COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, 9/20/01 10:15 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, PA 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 PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Deputy Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will 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 Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller, pastor of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest Councilman Kenney. All members and guests will please rise.
Let us bow our heads. Eternal God, we love You. We praise Your holy and righteous name. I thank You, God, for the opportunity to be a part of the biblical injunction that we pray for our leaders, those that serve us, those that guide us, those that You have set in political office. Lord, I thank you for each one of them. I thank You for the opportunity that policy and procedure can be effected here today for the good of all of the citizens of this city. Lord, even as we come together now, there are so many concerns that claim our attention, concerns of our country, and even there are those of us in this room who, on a personal level, have 9/20/01 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION information yet to be received about our loved ones in New York. But I pray, God, that even right now, Your divine grace would enable us to rise above even our own parochial and personal concerns that we might think of the good of the people, that we might think of what your will would be for this city. Lord, I pray for each Councilperson in here, their families, their children, pray, God, that you would free them from those concerns that they might do justice and seek mercy and seek righteousness in their deliberations today. Lord, we thank You that they are of clear mind and clear conscience and then, God, I pray that for everyone under the sound of my voice, that if there is anyone that does not know You, that does not acknowledge You, God, let Your grace would continue to move in their lives, that ultimately they would seek salvation. I thank You, God, for everyone in this room. I thank You, Lord, that through Your Holy Spirit, we have a resiliency to even look at the past events of last week and know that still, everything 9/20/01 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION is going to be all right. And so now, God, have Your way in these deliberations today, that You would be seen in every decision made. I pray this prayer in the marvelous and majestic name of Your son, Jesus the Christ, and for his sake, let every heart say amen, amen, and amen.
The Chair thanks the Reverend 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 Thursday, September 13, 2001. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 13, 2001, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 13, 2001 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying APPROVAL OF 9/13/01 JOURNAL aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 13, 2001, stands approved.
The next order of business is the requests for leaves 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.
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. (No response.)
Councilman Rizzo, are there any requests for leaves of absence on the part of the minority?
I'm sorry, Madam President. There's no requests for leaves.
The chair will dispense with the regular order of business to VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all Councilmembers, 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. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution declaring September 23, 2001 as "John W. Coltrane Day." will Mr. Arnold Boyd and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman Miller and others come forward.)
Good morning, everyone. This is a resolution declaring September 23, 2001 as "John W. Coltrane Day" in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas Philadelphia's most noted jazz musician, arranger, composer, and Grammy award winner, John W. Coltrane was in Hamlet, North Carolina, on September 23 -- was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, on September 23, 1926. During his VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS studies at Granoff Studios in the Ornstein School of Music in Philadelphia, he realized that the music he was searching for not only existed in the past, present, and future, but also between the notes of the conventional notations; and Whereas, it is documented that John Coltrane was one of the major tenor sax players of his era, and today remains as influential to many younger musicians. Coltrane arrived in Philadelphia 1944 and received wide recognition as an integral member of the renowned Miles Davis Sextet. He formed his own group in 1960; and Whereas, Coltrane was constantly searching, probing, and looking for new dimensions and heights to climb, and with his horn, was also able to speak the language of people struggling to be free. He influenced the world through the messages within his music and demanded that audiences who left his sets reexamine both their ideas of music and themselves; and Whereas, Coltrane wrote, "My goal is to live the truly religious life and express it in my music. If you live it when you play, there's no problem because the music is just a part of the whole VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS thing. To be a musician is really something; it goes very, very deep. My music is the spiritual expression of what I am -- my faith, my knowledge, my being." John W. Coltrane, having recycled his learning from conversations, observations into lesson plans, taught through his horn, died on July 17, 1967; and Whereas, in Coltrane's honor, TraneStop has conducted town meetings, retreats, and seminars to explore situations to improve the conditions of African-American classical music in Philadelphia. TraneStop's initiatives seek to honor both the memory of John William Coltrane and other musicians who have grew up and been nurtured with the legendary legendary Philadelphia African-American music in general, are long overdue recognition with their contributions to the art form; Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that September 23, 2001 is declared "John W. Coltrane Day" and that we honor TraneStop Resource Institute in its efforts to ensure jazz preservation as classical music, rooted in the African-American experience and as a universal art form through education. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to TraneStop Resource Institution, Inc. and a representative of the African-American classical community as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of Philadelphia on the 14th day of June, 2000. Anna Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller, and sponsored by all members of Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Raymond Wood. I'm the executive chair of the TraneStop Resource Institute. I'm going to introduce Arnold Boyd to you. This organization is, in effect, has been in existence for some 22 years. Let me just say hello to some of the Council folks that I know, visitors and staff and Council President and, of course, the lovely Miss Donna Miller. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS And this is our executive director, Arnold Boyd. (Applause.)
And giving honor to God, I bring you greetings from the African-American community. I would like to thank John William Coltrane for settling here in Philadelphia and leaving such a vast amount of resources that describes the way people should treat each other. Innovation and powerful expression of the African-American experience were the consistent themes of the versatile Philadelphian who enriched the fertile soil of this city's nurturing music climate. John Coltrane stated, "I think music is an instrument. It can create the initial thought patterns that can change the thinking of a people. I want to be a force for real good." John goes on to say, "My goal is to uplift people as much as I can, to inspire them to realize more and more of their capacities for living meaningful lives, because there is certainly meaning to life." VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS The TraneStop, through the spirit of John Coltrane, seeks to sustain the connection of the music to its roots. The goals of this mission includes to restore pride and dignity to African-Americans through cultural connections to the music, provide students with the readiness to understand and appreciate African-American classical music, develop a standard method for teaching this art form, and finally, to continue to convene town meetings and advocate community programs. I would like to thank each of you for listening this morning, and I would like to thank Councilman Donna Miller and all of her staff for making this presentation possible. And, finally, I would like to thank all of those who have supported the TraneStop over the last 22 years. The TraneStop is working to make this institution a reality. Come and take some giant steps with us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Now I would like to introduce a student that is carrying on this tradition that's going to play a little rendition of "Giant Steps." Mr. Dickerson. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS (Student plays "Giant Steps" for Councilmembers and audience.)
We would like to invite each of you this evening at 6 o'clock to the mayor's reception room for a community celebration of John William Coltrane starting at 6 p.m. this evening. Thank you.
Thank you. Council will be at ease. Thank you. (Council stands at ease.)
At this time, the chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring someone we all know, John Kromer. Will Mr. Kromer and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilman DiCicco and Councilwoman Miller, would you please come to the podium. (Councilmembers and honoree come forward.)
Thank you very much, Madam President. Good morning. This is a resolution honoring John Kromer. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Whereas, Mr. John Kromer has served as this city's Director of Housing and Community Development for nearly a full decade, and in that time, the Office of Housing and Community Development, OHCD, has overseen the spending of more than of $1 billion in federal and state development block grant funds; and Whereas, Mr. Kromer has created the nation's largest first-time home buyer's program, which to the date has provided counseling and settlement grants for 14,000 families. Through Mr. Kromer's efforts, these families are now homeowners in addition to being productive, tax-paying citizens; and
Whereas, Mr. Kromer has also used the resources available to him in order to enhance the lives of citizens of this city. For example, he worked with the University of Pennsylvania to launch our first comprehensive inventory of houses and lots. Once this information was downloaded into the university system, all authorized users could obtain all of the available information about a particular address. He also engaged college students to promote education on VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS neighborhood reinvestment issues and...
And whereas, although John Kromer's accomplishments are far too numerous to list, it will be remembered that he has maintained high levels of performance in housing production and preservation and has helped to strengthen the real estate market in many of our neighborhoods. Because of his continuing and untiring efforts, this city is now in a position to improve conditions all across Philadelphia. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Mr. John Kromer. We thank him for his years of distinguished service to the citizens of this city and wish him great success in his next challenge.
Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. John Kromer as evidence of the high esteem and sincere admiration of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 14th day of June, 2001. It is signed by the president of Council, Anna C. Verna, certainly introduced by the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS three of us who are standing before you, and sponsored by each and every member of City Council Thank you, John Kromer, for all you've done. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Given my experience with community block grant proposals that I have presented to this body, I'm surprised that no amendments have been offered so far. (Laughter.)
I've spent about 150 hours in a chair that is usually over there and, as you can see, the carpet's a little faded from the drips of sweat of come during those times during the past ten years but it's been a learning experience really in the best possible way. I've learned a lot and we've learned a lot as a city government and as a city by the policies and the initiatives that have been tried out during the past decade, a lot of them VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS very successful, and I'm very proud of that. But we've experienced some failures too and some mistakes but we've learned from those and we've rebounded from those. What pleases me the most, though, is that in this time, ten years after I came on as director of housing, neighborhoods reinvestment is a big political priority, it's a big political issue. It wasn't that way during the early part of the last decade. And if cities like Philadelphia are going to succeed, neighborhood reinvestment has to be an absolute top priority. So I'm delighted that this critical issue has taken that level of priority in this City Council. And I very much appreciate this recognition. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order ofbusiness is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the mayor to the clerk. The clerk will read messages from the mayor.
The next order ofbusiness is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. (Sound system failure.)
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 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. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill on your behalf and two resolutions on your behalf.
Sorry, did you say one bill and two resolutions?
I'm sorry, one bill on your behalf and two resolutions.
The 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 execute a quick-claim deed, or such other document or documents, to convey some or all of the City's interest in a certain property commonly known as the 3600, 3700 South 26th Street near Penrose Avenue to American Premier Underwriters, Inc.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The clerk will read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring October 2001 as "Human Relations Month" in the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be deposited All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. (Clerk confers off the record with Council President.)
That's okay. The clerk will please read the title of the second ordinance.
An ordinance amending Section 21-105 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hero Awards," by increasing the amount that may be awarded under the section to family members of firefighters, police officers, and prosecution detectives killed in the course of performing heroic deeds and by making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I introduce one resolution on my behalf and one resolution on your behalf that is cosponsored by each and every member of City Council.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving a change INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS in the Institutional Development District Master Plan for the Drexel University Institutional Development District bounded by Market Street between 31st and 33rd Streets and along the former Lancaster Avenue.
Madam President, I move for the adoption (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 resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to conduct hearings to examine why Philadelphia continues to lose population and to examine possible courses of action to reverse that trends, including a neighborhood transformation initiative focusing on blight removal, improvements INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS to City schools, job development, and anti-crime initiatives or other measures.
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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and this resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Business, Trades and Professions," by amending the provisions of Section 9-618 relating to the sale of spray paint containers and indelible markers, to include the sale of etching acid and to make certain technical changes/
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitle "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Section 14-1623, entitled "Frankford Special Services District Controls," under certain terms and conditions
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS second bill.
An ordinance establishing a no-parking anytime regulation on the east side of North Third Street between Clearfield Street and Allegheny Avenue.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring September as "National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month."
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (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 resolution has been adopted The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring October 11, 2001 as "Lights On After School Day."
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (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 resolution has been adopted The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Marvin Street, Ogden Street, and Ogden Place, under certain terms and conditions
The 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. 58 by placing on City Plan Marvin Street from Brown Street to Parrish Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Popular Street, Ninth Street, Percy Street, and Brown Street
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have two resolutions today cosponsored by President Verna and signed and supported by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the members of the Philadelphia Police Department that were deployed to the site of the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York for their hard work and professionalism and providing support in the victim identification and investigation effort.
Do I hear a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS second? (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 resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution. The City of Philadelphia honors all those who have lost their lives or are missing at the site of the terrorist attack at the Word Trade Center in New York and recognizes the hard work and dedication of heavy rescue one of the Philadelphia Fire Department and members of the Philadelphia Housing Authority for their search-and-rescue work at the site of the World Trade Center and for the support that they have provided to the New York Fire Department, other rescue workers, and the people of New York in this effort.
The Chair COMMITTEE REPORTS recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted.
The next order of business will be reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Excuse me. Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to COMMITTEE REPORTS which was referred Bill No. 000716, an ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "community Development," by amending Section 21-1108, entitled "Economic Development," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill No. 000716. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill No. 000716 at today's session of Council. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Bill No. 000716 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar.
The next order of FIRST-READING CALENDAR business is the consideration of the calendar, and I would ask the clerk if she would please read the bill on the first-reading calendar, Bill No. 000716,
An ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Community Development," by amending Section 21-1108, entitled "Economic Development."
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session of Council. That concludes the first-reading calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, Bill No.'s 010269, 010274, 010369, 010523, and 010527 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of SECOND READING - BILL 010269 Bill No. 010269.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by requiring any establishment that sells alcoholic beverage for consumption on or off the premises to install, maintain, and use electronic equipment that scans identification cards and displays the age of the person as indicated on the card, 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. SECOND READING - BILL 010274 The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the next bill.
Bill No. 010274, an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Section B 3302.0, entitled "Construction Documents and Special Permits," by adding provisions for the dumping of waste materials, 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.