COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 24, 2014 10:35 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
The hour has come. We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. As the members take their seats, we'll get started today. To give our invocation this morning, we actually have a special guest. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who will give our invocation this morning. (Applause.)
Would all guests and visitors and members please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you very much. I went to one of the late and great Lucien Blackwell's favorite hymns. I will read part of that: He Lives. savior. He's in the world today. I know that he is living, whatever men may say. I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer. And just the time I need him, he's always near. He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, he lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know he lives. He lives within my heart. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. We thank you for the privilege of being here one more day and praising thy name one more day. We thank you, Lord, for all who are here. We ask that you continue to give the courage to do the things we must, the wisdom to know what to do, and the passion to care. We thank you, Lord, this week for so many lives who have served us. We remember the life of Sharon Ortiz who was worked for this body and in this building. We also want to thank you for the life of Mother Simmons. She always came to tell us we weren't yet grown and that she was going to get her belt and that we should not deal in bad company. She came here for every Council hearing to ask about prayer in schools. So we ask that you bless their lives and the families who survive them and comfort them during these difficult times. And we thank you, Lord, for helping us to be here and to be alive in our right minds. We realize that there's so many people who are homeless, who are hungry, who don't know where their next meal is coming from, who are desperate for comfort. We ask you, Lord, that you send them our way and help us to be a comfort to those in need as we try to do thy will for all thy people. And finally, Father, we thank you for this wonderful body. We thank leadership, our President and all who serve here. Let us always live to represent thy people, and in so doing so, do thy will. These blessings we ask in thy name and for thy sake. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. Folks, before we proceed, I'd just like to ask for a moment of silence briefly for a former staffer here, a good friend of us all, Ms. Sharon Ortiz-Belpre. She was a very special person, and we're saddened to hear that she transitioned. So I'd just like to ask for a moment of silence for a really good friend and a really good person. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. The next order of business is of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 10th, 2014. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 10th, 2014 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 10th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you very much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has come down here today to witness their government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you've taken time out of your day to witness your government. We hope that your stay here is a really pleasurable one and an one, so much so that you come back again next week and the subsequent weeks and the subsequent weeks. So, again, thank you so much for being here today. We look forward to seeing you again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Would Patricia Alford and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Tasco, we have Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
It's Delta time, and it's Delta Day. We come here every year to celebrate this outstanding organization and the work that they do. this resolution, along with my colleague Councilwoman Brown, and we have Nicole here, who is a young Delta working on the staff of Congressman Jones -- I mean Councilman Jones. Might go to Congress one day. And Frances Jones, who is a Delta from SEPTA. Thank you for joining us. Recognizing and acknowledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of its Seventh Annual Philadelphia City Council Delta Day. Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Howard University on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two African American collegiate women. Nearly 6 weeks after its inception, the founders of this illustrious organization participated in their first collective act of public service, marching in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, DC; and
Whereas, the twenty-two founders envisioned an their collective strength to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide assistance to persons in need, educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in our communities; and Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta has been incorporated since 1930 and now boasts more than 200,000 members with over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea; and Whereas, 40,000 members convened on Washington, DC last summer for the 100th Anniversary;
Whereas, the major programs of the sorority are based upon the Organization's Five Point Thrust of: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement; and Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta is highly recognized for its commitment to sisterhood, community service, and the creation and implementation of programs that support the mission of Delta; and
Whereas, as a national and international body, Delta Sigma Theta has participated in numerous Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, and in March of 2003 became a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations, granting the Organization special consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; and Whereas, chapters from across Pennsylvania participate annually in Legislative Days in Harrisburg, and we're honored and pleased to be joined by members of Philadelphia, Quaker City Chapter, and the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters, who seek to become involved in the local public policy process to further pledge their commitment to our city. Now, therefore, be it resolved
Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize and acknowledge Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of its Seventh Annual Philadelphia City Council Delta Day. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to members of Delta Sigma Theta as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And let me say that while all the Delta members in this Delaware Valley area support this effort, this Delta Day was really founded by the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, and they're here every year and are supported by the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters. And we welcome them and we thank you very much for (Applause.)
To the honorable Darrell L. Clarke and the distinguished members of the Philadelphia Council, which includes our sorority sisters and friends, I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Chapter President, Sandra Brockington Gould, who was not able to be with us today, and from all the members of Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. Each year we look forward to your invitation to present to you how we as members and citizens of Philadelphia can assist in the communities. We monitor laws on the City, state, and federal levels and the kind of impact these laws make on our citizens. This forum today is being sponsored by the Social Action Committee, which is one of the many committees of the following things: We prepare dinners for veterans at the Veterans Comfort Home. We donated over 200 bags of toiletries to homeless families this year. We sponsored a Delta Day at the nation's capital and state capital. We have a few youth programs such as the Delta Gyms and the Delta Academies, working with at-risk young females. Numerous scholarships are given each year, and we've been in existence this particular chapter for 35-plus years, and we give those scholarships to high school seniors preparing to attend colleges throughout this great nation. Voter registration drives twice a year has been initiated from the start of our chapter. This chapter has participated in the raising of funds for breast cancer, Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, sickle cell anemia, heart disease, and we have had blood drives. You know that we as women, we love our shoes, so this fall we donated 200 pairs of shoes to the Goodwill to keep those people working. On a national level, over 300,000 members from across the nation tackle issues that we feel are unfair and have a profound effect on human beings. This year our biggest thrust was the affordable healthcare and the right to vote issues, and we held forums to keep citizens involved and in knowledge. Know this, Councilmembers: After 101 years of public service, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will always be in attendance at your meetings, and we will address any issues that we feel address the citizens fairly or unfairly. I also want to let you know that we also call this leadership Youth Leadership Day, and I have with me -- I'm a principal, but I'm outside the City. I'm in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, but I did bring my students, who are potential leaders, to see how Council operates, and they are in the back. (Applause.)
President, could you come down. I have a presentation for you. Council President Darrell L. Clarke, we are extremely proud of your success, and your leadership is outstanding and you make all of us proud. So on behalf of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, we honor Council President Darrell L. Clarke for your dedication and assisting and supporting the citizens of this great City of Philadelphia and the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, April 24th, 2014, Mrs. Sandra Brockington Gould, Chapter President. Thank you.
Thank you so much. And to the Deltas, thank you so much. Before we proceed with our next presentation, I would like to recognize Councilman Henon and then Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and then Councilwoman Tasco, in that order, please. Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. It's my pleasure to recognize two students who are here for a shadowing day from one of the charter schools in the district, New Foundation Charter School, Anne Coley Supard and Cora Natelbert, who have been engaged over the last several years in not only civic responsibilities but the love of government and the process in which we -and our business that we take place in this body. So if I could ask them please to stand up so we could recognize them their participation today. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. We also seize the moment today to welcome all of our daughters and sons who have joined us for Take Our Daughters to Work Day. For 21 years, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day has inspired the next generation of more than 37 million young people and adults participating at well over 3.5 million workplaces. So we thank you, Mr. President, for an opportunity to lift up these young people, who we need to be paying attention to, because at some moment they'll be sitting where we're sitting. Thank you very, very much, could ask all the young people to stand as we acknowledge you for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to remind my colleagues that the Deltas and the students from Collingdale will be in the Council Chambers after Council. We would appreciate if the members of Council would stop by and say hello so they can have a little personal contact with them. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also wanted to recognize a young lady who was here today shadowing me from my district, the 8th District, and her name is Ms. Alexandria Childs. She's an 8th grader from John Story Jenks in Chestnut Hill. And if she could rise and be acknowledged. We hear so many -(Applause.)
We hear so many negative stories about our young people and it makes us all have grave concern and worry about the future and our young people, and so when they're doing something right, we just really want to celebrate them. So I'm so glad that she's here and all of our young people are here today. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. I guess today is children's and young people's day. I also want to acknowledge Dean of Students at Walter D. Palmer Charter School, Mr. Will Mega, and the young people from Walter D. Palmer Charter School are here -(Applause.)
-- to watch our City government here today. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, sir. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. In that spirit of recognizing young people who are observing how we go about our daily business, I want to recognize some special young people right behind me, if they would stand up. They're my grand-kids. And I tried to -- (Applause.)
I tried to convince them, Mr. President, that Councilman Greenlee talked a lot in Council, but they didn't fall for it. They pointed at me. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you so much, and welcome and thank you all, all the young people for coming down today, and congratulations to the wonderful things that you do. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution to SEPTA Police Officer Ronald B. Jones and Minister Tameka Bates. Would Mr. Jones and Minister Bates please come up to the podium. And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, and Squilla. And we also have our great General Manager, Mr. Casey.
To be a great city, to be a city that moves people from work to play to home, we rely on SEPTA to do that, and one of the things that to make a great city's mass transportation, people have to believe that they are safe, and that when they are not, there are people willing to step up to the plate to make them so. On March 17th, 2014, at 2:55 p.m., we remember that day on video watching in horror as an individual with a gun approached a mother with child. While many of the riders on that SEPTA train acted as though they did not see the danger, would not respond and react to the situation, one intrepid lady decided to take matters in her hands and put God in her heart. And I watched an angel that day protect a citizen from the spirit of the devil, and I was never so proud, never so proud, never so proud. And then that same day I watched an officer in that subway apprehend the individual, wrestling him like he was on the Olympic wrestling team, would not be deterred. I mean, this was better than WCW Smackdown, but was also disturbing was, it worked. There weren't that many people coming to his aid, but he was undaunted and did what he had to do. So today we are recognizing these good samaritans with a resolution commending and honoring SEPTA Police Officer Ronald P. Jones, no relation but I'd ride the subways with him any day, and Minister Tameka Bates, who I would definitely take my TransPass with. I am pleased and proud to commend and honor SEPTA Police Officer Ronald P. Jones and Minister Tameka Bates for their heroic acts of bravery during a violent disruption on a SEPTA train. The Good Samaritan efforts of Minister Bates prevented harm to an by a man attempting allegedly to kidnap the mother's baby. Officer Jones was instrumental in apprehension of this violent assailant who threatened to shoot innocent SEPTA victims; and
Whereas, on Monday, March 17th, 2014 at approximately 2:55 p.m., police radio calls reported a man with a gun threatening passengers on board a SEPTA southbound Broad Street Line train that had just left Cecil B. Moore Station; and
Whereas, SEPTA passenger Minister Tameka Bates, the minister at Resurrection Evangelistic Church, engaged in a Good Samaritan act observing the man follow mother and infant, swatting as if he was attempting to grab a baby. Minister Bates immediately sprang in to rescue the mother and child by placing herself directly in front of the opposing man, warding him off and escorting the mother the suspect at least twice; and
Whereas, moments later SEPTA Police Officer Ronald P. Jones arrived on the scene to apprehend the violent, disruptive assailant and immediately observed a man screaming at a female passenger and threatening to shoot her; and Whereas, Officer Jones was viciously attacked by the man, who was unaffected by the OC spray, which is pepper spray, and tried to rip the handgun from Officer Jones' holster during the struggle, which continued for several minutes until backup officers arrived to assist Officer Jones and place the man under arrest; and
And whereas, Officer Ronald Jones' swift response, tactical approach and tremendous professionalism restraint in confronting this violent offender was critical in protecting dozens of SEPTA escalation of the incident by a very dangerous assailant;
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby commends and honors SEPTA Police Officer Ronald P. Jones and Minister Tameka Bates for their heroic acts of bravery. That should probably be underscored in bold ink and capital letters. Heroic acts of bravery, which led to the prevention of harm to SEPTA passengers and further led to the apprehension of a violent assailant.
Further with appreciation for the outstanding example of Good Samaritan citizenship by Minister Bates and for all Officer Jones does in law enforcement for the citizens of the City of Philadelphia, we extend them the sincere respect, admiration, and gratitude of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Officer Jones and Minister Bates for remarks. OFFICER JONES: Good morning. (Good morning.) OFFICER JONES: I'd like to thank City Council for the recognition. I'd like to thank Chief Nestel, his staff for the moral supports that they give me every day. Once again, I'd like to thank City Council for taking the time to reflect on that day and show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I see we have a lot of young people here today. Do the right thing. Thank you. (Applause.)
Giving honor to God, who's first in my life. I would like to take this time to thank City Council for this recognition and especially our Councilman, Curtis Jones, Jr., because he did not have to do it. So I do thank you for that. And I also would just like to encourage everyone that there's nothing wrong with loving one another, caring on one another. And when you have the love of Christ in your heart, it makes it a little bit more easy. And just to end, any time anyone wants to take a ride on the train and you need some assistance, I'm here for you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. For our last presentation, at this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Brian O'Neill, who will present a resolution in solemn recognition of the week of April 27th through May 3rd, 2014 as the annual remembrance of the Six perished during the Holocaust. Would Sarita Gocial and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining the Councilman, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Johnson, and Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution in solemn recognition for the week of April 27th through May 3rd, 2014 as the annual remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs who perished during the Holocaust. Whereas, over sixty years ago, six million Jews were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust as part of a systematic program of genocide, and millions of other people suffered as victims of Nazism; and
Whereas, in a city replete with reminders of the past stands a memorial to the Six Million at the hands of Nazi persecution. The Monument stands as a striking symbol to all who cherish freedom of religious conviction, equality and the dignity of man; and
Whereas, shortly after survivors of the Holocaust arrived in Philadelphia, they embarked on a sacred mission to perpetuate the memory of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs. At that time, not a single American city had a monument erected to commemorate the victims; Philadelphia was the first and the monument would become a visible reminder of one of the darkest times in human history; and Whereas, the Monument, located at 16th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, was unveiled and presented to the City of Philadelphia by what is now known as the Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia on April 26th, 1964. It is both a tribute to the dead and a reminder the need for constant vigilance to preserve liberty for all; and
Whereas, the granite base of the Monument includes the names of concentration camps, ghettos and death camps with the inscription that reads, "Now and forever enshrined in memory are the Six Million Jewish Martyrs who perished in concentration camps, ghettos and gas chambers. In their deepest agony they clung to the image of humanity, and their acts of resistance in the forests and ghettos redeemed the honor of man. Their suffering and heroism are forever branded upon our conscience and shall be remembered from generation to generation; and
Whereas, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Memorial Committee for the Six Million Jewish Martyrs invite all citizens of Philadelphia and the region to join in the commemoration ceremony on 27th, 2014 in front of the Holocaust Monument on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Therefore, by virtue of this resolution, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby recognize the week of April 27th through May 3rd, 2014 as the annual remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs. We further recognize the horror of the Holocaust, and extend to the Memorial Committee the respect and admiration of this legislative body. This was signed by the President of City Council and co-sponsored by every member of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. Good morning. On behalf of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Federation of Greater Philadelphia, I am pleased to be here today to receive a Sunday, April 27th as the day of remembrance for the six million Jewish martyrs of the Holocaust. We wish to thank President Clarke and Councilman O'Neill and members of City Council for this recognition. Our monument was unveiled and presented to the City of Philadelphia by the Association of Jewish New Americans, known today as the Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, and the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Greater Philadelphia on April 26th, 1964. It is both a tribute to the dead as well as a reminder to the living for the need for constant vigilance to preserve liberty for all. For the past 50 years, a site of the monument, the Memorial Committee for the six million Jewish martyrs has coordinated an annual memorial service to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Holocaust, making the monument a living memorial, thus fulfilling the hope of the survivors of Philadelphia. This observance fulfills the dreams of the survivor community, ensuring that the events of the Holocaust will not be forgotten. The monument is a testament that future generations will continue in the sacred work. The monument was created by the internationally known sculpture Nathan Rapoport, himself a Holocaust survivor from Warsaw. He also created a monument on the grounds of the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland where the Nazi herded 350,000 Jews to their deaths. Cast in bronze, the monument stands 18 feet from the base to the top. It depicts a mother gasping for her last breath as flames envelope her, together with a child upholding the scroll of the Torah, the five books of Moses. A patriarchal figure has arms raised in benediction. Several other arms wielding daggers symbolize Jewish resistance grouping is surrounded by a blazing bush and crowned by a flaming menorah. If there is to be compensation for those deaths, it must be in the attitudes of those who survive. If there is to be any compensation, it must be in the dedication not of a monument but of a civilization, a dedication to the constant living insistence that never again shall people be singled out for hatred, for slaughter as a group, a religion, a race or a nation. It was the lack of such dedication that not only produced those six million deaths, but nearly destroyed the world. The monument standing on the spawning ground of freedom will have significance only so long as it cries out to every human being. We must not forget. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 140224, 140225, 140233, 140234, 140235, 140236, 140277, and 140280; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 23, 2014, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 10, 2014; and I am transmitting for the body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 249 West Jefferson Street; and An ordinance approving a Lease Amendment between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Girard Square A NY for certain premises located at 1137 Chestnut Street; and An ordinance further amending Bill No. 130325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith), as previously amended by Bill No. 130583, by approving a further amended Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2014; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2015 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2020, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you, sir. At this time, we have the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. In honor of No. 15 from Wampum, Pennsylvania, hoping that 2015 will finally be his year of recognition, I offer one resolution.
A non-privileged resolution urging the members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's "Golden Era Committee" to nominate and elect former Philadelphia Phillies great Dick Allen to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015.
Thank you. That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of the University of Pennsylvania, 3801 through 3803 Locust Walk, for the construction of the Perry World House Building.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixth, Fifty-First and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Together with you, I offer one bill and on your behalf, I offer two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by regulating the placement and location of utility meters in historic districts and on historic buildings and making technical changes.
That bill will be placed in the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have five bills and four privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to: A) acquire by lease or by deal land in the area bounded by the Delaware River, the former Frankford Creek, Bridge Street, Tacony Street and Darkrun Lane.
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 Tacony Street, Comly Street, the Delaware River, Frankford Creek and Bridge Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by relocating the southeasterly houseline of Tacony Street, from a point approximately one-thousand seven-hundred fifty-seven feet northeast of Bridge Street to a point approximately six-hundred seventy-four feet further northeastwardly therefrom.
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 Tacony Street, Comly Street extended, the Delaware River, Frankford Creek, and Bridge Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute a deed to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and to accept a deed from PAID, and to execute all other necessary documents, for the purpose of exchanging an approximately One and one-tenths acre parcel of City-owned land (the "K&T Parcel") that is part of a larger parcel commonly called the Kensington and Tacony Trail running between Tacony Street and the Frankford Creek, for an approximately One and one-tenths acre parcel of land of equal or greater value owned by PAID.
And a privileged resolution honoring Father Judge High School Varsity Wrestling Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA District XII Championship.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Father Judge High School Varsity Soccer Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA District XII Championship.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution recognizing May, 2014 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Father Judge High School Bowling Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
And that will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance further amending Bill No. 130325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith), as previously amended by Bill No. 130583, by approving a further amended Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2014.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2015 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2020.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution, one non-privileged resolution, and two bills.
An ordinance legalizing an existing architectural planter encroaching on the public right-of-way at 1700 South Broad Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioners of the Department of the Public Property and the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a license agreement between PECO Energy Company as Licensor and the City of Philadelphia as Licensee for a certain strip of land located along the east side of the Schuylkill River between Christian Street and a point approximately 612 feet northeast of Christian Street to be used for an extension of the Schuylkill River recreational trail.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Sanchez threw me off. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
A privileged resolution recognizing Thursday, April 24, 2014 as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill, four non-privileged resolutions co-sponsored by yourself, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Wilson Goode, Sanchez, and Johnson.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding West Allegheny Avenue between Bambrey and 26th Streets as a permissible location.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Opportunities Industrialization Center on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary to be celebrated on June 12th through the 15th, 2014.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming and designating May 2014 as "Building Safety Month" and encouraging all property owners, developers and residents to learn about the necessities of building safety and to comply with new and improved City policies to preserve building safety and to protect public safety in Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar -- we will have that on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jennifer Leary, on behalf of Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, for her work with community residents with their pet needs after residents have experienced life altering situations.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Resurrection Baptist Church founded in 1917 on the occasion of its 97th Anniversary to be celebrated on April 27th, 2014.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
I still have no bills or resolutions. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. I figured the second time I was going to get you to change your mind. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance approving a lease amendment between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Girard Square A NY for certain premises located at 1137 Chestnut Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Sanjay Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of 13th and Filbert Streets, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of 13th and Filbert Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand.
And an ordinance authorizing Moonshine Philly to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1825 East Moyamensing Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Narottam Parmar, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the north side of Washington Avenue from 821 Washington Avenue to 801 Washington Avenue, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the north side of Washington Avenue from 821 Washington Avenue to 801 Washington Avenue for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand.
And that bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones," by designating the area bounded by Hunting Park Avenue to the north, Lehigh Avenue to the south, Broad Street to the east and Twenty-Fourth Street to the west as a Housing Opportunity Zone pursuant to the 1500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you so much, Councilman. And that concludes our introduction of bills and -- thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
My apologies, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 249 West Jefferson Street.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And we will now have reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports 13 resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 140245, entitled "A resolution appointing Hannah DePaulis to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140246, entitled "A resolution appointing John Foy to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140247, entitled "A resolution appointing Sara McCorriston to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and 140248, entitled "A resolution appointing Dara Slott to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution 140249, entitled "A resolution appointing Frank DiCicco to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140250, entitled "A resolution appointing Michele Grant to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140251, entitled "A resolution appointing Ellen Owens to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140252, entitled "A resolution appointing James Weber to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140253, entitled "A resolution appointing Howard Lander to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and 140254, entitled "A resolution appointing Christian Dunbar to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140255, entitled "A resolution appointing Francesca Rivetti to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140327, entitled "A resolution appointing Richard Goldberg to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 140328, entitled "A resolution appointing Dan King to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. These resolutions will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. And the Chair now recognizes report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 140098, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by creating a new Spring Garden /NCA Overlay District in the area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, Callowhill Street, and 18th Street and prohibiting Personal Credit Establishments within the District"; and Bill No. 140149, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, Front Street, Delaware Expressway, Spring Garden Street, 3rd Street, Brown Street, and 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 140233, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hermitage Street, Henry Avenue, Dupont Street, Ridge Avenue, Monastery Avenue, Dexter Street, Lyceum Avenue, Manayunk Avenue, Leverington Avenue, and Ridge Avenue"; and Bill No. 140234, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Dungan Road, Napfle Avenue, Railroad Right-of-Way, and Rhawn Street," considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 140098, 140149, 140233, and 140234. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140098, 140149, 140233, and 140234. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 130907, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel to land bounded by North Delaware Avenue to the east, Spring Garden Street to the south, North Beach Street to the west, and Fairmount Avenue to the north, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 130948, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail"; and Bill No. 140225, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, parcels of land generally situate at 1224, 1226, 1228 and 1230 through 32 North Mascher Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 140235, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land generally situate at 2518 East Clearfield Street, for further conveyance," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this day for Bills No. 130907, 140225, and 140235. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130907, 140225, and 140235. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Bill No. 130948 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. That concludes our committee reports, and the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that all the bills just reported from committee have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills 2ND READING and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 140317, 140319, 140320, 140322, 140 -- no; 130529, 130952, 130954, 140016, 140018, 140074, 140077, 140097, 140102, 140179, 140208, and 140210. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. One second, please. (Pause.)
Thank you. Before proceeding with our vote on our bills and resolutions, we will have public comment. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage today, if you haven't already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will come up to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that table. That device has a light. When it turns green, it will be your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines established for public comment and conclude your remarks. You each will be given three minutes to speak. So at this time, Mr. Decker, could you please read the name of the first individual who is interested in testifying.
Saltan Ashley-Shah, commenting on 130694. (Witness approached podium.)
-- Mr. President, members of City Council. I'm here today addressing this bill that is dealing with education, and I'm doing so because these same tentacles have reached out to our school as well, and as we know, most recently in the news, Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Charter School's charter is being threatened by the SRC. It's been an ongoing negotiated process for about a year in terms of back and forth working on numbers. We won a major lawsuit yesterday.
Mr. Shah, can you do me a favor? And I know what you're attempting to do, because the bill that you're referencing is advertisement, and I want to give you some leeway, because I understand the situation. So if you can do me a favor, just start out and reference the bill that you're speaking on today and then you can segue into your real issue.