COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 19, 2000 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. 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, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 561-2220. P R O C E E D I N G S
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 Roberto L. Lugo of Ingelisa Evangelical Ebenezer Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ortiz. All members and guests will please rise.
Buenos Dias. God bless you all. (Speaks in Spanish.) It's great honor to be here with you today and share with you this prayer in order that God and the Lord Jesus come upon us and lead us in this difficult task that you have on your hands. I'm here in the name of the Hispanic community. (Speaks in Spanish.) We are the most disadvantaged community in Philadelphia. We have a great task as ministers, as Christians in this City to bring these people where they deserve to be. They are hard workers. They are people who came here, not to just hang INVOCATION around, to build a new country, to build a new community, because we came from a big, big and great nation which is not only Puerto Rico but the Caribbean and the whole Latin America. And that's why we are here, to help you to build a better City, a better country for our sons and daughters in the future. Let us pray and invocate the name of the Holy Father. Heavenly Father, God of our City, savior of our lives, we come to you in this very moment to acknowledge your sovereignty and majesty upon the business of our City. We come to you because you are the only one who can shed wisdom upon our minds. Lord, help us to build a City where justice, equality and peace become the stance for every habitant and every newcomer to our land. I specifically claim for this political body who meet today to discuss the business of our City, give them the wisdom, clarity and peace so their decision bring forth prosperity and happiness to everyone. I thank you, Lord, for each member of this body because it were you who gave them the passion and commitment to promote peace and economic prosperity to our communities; because it were you who appoint APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL them to deal with the task they have in their agenda. There are many issues they have to deal with: Education, economic development, crime, safety, school and communities. Help them, guide them and show them the path of your wisdom. Let's bring our hearts to the living God and Lord. Let's put away an agenda that might mislead the purpose of this political body. Let's get together and seal our minds with the words of the ancient prophet Jeremiah who said, "Work for the peace and prosperity of the City, pray for her. For if the City has peace, so will you." Thank you, Lord. Keep our blessings upon this body and let the Holy Ghost fill their minds and hearts in Jesus' name. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Lugo for his inspiring 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, October 12, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. LEAVES OF ABSCENCE
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, October 12, 2000, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12, 2000 stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, October 12, 2000, is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning there are no requests for leave of absence on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. I am very pleased today -- I don't believe we have our students here yet, do we? I am pleased today to recognize Councilwoman Tasco who will make a presentation honoring Katherine Carter. Will Ms. Carter and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium?
Good morning. It is indeed a pleasure for me to present this resolution this morning to Miss McKellan Carter on WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS her selection for the Frances Schwartz Principal Award. And I'm also happy to take this opportunity to salute individual teachers that make our school district the success that it is. We're grateful for your commitment and your selfless day-to-day sacrifices for our children and we're glad to see you some of you here today with us. This morning I am presenting this resolution congratulating and commending Katherine McKellan Carter on receiving Frances Schwartz Principal Recognition Award. Whereas, Katherine McKellan Carter who holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Chestnut Hill College and a master's of educational administration from Cheyney University began her teaching career in 1986 in the Philadelphia School District; and Whereas, Katherine McKellan Carter assumed her first post as an interim principal in 1996 at the Joseph Pennel Elementary School and the John Walsh Elementary School in 1997. She became the principal of the kindergarten through 8th grade Thomas Creighton Elementary School, which is in the 9th Councilmatic District, in 1997; and WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS Whereas, the motivation, guidance and direction which Katherine McKellan Carter has displayed, having built extraordinary vision and creativity in the development of small learning communities, community partnerships, parent workshops and parent volunteers, a school council and staff training and school improvements planning workshops; and Whereas, Katherine McKellan Carter personifies dedication and compassion, love and generosity, sacrifice and commitment for her student body and staff, which in turn inspired her child-centered community to become one of two national sites to receive computers from govworks.com, to participate in the Stanley Project, to join the Green Circle Program, and to value other enrichment activities; and Whereas, the School District of Philadelphia most recently took notice of her great enthusiasm and skills and motivating others by conferring on Katherine McKellan Carter the Frances Swartz Principal Recognition Award, an accolade that honors the career of the outstanding educator Frances Schwartz awarded annually by the family of WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS Mrs. Schwartz and the Philadelphia School District to a principal if not more than three years tenured who exemplifies ideal qualities of leadership and dedication to educational excellence; and therefore, We resolve that the Council of the City of Philadelphia congratulate, commend, and salute Katherine McKellan Carter on this singular accomplishment in such a short span of time and her selection for the Frances Swartz Principal Recognition Award. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Katherine McKellan Carter as an expression of the appreciation and gratitude of this legislative body for her contribution to the excellence of the children of Philadelphia and for her good example for other teachers to emulate. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 22nd day of June 2000. It is signed by Anna C. Verna, President, introduced by Marian B. Tasco and sponsored by all Councilmembers. WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
I'd just like to add that it's very hard to capture in a resolution the wonderful contributions this lady has made to our community. And she represents -- she is the principal the Thomas Creighton School at Taber and Devereau. And if you want to see an exciting program and learning going on in that school, you should just go there one day. She is enthusiastic, very, very creative, as stated in the resolution. She is just someone we really admire and love and hope she never leaves there. She is a triplet, so there are three of her. And so we're so proud to have her here with us today. (Applause.)
Thank you. I'm deeply humbled by this honor. I'd just like to say thank you to Marian Tasco for giving me this honor, for Miss Gillespie for her support, my cluster leader for all the support that she's given Thomas Creighton Elementary School and myself and my growth as an administrator; Miss Coverdale, the family WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS resource network supervisor; Mr. McKenny, the special ed supervisor; and my sister who is also here, her name is Kerline (ph) McKellan Jones. I'd just like to take a couple of seconds just to say that I could not be here without all of the support from the staff and the students and the parents at Thomas Creighton Elementary School. We are really and truly a family at Creighton. And as I tell my staff all the time, I could not do it without them. And I stand here and take this honor in respect to them and take it back them as a part of Creighton. So it's my honor standing here today, but it's really all of our honor at Thomas Creighton Elementary School. And again, thank you to everyone and to Marian Tasco and to all of her staff who, too, have been very supportive of Thomas Creighton. We've done a lot of things at Thomas Creighton. As a matter of fact, if you go by there today, you'll see two big semi trucks from the Lowes establishment. They're there training our kids on home safety. So if you drive by and you see this big house in our school yard, that's what they're doing there right now. So it's an exciting place. WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS We love it there, it's a family. And if you have the opportunity, please come by and speak to our teachers and speak to our parents and the kids and you'll see just how much we are family at Thomas Creighton. Thank you. (Applause.)
One last thing. When I came to Creighton, we were put in what is called the school support process, and that means that our scores weren't really what the School District wanted them to be and the parents were upset. In the last two years that we've been there with the struggling and the support of the School District of Philadelphia and downtown and the cluster office in teaching and learning and the staff and teachers working diligently, diligently to pull up our scores in the last two years we have increased both years above and beyond what we were supposed to do. So Thomas Creighton is not only busy, but we're busy in the business of academic excellence and we are moving up and we're going to continue to move up with all the support and the excellence of the teaching staff at Thomas Creighton. WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco who will make a presentation recognizing the birthday of William Penn. Will Mr. J Meyers and those accompanying him please join Councilman DiCicco at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. Normally William Penn attends the Council session when we read the resolution, but I was just told by Councilman Longstreth that both he and William Penn were at a breakfast alumni meeting from their high school and William Penn will not be here this morning. (Laughter.)
A resolution recognizing the legacy of William Penn on the anniversary of his birth, October 24th. Whereas, Philadelphians recognize the founding by William Penn of our City, birth place of our nation; and WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS Whereas, William Penn extended friendship and fair dealing to the Native American Indians and established our City and State as a haven for oppressed people's of the world to whom he offered religious and civil liberties and high standards of justice; and Whereas, William Penn was far ahead of his time as an untiring advocate of representative government, city planning, penal reform, human mental institutions, and public education for everyone, and one of the first statesman to envision the unification of the American colonies; and Whereas, William Penn through his holy experiment introduced into our City and State a humanitarian code of law which was honored in 1751 by the casting of the Liberty Bell; and Whereas, William Penn's belief in the nonviolent settlement of disputes among individuals, states, and nations continues to guide and inspire us today; now therefore, Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby recognize the legacy of William Penn, founder of this City and citizen of the first order on the anniversary of his birth, WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS October 24th. Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jay Meyers and Elaine Pedan (ph), co-chairs of the Friends of William Penn as evidence of sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Signed by the Council President, Anna C. Verna; introduced by me and co-signed by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Meyers for remarks. Mr. Meyers: Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank President Ann Verna and members of City Council for this presentation today. Unfortunately, my co-chair, Elaine Pedan could not be with us. She's working on a very interesting project of making Hannah Penn a citizen of the United States. As you may know, William Penn and Winston Churchill, I think, are the other two honorary citizens of our country. As we all know, William Penn stands on the top of City Hall, this prestigious building. And I know that he is watching with great interest the progress of our COMMUNICATIONS City in so many areas and ways. Much has been done, but much work is still ahead of us. As we all work together to make our City a better place for all of our citizens as a marvelous community. Again, I want to thank City Council for recognizing William Penn. It was one of William Penn's ideas that he appear or his representative or surrogates appear in City Council every year and to remind them of their origins and also to instill within them the spark for continued progress to make this City an even greater place for everyone. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver to the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm transmitting herewith for the consideration of your COMMUNICATIONS honorable body the following: A resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel E17-A in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area Stage A industrial approximately one half acre to JLD, Inc. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereof located 500 to 510 West Montgomery Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
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. All in favor of the motion will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Public Employees Retirement Code, by adding new provisions to restrict the ability of civilian members of Plan J and Plan Y to transfer to Fire Plans A or X and retire immediately, 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 your behalf and one resolution on my behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcels E17-A an Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, stage A.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds located in the 3rd, 6th, 27th, 44th, 51st and 60th Wards in the City of Philadelphia.
Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Madam President, on behalf of myself and 15 other City Councilmembers, I offer this resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Mayor of Philadelphia to return to the bargaining table to actively negotiate a mutual agreeable new contract between the School District and the PFT.
Madam President, I INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ask that the entire resolution be read.
Whereas, for many years 13,000 Philadelphia teachers and their support staff composed 7,000 lower income employees have worked under contractional terms mutually agreed to by the School District and their union, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers; and Whereas, in 1998 Act 46, a union busting law which usurps the Home Rule power of the City was enacted by the state to undermine the working standards of teachers and their support staff by, among other things, forbidding the extension of the union contract by permitting the School District to unilaterally impose terms and conditions upon the school employees by threatening the State take-over of the schools and withdrawal of teach certificates; and Whereas, the members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to their credit are working without a contract; and Whereas, while other important matters were still unsettled, the talks had stalled on the simple issue of one hour versus one-half hour of additional work time. There was no reason to stop INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS talking; and Whereas, it is necessary to restart meaningful negotiations to result in a negotiated contract; and Whereas, it is important for the City Government which represents all the people of Philadelphia to negotiate in good faith and set an example of good faith collective bargaining; and Whereas, the Philadelphia School District has many great needs in addition to a new teachers' contract such as more than 200 teachers to fill vacant classrooms, smaller classes, hundreds of teachers to replace teachers teaching without a proper certificate, lack of books, musical instruments, baseball and football fields, and in some cases, gymnasiums and tracks; and Whereas, the School District at the request of the Mayor has sought to impose terms and conditions upon its employees, including longer hours and smaller pay increases for the 7,000 lower income employees; and Whereas, the use of these anti-labor Act 46 powers by the City of Philadelphia to impose terms and conditions sets an undemocratic precedent INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS for the future union busting directed at all labor unions; and Whereas, although City Council has no desire to dictate or influence any specific terms of a new contract between the School District and the PFT, it does have the duty to speak out when basic labor rights are being threatened; now therefore, Resolved by the Council of the City Philadelphia that the Mayor of Philadelphia return to the bargaining table to actively negotiate a mutual agreeable new contract between the School District and the PFT.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. Last week when we addressed the same subject, I said I believed it was the most important resolution I've ever introduced and dealt with the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS most important subject that was ever before the City Council. I make that same statement today on the same subject. I think it's time to stop beating upon the teachers and begin recognizing the wonderful performance they give us every day of the year in the public school system of Philadelphia. When we talk about educational reform, we don't mean adopting anti-labor practices against the teachers. We don't mean taking away their rights. We mean making it possible for them to perform their professional duties in an increasing outstanding fashion. This resolution seeks to make clear that the people of Philadelphia -- and I understand this resolution is going to have unanimous support today in the City Council when we have the roll call vote on the issue. This resolution makes clear the tremendous contribution that teachers make. And when every political party in the Country says education is the number one priority, it is indeed shameful that we in Philadelphia have a situation in which the status of the school system is very much endowed. Yesterday at a meeting that the School INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS District sponsored, student teachers, more than 20 of them, announced to the Board of Education that they will not consider teaching in the school system of Philadelphia unless the imposed conditions are withdrawn and a mutually negotiated contract is accepted. Is that what we want the people of the United States to learn about the school system in Philadelphia, that it is a system that many graduate students are going to shun because they don't feel that they can work under terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed upon by the teachers' organization and by the School District? I think the answer to that is clearly no. We think Philadelphia deserves to be in the first place in the educational reform movement at the bargaining table. The teachers' union has shown its agreement in that direction, and the way to reward the teachers is to make it possible for them to even better their already outstanding performance. I urge the unanimous vote by all my colleagues. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam Chair. Contract means that two parties agree to terms and conditions. Teachers today are working without a contract. Teachers are working with imposed conditions; they're not working with a contract. And today we have a very unstable situation which really prevents teachers from concentrating on what they should be concentrating on, which is education. Last night a group of us in City Council were at a meeting at a school up in the Northeast. Problems of discipline, problems of kids in the school yard were being expressed and there were teachers, there were crossing guards, there were parents. Teachers were willing to do many of the things that the parents, I think, wanted. There's problems with other schools and there's a problem over here with kids who are smaller and younger. But right now within the current conditions, really, the teachers are prevented from acting and implementing what they need to do in that cluster. In fact, we honored today teachers from that INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS cluster. Ms. Gillespie was here. And it is of concern to us and that teachers are being taken for granted. The other night in the debate that we saw in between innings between the Yankees and the Mariners, Al Gore said that we have to start treating teachers as professionals and giving them the respect that they deserve. I've taught in the system. I've been a teacher. I know what goes on in a classroom. We are not showing respect for the people who take care of our kids from 7:30 to 3:00 in the afternoon. I think we need to say to the Mayor, to the School Board, get down to business. When we passed the charter change, it did not mean that we were putting forward an authoritarian dictatorial charter amendment. We meant that the Mayor now has to work together with all of the different parties to bring about the changes that are necessary. Changes in the school system are never going to be brought unilaterally. It has to be worked out at the negotiating table. And that's where the teachers and School Board belong. It's about time they got down to business. It's about time got to a contract. It's about time they began INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS to settle and getting rid of this system that we have right now of instability and nervousness that is permeating the whole system. Thank you, Madam Chair. (Applause.)
Thank you Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Councilwoman Blackwell, do you want to be recognized?
Yes, ma'am. Last week we spoke of the commitment of this Council to education and to our desire certainly to have negotiations resumed. We asked this resolution sponsor to hold up for a week so that we could work out something where all of Council would be in support. I would certainly like to thank him for his willingness to do that and for all my colleagues who have talked during the week and done everything they can to come up with language that we think will certainly support this resolution and let PFT and all others know and the Administration know that we INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS are for negotiations. We want to see the strike ended -- we don't want to see a strike and certainly we want this whole issue resolved. So I'd like to thank my colleagues and thank the resolution sponsor Councilman Cohen for their support in this matter. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Being a parent of a public school student, I just want to say the teachers, students, parents need and deserve an environment that is stable and secure, an environment that promotes a healthy atmosphere. And I want to personally encourage the Mayor's Office and the School District to get back at the table and bring a resolve to this whole situation. As a parent -- and I will not speak to those issues publicly, but as a parent I hear and I talk to students that attend my daughter's school and I know some of the instability that this impasse has created with getting down to the business of education. So I do support this resolution and hope INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS that things can work out for both parties involved to the advantage of our most precious commodity, and that's our students. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Is there anyone else who wants to be recognized? The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm assuming that this is an oversight. I just wanted to make reference to the resolution because it also speaks of the 7,000 non-teaching support staff and I just want to make note of that. And I'm sure that all of the fine words by our colleagues also apply to those individuals. Thank you.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. The resolution has been adopted. (Applause.)
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have one bill and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Section 12-1130 of the Philadelphia Code and the possibility of a City-wide live stop program.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on License and Inspections to hold hearings on ways to provide better coordination and access to records among City agencies in ways in which the department can be more proactive use of the Internet.
The resolution referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-1200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Posting of Temporary Signs by amending Section 10-1202 to prohibit the placement of temporary and political campaign posters upon public utility poles, street lights, and various other public fixtures without the owner's permission, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Will bill INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Federal Communications Commission to hold hearings to address public interest considerations for programming especially as it relates to children and disabled and to further promulgate measurable standards that may be utilized by television broadcasters in exchange for their free use of the digital airwaves.
Do I hear a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS second. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
I have one resolution, Madam Chair, on your behalf.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Board of Education, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, and the Philadelphia Home and School Association on forming a unique partnership to raise funds for the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS School District of Philadelphia through the passbook fund-raising coupon book project.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolution.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
No bills or INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Commercial Activities on Streets by requiring persons licensed under that chapter, including under 9-201 curb marker street vendors, sidewalk venders in Center City, sidewalk vendors in neighborhood business districts, boxes for the distribution of news and printed material and 9-212 to obtain the consent of the property owner abutting the locations at which the licensed commercial activities are conducted, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring October as Mural Arts Month in Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds located in the 16th, 37th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Longstreth.
I'm sorry, Councilman Clarke's bill was not read. Will the Chief Clerk please read the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity by adding Section 10-828 entitled Reporting Requirements Upon the Application or Renewal of a License to Carry Firearm by requiring upon the application or renewal of a license to carry a firearm concealed in a vehicle or one about the person of an individual certain reporting requirements under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the committee. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. Do you have bills or resolutions, sir?
Thank you. Sorry we, couldn't hear you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have one resolution. I'd like to not that it's being co-sponsored by President Verna and Councilwoman Krajewski. And also, Councilwoman Krajewski's sister is a member of the people we're honoring in this resolution.
My cousin is also in that order. Thank you for introducing that. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph, which is based in Philadelphia, as they celebrate 350 years of dedicated and loving service.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 11-506 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Alleys, Driveways and Retaining Walls, by providing additional methods by which the City may pay contractors the City hires to pave or repave alleys or driveways or to construct or reconstruct retaining walls pursuant to orders to abate nuisances by providing a maximum amount that property owners may be assessed for the cost of such work, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The next order of business will be reports from committees. The Chair recognizes REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole Council to which was referred Bill No. 000583 entitled an Ordinance authorizing the amendment of the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation agreement to provide for a temporary change in the amount of temporary financing that the City may provide to the Philadelphia Gas Works and authorizing the temporary advance of up to $45 million to the Philadelphia Gas Works. And Bill No. 000590 entitled an Ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 11, 2000, Bill No. 000005 adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2001 by making in accordance with Section 2-301 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter certain additional appropriations needed to meet the REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES unanticipated emergency created by a cash flow crisis at the Philadelphia Gas Works, respectfully reports it has considered and amended th 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. 000538 and 000590. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill Nos. 000583 and 000590 on today's calendar. Those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES it. And Bill Nos. 000853 and 000590 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 12 bills out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 000506 entitled an Ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 157, 158 and 226 by relocating the southerly curb line of Erie Avenue between Second Street and Sedgley Avenue. And Bill No. 000510 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 12-2409 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Towing Zone Locations and Hours, by adding a towing zone location the north and south sides of Green Street. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES And Bill No. 000511 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980443, approved June 25, 1998, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120. And Bill No. 000513 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 970818 approve April 13, 1998, entitled An Ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by placing on the City Plan parrish Street from Ninth Street to Twelfth Street. And Bill No. 000538 entitled An Ordinance authorizing Kate Osuala, owner of the property located at 1301 South 57th Street, to construct, use and maintain a one-story garage addition on and over the south footway of Thomas Street. And Bill No. 000542, an Ordinance establishing a no motor home parking regulation on Bennington Street, Pike Street to Luzerne Street, both sides. And Bill No. 000582 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES No 990366, approved July 1, 1999, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 17-S and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes and public utility purposes. And Bill No. 000584 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 990368, approved July 1, 1999, entitled an Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Jefferson Street from 50th Street to a dead end turnaround. An Bill No. 000589 entitled an Ordinance amending Section 1 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 000374, approved August 11, 2000, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 121. And Bill No. 000604, an Ordinance authorizing the construction of water mains and appurtenant work in a right-of-way partially in and along portions of a private street known as Paleski Road. And Bill No. 000605 entitled an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to select and appropriate a certain REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES right-of-way through 8480 Hagy's Mill Road. And Bill No. 000606 entitled an Ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of an L shaped private street known as Paleski Road, 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 today of the 12 bills that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the placement of Bill Nos. 000506, 000510, 000511, 000513, 000538, 000542, 000582, 000584, 000589, 000604, 000605 and 000606 on today's First Reading Calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. FIRST READING CALENDAR (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed today's First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 000583, an Ordinance authorizing the amendment of the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation agreement to provide for a temporary change in the amount of temporary financing that the City may provide to the Philadelphia Gas Works and authorizing the temporary advance of up to $45 million to the Philadelphia Gas Works pursuant to that agreement, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 000590 an Ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 11, 2000, Bill No. 000005, adopting the Operating Budget FIRST READING CALENDAR for Fiscal Year 2001 by making in accordance with Section 2-301 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter certain additional appropriations needed to meet the unanticipated emergency created by a cash flow crisis at the Philadelphia Gas Works.
And Bill No. 000506 an Ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 157, 158 and 226.
And Bill No. 000510, an Ordinance amending Section 12-2409 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Towing Zone Locations and Hours, by adding a towing zone location the north and south sides of Green Street.
And Bill No. 000511, an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980443, approved June 25, 1998, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and FIRST READING CALENDAR grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120.
And Bill No. 000513, an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 970818, approve April 13, 1998, entitled An Ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58.
And Bill No. 000538, an Ordinance authorizing Kate Osuala, owner of the property located at 1301 South 57th Street, to construct, use and maintain a one-story garage addition on and over the south footway of Thomas Street.
And Bill No. 000542, an Ordinance establishing a no motor home parking regulation on Bennington Street, Pike Street to Luzerne Street, both sides.
Bill No. 000582 an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No 990366, approved July 1, 1999, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 17-S.
Bill No. 000584 an Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 990368, approved July 1, 1999, entitled an Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266.
And Bill No. 000589 an Ordinance amending Section 1 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 000374, approved August 11, 2000, entitled An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 121.
And Bill No. 000604 an Ordinance authorizing the construction of water mains and appurtenant work in a right-of-way partially in and along portions of a private street FIRST READING CALENDAR known as Paleski Road.
And Bill No. 000605 an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to select and appropriate a certain right-of-way through 8480 Hagy's Mill Road.
And Bill No. 000606 an Ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of an L shaped private street known as Paleski Road.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for any bills to be called on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for consideration.
Thank you, SPEECHES Madam President. This morning there are no bills on second reading and final passage. Both Bill Nos. 000103A and 000314 are being held.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. That will conclude our calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief. I was glad to support the resolution by Councilman Cohen this morning in the spirit in this Council and in the spirit of community in the City. There is nothing wrong with talking. This issue of school reform was taken on by many different entities over the last several years: By the Committee of 70, by the Education Summit, by the State Legislature, and by this Council and the voters. When the issues taken up by this Council last year, the original bill, and I can be corrected if I need to be, actually included a ADJOURNMENT provision that require Council to confirm school board members. Council actually had the opportunity at that point to interject itself in the process. I think Council wisely decided take itself out of that process in order to have full accountability in the Office of the Mayor. I'm glad of the action we took today to send a message that we are about community, we are about cooperation; but in the end, I think as you have pointed out also, we really need some sense of accountability in this district if we're going to go to funders and if people are going to take this issue of reform seriously. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority. (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourn until Thursday November 2, 2000, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand ADJOURNMENT adjourned until Thursday, November 2, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is carried. (Council adjourned at 11:05 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of October 19, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public