Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. We have a pretty long agenda today. If members have taken their seat, we have established a quorum. Visitors will retire behind the rail. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, we have a very special guest, and I'd like to recognize Stefen Wisniewski of the Philadelphia -- wait a minute. Hold it. The Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles. (Applause.)
He is here today as the guest of Councilman Oh. Thank you, Champ.
If everybody would please stand. (Councilmembers, guests, and Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
I'm honored to be here with you guys. It's been awesome to see since the Super Bowl just how much that win has meant to the City, and I'm proud to have been a part of that. I think what we did was special for a lot of reasons, but hopefully we can be an inspiration that a group of people from different backgrounds, different races, different socioeconomic backgrounds can come together for a common purpose and achieve something pretty awesome. And something a lot of people know about our team is that one thing that really bonded a lot of us together was our faith in Christ and that a lot of our players are followers of Jesus and spend a lot of time studying the word of God together, praying together, and I think that gave us a special bond. That's why I'm here today, is to pray. So let's bow our heads. Father in heaven, you are holy, Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 all-powerful, all-mighty. You sit above the circled earth we got down here. We look like little grasshoppers, and yet you love us so much, God. You love us so much that you sent your son Jesus to die on the cross to pay a penalty for our sins, God. Thank you for that. God, our prayer this morning is that your will will be done here on earth, here in Philadelphia, here in the City Council as it is in heaven. God, this city, this earth, it doesn't look like it's supposed to, God. It doesn't look like heaven. We have way too much chaos, way too much violence, way too much selfishness. God, forgive us for our part in the failings of this world, forgive us for our sins, and fill us with your spirit that we may walk more closely with you and that we may make this world down here like it is up in heaven. God, I want to pray for this Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 pray for the Councilmembers, all the leaders of this City, God. We want to pray that you would give them the spirit of unselfishness, Lord Jesus, that pride would be done away with and humility would rule, Lord Jesus. We pray that all the leaders of this City would do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility would consider others more important than themselves and that we would not -- all the leaders would not think of their own career, their own interests, but would be empty vessels, God, servants, Lord Jesus, as you were a servant, Lord Jesus. You made yourself nothing, coming down from heaven, coming to this earth to walk around with us dirty, dirty, selfish human beings, but did that out of humility, God. Let our leaders take your example and follow that. God, I also want to pray for unity, Lord Jesus. We are so divided as Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 nation, as a city for a lot of reasons, God, and we just pray that -- pray for unity of mind, unity of heart, unity of spirit through you, Lord Jesus, through your spirit, that we would work together and put aside our differences, in your name. We love you, Lord Jesus. Ask your blessing and ask these in your powerful name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Mr. Wisniewski, for those spirited words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8th, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8th, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8, 2018 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And on behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Before we proceed, I would ask if anyone has a device, cell phone or any other type of device that makes any noise, could you please turn it off. Thank you very much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We wish that your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, we really appreciate you being Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 time, for our first presentation, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution recognizing my good friend and spiritual advisor, Sister Mary Scullion, as the Grand Marshal of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Would Sister Mary Scullion and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Greenlee, and Councilman Johnson. And I believe we also have Councilman Squilla.
Good morning. That's right. Before we begin, I would like to -- want to say a few Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 special occasion as we honor the Grand Marshal, but it's very special this year, because a miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by nature, natural or scientific laws and is, therefore, considered to be work of a divine agency. If you listen to the interviews conducted by Sister and with Sister, along with Sister, you will periodically hear her talk about miracles. She once said that it was a miracle that she was able to get people to believe in her at the onset when no one knew anything about her, her mission or Project HOME. I've never argued or I've never said no to a nun. Catholic school has taught me well. But in this case, I would say, Sister Mary, the miracle wasn't that people believed in you. The miracle is you. You are evidence of God's power and presence in our lives and his ability to work in us and through us, from running organizations that have Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 immigrants, to preserving the arts and culture of the Irish, the incredible people standing along with me here today and the parade's Ring of Honor, the Board members of the St. Patrick's Day Observance Committee, our incredible dancers, the Celtic Flames. They all represent the best of the Philadelphia Irish community. Everyone standing here is so proud to honor and recognize Sister Mary Scullion as Grand Marshal of the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade. Sister is the daughter of Irish immigrants. So proud that we can call her one of our own, but we are especially proud of her tireless work to answer God's call to serving Philadelphia's homeless by giving them homes, housing opportunity for unemployment, medical care, and education. We are here to thank and honor Sister for her fearless and wicked dedication, her compassion, and her Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 faith, and in doing so, we are thanking God for giving us the miracle that Sister Mary Scullion is and represents. Sister, on behalf of my colleagues on City Council, especially Council President Clarke, on behalf of the entire Irish community, the Ring of Honor of the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade Board, we thank you for being here. Go raibh mile maith agat. May God continue to bless you. And with that, we are going to start and recognize and honoring Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M. as the Grand Marshal of the 248th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
This resolution covers about as much as Sister Mary's history that you can fit on a resolution. One thing that definitely won't be in here is something I experienced several years with her and are very fond memories, bartending on St. Patrick's Day Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 And we were actually -- we would actually try to be bartenders, and it didn't work real well, but we had a great time. And so whereas, Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M. is a Philadelphia-based American Roman Catholic religious sister and activist, named by "Time" as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2009, alongside Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey; Whereas, Sister Mary Scullion's commitment to the service of others began with her education at Little Flower High School -- Catholic High School for Girls, a Jesuit education from St. Joseph's University -- it's almost a Catholic education, right? I went there -- and a Master's in Social Work from Temple University; and Whereas, Scullion joined the Sister of Mercy and began working on behalf of the homeless in 1976. She has been involved in service work and Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 mentally ill persons since 1978. Sister Mary was a co-founder in 1985 of Women of Hope, which provides permanent residences and support services for homeless mentally ill women; and
Whereas, in 1988 -- and I was here working for Lucien Blackwell in those days -- Sister Mary founded the Outreach Coordination Center, the nation's first program that coordinated city, private, and public agencies to assist people living on the streets with special needs in finding housing and shelter in a more systematic way. The following year, she and her associate, Joan Dawson McConnon, co-founded Project H.O.M.E., a nationally recognized organization that provides supportive housing, employment, education and healthcare to enable chronically homeless and low-income persons to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty under the motto "none of us are home Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 are home"; and Whereas, Project H.O.M.E. has grown from an emergency winter shelter to 802 units of affordable and supportive housing for persons who have experienced homelessness and low-income persons at risk of homelessness in the City of Philadelphia. There are an additional 30 units under construction, 42 units in pre-development, and 170 units in the pipeline. Project H.O.M.E.'s goal is to complete 1,000 total units of affordable housing in the near future; and
Whereas, under Sister Mary's leadership, Project H.O.M.E. established the Hub of Hope, which for six winters has served as a walk-in engagement center located in the concourses of Suburban Station. Since 2012, the Hub has had over 36,000 visits and facilitated 1,429 placements into shelter, treatment programs, and housing around the City. Now, through a partnership between SEPTA, the City of Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Philadelphia, and Project H.O.M.E., the Hub of Hope has expanded into a permanent location in Suburban Station to offer year-round services; and Whereas, Sister Mary Scullion has been recognized locally and nationally for her dedication to the service of the less fortunate and has received numerous awards and honorary doctorates for her leadership including the 1992 Philadelphia Award, a 2002 Eisenhower Fellowship, the 2002 Ford Foundation's prestigious "Leadership for a Changing World Award," and the 2011 Medal from The University of Notre Dame, which is the highest award given to an American Catholic; and
Whereas, Sister Mary's dedication to Philadelphia includes serving as a Trustee at St. Joseph's University and a tenure on the City of Philadelphia's Board of Ethics; and Whereas, Sister Mary Scullion's Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 is rooted in the guiding principles of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, which was founded in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland by Catherine McAuley; and Whereas, the theme of the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade is "St. Patrick, Bless Those Who Respond to the Call of the Needy"; and
Whereas, joining Sister Mary Scullion as Grand Marshal, the Ring of Honor members for the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade include Honorable Bobby Henon, Honorable Brian O'Neill, Sister Kathleen Klarich, R.S.M., Eileen Conboy Barrilli, Siobhan Lyons, Reverend James Callahan, Sean Trainor, William Heeney Senior, Joseph Ashdale, Wayne Miller, Monsignor Paul Kennedy, Sister Maureen McGarrity, Tom Regan, Clair McManus Fulginitti, Mike Roman, Jack Gill, and Joseph Driscoll; and Whereas, the 2018 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade would not be Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 support and dedication of the Mayo Association, the Donegal Society, the Derry Society, the Tyrone Society, the Cavan Society, the Galway Society, the Irish Society, the Second Street Irish Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Irish Memorial, the Behon Law Society, the Irish Network of Philadelphia, the Emerald Society, the Cairdeas Irish Brigade, the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association, and all the individual chapters of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians throughout Philadelphia and Delaware Valley; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, does hereby recognize and honor Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M. as Grand Marshal of the 248th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. And it further be resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Mary, R.S.M. as evidence of our sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And at this time, the Chair recognizes Sister Mary Scullion for remarks.
First, I want to recognize a little bit out of order, before our Grand Marshal, is the President of our St. Patrick's Day Observance Committee and Parade Committee, our own Bill Ivers. (Applause.)
After 46 years in politics, I don't often get to this level here, but I'm proud to be up here today. I'd like to thank our President, Darrell Clarke, and also Bobby Henon, Councilman Henon, and Councilman O'Neill for introducing this resolution and all of Council for signing on. Nearly 33 million Americans Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 made tremendous contributions to the betterment of our country. For centuries, the tenuous Irish spirit paired with American self-reliance has helped Irish immigrants and their descendents realize incredible dreams. With religious devotion, strength through love of family and confidence in promise of America, Irish Americans have engaged the American experience in robust and meaningful ways. Their neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces had affirmed the importance of faith, industry, and learning. It's therefore no wonder that Americans' art, business, and public life are marked by the Irish names and symbols. So in the spirit of St. Patrick, I wish you all a blessed and happy St. Patrick's Day. And also I'd like to say to Sister Mary Scullion, Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 mission here in Philadelphia and around the country. It's unbelievable what you have succeeded in doing for the unfortunate people around. And I'd like to thank my Board of Directors for a great parade last Sunday. We had tremendous weather and great crowds at our new location down at Independence Hall. Thank you, and happy St. Patrick's Day. (Applause.) SISTER MARY: Thanks a lot, Bill, and congratulations to the Ring of Honor. I really want to thank all of City Council, especially my friend, who is awesome, Council President Darrell Clarke. Thank you. And also to Jannie Blackwell and her late husband Lucien, who were such great leaders when the plight of the homeless -- we didn't have as many friends as we do today. So thank Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 much, Councilwoman.
Thank you. (Applause.) SISTER MARY: I just want to say that my mom and dad, especially my mom, experienced really deep poverty when she lived in Ireland, and my mom and dad came here in pursuit of the American dream. When they came, they didn't even have a high school -- I mean a grade school education. They didn't even graduate from eighth grade. My mom cleaned houses and my dad was a bartender. I really never lived up to his ability, but that's beside the point. Okay? But the thing I really think is really important is, they came in search of the American dream and they worked for that American dream of equal opportunity for all, and as long as we have people living on our streets and as long as we have immigrants who are unwelcome in our Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 country, that dream is still just that, a dream, and we have a lot of work to do in our society to make that dream a reality. Vincent Harding said, is America possible? And that question still haunts us today in the society that we live in today where there's greater economic disparities and they're growing. And so I'm deeply honored and touched by this award, but it's only an indication of so much more work that needs to be done, and when we as Irish coming from an Irish culture made gains in this country, it's even more incumbent upon us never to forget where we came from and never to forget the struggles of others, because we're one human family. Thank you. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Cheyney University. Would Milt Colston and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Green, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Gym, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilwoman Parker, of course Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Jones, Councilman Johnson.
This is a special pleasure for me. As you know, I'm very proud to be Jannie from Cheyney. (Applause.)
I want to thank Michael Coard for all of his Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Cheyney, all those who are here. Bob Bogle, thank you for everything you do and always have done. And I won't mention anyone else at this point, but thank you all for being here, and I want to thank all my colleagues. Resolution honoring and recognizing Cheyney University on the 40th Anniversary of its 1978 NCAA Division II Basketball Championship.
Whereas, on March 18th, 1978, the Cheyney Wolves made history by defeating the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in bringing home the NCAA Division II Championship trophy; and
Whereas, Cheyney State College opened as the Number Two team in the nation in the first Division II poll that year, just behind Green Bay, which held the Number One spot the entire season, with its only loss of the season being against Division I DePaul University; and Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
Whereas, there were 32 teams in the Division II Men's Basketball Tournament 40 years ago. Cheyney defeated Adelphi University in the regional semifinals, then went on to vanquish Philadelphia College in the regional final, which led them to beating Sacred Heart University in the national quarterfinals, and finally Florida Institute of Technology in the national semifinals; and
Whereas, the Cheyney championship team, led by Naismith Hall of Fame Coach, John Chaney, was comprised of John Butts, Duane Coleman, All-American Milt Colston, Tournament MVP Andrew Fields, Kenney Hinson, Jeffrey Hutcherson, Roger Leysath, Gerald Mills, Charles Murphy, Gilbert Saunders, Arthur Stone, and John Walter; and
Whereas, winning the championship would not have been possible without the dedication of Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Chaney; and Whereas, Cheyney University honored its 1977-78 Division II National Championship Men's Basketball Team on February 17th, 2018 inside Cope Hall on the campus of Cheyney University; and
Whereas, March 18th, 2018 will be the 40th Anniversary of this momentous occasion in the Cheyney University history. We congratulate you and celebrate wholeheartedly with you;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors Cheyney University on the 40th Anniversary of their 1978 NCAA Division II Basketball Championship.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Coach John Chaney and the 1978 Cheyney Men's Basketball Team as a sincere expression Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration, and recognition. (Applause.)
President Clarke said there will be no challenge by the City Council Basketball Team, because they still look like they can play.
We don't do embarrassment well, no. At this time, the Chair recognizes Milt Colston for remarks. (Applause.)
Wow. It's been 40 years since we won a national championship. I just want to take just a second to talk about the journey. In 1978, Cheyney University had two championship teams. We had a women's championship team that went to the Final Four that year, and they should be recognized as well. (Applause.) Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
We also had a coach, a coach that was demanding, who had high expectations, who taught us about unity and togetherness, and I believe that these are the ingredients that help us, that propelled us to become winners. Two years prior to winning the National Championship, we reached the Eastern Finals. We lost both years at the buzzer. My senior year, which would be our third year, we returned, and during that time, we won at the buzzer. This was the first time we had reached the Final Four, and we were playing the number one school in the country that year, which was Green Bay-Wisconsin. It was a great game. We had guys who came into the game and they did their job. They did an outstanding job, and that's why we're standing here today. I want to thank the men on the 1978 championship team for not only being good athletes, but being good people. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 closing, I'd like to give a special thanks to Pamela West, who was a cheerleader -(Applause.)
-- during our time. And I also would like to give a special thanks to Michael Coard, who has gone beyond the call of duty for Cheyney University. (Applause.)
Thank you. We have two more speakers. The Chair recognizes the aforementioned Michael Coard and then we'll have Mr. Robert Bogle.
I've never met a microphone I didn't like, but everybody who knows me knows I do my angry black man thing, and I'm not angry today, so that's all I have to say. This is a big Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 (Applause.)
Good morning. On behalf of the members of the Council of Trustees to Cheyney, we applaud the team of 1978 for all that they did then, and we absolutely respect the men and women who are there today, who wouldn't be there had it not been for people like them. So on behalf of all the members of Council, we'd like to thank the City Council and all the members of Council, and thank you for coming today. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you and, again, congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green, who will present a resolution honoring the Montier family. Would William Pickens III and Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
It's a pleasure to do this resolution, and I want to thank my good friend Nicole Allen White and all the people at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for giving me some information about this phenomenal family. Just last month, February was Black History Month, but we all know black history is American history, and this unique family, I think, crystallizes the unique history of our country, the fact that their lineage goes back to the first mayor of this city. And just having an opportunity to learn about that history, about their role in Philadelphia and Cheltenham is phenomenal. I thought Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 that we highlight this unique family and their history and how it symbolizes our country. So it gives me great honor to present this resolution honoring the Montier Family of Philadelphia and Cheltenham and recognizing their historical significance and contributions to our region. Whereas, during the early colonial period, prior to the establishment of our nation, William Penn received a large land grant from King Charles II of England as a repayment of his a debt owed his father; and Whereas, in the course of developing what would be known as Pennsylvania, Penn required prospective landowners to purchase parcels of land in the wilderness as a precondition to buying land in the City; and Whereas, in 1682, a group of 15 Quakers pooled their resources to acquire land from William Penn, and the Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 new land became Cheltenham Township, one of the nation's earliest suburbs; and Whereas, one of these landowners was Humphrey Morrey, who controlled 250 acres in the western portion of Cheltenham, who would be appointed by Penn as Philadelphia's first mayor in 1691;
Wow. Whereas, in spite of their vital role in the formation of the white abolitionist movement, some Quakers, including Morrey, were slaveholders; and Whereas, upon the death of Humphrey Morrey bequeathed his human property to his children and one enslaved woman known as Cremona, or "Moonie," went to the home of the youngest son Richard; and Whereas, Richard Morrey and Cremona fell in love and married and had five children - a rare example from that time and place in history of consensual Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 of European descent and a woman of African descent; Whereas, after Richard died, Cremona, who was left 198 acres of land in his will, met and in 1766 married Jean Montier, a black man of French Caribbean descent, and they later had one son; and Whereas, the Montiers, including the children of Richard and Cremona, built a homestead in Cheltenham where they lived and made boots and shoes, and established a shop in Philadelphia which went on to prosper and bring them considerable wealth; and
Whereas, the descendants of Richard and Cremona have played crucial roles in the history of our nation, like serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, and in the sustaining of the local black community, including establishing and supporting churches, burial grounds and mutual aid societies; and Whereas, in 1841, Hiram and Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 pair of sitting self portraits in oil, an option which at the time was only available to families with wealth, very few of whom were African American descent; and Whereas, those rare and unique examples of American art were handed down through several generations of Montiers and were privately held until one descendant, Williams Pickens III, inspired by the historic election of the first black President of the United States, lent them to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for public display; and Whereas, the history of the Montiers, dating back more than three centuries, including the portraits of Hiram and Elizabeth, the home in Cheltenham, and a trove of documents, has been the subject of several articles and documentaries, including a new half-hour documentary produced by WHYY; and
Whereas, the story of the Montiers reminds us that Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 have been built if not for the efforts of a broad and diverse group of individuals, all of whom deserve a share of the prosperity it creates; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that this Council does hereby honor the Montier family of Philadelphia and Cheltenham and recognize their historical significance and contributions to our region. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to William Pickens III and other descendents of the Montiers, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Well, thank you very much. On behalf of my family -- and they're all behind me. We have some in front of me as well -- we thank the City Council and this wonderful city, the Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 when. We've been here 348 years in Philadelphia. We greeted guys like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Benjamin Franklin right here in this city. The Montiers, the Morreys were here growing, prospering, trying to shape the mores and folkways of our nation. And behind me you see the heirs of all of that work. Our tendrils extend across this land, around the world. We have one cousin who came in from Brussels. So we're everywhere and anywhere America needs us. We thank WHYY and Karen Smyles for her wonderful work in helping orchestrate and organize this family reunion. We have been around I say for 348 years. We'll be around another 348 years, guaranteed. We love this country and helped make it what it is today, and I think that Philadelphia is the right place for us to celebrate and commemorate. And so I bless you all. God bless our family Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 nation. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a quick moment to recognize one of my colleagues from Democratic Municipal Officials, which is a national organization representing 40,000 local officials all across this country. We just came back from the National League of Cities' conference in DC. I'd like to recognize Mayor Ian Baltutis from Burlington, North Carolina. (Applause.)
Welcome. Welcome. I hope you're Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm pleased to advise you that on March 14, 2018, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 1, 2018, and that on March 14, 2018, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on March 8, 2018: Bill No. 180098. And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 land located in and about the area bounded by Norwitch Drive, 67th Street, Essington Avenue and 70th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land located in and about the area bounded by Castor Avenue, Loretto Avenue, Algon Avenue and Bleigh Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by placing on the City Plan an irregularly shaped area extending along the northerly side of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, from Twenty-Second Street to Twenty-Third Street, in order to confirm with the lines established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest such as an easement, by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail, and authorizing an agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Redevelopment Authority for the PRA to act as the City's condemnation agent, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. Today I offer Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 two bills, one privileged resolution, and two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution calling Bill No. 171109 as read for a motion on the resolution, Mr. President.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by creating a new Chapter 21-2600, entitled "Environmental Impact Statements," to provide for the preparation of such statements in connection with Council legislation.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sales of Alcohol: Verification of Age," to authorize the sale of liquor and malt or brewed beverages until 4:00 A.M., and to Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 shorten the Chapter title.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to Hold Hearings to Examine the Current Mission of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and VISIT Philadelphia as we Explore the Feasibility of a Merger of the two Organizations.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt legislation to create a statewide "Keystone Scholars" Higher Education Savings Program.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 171109, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the provision of mandatory training for City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This resolution with the suspension of the rules will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution also naming the 3800 block of Cambridge Street "Dr. Carl S. Moore Way."
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President. First, on your behalf, I offer one bill, and on behalf of Councilman Henon, I offer one bill and two resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by placing on the City Plan an irregularly shaped area extending along the northerly side of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, from Twenty-Second Street to Twenty-Third Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest such as an easement, by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land along the Delaware River Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 and the Kensington & Tacony Trail.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Crispin Gardens Athletic Club Cheerleading Team for their hard work, determination, and success upon winning the 2018 National Championship in the Senior Recreation & Club Division at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Competition.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Wednesday, March 28, 2018 as "Crossing Guard Appreciation Day" in Philadelphia.
Also on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 10-836a of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Temporary Removal of Firearms of Persons Posing a Risk of Imminent Personal Injury to Self or Others," by revising requirements.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and commemorating Juneteenth in Philadelphia as the day when slaves were freed in the United States of America 153 years ago and further celebrating National Juneteenth Independence Day which is also known as Freedom Day on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land located in and about the area bounded by Norwitch Drive, 67th Street, Essington Avenue and 70th Street.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have two bills and one non-privileged resolution. These pieces of legislation are co-sponsored by Councilmembers Henon, Sanchez, Gym, and Squilla. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
An ordinance amending Chapter 2-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Political Contributions and Expenditures," to add and make changes to provisions regarding campaign contributions; contributions to transition and inauguration committees; and campaign finance disclosures.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Council of the City of Philadelphia to adopt a system of public finance of campaigns for City elected offices. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
And a non-privileged resolution submitting to the electors of the City an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Council of the City of Philadelphia to adopt a system of public financing of campaigns for City elected offices.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Green, Henon, Johnson, and Greenlee.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
A non-privileged resolution calling on the United States Congress to support the passage of the Tip Income Protection Act.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution today co-sponsored by Councilmembers Green, Bass, Parker, and Greenlee.
A non-privileged resolution urging the United States Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Senate to pass S. 1801, the Medicare for All Act of 2017, and affirming universal access to health care as a human right.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to investigate Department of Human Services' policies on contracting with social services agencies that either discriminate against prospective LGBTQ foster parents or allow non-LGBTQ foster parents to discriminate.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Henon, Bass, Domb, Green, Taubenberger, Jones, and Parker. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing March 29, 2018 as Vietnam Veterans Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee of Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports one bill with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 180012, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 21-105 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Hero Awards,' by increasing the amount that may be awarded to family members of firefighters, police officers, and prosecution detectives killed in the course of performing heroic deeds, and by making certain technical changes," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 180012. (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 Bill No. 180012. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee of Transportation and Public Utilities.
Thank you, Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 180170, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 322 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Glenloch Place from Megargee Street to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom, striking from the City Plan and vacating Ditman Street from a point southwest of Tolbut Street to its terminus further southwestwardly therefrom, and striking from the City Plan and abandoning a certain drainage right-of-way which extends between the said termini of Glenloch Place and Ditman Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 180170. (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 Bill No. 180170. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No opposed.) Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that those bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading and they 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, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions that are on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Council President. There are bills and resolutions that are being called up, if I could just get to the right page. My apology. And I do want to thank you for Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 2ND READING recognizing me. And the following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill No. 170967-A, 180219, 180220, 180224, 180225, 180228, 170954-A. All other resolutions and bills are being held at this time.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar 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 go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we would ask that you respectfully adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Mr. Decker, would you please call the first witness.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 180228, 180225, and 180220. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. A few days ago, Congressman Brady and Council President announced a private bill to be held -- to help an undocumented person. Meanwhile, real constituents are being made homeless and being removed from their neighborhoods while their elected representatives refuse their sworn duty to meet with them. Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 A constituent is defined as a voting member of a community. Elected representatives are required to help constituents. In 2016, an outsider was elected. The sovereign people sent a clear message to the elected monarchy that violating the people is not allowed, that violating oath, law, and constitutions will be prosecuted. Laws are like Bibles. Unless they are followed, nothing changes. As public servants, you cannot violate oath, Constitution, and law without penalty. How can agents and agencies steal my home without compensation, due process, Seventh Amendment trial by jury? How could government pay a contractor upwards of 100 million, mostly federal taxpayer HUD money, to build a mall on my stolen home? Why has no official demanded the Attorney General investigate and prosecute, as required by law? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 24 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require the oath, Constitution, and laws be enforced, and jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution or law.
I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Debbie Rhoe, commenting on 170408 and 180220. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello, everyone. I'm going to speak on 180220, resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots and pieces of ground with buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Sixteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Chapter 16-400 of The Philadelphia Code and authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of such properties for rehabilitation and/or improvements in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-400 of The Philadelphia Code. I'm very familiar with this. This was a beautification type contract or agreement that Mayor -- can't think of his name right now, but anyway, my property, I had property like that. I was very involved in beautifying my community and I had did everything I was supposed to in accordance with Chapter 16-400 and my properties were not conveyed to me through the Redevelopment Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 Authority. President Council Clarke put a stop to that, and I was fighting for my property for ten years, and until I got lawyers involved, they were not conveyed. Eventually they were conveyed, and still my contractual agreement was not honored. It was supposed to be given to me for nominal fee. I wind up paying outrageous settlement costs, thousands of dollars, to get my properties, and I'm just not in agreement with this at all because, you know, after paying thousands of dollars when it was supposed to be nominal fee, I wind up having another burden placed on me ten more years before I could actually sell or do anything I wanted with it without the City of Philadelphia, President Clarke getting a piece of that money, which I think is outrageous, especially as a constituent who wanted to beautify my community. Not only that, it's like high taxes now. I'm paying 1,000 percent more than what I was paying, which was $125 a Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 year for a property. Now I'm paying $1,125 a year, which wants to really put me out of my community. And I'm not in agreement with whatever he's in cahoots with with Temple University as far as special interest groups, you know, gentrification. It's just horrible.
Rochelle Bilal, commenting on 160248. (Ms. Rhoe talking without microphone.) (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Councilman Clarke. Good morning, Councilpeople, here this morning. I'm finding out that this bill is being held, Bill No. 160248. As I constantly read Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 over everything in reference to this exclusion of use and occupancy tax, I caution you in reference to the organizations in this city that have property in the City that don't get a break from any taxes in this city, that taxes have increased over the years in reference to they property, that now on top of abatement, you want to give an occupancy exclusion. Until you look at those that are struggling to maintain they properties in the City, you shouldn't give anybody an exclusion from occupancy tax. Those that's here that been paying taxes, to say somebody coming here saying you don't have to pay the occupancy tax that most of us are struggling to pay, along with the assessment that keeps constantly going up and your taxes going up, and now everybody else gets an exclusion. I'm asking you to relook at that bill, 160248. On the other hand, we are Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 constantly saying -- I'm a part of the No Stadium, No Deal Coalition. No Stadium, No Deal Coalition. We hear what you saying, but until Temple say it, we going to keep saying No Stadium, No Deal Coalition. And from the Coalition, all your Councilpeople has a letter. This is your letter, Councilman Clarke. It's officially from the No Stadium, No Deal Coalition.
That is not just the Stompers. It's a coalition of us are saying this. So until they say no, we going to keep saying no stadium, no deal. No stadium, no deal. Thank you.
Patrick Duff, commenting on 170967. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting March 15, 2018
I come to you -it's actually National Sunshine Week this week. Sunshine Week is the Sunshine Laws that create open public --
Mr. Duff, are you going to talk about the public Educational Supplement?
That's the interesting part. That's why I'm here. Both of the other speakers were cut off basically at the end, which is fine.
I need you to talk about what you signed up Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 for.
Well, I'm glad you're doing this, because it's going to give me the right to sue you for cutting me off.
You don't have an open public comment section in your city like every other city in this state.
Mr. Duff, can you please -- you're supposed to talk about what you signed up for.
Okay. Well, let me say I support your bill. Can I speak now? I support your bill.
What Stated Meeting March 15, 2018 bill? You signed up for the public education -
Mr. Duff, we've been going through this for a while. (Mr. Duff talking without microphone.)