 and Monday, October 17, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meetings of Thursday, September 29, 2005 and Monday, October 17, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring KYW News Radio and their 40th anniversary. Will Mr. David Yadgaroff and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. David Yadgaroff, the Vice-President and General Manager of KYW News Radio is joined by his colleague, and we all know these people, Steve Welcome to Philadelphia City Council.
Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the 40th anniversary of KYW News Radio 1060 for the dedication to pioneering and excellence in the way news is reported. Whereas, September 21st marked the 40th anniversary of KYW News Radio 1060; and Whereas, KYW News Radio 1060 serves listeners in the Philadelphia region with all news all the time; and Whereas, KYW News Radio has become the news source that more than 1.5 million listeners tune to each week for the latest of local, national and international news, weather, sports and traffic; and Whereas, KYW News Radio was one of the pioneers in the format, the second country, followed the lead of its group sister station WINS Radio in New York by six months; and Whereas, KYW Radio and its skillful team of news professionals have brought the events that have shaped our community directly to the listeners. From the moon landing to the Move shoot-out, from school teacher strikes to school snow closing numbers, from Woodstock to the tragic events of September 11th, KYW News Radio has been there with award-winning around-the-clock news service; and Whereas, KYW News Radio, an Infinity Broadcasting Station, is the market leader with more listeners than any other radio station in the Philadelphia region and for its integral part of the community and daily life in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the City Council hereby recognizes, honors 40th anniversary of KYW News Radio 1060 for the dedication to pioneering and excellence in the way news is reported. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to David Yadgaroff, Vice-President and General Manager of KYW News Radio 1060 as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. And, Mr. Yadgaroff, this was supported by every member of Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. We appreciate the resolution. We're proud to be here. I want to introduce Steve Butler. He's the Director of Programming, and Lauren Lipton, you may her, the Morning Editor, as well as host of Positively Philadelphia. I'd also like to thank City Council for constantly giving us information and news to keep us current and listeners informed. We're proud to be here. We're also proud to be one of a few commercial radio stations licensed in Philadelphia and actually located in the City of Philadelphia. So thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Mariano, who will present a resolution honoring Robert Gessler. I would ask Mr. Gessler and those who are accompanying him to please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Kelly is joining
Thank you, Madam President. Honoring Robert Gessler for his service as President of Philadelphia County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Whereas, Mr. Robert Gessler is the youngest of four children born of Theresa Gessler and Bruce Gessler, and they grew up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and went to that great institution Northeast Catholic High School and graduated in 1981.
And whereas, Mr. Gessler has been married to fellow life-long Philadelphian, Kathleen Dougherty, for the past 16 years and currently resides with her in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia; and Whereas, Mr. Gessler is the past President of Division 87 -Of course, I belong to Division 88.
-(continued) of the Ancient Order of Hibernians where he served for eight years and as President was recognized by the National Board of the AOH for its numerous charitable endeavors, won three Mayor James Tate Parade Awards and founded a junior division at Northeast Catholic High School. During his tenure, the division grew from 85 members to over 650 when he departed; and Whereas, Mr. Gessler was the President of the Philadelphia County Board for over ten years, during which time he was able to transform the County Board into a powerful force for charitable works in the City of Philadelphia by raising over $500,000 per year for a various myriad of causes; and
Whereas, Mr. Gessler founded the Hibernian Community Development Corporation to provide housing and educational and also authorized the Hibernian Hunger Project, which, through the hard work of numerous Hibernians and donations from AOH members, union organizations and private individuals, has fed over 70,000 people in the Delaware Valley and is now a national initiative for the Order. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor Robert Gessler and thank him for his exemplary service as President of the Philadelphia County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Robert Gessler as evidence of his high esteem and sincere gratitude of this legislative body. Bob, on a personal note, I am a member of 87 and I was glad to have you as the President, glad to know you, and done for the Hunger thing is just excellent, and people would have to see that in action like I have a few times. You're a true champion, and I'm proud to be Irish and I'm glad my mother was born in Ireland. Thank you.
Thank you, President Verna and all of the Councilmembers, especially Councilman Mariano, Councilman Kelly. It's easy to stand up here, and I think the only reason I was able to do so much is that I'm the biggest Irish person in the City of Philadelphia stature-wise. But none of this gets done without having a dedicated partner like my wife, Kathy. My mom, Theresa, is down there and Kathy's mom and dad, Charlie and Marie. know, as I think back on it, my father, God rest his soul, was formerly involved with the Allegheny Civic Association way back when. I don't know how many people remember that. So I think I got my rabble rouserness from him. But none of this happens really without the dedication and the work of a whole lot of people, not just myself. We are blessed in this City to have people that truly care about others, and the only message I can say is, no one is ever too busy and no one doesn't have enough that they can't help somebody else who needs a little bit more. So I am truly honored by this body, and thank you all very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, resolution recognizing October 20, 2005 as Conflict Resolution Day. Will Ms. Cheryl Cutrona and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning. Resolution recognizing October 20, 2005 as Conflict Resolution Day. Whereas, conflict resolution encompasses mediation, arbitration, conciliation and other formal and informal responses to conflict; and Whereas, conflict resolution processes empowers individuals, organizations and families to foster communication and devise solutions that are tailored to their particular needs and interests; and Whereas, conflict resolution is being taught and practiced in many school systems throughout the country, not only as a way of solving individual disputes but also as a means towards a more society; and Whereas, your community-based programs are fairly and equitably resolving neighborhood and community conflicts, thereby strengthening community relationships; and Whereas, collaborative responses to conflicts are being used by administrative agencies, businesses and courts to effectively and efficiently resolve disputes; and Whereas, professional associations of conflict resolvers are promoting the peaceful and creative resolution of disputes. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that October 20, 2005 be recognized as Conflict Resolution Day, and, further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Cheryl Cutrona as Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Mediation Program as evidence of the sincere sentiments of is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 29th day of September 2005, signed by Anna C. Verna, President, City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Well, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and all of the other members of City Council for recognizing Conflict Resolution Day. As the Executive Director of Good Shepherd Mediation Program and a Board member of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution, I'm honored to accept this resolution on behalf of our members and other conflict resolvers our world, conflict between individuals, between individuals and organizations, and between organizations is inevitable, but conflict need not lead to violence, destruction of property or other forms of anti-social behavior. In fact, conflict properly managed and resolved can often generate positive results for those involved in it. The trick, of course, is knowing how. In this proclamation, City Council has acknowledged the importance of knowing how to use and then actually using the many different types of conflict resolution and conflict management methods. Whether in our families, schools, places of work, homes, courts, community organizations or businesses, conflict resolution experts enhance the ability of individuals, businesses and other organizations to resolve their interpersonal and intergroup conflicts expeditiously, Therefore, it is most appropriate that today we celebrate the need for peaceful and creative resolution of all kinds of conflicts and disputes, and challenge each of us to work, not just today but 365 days a year, to spread the use of conflict management and resolution tools throughout our society. I would like to also take this opportunity to introduce to you the President of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution, Mr. Jim Rosenstein, and also a very distinguished mediator from our community, Mr. Ed Blumstein. They join me in thanking all of you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Kenney, who will present a resolution honoring Karen Lloyd Borski, former Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission. Will Ms. Borski and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Ms. Borski is joined by her husband, Congressman Borski. So nice seeing you.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution honoring Karen Lloyd Borski for her service as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission. Whereas, after 11 years as a Commissioner of the Park Commission and over two years as a Chief Executive, Karen Lloyd Borski left the Fairmount Park Commission on July 1, 2005; and Whereas, Ms. Borski was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 9,100-acre Park system and for implementing its mission to serve the Philadelphia; and Whereas, Ms. Borski oversaw all daily operations, administration and planning, in addition to managing the annual $14 million budget and the $4 million capital budget and the staff of more than 200, along with numerous independent contractors; and Whereas, during Ms. Borski's tenure, she also chaired the Planning Committee, which concentrates on preserving a consistent mission for the Park, and actively served on the Regional Green Space Alliance and the Glen Ford Conservation Corporation; and Whereas, Borski founded and operated a special events firm that included government agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations as clients and worked extensively in various capacities with local, state and federal governments; and Whereas, Ms. Borski's leadership in the development of the ensure that her hard work will pay dividends for the Fairmount Park far into the future. Therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Council does hereby honor and commend Karen Lloyd Borski for her dedication and service to the Fairmount Park Commission and to the citizens of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, President Verna, and thank you, Councilman Kenney. You make it sound like I've been very busy. I really want to just thank Council today for their continued attentiveness to this Park system. You have seen it through its strained finances. You understand the asset that it is and the importance it brings to the City we all love. Please keep up the work, and thank you very much for this recognition. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on October 20, 2005, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on September 22, 2005: Bill No. 050362-A; and I am pleased to advise you that on October 20, 2005, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on September 29, 2005: Bill No. 050421 and Bill No. 050660; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 299 by striking from the City Plan Domino Lane from Henry Avenue to Hagner Street; and An ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of area II cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Pennsylvania to Time Warner Cable, Inc., under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of 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 in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing," by providing that no license to engage in the business of towing vehicles shall be issued to a towing company whose business is located in any political subdivision or state that will not, as a matter of practice or policy, enter into contracts for towing service with any Philadelphia-based towing companies, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Law and Government to hold public hearings to reestablishing the Veterans Advisory Commission with its appointment of members thereof by vitalizing the Commission's mission and reconstructing the Commission's funding.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings to examine the conditions, maintenance policies and irrigation methods used to maintain functional and safe outdoor athletic fields City-wide and to also explore the option of working with area agricultural colleges to help accomplish this initiative.
May I ask the Chief Clerk to give me that for a moment, please. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce three resolutions, one non-privileged resolution on your behalf, one non-privileged resolution on my own behalf and one privileged resolution that is co-sponsored by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling on the Committee of Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold public hearings on the Administration's proposed reorganization of housing agencies.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted and will be referred to the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, deeds located in the Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I offer one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020429, approved November 13, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Street."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring the Tacony PAL Center and Police Officer Bill Schneider.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling for the rejection of the proposed settlement and plans for the pending merger between PECO Energy's parent company, Exelon Corporation, and New Jersey's Public Service Enterprise Group, Incorporated and, furthermore, to denounce any utility merger.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The Chair at this time recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to speak on the resolution.
I have to say that I fully understand and appreciate the sponsor's intent and his commitment that he's indicated the pledge that he took with our now deceased colleague, Councilman Cohen. The bad news for me, however, is that I am one who does not fully or adequately understand, A, the substance of the bill and, B, the potential impact it will have on our City's utilities. I also know that our City's well-respected Consumer Advocate indeed now as we speak is investigating this issue of natural gas prices and the impact it will have on our City's utilities. So given that and given the realization that our City is in a crisis when it comes to PGW, I would like to respectfully appeal to the sponsor of the bill and ask if he would, once again, hold the bill so that I and possibly others can get our arms around this to fully examine what the impact will be.
Thank you, Madam President. Certainly this is important, but nothing is ever too important that we can't wait a week or so. We got into some conversations, and Councilman Kenney made a statement in the Caucus Room that it was a ploy of the Administration or me. I want it to be understood that I'm not a stooge for anybody, and what he was talking about has allegedly been done before and is part of a federal investigation from another elected official in this City. So I think we should tread very carefully here. So, Councilwoman Brown, who I know has the greatest of intentions, I'll certainly hold it for a week or two weeks if it's necessary, just so everyone understands that it's an important cause and it's a cause that we shouldn't tread on harshly and we should really look at it seriously.
I'm sorry. I don't know if your microphone was on, but have you -
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I do want to publicly say thank you to Councilman Rick Mariano, because I do believe, as he has stated, it will give us an opportunity to ultimately make an informed decision on this important issue facing our utilities and this new issue of natural gas. So I want to say thank you to the sponsor of the resolution.
Councilman O'Neill, the sponsor has agreed to hold this resolution for a week. Do you still want to be recognized?
Fine. Thank you. The resolution will be held until next week, and at this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution urging the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to expeditiously negotiate a mutually agreeable new contract between SEPTA and the Transport Workers Union Local 234.
Madam President, I wholeheartedly move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 12th, 19th and 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring the Fisher Park Community Alliance for their award-winning performance in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society competitions.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution by a standing recognition.
Those standing will be voting to adopt the resolution. (All Councilmembers standing.)
The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring October 23rd to 31st as National Red Ribbon Week for a drug-free America.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 13th Ward of 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 in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration, two bills of my own, three resolutions, two of which have been co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of the area II cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Pennsylvania to Time Warner Cable, Inc.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and a tow-away zone regulation for an area bounded by and within Vine Street to Haverford Avenue, 54th Street to 60th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 299 by striking from the City Plan Domino Lane from Henry Avenue to Hagner Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 52nd Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution condemning the defiance of Council by CSX Transportation, Inc. for its failure to appear and offer testimony before a hearing on the Committee of Transportation and Public Utilities, memorializing the vote of the Committee to issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of CSX Transportation witnesses at the next hearing before the Committee, and reaffirming this Council's unwavering commitment to do everything in its power to protect vital City interest and public assets.
Thank you, Madam President. I wish to move the adoption of the resolution, but I'd like to be heard on the resolution as well. (Duly seconded.)
Madam President, thank you very much. Madam President, with the leadership that you have provided, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Kelly, a number of other members who participated the other day, Councilwoman Miller, Councilman O'Neill, in the proceedings of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee with regard to issues involving the transportation of materials through Philadelphia but, equally important, the blocking of access to primarily Schuylkill River Park and other areas throughout the City, the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee sought to hold a duly authorized hearing approved by this body sometime ago. Invitation was extended to representatives directly of CSX and asking them to participate in a hearing, notwithstanding the fact that there is ongoing litigation. Of course, we would not ask any questions that would jeopardize those discussions in the court. CSX waited until the night before the hearing to notify us that they would not be in attendance because of legal concerns. We wrote back, the staff did, explaining we understood those concerns, but that they should still come and provide information and testimony to the Committee. They refused. The Committee then took the action, Madam President, of voting to authorize subpoenas to be issued to the appropriate representatives. That vote passed unanimously. Those subpoenas were signed on Tuesday. They were delivered to CSX attorneys yesterday. We fully intend to have CSX representatives in this City Council at the witness table to answer questions that this body has a right to ask, and I would ask my colleagues to support this resolution and the work of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee so that the citizens of this City can get some answers to questions that are reasonable, that are legitimate, and that an enormous opportunity to further develop Schuylkill River Park area in your district and Councilman Clarke primarily would not be negatively impacted by the outrageous and defiant action by CSX to not cooperate with the City of Philadelphia. It is time for this body to stand up, and I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome, Councilman. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to conduct hearings for the purpose of investigating the procedures utilized by City departments and agencies to monitor compliance with all city, state and federal statutory and regulatory requirements on construction projects so as to ensure that Philadelphia residents and businesses and women, minorities and youth have the maximum opportunities possible to participate in such projects, and to ensure that all workers are legal U.S. citizens, that all wages and benefits are paid in accordance with area standards, and that all taxes are properly withheld and remitted, that such projects employ the most qualified work force of tradespeople and workers in the area, and that certified apprentice training programs are made available for Philadelphia residents, and especially neighborhood residents who live near such projects, in order to increase the diversity in construction work forces, and further authorizing the Committee in furtherance of such investigation to issue subpoenas, as may be necessary, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.