COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 30, 2009 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Arlington Medley of the Victory Community Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Goode. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
You may be seated quickly. Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice? Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to crawl and to fight and to strike with a as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. If such a fast that I choose a day to humble one's self, is it to bow down the head like a bullrush and to lie in sack cloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast an acceptable day of the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose, to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yolk, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yolk. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house? When you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own ken? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your healing shall spring up quickly and your vindicator shall go before you. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer. You shall cry for help and say, Here I am. Quickly, I shared once before that Philadelphia has something of a hearing problem, that being born and raised here, I could share that there was a man who was caught doing something strange and peculiar. He was a 95-year-old man who was walking around town, hugging and squeezing a 25-year-old girl. He one day ran smack dab into his doctor, and his doctor said, Arthur, what are you doing? He said, Doctor, I'm doing what you told me to do. You told me to get a hot momma and to be cheerful. The doctor said, No, Arthur. I said you have a heart murmur and to be careful. The hearing problem that's in Philadelphia is described differently in the text just read. It says that maybe we're not hearing well enough from God. Let's bow and pray. Dearest God, again, we come us with your eye, that you lead us in your paths of righteousness, that you call us to do not our will, but your will. Lord, let us take up the intention of heaven, that we work for those who are needy, that we give ourselves to the things of righteousness and justice. God, we ask this morning and the rest of our lives that you move by your spirit and have your way, that the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of the Christ, that all will be turned over to you, that you, God, will be all in all. So, Lord, we purpose to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in your work. For as much as we know, our labor is not in vein in the Lord. Have your way today, for it's in the name of your son we pray. Let everyone say amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Medley 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, April, 23rd, 2009, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution recognizing May 3rd through May 9th, 2009 as Correctional Officers Employees Week. Will Commissioner Giorla and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that the Councilwoman is being joined by Councilman Rizzo. The officers, the correctional officers, can certainly come up to the podium.
Good morning and welcome to City Council. Recognizing May 3rd through May 9th, 2009 as Correctional Employees Week. Whereas, the employees of the Philadelphia Prison System manage a population of over 9,000 inmates, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and Whereas, our prison employees are responsible for the safety, security, dignity and well-being of those who are charged to their care; and
Whereas, by carrying out their duties effectively, the men and women who work at the Philadelphia Prison System are protecting our communities, enabling the smooth function of our criminal justice system; and Whereas, within a controlled environment, our correctional employees provide the guidance, instruction, skills and opportunities that allow people to remake their lives and reconnect with their families and communities; and Whereas, most importantly, our correctional employees have demonstrated system that works hand in hand with our communities and neighborhoods to support and encourage those who change their lives and begin to reach the promise and potential that is within each of us; and Whereas, the correctional employees are a vital partner in the public safety picture;
And whereas, no group of Philadelphia's public servants have a more difficult or less publicly visible job than the women and men who work in our correctional facilities, parole and probation offices. And now, therefore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that May 3rd through May 9th, 2009 be recognized as Correctional Employees Week. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Commissioner Louis Giorla as evidence of the sincere sentiments of Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 2nd day of April 2009. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller and Councilmember Frank Rizzo and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Commissioner Giorla for remarks. COMMISSIONER GIORLA: Good morning. Madam President, Councilwoman Miller, Councilman Rizzo, members of Council and guests, on behalf of the men and women of the Philadelphia Prison System -- and I say "on behalf," because without their support and without their hard work and dedication, I would not be anywhere near as confident in my job as I am today. On behalf of them, I'd like to behind me at the podium here are some of the representatives of that fine correctional workforce, which is no doubt the finest correctional workforce in the country. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to introduce to you and present students with their leader from University City High School in my district. We were out in the hallway talking, and they are here as our guests and we're very happy to have them.
Welcome. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing the West Philadelphia High School Automobile Academy. Will Mr. Simon Hauger and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman is being accompanied by Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. City Council resolution honoring and recognizing the West Philadelphia High School Automobile Academy for Mechanics and Engineering and the Hybrid X Team on their participation in the Automotive X Prize Competition to develop and market a car that gets 100 Whereas, the West Philadelphia High School Automotive Academy has won several awards for engineering environmentally responsible automotive prototypes, including the first place prize in 2005 and 2006 Hybrid K-1 Attack, a competition to develop a car achieving 100 miles per hour in four seconds while achieving at least 60 miles to the gallon; and Whereas, the current competition will give the Academy an opportunity to win a share of the $10 million purse in a contest that pitted the Academy against 100 other teams from around the world, including colleges and universities; and Whereas, the Hybrid X team is the only team comprised entirely of high school students; and
Whereas, the team is confident of its chances, with team member Sekou Kamara saying, "We can 100 miles per gallon. We built a car that had 200 miles per gallon"; and Whereas the team is employing a light-weight carbon body and a hybrid electric engine that runs on biodiesel; and Whereas, the competition also requires the teams to develop a plan to sell 10,000 units per year, emphasizing the need to build cars that are both environmentally responsible and pleasing to consumers; and Whereas -- hopefully they'll build those in Philadelphia. Whereas, programs like the Automobile Academy give students hands-on training that keeps them interested in school and equips them with marketable skills in life and after graduation;
And whereas, we are extremely proud and delighted to support the West Philadelphia High School Automobile Engineering and the Hybrid X Team as they participate in this challenging competition. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Philadelphia City Council hereby honors and recognizes the West Philadelphia High School Automobile Academy for Mechanics and Engineering and the Hybrid X Team on their participation in the Automotive X Prize Competition to develop and market in Philadelphia a car that gets 100 miles to the gallon. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the Academy and the Hybrid X Team as a sincere appreciation of this Council's -as a sincere expression of this Council's appreciation and recognition. Certification, that this is a correct and true copy of the original resolution, adopted by the City Council on the 19th day of March 2009. Introduced by Councilmembers Jannie Green, and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Thank you, Councilwoman Blackwell. We just really appreciate the City's support. Thank you, Councilman Kenney, for all your support as well. It's a great privilege to work with students that have vision to impact the automotive market. One of the most exciting things not only winning major competitions in the past but the current competition that we're in, there's 111 teams from 11 different countries, and Popular Mechanics rated us in the top 10 alongside million-dollar corporations. So it's just a great privilege to see young minds being engaged and being a process, and we do intend to create a business plan that we can build 10,000 vehicles a year and make them affordable so teachers like myself can afford to drive a 100-mile-per-gallon vehicle. So we deeply appreciate your support. And continue to watch us as we get ready for this competition. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages 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 29th, 2009, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 16th and April 23rd, 2009; and I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner and the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with Motorola, Inc. for the upgrade of the City's 800 megahertz trunked municipal radio communications system; and An ordinance authorizing the Office of the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Wachovia Bank for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in TD Bank National Association; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by creating a new Section 14-1636, entitled "Delaware River Conservation District," 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 her possession.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions, one co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Rizzo and several other members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Dr. Constantine Papadakis, President of Drexel University from 1996 until his death on April 5th, 2009, for his outstanding service to the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. We will ask for a standing vote showing support of the resolution.
Thank you. Those standing will be voting in the affirmative of the adoption. Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Miller. (All Councilmembers standing.)
And a resolution calling on the City Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the City's response strategies to the public health risks posed by the spread of swine flu.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by creating a new Section 14-1636, entitled "Delaware River Conservation District."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Mayfair Community Development Corporation, 2990 Saint Vincent Street, to construct, own and maintain streetscape improvements on the public footways of Frankford Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-1619, entitled "Frankford Avenue Special District Controls," by changing the boundaries of the area subject to the controls of the District, by changing the name of the District and adding provisions with regard to signs.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one bill on my behalf, two privileged resolutions on my behalf and two bills for the Administration.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Office of the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Wachovia Bank for provision of payroll banking services to the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in TD Bank National Association.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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 City National Bank, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and acknowledging Mothers in Charge on the launch of its first publication entitled, "Mothers in Charge, Faces of Courage."
Thank you, Madam President. That resolution is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling upon the Mayor to create a Philadelphia Conservatorship Program.
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, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to host a series of roundtables across the City focusing on police community relations between the Philadelphia Police Department and the citizens of Philadelphia, while fostering and encouraging improved relationships.
The purpose of this resolution is not to point the finger at anyone, but rather to create an opportunity for key stakeholders to come together and discuss the issue, with the intention of improving relationships and partnerships between the police and the communities. If we work together, we will succeed. We purposely chose to call these roundtables and not hearings or meetings because the roundtable signifies a unified group, having no head or foot, but rather an equality of all those involved coming together for a common goal, stopping the violence and crime. These roundtables will take place throughout the City, with the hopes of reaching the neighborhoods and communities individually. Not all neighborhoods have the same issues, and we intend to target high-risk areas and address their concerns individually. This effort will only work if everyone is involved and takes an active part. The goal is just to bring peace on the streets. And so 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 and will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Imhotep Institute Charter School as 2009 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Boys Basketball Champions.
This resolution is also co-sponsored by Councilwoman Brown, 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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings on the adequacy of the City's Internet and e-mail services, exploring the feasibility of a separate Internet server for the City.
This resolution was co-introduced by Councilman Green. 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill co-introduced by the Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Section 19-2604 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to tax rates and credits for the business privilege tax, by amending the provisions providing a credit for contributions to community development corporations to allow two businesses to apply jointly for the credit, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions today, one addressing House Bill 300 co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Tasco and DiCicco, and the one addressing the law firms co-sponsored by Councilmembers Miller, Greenlee and Sanchez. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to hold public hearings examining the level of participation of minorities and females in private sector law firms that are awarded contracts by the Law Department 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 and will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's House of Representatives to pass House Bill 300, amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
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 DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer seven bills, four of which were co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kenney, Goode, Greenlee, Brown and Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by specifying a rate for future tax years that is dependent on total taxable assessed values certified by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that real estate taxes levied under that Chapter shall be based on the average of several years of assessed values, so as to smooth out the effect of rapid increases in property values.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by providing that real estate taxes levied under that Chapter shall be based on the average of several years of assessed values, so as to smooth out the effect of rapid increases in property values, and by making technical amendments, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by specifying a rate for future tax years that is dependent on total taxable assessed values certified by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 146 and 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Shackamaxon Street from Delaware Avenue to a dead end and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way.
The 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 Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Reed Street, the Delaware River and Tasker Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by revising and clarifying requirements relating to parking, height regulations, gross floor area and permitted uses, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Motorola for the upgrade of the City's 800 megahertz trunked municipal radio communications system.
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 deeds located in the 47th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee of Public Property and Public Works 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 Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 080951, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to accept from the Delaware River Port Authority conveyance of title to certain parcels of land located in the vicinity of 8th and Race Streets and Florist Street, between 2nd and 4th Street, under certain terms and conditions" -
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 080951 and 090263. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to -- I'm sorry. We have another one.
And Bill No. 090263, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located in the vicinity of the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Monument Road for further conveyance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for nominal consideration, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills 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 this day of Bill Nos. 080951 and 090263. (Duly seconded.)
It 4/30/09 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee will be suspended and our rules now are that it has been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. Therefore, the Chair recognizes 4/30/09 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill Nos. 080268 and 090124 are 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. 090268.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement to lease the Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center at the Thomas Eakins House located at 1729 Mount Vernon Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 4/30/09 - STATED - 2ND READING pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090124.
An ordinance approving the dental amalgam brochure adopted by the Board of Health pursuant to Section 9-3102 of The Philadelphia Code.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to inform my colleagues that today I will be joined by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to announce the launch of Project Lifesaver in the City of Philadelphia. Project Lifesaver is a non-profit company that provides the technology and training to locate at-risk children and adults who suffer from autism, Alzheimer's disease, other disabilities and various forms of dementia. The technology is currently being used in over 530 communities nationwide, and I am proud to say that it will shortly be available here in Philadelphia. If any of my colleagues have constituents who suffer from autism, Alzheimer's disease, other disabilities or various forms of dementia who might be interested in this technology, please office so that I can put them in touch with the folks at Philadelphia Project Lifesaver. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I did not acknowledge Councilman Kenney, who has worked so hard with the West Philadelphia Automotive School. In fact, he's worked with them being involved with the Navy and many other national programs. I wasn't aware, and I thank him for that. I would also like to mention that the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is outside in the hallway again to inform your constituents, and also all of you can get brochures. Again, this is called the Montel Williams program that gives free prescriptions to you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to speak about Recommendation 75, which is an administrative ruling by the Pennsylvania courts which allows the local municipality to forgive support cases' arrears deemed uncollectible. Now, I understand the general purpose of this recommendation is to take incarcerated individuals that need to come home to find gainful employment and put them back into the workforce so that they could pay the arrears, but the unintended consequences, the impact has been devastating to custodial parents who, after all of these years, all of the recessions, all of the ups and downs of child, had borne that financial burden, are now told at the end of the day, forget about it, you can't collect what is due to the child. We need to take a look at this and its unintended consequences, because to put a case, quote, on a cold case status and make it an uncollectible case does not stop the financial clock for food, clothing and shelter for young people in the City of Philadelphia. And, in fact, many of these cases wind up on our burden in DHS and, unfortunately, in the juvenile criminal justice system. And I rise to say that we need to address that. Our court system does many wonderful things, and the best part of these budget hearings is hearing about them. Recommendation 75 is not one of them. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. The Mayor told us back in March that it was time for us to stand up and be counted or sit down and be quiet. Make no mistake, Madam President, City Council is standing up. Councilmembers are asking serious questions during budget hearings to identify potential savings and drive down the costs of government. Councilmembers are generating alternative revenue proposals to protect hard-working Philadelphia families from double-digit property tax increases. The claim that the budget-related proposals presented to the Administration by City Council leadership earlier this week lacked details is belied by the facts. In fact, the sales tax alternative presented by Council finds common ground with the Administration, a sales tax increase being the one revenue side option the Administration and Council can agree upon. In fact, the proposal included numerous savings on the spending side that were drawn directly from departmental testimony during the ongoing budget hearings, including, for instance, cutting spending on non-essential cell phones by a million, saving tens of millions of dollars by not filling vacant positions during the current budget crisis. Denigrating Council's work in this regard by challenging one aspect of the sales tax alternative or by falsely claiming that Council's proposal lacked details rather than engaging on the ideas is an easy out. Closing the budget gap by raising property taxes before we have squeezed every last dollar of efficiency savings out of City government also is the easy way out. Our constituents are depending the heavy lifting needed to find viable options to the Mayor's budget proposal. City Council has demonstrated during this budget season that it is ready, willing and able to carry the load. Madam President, it is time to put childish things aside and come together as a government to guide our city through this fiscal crisis. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I just want to impress upon -- thank the members of Council, for one thing, for passing the resolution asking for the Mayor to set up a conservatorship program, and I just want to point out that this program, which comes as a result of Governor law, the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act 2188. All of us have problems with blighted properties in our district that sit for years and years and years. This gives the City, if the City sets up a program under the state law, the community organization to, through a series of legal maneuvers, go in and take control of the property, rehab it and then try and get it back on the market. It doesn't take away the ownership or the power of the owner, but that owner has some responsibility also, but it prevents us from having blighted properties, such as I have in my district, because people pay the taxes, but they still are blighted and they sit there for years. So I thank Councilmembers for supporting this and want you to know we will e-mail you a copy of the Act so that you'll know more specifically what the Act does, and I do hope the Mayor will Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I've been here for nine years, and I will say to you that this is the first budget experience I have had where I have seen you and Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Brian O'Neill and Councilman Rizzo gathered together repeatedly over the last many weeks and have been very thoughtful, have been very deliberative, have leaned on expert staff to crunch numbers and then have sat with us members of the team to explain to us, ask for input -- and I repeat, ask for input -- and engage us in a way where we could indeed come up with what I believe to be a responsible alternative measure that moves us to the want. And as I sat in this meeting this week, as I've made it my business to learn quietly what all of this means, I am extremely pleased that leadership has done what leadership is required to do, engage the members in a way that all of us get it so that we can then articulate it in a way to respond to letters that we get. And we still get letters. I still get e-mails. But as I was sharing where we are with Senator Vincent Hughes earlier this week, his comment was, You all are really -- I'm proud of you from where I sit, and we understand up here in Harrisburg that all of you, both the second floor and the fourth floor, must come to Harrisburg unified so that we do what citizens are asking us to do, and, that is, do not -I repeat, do not -- increase the property tax. I commend the leadership of this City Council. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much. Any further comments? (No response.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 7th, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:20 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 April 30, 2009, 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.)