COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 23, 2010 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will 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 recognizes Bishop Benjamin Fisher of Greater Bethel Temple. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Green. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Shall we pray. God, our father and creator, we stand before your presence today with praise and gratitude for your mercy, your love and your grace. This is the day the will rejoice and be glad in it. Today, God, I ask your blessing and favor on this City Council. Bless each member of this body in the work of their hands, the decisions they make, the ideas that they offer and the bills they present. Use them, God. And with this day, God, filled with opportunity, potential and possibilities, give these advocates solutions for these uncertain times and answers for the difficult problems facing this great city. Lord, let us enjoy prosperity, success, unity and peace. In the name of Jesus, our Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Bishop for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 16th, 2010, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 16th, 2010 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 16th, 2010 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill, who will present a resolution declaring September 28th, 2010 as "Philadelphia Chromosome Day." Would Mr. Gary Weyhmuller, Chief Operating Officer of Fox Chase Hospital, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution declaring September 28, 2010 "Philadelphia Chromosome Day." Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join Fox Chase Cancer Center in recognizing a seminal discovery in cancer biology that occurred in our city. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome, a milestone that led to the first and the era of personalized medicine; and Whereas, the Philadelphia chromosome was discovered in 1959, when David A. Hungerford, a graduate student at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Peter C. Nowell, a pathologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine -- by the way, we have David Hungerford's widow here with us -- a pathologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, detected an abnormality on chromosome 22 in cells taken from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, CML. This chromosomal abnormality would become known as the Philadelphia chromosome, named for the city in which Hungerford and Nowell both worked. The 1960 publication of their research marked the first scientific discovery to lead to a targeted therapy for cancer and opened the door to a whole new world of approaching cancer therapy. Today, many patients with CML live for years thanks that targets the cancer-causing protein produced by the Philadelphia chromosome; and Whereas, Fox Chase Cancer Center has launched the Institute for Personalized Medicine, a program aimed at matching emerging targeted drug therapies to the unique genetic profiles of individual patient tumors. This program has been able to use this information to work towards the development of new cancer treatments through collaboration with Fox Chase's highly regarded phase 1 clinical trials program. According to Dr. Michael V. Seiden, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center, "The Philadelphia chromosome represents the dream that every researcher has, to make a dramatic difference in patients' lives"; and Whereas, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting the Philadelphia Symposium: Past, Present and Future, on September 28th, 2010 at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. This event brings together members of the oncology community, including scientists associated with the original discovery, to celebrate its impact on science and medicine and to look at the state of personalized medicine today. Now therefore be it, resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby declare September 28, 2010 "Philadelphia Chromosome Day" in the City of Philadelphia. In doing so, we honor the doctors and scientists who labor every day in the fight against this dreaded disease. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Michael V. Seiden, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fox Chase Cancer Center, as evidence of the sincere this legislative body. Gary is the COO here in Michael's place and will be receiving the resolution. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Weyhmuller for remarks.
Thank you. I just have a few brief remarks. First of all, unfortunately, Dr. Seiden couldn't be here today. Not only is he a scientist and administrator, but he's also a doctor, so he has a full load of patients this morning that he didn't want to say no to. So apologies for him not being here. But on his behalf and on the behalf of Fox Chase Cancer Center, myself and all of the 2,500 staff of Fox Chase who work there every day, I'd like to thank Councilman Brian O'Neill, as well as all the other members of City Council of the Fox Chase Cancer Center and, in particular, the work that's been done by Drs. Hungerford and Nowell on the Philadelphia chromosome. With me today, as Brian mentioned, is Alice Hungerford, who is the wife of David. Alice not only is David's wife, but also is his lab partner and had worked with him for many years in the laboratory at Fox Chase Cancer Center. So we're delighted that she could be here today as well. Next week, as you heard, we will be celebrating "Philadelphia Chromosome Day" on September 28th at the Chemical Heritage Foundation with a conference that will bring together many of the individuals who were involved not only in the discovery of this but also its transformation to a very valuable tool in medicine today and ultimately the discovery of the drug Gleevec, which is used to treat patients with CML. an important day to celebrate the history behind the Philadelphia chromosome, but it also marks, I guess, the beginning of a new era where we are poised with the development of our Institute for Personalized Medicine to bring new therapies, new targeted drug therapies, to people with specific disease. This is all happening in Philadelphia. We, as Fox Chase Cancer Center, have been very committed to Philadelphia over the years. We're glad to be here, and, once again, I do thank all of you for this wonderful resolution and for recognizing us and having us here today in your Chambers. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, resolution recognizing and congratulating the National Urban League on their 100th anniversary. Would Ms. Patricia Coulter, President of the Urban League of Philadelphia, and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman is being joined by Councilmembers Goode and Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I will say to my Council colleagues and guests that who knew in 1983 when I wrote my very first program proposal for a job training program that it was funded and then the Urban League of Philadelphia gave me a chance early in my career to write and run the very first youth training program 27 years ago. We land here, and I have the great opportunity to say thank you to the Urban League of Philadelphia for giving me a the Urban League of Philadelphia in recognizing and congratulating the National Urban League on their 100th anniversary. Whereas, the National Urban League is the oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream; and
Whereas, the National Urban League promotes civic engagement, civil justice, economic development and education to improve the quality of life for the communities it serves; and Whereas, since the National Urban League was founded, it has expanded to include over 25 national programs, 103 local affiliates within 36 states, including the Urban League of Philadelphia, led by Patricia A. Coulter, which was founded in 1917; and Whereas, the National Urban League worked tirelessly through the such leaders as Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, A. Phillip Randolph and many other leaders; and
Whereas, the housing and community development division of the National Urban League provides housing counseling and foreclosure prevention and mediation services to stem the tide of foreclosures across the nation and here in Philadelphia; and Whereas, the local affiliate has provided direct services to the Greater Philadelphia region through entrepreneurship, employment and youth development programming, as well as the Urban Leadership Forum, a program designed to heighten the leadership development of young professionals of color; and Whereas, annually the National Urban League publishes the State of Black America report, which investigates and other racial groups based on economics, education, health, civic engagement and social justice, and the Urban League of Philadelphia publishes its companion publication, the State of Black Philadelphia; and
Whereas, for about 100 years, the National Urban League has held the public trust by respectfully bringing elected leaders and the public together through non-partisan, civil means and through thoughtfully advancing solutions; and Whereas, the National Urban League held its Centennial Conference in Washington, DC -- is holding its -- held its Centennial Conference in Washington, DC July 28th through July 31st, 2010; and Whereas, Philadelphia has benefited tremendously from the countless efforts from the National Urban League over its 100-year history of enhancing the standard of living for underserved be it -
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognizes, salutes and congratulates the National Urban League on its 100th anniversary, and I will say parenthetically the local Philadelphia Urban League as well for its enormously important work. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the National Urban League and its local affiliate, the Urban League of Philadelphia, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. I would like to thank Councilmembers Tasco and W. Wilson Goode and Bill Green for joining me in co-sponsoring this resolution and supported by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, President Verna, and thank you to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Wilson Goode and Councilman Bill Green. This is a real delight for us to be here this morning with you. We do feel that we are partners with City Council, and we want to continue that partnership. If you're wondering who all the people are standing behind me, they are the Urban Leaguers. These are the folks that make it happen every day, both on the ground in terms of running our programs. Some of them are members of the Urban League, some represent our Board of Directors, some represent even our funders. So this is how the work gets done. I'll just call a few names. And I don't know why you're not up here, up here. Chris is a member of our Young Professionals. Even though you're passed the age, you're still a young professional. That's okay. We also have others with us this morning. I have our Chief Financial Officer here, Regine Metellus. We have our Board member, who I just learned this morning is now partner at KPMG, Joe Mbogo. Joe is here. Raise your hand. This is -- if I'm not mistaken, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Joe is representing the African American community as maybe the only African American partner in the big four accounting here in our city. So congratulates to you. We have representing Comcast, one of our funders and partners, Sharon Powell-Lee, is here this morning. We have all of our staffers. We have our VP of Development. I know she's here somewhere, Sy Schofield. We have Beverly Moses and Lisa Pfettscher, who have worked for the Urban League for more than 15 years, are here. We have Mike Walker, who is our Senior Associate for Advocacy and Policy. Let me see who else is back here that I'm forgetting. We have Brian Armstead, a recent graduate of our Leadership Program. We have some other members here. We have my great assistant, Diane Staton, is here, and we have La Rose Ray, who runs our Membership Department. We also have -- I see someone down there that I can't see. Hello there. We have other members here, and I just saw her walk in and I have to acknowledge Wanda Paul over there in the corner. Come on up, Wanda, for the photo. Wanda Paul is the only woman to ever chair an Urban League Board here in 93-year history. So we definitely want to acknowledge her. There are others that I may not have called all the names: Mercedes Jones, Shante Dash, Ola Neean, Adi Fumi, Carlton Greg, David Robinson, Rod Brosco, Victoria Bellin, Keith Ellis, Kimberly Chapman, Wayne Raman, Abigail Moats, Bernice Williams, Barren Lewis and I did mention Joe Mbogo. So for 100 years, and 93 years in Philadelphia, the Urban League has been implementing a mission around social and economic equality through the programs that you heard in the resolution. We are often asked in this particular year whether the Urban League is still relevant after 100 years. So what I will say to you is, the decision is one that we can't even begin to say no, it's not relevant, especially when we have learned through our research that African Americans here in Philadelphia are only 72 percent as well off as us know that there's still needed work over the next 100 years. Our members and our funders continue to sustain us, and as we go forward, we want all of you to get engaged with us. We have some very audacious goals for the next 15 years that are now under what we call an "I am Empowered" campaign, because our work is about empowering people to take action, and if you take the action, the Urban League is there as a bridge to help and support. And in this "I am Empowered," we're looking to prepare every child for college, for career and for life.
We are looking to make sure that every American has access to living-wage jobs with good benefits. We are also working to make sure that every American has access to decent, affordable housing on fair terms and that every American has access to affordable healthcare. So we need each and every We need the Council to work with us so that we can reach these goals. I thank you so much for this presentation. )
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 September 17, 2010, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on September 16, 2010: Bill No. 100362; and I am transmitting herewith for of your honorable body an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds - Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201 entitled, "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; and Also an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to amend an existing sublease agreement between the Philadelphia Municipal Authority as landlord and the City as tenant, for use of certain office space located at 1327 through 39 Chestnut Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction -
It wasn't working. Could I be excused, please, for the rest of the session. I have urgent City business in my district, and I'd like to be excused and voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
We will now have the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-917 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Valet Parking Zones," by revising the Valet Parking Zone permit fees.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-601 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots and Sales Showrooms," by requiring Public Parking Lots and Public Garages to accept credit cards and debit cards in payment of parking rates.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on the resolution.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution on your behalf and one bill from the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth 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 Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing September 2010 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a motion.
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.)
And a resolution, the City Council of Philadelphia calls upon the Pennsylvania Senate to pass House Bill 712 and further calls upon the Governor to immediately sign it into law.
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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today, and I would like to be recorded as voting yes on all bills and resolutions that come up through the rest of the session.
I'm sorry. I didn't hear the end of your remarks.
I'd like to be recorded as voting yes on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Clarke and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwomen Tasco and Brown.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Universities, Property Owners or Managers and Students," by amending Section 9-2805, entitled "Zoning Compliance," by providing for additional penalties for certain violations with respect to properties located within Educational Housing Districts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Milligan and Company on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer five resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated at Temple University.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing and congratulating Ibn Snell, Malika Ghilyard, Bria Robertson-Sanford and Carly Rutizer, students at the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Thank you, Madam President. I might add that they performed for First Lady Obama, and I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing September as National Cholesterol Education Month.
Yes, Madam President. That was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, and I move for the adoption. (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 Committee on Public Health and Human Services to investigate current procedures and training for emergency personnel who render aid to children and adults with Autism.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (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 appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Law and Government and Public Safety to hold hearings to investigate how the various agencies that comprise the Criminal Justice System in Philadelphia can better operate, collaborate and cooperate in an effort to increase efficiencies and reduce costs in order to lessen the burden on City taxpayers.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution was co-sponsored by Members Greenlee and Miller, and I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 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 appropriate committee. Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I would be remiss not to also indicate that this resolution was co-sponsored by my colleague Councilman Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution on your behalf co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to amend an existing sublease agreement between the Philadelphia Municipal Authority as landlord and The City of Philadelphia as tenant, for use of certain office space located at 1327 through 39 Chestnut Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution designating the week of Monday, October 4 through Monday, October 11, 2010 as "Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week."
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have two bills, one co-sponsored by pretty much all members of Council and one resolution I introduce on your behalf and I'm also co-sponsor of that particular resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending subcode "PM," entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Chapter 1, entitled "Administration," to require owners of certain vacant properties to designate agents for service, managing agents, and property managers.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution deploring the actions of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in granting a zoning variance to double the size of the Forum XXX Theatre so that the enlarged second floor would now feature live nude dancing, peep shows and sales of adult novelty items.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Law and Government reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 100360, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City-County Consolidation,' by abolishing the Office of the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and reassigning its powers, functions and duties"; and Bill No. 100487, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 2-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Recording of Deeds,' by modifying the requirements for the recording of deeds, providing for certain fees and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100360 and 100487. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on L&I.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have one -- the Committee on License and Inspection reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 100288, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' by amending Section 9-613, entitled 'Junk Dealers,' by requiring Junk Dealers to obtain from each customer a photocopy of valid government issued photo identification pursuant to each business transaction," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading of this Bill 100288. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. 9/23/10 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. The bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution 100267-AA is 9/23/10 - STATED - 2ND READING being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100267-AA.
An ordinance amending Section 9-703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Assembly Occupancies," by imposing various requirements on promoters of events at special assembly occupancies; 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 Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to speak to the confrontation between Askia Sabur and the 19th Police District, which occurred in the Fourth District, in my Council district. What I won't do today, because all parties have gotten legal representation, is say whether that was an act of resisting arrest or whether that was an act of police brutality. That will be ferreted out within internal examinations and court proceedings. But I will say that, as Blondell Reynolds Brown often teaches us in Council, that this could be a teaching moment, that we have to balance two imperatives, two priorities - the priority that makes sure that all Philadelphia police officers at the end to go home to their families safely, with the right of every Philadelphia family to believe that the rules for those in blue are the same rules for me and you. To do that we've begun meeting with the Commissioner, Police Commissioner Ramsey, Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, as well as other interested parties to try to take from that video a teaching moment that says that citizens need to know what their rights and responsibilities are when confronted by police officers and add to sensitivity of officers when dealing with citizenry. So what we want to do is work with a collective of people involved in criminal justice, including the Public Safety Committee of this Council, to figure out how we can learn from that, how we could educate the public, how we could inform citizens of their rights, how we could help to bridge that confidence gap that is beginning to keep you informed, Madam President, and this body informed as to future progress. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I don't believe I was in the room during welcomes of visitors, and I'd like to introduce two visitors that are in our Chambers today, and that is Wakim Nesheiwat and Rait Nesheiwat. They're visiting here from Jordan.
Thank you, Madam President. I simply wanted to congratulate and commend Majority Whip a conference forum this past Monday or Tuesday at Temple University wherein housing advocates, stakeholders, developers, CDCs, anybody who cares about the 40,000 plus vacant lots in the City, convened at Temple University to look at, talk through and strategically think about how we move towards ridding our city of vacant lots and the like. It's the first of its type in the last few years, and it should not go unnoticed or unrecognized. I would also commend Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who served as moderator in a very eloquent and effective way. Kudos to them both for this needed dialogue. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank my colleague. Before I make my brief announcement, I just wanted to recognize the work of Councilman Greenlee and his passion this week as we dealt with the situation of deed and the stealing of properties in the City. I thank him, because he's allowed me to join him. It's an issue he's been working on for many, many years, and his frustration was evident in our discussion as we tried to protect homeowners from -- people, protect people, from -- protect probably their greatest asset. And I just want to commend him, and hope that all of us will support the bill next week on its final passage. We understand that that's only going to move us so far and that there's a lot more work to be done in that regard. So I wanted to acknowledge that, because I share his frustration and really feel that we should never feel powerless in protecting the citizens and residents, and the lawyers can argue the technicalities, but ultimately we have to protect the citizens. So I want to thank Councilman Greenlee. I have distributed a Puerto Rican lollipop on everyone's desks, and I know Councilman Rizzo is always a fan of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. I want to ask all of you to join me on Sunday at 1 o'clock. The address is on the lollipop, 16th and Benjamin Parkway, as we celebrate the Puerto Rican Parade. So thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, before I call for a motion for adjournment, I'd thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for those kind words. And I believe in giving credit where credit is due. First I'd like to thank you for authorizing us to pull the event together representing the City Council of Philadelphia. I thank Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and obviously the aforementioned Councilwoman Sanchez for their participation. And I'd also like to thank the co-sponsors of the event, Temple University and the Philadelphia Association for the CDCs, who played a key role in organizing the event and, interestingly enough, the Daily News, who also co-sponsored the event and played a key role and helped us get the word out in the building association. So I just want to thank everybody and all of the colleagues here who have been very forthright on this particular issue. that, Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 30th, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 30th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on September 23, 2010, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)