1. Description and Resolution of the Event
The October 6th Philadelphia City Council meeting afforded me the long awaited opportunity to see the inside of one of my favorite architectural landmarks. As a kid growing up not far from the city, I’d occasionally pass it during a family or school outing. Although still young, I was mesmerized and intrigued by its size and magnificent architectural details. For this reason, and in defiance of friend’s suggestion that I should just stay at home and watch it on television, I woke a bit earlier than normal and made the long journey from University City to the building beneath William Penn’s perch.
The address of the meeting was simply City Hall, Room 400. Knowing what a large building it is, I arrived …show more content…
At the time, I had little idea of the significance of it. Ordinance #160713, was introduced with the purpose of amending the Philadelphia Code to “provide that building service employees performing labor under certain building service contracts, receive the prevailing wage and prevailing working conditions.” (Philadelphia City Council "Oct. 6, 2016 Meeting Agenda") The large crowd of union workers and others supporters broke out in cheers and applause upon the bill’s approval. Upon researching it later, I learned this would affect over 2,000 service employees of “city-subsidized” buildings, including universities and hospitals. Following the conclusion of the agenda items were some additional resolutions, all unanimously passing, and speeches made by council members.
2. Critical Evaluation of the Meeting
Although the historic interior was as impressive and grand as I had hoped it would be, I was surprised the council chamber was on the 4th floor. The council meetings are open to the public, who are encouraged to attend, but then the room seemed tucked away. I found this odd, although I’m not exactly sure it was that strange.
When the meeting began 45-minutes late, the first task was a prayer, or as my mind said it, “A PRAYER???” I stood out of respect but didn’t follow a word as I was more questioning why school kids can’t say the pledge of allegiance in public schools, but we start our legislative meetings that create laws, policies and actions of government with a
The October 6th Philadelphia City Council meeting afforded me the long awaited opportunity to see the inside of one of my favorite architectural landmarks. As a kid growing up not far from the city, I’d occasionally pass it during a family or school outing. Although still young, I was mesmerized and intrigued by its size and magnificent architectural details. For this reason, and in defiance of friend’s suggestion that I should just stay at home and watch it on television, I woke a bit earlier than normal and made the long journey from University City to the building beneath William Penn’s perch.
The address of the meeting was simply City Hall, Room 400. Knowing what a large building it is, I arrived …show more content…
At the time, I had little idea of the significance of it. Ordinance #160713, was introduced with the purpose of amending the Philadelphia Code to “provide that building service employees performing labor under certain building service contracts, receive the prevailing wage and prevailing working conditions.” (Philadelphia City Council "Oct. 6, 2016 Meeting Agenda") The large crowd of union workers and others supporters broke out in cheers and applause upon the bill’s approval. Upon researching it later, I learned this would affect over 2,000 service employees of “city-subsidized” buildings, including universities and hospitals. Following the conclusion of the agenda items were some additional resolutions, all unanimously passing, and speeches made by council members.
2. Critical Evaluation of the Meeting
Although the historic interior was as impressive and grand as I had hoped it would be, I was surprised the council chamber was on the 4th floor. The council meetings are open to the public, who are encouraged to attend, but then the room seemed tucked away. I found this odd, although I’m not exactly sure it was that strange.
When the meeting began 45-minutes late, the first task was a prayer, or as my mind said it, “A PRAYER???” I stood out of respect but didn’t follow a word as I was more questioning why school kids can’t say the pledge of allegiance in public schools, but we start our legislative meetings that create laws, policies and actions of government with a