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.
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 010369 The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes The clerk will please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 010369, an ordinance amending Section PM 309.0 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program," by amending the designated area in which properties must be located in order to be eligible for participation in the Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes the the 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 title of Bill No. 010527
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter which would establish a process which would authorize the privatization of the administration, operation, and management of the School District as approved by resolution of the City Council, fixing the date of a special election for such purposes, prescribing the form of the ballot question to be voted on, and authorizing appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes the 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. (Applause.)
The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010523.
An ordinance amending Chapter 2500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmatic Districts," by revising the boundaries of the Councilmatic districts, under certain terms and conditions
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? I'm sorry, Councilman Ortiz, do you want to SECOND READING - BILL 010523 be recognized?
Madam President, after Tuesday the 11th, many things that we do here and other places really lose a lot of importance and perspective, and they maybe even seem as trivial. But if anything, what Tuesday proved in essence was that we as a country are a people of many colors and many cultures, and we all want to be part of what this thing that we have here that is called America. Traditionally, many of the ways that new groups in this country, as they reach our shores and they establish their residence and they begin working to get the piece and achieve the American dream -the Italians, the Irish, they had their time, they built their neighborhoods. In Philadelphia, the Latinos have done that. Puerto Ricans came, grew, resided, and took a neighborhood that previously had been inhabited by Polish, Ukrainians, Russians, and made it their own. And as they prospered, they moved, as other immigrant SECOND READING - BILL 010523 groups in this city have done. And the City, with other groups, began to reflect the nature of this city, the mosaic that it was. For a long time, this city has always been characterized in two terms: Black, white. Well, we're no longer a black and white city. We're a city that speaks Spanish, that is bilingual, that talks in other and celebrates in other languages. Ten years ago, in 1991 -- and I haven't said this publicly, and I have to say it on behalf of the Latino community, a plan was introduced in this Council for redistricting. It was a bad plan, a disrespectful plan to the Latino community. It divided us into different districts and really took the cohesiveness. It did not look at the neighborhood that we had made. In essence, it said to us, that plan, we don't want you to be a part of this city. Wilson Goode, Sr. made a promise and he kept it. Some of my friends were here, some of my colleagues, took chances and risks and sustained that promise. We were able to deliver a different plan, a plan that recognized that this community, after 40 years here -- and people think that we have just SECOND READING - BILL 010523 arrived, but the tobacco workers in the 1920s that moved into South Philadelphia were Puerto Ricans. We've been here since the 1890s, but in big numbers, we started to be here since the '40s and '50s. And now we're going by other Latinos: Dominicans, Colombians. And they moved into the places where we have been, just as we moved into the places where the Russians and the Ukrainians had lived. 9 -- still doesn't do, although we have worked, and Councilwoman and President Verna, you and I have worked very, very long and hard, but we still are not there. It is still not what the community wishes it to be. In the last ten years in this city, the Latino community grew by 45 percent. The only other community in this city that grew was the Asian-American community. We were able to sustain our State representation, our Congressional representation because of the numbers of Latinos that moved in. Twenty percent of others left the City. We're not leaving the City. We are growing with the City. The Latino community is not saying that they SECOND READING - BILL 010523 need a district that they need to elect someone, but we represent at least 10 percent or more of the community right now of the City of Philadelphia, and we will represent a bigger percentage in the years to come. What we're saying is that this has to be an opportunity for us to be a decisive factor on who represents that community and that there should be lines in any redistricting proposal that demonstrates and keeps with the growth of that community and the cohesiveness of that community and where that community is going. Although this plan is much better than the 1991 plan -- and it's not really -- that other plan, like I said, was disrespectful to us. This tries and strives, but it doesn't get where the Latino community wishes to be. I wish we could have done more, I wish we could do more.
It is my hope that during the next few years or weeks or months, that we'll be able to readdress this issue. But the plan, as currently structured, after consultation with the people that testified here -- and it was very interesting that the only individuals who testified before this City SECOND READING - BILL 010523 Council were Puerto Ricans. It seems no one else cares about redistricting. But the plan doesn't achieve the goals that I would like it to see, and I would hope that we can strive during the next year or so to make it better Thank you, Madam Chair.
The question still remains: This bill having been read on two different days, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes 15, the nays are 2. A majority of SPEECHES all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. That concludes our calendar for today.
Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No speeches on the part of the minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, after the vote we just did on the redistricting, after much time and thought -and first of all, I'd like to thank the Council staff, Councilmembers 'cause only we know -- and the community groups and the voting rights groups that came in, 'cause only they know the blood, sweat, and tears that went into this process. Even to the two members that voted against this, a lot went into this As the District Councilman that represents that district that we seem to be trying to help one way or the other, depending on what side you're SPEECHES looking at, I'm going to look into the possibility -I'm asking any of the other Councilpeople within the next couple weeks and the next month to look for legislation to create 15 District Council seats and 2 at-large seats. We might want to get that question on the May '02 primary ballot Because one thing I learned out of this whole process, there is a group of people that somehow feel that they're not represented correctly in this Council, and I know I for one and everyone -and probably everyone in here came here to try to help people, and this is not for political reasons, but maybe that's someone we as a Council -- and I would challenge my fellow Councilmembers to try and help me work on that legislation to try to change the Home Rule Charter to get 15 Council Districts and 2 at-large districts. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. In the week of the terrorist attacks, there's been a big increase in the number of false SPEECHES 9-1-1 bomb threats. In a normal week, we get a few, but in the week following the terrorist attacks, there were close to 100. And, you know, obviously, they're very bad, they distract our firefighters and police officers from the job that they have, and they create a very dangerous situation The first offense for this is a misdemeanor, and I think we need to do something eventually about that, and the second offense is a felony. And depending on the circumstances, ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats charges can also be brought. So any activity like this is just so unacceptable. The point that I'm going to try to make today, and hopefully the people listening and watching this will get the word out that if people think that this is something that's anonymous, it's not. Callers are able to be traced by the Police Department. The technology there is very enhanced. If they have what they believe to be private numbers that don't normally show up on caller ID, that data is available to the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Police Department will dispatch police to the source of those calls and conduct an investigation SPEECHES and make an arrest if necessary. And also, for people that -- especially in our Arab community that may receive a threat, again, the technology, they must be aware that Verizon, the telephone company here in this region, provides a service where those calls can be traced. And, again, they need to know about that. And the police have made it clear that these types of false calls will not be tolerated. They don't want to discourage anyone from making legitimate calls when they believe that there is a significant problem in their neighborhood or their community. So I just wanted to restate the Police Department's condition and the concern that we all have and the jeopardy that we put our police and firefighters in every time one of these false calls from into police radio Thank you.
Thank you. the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Just a few words about redistricting and SPEECHES empowerment independent politics. I am no stranger to either. In fact, a couple years ago, the day after the primary election, most people thought that my election was a major upset. I don't know who was supposed to be upset, because my family has been involved in empowerment independent politics for three decades As I talked about it on the campaign trail, I gave my first political speech at age 5. For show-and-tell, I wore a Hardy Williams-for-mayor button and talked about empowerment politics then to a group of 5-year-olds. It was not until I was 18 that this City elected its first African-American mayor. At that point, the African-American population in Philadelphia was 38 percent. The black voter registration at that point was 39 percent. But we won with a multi-racial coalition with the black community as a major base in that effort. In 1999, the City elected a second black mayor. The black population was slightly over 40 percent. I ran citywide in that election. My district was the entire City. I was not endorsed by my party, I was not endorsed by my future colleagues SPEECHES who I have come to know, but I was convinced that empowerment politics and independent politics, the years we put into that movement created an opportunity for me. Empowerment politics, though, is independent politics; it's the politics that have elected many of us here. There were no district designs for our victories and no special elections in which we were hand-picked. It was hard-core grassroots politics. No electoral victory can be decided in this chamber by just 17 members. That's actually up to the voters themselves. Our job is to protect the voting strength associated with every demographic voting bloc that we can, not to deliver victories. Those of us who have to win our victories independently are still for principle in this process. It should be noted that majority and minority members, black white, women, men, younger, wiser members of this Council stood up protecting every demographic voting bloc in this city, protecting but not trying to deliver any one group, any one district. In the end, empowerment politics, SPEECHES grassroots politics, independent politics is not going to be decided by the status quo, but by the future leaders. The opportunity for future minority political empowerment has been protected here, but it has to be seized, not given to anyone Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, over 1500 community organizational leaders, elected officials, and citizens-at-large will be attending a call-to-worship service dedicated to praying for the world and supporting the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Sunday, September 23rd, at 10 a.m.in the grand ballroom of the Marriott Hotel located at 12th and Market Street, I am pleased to note that thus far that Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown, Wilson Goode Jr, Angel Ortiz, and I have confirmed our attendance. An open invitation has been extended to the public, all members of City Council, and elected officials throughout the region SPEECHES This service is being hosted by Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, which is led by their pastor, and my friend and then our friend who was here this morning, Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller I ask that all of my colleagues confirm their attendance by contacting my office for logistical purposes. I want to thank you and invite the public to join this service for support for the American Red Cross
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode -Councilman Cohen. (No immediate response.)
Yes. I was just interested in my other name, "Councilman Goode." That would give me about 50 more years in Council, I would hope. (Laughter.)
I wanted to mention that with respect to the legislation we've passed for the referendum on the privatization of the schools that the exact language may be a bit confusing, but I want to make it very, very clear that those who support a SPEECHES public school system are going to be asking for a strong "no" vote. The reason for the resolution is to give people in Philadelphia an opportunity to be included in the process, because so far, the public has been excluded. Decisions have been made without people's involvement, so that the electoral process on November the 6th will enable people to say, Do you favor the concept of privatization? Or do you think the public schools ought to remain public? And I just wanted to add the note to make it very clear that those who favor public schools are going to be working very hard to secure a massive "no" vote. With respect to the comment made by Councilman Mariano to increase the number of districts to 15 and the number -- and to reduce the number of at-large seats to 2, I just want him to know he's fighting history, he's fighting the whole purpose of the Home Rule Charter by such a proposal. The main architect of the Home Rule Charter was Richardson Dilworth, and Richardson Dilworth, because he felt that citywide issues ought to prevail in the City Council, always urged upon the electorate SPEECHES to have one more Councilmember-at-large than the number of District Councilmembers. So I just thought, Councilman Mariano, in addition to fighting the change in the current districts, you would be fighting history, and I think it would be an unsuccessful fight. Thank you. And, incidentally, because directing is very important to the Councilmembers-at-large as well as to the District Councilmembers, but it is the responsibility of Councilmembers-at-large to examine the whole district proposal to see to it that such things as ethnic groups feel fully represented in government, that all sections of the City are treated equally, even though it's the concern of the District Councilmembers, of course, about each of their districts. Thank you very much.
Council President, to Councilman Cohen, I appreciate the history lesson, ADJOURNMENT but I just need the Councilman to remember one thing: It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog. Thank you. (Laughter.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of making a motion.
Well, I'm sure we're going to have a dog fight. (Laughter.)
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October the 4th, 2001, at 10 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 4, 2001, at 10 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Proceedings end at 11:19 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, September 20, 2001, are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING _______________________________, Josephine Cardillo Registered Professional Reporter and 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.)