Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 5, 2017 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 COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. If the members will take their seat, the visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get this show on the road. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Senior Pastor Terry Davis of Christ Community Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
I would like to acknowledge President of Council Darrell Clarke as well as Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for the invitation to come and to join with you in this morning's session. I also want to acknowledge Jannie Blackwell, Councilwoman, who is Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 district where our church is located in University City. Let us bow our heads as we honor our great God. Father, thank you for who you are. We acknowledge that you alone are God and you are our great God. Life comes from you. Strength comes from you. Provision comes from you. Protection comes from you. You are the one we turn to for wisdom and understanding on how to lead and how to be effective leaders. And so we invite you in this morning. Thank you for the United States of America, its people, its government. We bring before you on purpose this morning our President and all of the men and women who hold positions of authority all over our land. We pray that your spirit will rest upon all of them. Help them to see what is right and just with your vision and through your lens. We pray today specifically for Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 We pray for our Mayor, and we pray for the men and women of our City Council, led by our President, Darrell Clarke. Father, they have invited you in this morning. Therefore, please give them wisdom from you, wisdom filled with understanding on how to lead effectively. Give them the kind of fiscal wisdom that will bring financial health and financial help to this city's communities, schools, families, and businesses. We all come to you today, Lord, asking you to bring safety to our city, that under the leadership of this City Council, we ask you to bring safety for the close to two million lives of the City of Philadelphia. We are neither afraid nor are we ashamed to ask you to bring the crime rate down and the employment rate up. Please heal, oh Lord, the racial tension that we are facing. Help us to see and live out the reality that Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 everyone, everyone, everyone and every life is significant, valuable, and precious. Help this Council, Lord, with the kind of wisdom that you gave to Solomon, to help those living in the mansion as well as those living in the shelter or on the street, to help those buying their first home and those living in the nursing home. Show them how to effectively help children, students, single parents, those with no insurance, those in prison. Father, the list goes on and on. They need your help. We pray today that as these 17 men and women interact with each other, as they for the sake of the poor and the middle class, the upper class, big business and small business, as they challenge and confront one another and as they passionately seek for better benefits for the districts that they represent, Lord, let unity prevail among them, and may this City Council's unity Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Father, this Council has a daunting task of providing leadership for this large city, but with your great might and your great power, it can be achieved, for you have said we can do all things through Christ which gives us strength. So, Father, please strengthen them. Strengthen their staff and the personnel in their offices. Thank you for giving to our city a City Council with the kinds of men and women who have hearts to serve. They have made and they continue to make great individual and family sacrifices as they seek to make our city great and blessed. So we pray for protection over their lives. We pray for healing over their bodies. Please bless their families and their relationships and fill their lives with peace.
Father, as we're all gathered here with one passionate voice in this Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 place, we together ask that you help and heal all who have been wounded by the recent attack in Las Vegas, Nevada. Help them, Lord, their families, their loved ones and all who are working to restore safety and sanity to that part of our land. They need you. We need you. Finally, Lord, we're so grateful, we're so thankful that we can come to you at any time and find help and strength and comfort and encouragement, wisdom, direction, safety, and peace. Thank you for hearing us and in faith answering our prayers, as we have asked all of these things in Christ's name. Amen. )
Thank you, Pastor, for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, thank you, Pastor. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a special pleasure and privilege today to introduce some visitors from Nigeria, Africa. They are here. They're going to be involved in signing an MOU with Temple University, with African Caribbean Business Council, and also in my area with Drexel. They're dealing with technology engagement and university exchanges, and they'll visit both universities, Temple and certainly Drexel. And I am honored. I'll ask them to stand. There are more people than will stand. They have folks with them as well. Yusuf Bashir. This is my nephew. Yusuf Bashir. He is CEO of Kaduna ICT Hub. Alhaji Babangida Inuwa. He's Chairman of Kaduna ICT Hub. Ibrahim Ismail is Director of Kaduna ICT Hub. Now, this organization that they're all here representing affects Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 200,000 students. So this is something that we're really, really proud of and really proud to have them here to interact with our universities and to work with them as well. In addition, we have Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri in Borno State; Professor Kyari Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor of Moddibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola Adamawa State; Professor Yakubu Mukhtar, the Vice Chancellor of Yobe State University in Damaturu, Yobe State; Professor Abubakar M. Kundiri, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State; and Professor Ibrahim Garba, Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in Kaduna State. So would them and all those with them please stand so that -- oh, before they do, of course our host is always Stan Straughter, as you all know. He's Chairman Emeritus of the Mayor's Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, also Echoes of Africa. He recently became head of UNESCO. He's head of that now and he goes to those meetings. He's also Honorary Consul to Guinea, West Africa and so many other things. He and I -- in fact, I'm proud to be with them -- will be honored on Sunday, and we're very, very grateful for all that happens, and we look forward to that big honor in Germantown on Sunday. And certainly let me say welcome to them and I ask you, Mr. President.
Welcome. Thank you so much for being here today. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 28th, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 28th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 28th, 2017 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 leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 and Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The record shall reflect that they have been granted leave of absence. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to witness their government in action. We truly appreciate you being here. So, again, thank you for being in the Chambers today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Would Jeannine Lisitski and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilman Green, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, and Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think it's important every year to recognize, continue to recognize the issue of domestic violence, how important it is, and particularly to recognize those who fight real hard every day and work real hard every day against this scourge just in our city and across the whole country. So to that end, this is a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Whereas, "Domestic Violence Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Month" is being sponsored locally by Women Against Abuse and, through their sponsorship, they are encouraging everyone to help to increase the awareness of domestic violence in our homes and communities and decrease its negative effect on Philadelphia; and
Whereas, each year the Philadelphia Police Department responds to more than 100,000 domestic-related calls, and domestic violence is not just a local problem but a national issue where more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States; Whereas, founded in 1976, the mission of Women Against Abuse is to provide quality and compassionate services, in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence to persons experiencing intimate partner violence and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 education;
Whereas, Women Against Abuse, in partnership with Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House's Bilingual Domestic Violence Program and Women in Transition, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides a comprehensive continuum of services to survivors of domestic violence and their families in Philadelphia, which includes housing, legal aid, counseling, medical advocacy, behavioral health services; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides education and training to the community about domestic violence issues and resources and has partnered with the City of Philadelphia to operate the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline. In fiscal year 2017, more than 13,000 calls were answered through the Hotline; and
Whereas, to Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 approach to addressing violence in our community, Women Against Abuse and its sister agencies are partnering with the City Administration and over 70 different community stakeholders to implement Shared Safety: Philadelphia's Response to Relational Violence, a citywide strategic plan to respond to domestic violence in Philadelphia; and Whereas, to support a coordinated community response to domestic violence, Women Against Abuse, Lutheran Settlement House, Congreso and Women in Transition will hold events throughout the month of October to promote knowledge about domestic violence and to build community support so that all Philadelphians will take a stand against violence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and recognizes October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Month." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Women Against Abuse as a sincere expression of City Council's gratitude, appreciation, and commendation for raising the public's awareness regarding domestic violence. This is a true and correct copy of the resolution. It was introduced by myself, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Green, and Councilman Jones, and strongly supported by all members of City Council. Thank you all for all you do every day to fight this tremendous problem in our city. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Lisitski for remarks.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Greenlee, Reynolds Brown, Jones, and Green and all the members of Council. We have some good news in Philadelphia and, that is, that all of our Councilmembers are champions on behalf of survivors and towards working to a peaceful community. We are honored to be here again this year to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as the Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, I'm grateful for this moment with all of you each year, because while Domestic Violence Awareness Month marks another year of progress in Philadelphia's response, it's also a time to prepare for what lies ahead. With so many examples of hate and violence in our country right now, it is important to reflect on where violence begins. Gloria Steinem calls domestic violence "original violence" and she reminds us that the home in our country is the single most dangerous place for a Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 woman, that ending domestic violence is the key to world peace. As a city, we must consider the ways in which violent, coercive, and controlling behavior that for centuries has been happening behind closed doors is impacting our streets and our communities, and we must commit to stronger prevention work to abate this violence before it begins. This has certainly been a trying year, as we're consistently exposed to messages of violence and hate. These messages are challenging for any of us, but have a compounding impact on victims in our city who are already struggling daily with messages that they're not good enough. What we're seeing on the news and in our streets is only the tip of the iceberg of what many people in our community are experiencing right inside their homes, and continued rhetoric of hate and unacceptance is further Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 scared or too ashamed to reach out for help. So as a community, we must do better and we must actively declare that violence, whether on our street corners or in our homes, is wholly unacceptable. And if you are a person who is being hurt, we see you and we are here for you, no matter your color, your religion, your gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class or immigration status. While today is an important day, as this proclamation officially recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia, we must remember that every day thousands of Philadelphians are experiencing domestic violence, and almost 300 of them will call the police today related to this violence, and many more will be too afraid to call. So this year, let's make the most of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Our city looks to you for leadership and how will you raise your Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 domestic violence in our community. I want to thank you for your commitment to being part of this struggle, because together we know we can change the course of relational violence and create a safer and healthier Philadelphia for all. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution recognizing October 2017 as Manufacturing Month in the City of Philadelphia. Would Jonathan Todd and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Jones, Councilman O'Neill.
Well, good morning, everybody. Once a year annually it is my pleasure to recognize 2017 Manufacturing Month, October 2017 Manufacturing Month in the City of Philadelphia, and we do recognize a day like today as Manufacturing Day because there are scheduled events all throughout the City of Philadelphia, and I hope you all can join. Manufacturing is alive and well in the City of Philadelphia, employing over 20,000 people in our city as we speak. There's a lot of multi-discipline industries. It's very diverse economically. It's very diverse in its workforce, and it is in our neighborhoods and in corridors that employ Philadelphia residents with great partners such as CCP Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 We are trying to educate our children for the future of manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing, computer numbering systems, and the industry as we move forward that's more technically advanced is not like the old smoke stack manufacturing industry as we once heard of, and it is our responsibility, I think, and it is our hope and vision that we communicate that to parents, to institutions, to workforce development boards, non-profits to get the message out to our communities that it is the future and the growth of industry in our city as we move forward. So behind us you have just a little glimpse of what manufacturing looks like in our city. I wish you could see the computer machines and the simulation machines and the water cutters that have all this technology on it. It's something that I probably couldn't operate, but Rhoads behind us can, Philly Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 vessels that employ a ton of people, over like 1,500 people to start just in our shipyard alone. Rhoads is a multi-million dollar, multi-discipline company. SureShade -- and a little point of personal privilege. SureShade is a local advanced manufacturing in my district and it's a small owner-operated, worked out of a garage manufacturing that gives the boaters' experience a more pleasurable one in creating our shades for the boaters. So it is my pleasure in honoring all of them and honoring the month of October as Manufacturing Month here in our great City of Philadelphia. Whereas
Whereas, careers in manufacturing are characterized by above average wages and rewarding work with a well-defined career path. There are over 20,000 manufacturing jobs in the City of Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Philadelphia, yet manufacturing companies regularly have difficulty in filling open positions; and Whereas, thanks to the ongoing work of the Mayor's Manufacturing Task Force, manufacturers, government and non-profits have started to address the skilled-labor shortage they face, through outreach, education and program development; and
Whereas, Philadelphia's manufacturing companies add to the vitality and prosperity of our community by providing above average wages and creating family sustainability. Manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the local, state and national economy; and Whereas, Philadelphia and the region help to support an estimated 17.2 million jobs in the United States - about one in six private-sector jobs. Nearly 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 manufacturing; and
Whereas, since 2012, the first Friday in October has been recognized as National Manufacturing Day and has been previously recognized by this body. To celebrate Manufacturing Day, groups locally, regionally, and nationally will sponsor projects and programs designed to create greater awareness and consciousness of the manufacturing sector; and Whereas, this year the City, led by the Office of Industry and Manufacturing, with external partners including Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works, US2020, the Urban Manufacturing Alliance and the School District of Philadelphia, has expanded the celebration to span the month of October; and
Whereas, there will be events around the City including a Maker Listening Session at Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Loom, a Commerce and City Council visit to Derbyshire Machine & Tooling Company, a STEM Regional Network Conference, tours of local manufacturing facilities for Philadelphia School District students and their parents, manufacturing professionals speaking to high school students about careers in manufacturing and a Manufacturing Day event at Leonardo Company; Whereas, Manufacturing Month aims to communicate the opportunities in the sector and spotlight the range of products made in the City of Philadelphia for fields including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, packaging, and technology; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize the month of October 2017 as Manufacturing Month in the City of Philadelphia. And as you just heard, our Administration, this body, the Department of Commerce, we have Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 and Manufacturing that's focusing in on the growth, and it is the real opportunity to employ Philadelphia children and Philadelphians who do not have a career path. This is a clear choice for them by far in any industry in the City of Philadelphia. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the Manufacturing and Industry in the City of Philadelphia as further evidence of its sincere respect of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Jonathan Todd and I am the Director of Talent Development for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce. Thank you to Councilman Henon Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 this resolution for their continued dedication to the manufacturing industry and assisting manufacturing companies to expand and thrive in Philadelphia. I would like to welcome representatives from several manufacturing companies that have joined us today: Rhoads Industries, who is a multi-discipline corporation that provides industrial fabrication, installation, and maintenance for commercial and government projects; Philadelphia Shipyard, who is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operations across the United States; SureShade, who designs and manufactures innovative marine sunshade systems that enhance and facilitate the boating experience. And I'd also like to welcome representatives from the Community College of Philadelphia. CCP offers welding, precision machining, and electromechanical megatronics technology Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 courses, three programs that prepare individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing and an opportunity to earn a rewarding salary. A strong manufacturing industry is fundamental to the region's economic prosperity. Through the efforts of the Mayor's Manufacturing Task Force and Commerce's Office of Manufacturing and Industry, the Kenney Administration is committed to supporting growth and prosperity for manufacturers throughout Philadelphia. As mentioned in the resolution, events focusing on manufacturing will occur throughout October, and we look forward to working with all of you to provide Philadelphians with access to family-sustaining jobs in the manufacturing industry for years to come. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 (Council at ease.)
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. Chief Clerk, would you please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rules Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendations of the City Planning Commission on the following bills and amendments: Bill No. 170721 and a University of Pennsylvania Master Plan amendment. And I am pleased to advise you that on October 3, 2017, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on September 21, 2017: Bill No. 170595-A.
Thank you. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 The messages will be printed in the Journal. And the Chief Clerk, are there any other messages in your possession for communications from the Mayor?
The next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning. Good morning. I offer two resolutions today and one bill, and the resolutions are co-sponsored by colleagues Johnson, Green, Taubenberger, Domb, Greenlee, Jones, Oh, Blackwell, and Parker. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Section 17-1603 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans: Contents," to require the provision of information relating to prior history of meeting goals Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 established in connection with City contracts and the prior history of related corporate entities.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2017 as Energy Action Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating Young Involved Philadelphia and Its 8th Annual State of Young Philly Week in the City of Philadelphia.
And that privileged resolution will be placed on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you very much. Today I introduce two Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 bills and one non-privileged resolution. Thank you.
An ordinance authorizing Ralston Center to install, own and maintain bench encroachments on Spring Garden Street, Brown Street, North 37th Street, North 35th Street, and North 34th Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Convention Avenue, from Health Sciences Drive to South Street, to Health Sciences Drive.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be placed on Final Passage at our next Council session. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today I offer two bills, one on your behalf and one on behalf of Council President Clarke, and then two resolutions on behalf of Council President Clarke.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1403 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Imposition of Tax," by creating a Philadelphia County Demolition Fund to increase and encourage economic development by demolishing blighted properties within the City, imposing a fee when a deed or Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 mortgage is recorded, and related items.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant - Rent Control," by requiring that tenants of rental units be provided with a written disclosure of the Landlord's Rental License Information at the time of and accompanying their lease.
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, Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 situate in the Sixteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed on Final Passage at our next Council session.
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-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution also will be placed on next week's Final Passage. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. One bill and three privileged resolutions, Mr. Leader. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
An ordinance amending Section 9-804 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Unfair Rental Practices," to require good cause for certain residential evictions and to provide for a first option for existing tenants to renew a lease.
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 Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
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-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed 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 Fifty-Second Ward of the Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
I have one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2017 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Susan G. Komen Philadelphia for its charitable work in the field of breast cancer research and education.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Ritner Street, between South 17th Street and South 18th Street, "Bishop Louis Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 DeSimone Way."
This resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Majority Leader Henon. I have one non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Taubenberger and Domb, Blackwell and Parker, and on behalf of Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, I have three non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution calling upon the Congress of the United States to immediately reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program.
It will be placed on Final Passage of next week's Calendar.
And a Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 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-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed 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 Eighteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
The resolution will be placed on Final Passage of next week's 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 Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage of next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have one privileged resolution co-authored by Councilmembers Domb, Henon, and Green.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Councilwoman.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, formerly the Jewish Hospital, on receiving a historical marker to commemorate its illustrious history.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Majority Leader. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Majority Leader. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President Pro Tem. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. Leader. I have one bill, two resolutions, one privileged.
An ordinance authorizing the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation to install, own and maintain various planter and bike rack encroachments on Passyunk Avenue, South 12th Street, Morris Street and Watkins Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 resolution designating the week of Monday, October 2 through Monday, October 9, 2017 as "Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Connie Francis as Grand Marshal of the 2017 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
The resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage.
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-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 resolution will be placed on next week's Final Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property to acquire a trestle over Germantown Avenue just below Cresheim Valley Drive and to enter into an agreement to license from PECO Energy Company a certain strip of land running parallel to a portion of Cresheim Creek.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I offer one Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 privileged resolution, and may I make a request after the title is read?
A privileged resolution offering the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the people of Philadelphia to the people of Las Vegas, Nevada.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. May I request that we have a standing moment of silence for the tragedy that occurred in Las Vegas.
All stand for vote and a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Clerk, are there any other bills or resolutions? Stated Meeting October 5, 2017
That's it. We will now move to reports of the committee. The next order of business is reports of the committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Rules reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Chief Clerk, would you please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 170405, 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 Memphis Street, Oakdale Street, Tulip Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Street, Oakdale Street, Sepviva Street, and Lehigh Avenue"; and Bill No. 170683, entitled "An ordinance continuing the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise Neighborhood Improvement District beyond its termination date in the area bounded generally by the north side of Allegheny Avenue, the west side of Memphis Street between Allegheny Avenue and East Westmoreland Street, the south side of East Westmoreland Street, the property line of 3300 Agate Street and the back of properties facing west along the east side of Tulip Street between Westmoreland and Ontario Streets, the south side of Ontario Street, the west side of Tulip Street between Ontario and Tioga Streets, the north side of Tioga Street, the back of properties facing west on the east side of Tulip Street between Tioga and Venango Streets, the back of properties facing along the north side of Venango Street, including the property located at Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 2301 through 07 East Venango Street, and the back of properties facing east along the west side of Amber Street, as well as the properties located at 2066 through 2080 East Tioga Street and 2082 East Tioga Street; continuing the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise Inc., a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District; approving a final plan for the District, including a list of proposed improvements and their estimated cost, and providing for assessment fees to be levied on property owners within the District"; and Bill No. 170721, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising requirements for accessory signs, located within the area bounded by Juniper Street, East Passyunk Avenue and Mifflin Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 170405, 170683, and 170721. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this day Bill Nos. 170405, 170683, 170721. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today's session. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Streets and Services reports seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 161105, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by expanding the reward program for the provision of information regarding short dumping and revising penalties for refuse and littering violations"; and Bill No. 170596, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Michael and Alexis Birnbaum to install, own and maintain an exterior metal staircase and planter Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 1714 through 20 South 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 170715, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by further amending Section 10-719, entitled 'Penalties,' to conform with legislation recently enacted by the General Assembly"; and Bill No. 170718, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Rising Sun Avenue and Levick Street"; and Bill No. 170720, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 146 and 271 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and the striking from said City Plans and abandoning of all or portions Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 for various utility purposes, all lying within the area southeast of Delaware Avenue and northeast of Ellen Street"; and Bill No. 170722, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center City"; and Bill No. 170802, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mark Melini to install, own and maintain various pedestrian enhancement encroachments at 701 through 39 Market Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the seven bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 161105, 170596, 170715, 170718, 170720, 170722, and 170802. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. We will now move to the consideration of the Calendar. And I Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 2ND READING note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be 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 resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170828, 170829, 170834, 170835, 170519-A. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you haven't already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers where there's a podium. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, 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'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Harry Barnum, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.) MR. BARNUM (through Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 interpreter): Thank you and good morning. Good morning to you, Mr. President. Good morning to all members of the City Council. This is No. 170148 -- 408. I wanted to read my comments and review them from the past, and I had two comments. I wanted to comment on black children who are disproportionately singled out, and I think everyone of all colors need to be treated equally regardless of their color in the school system. And the reason for saying that as well I want to focus on people who are deaf or have disabilities as well as people from different backgrounds. I also want to focus on children who are not deaf, who are hearing as well when I look at the School District of Philadelphia and make sure they have access to social workers. I found from my research they do not have adequate access to those social workers in grades one through five specifically. Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 They do not have access to social workers. That's a critical piece that is not currently present. I don't know if it's in the City of Philadelphia's working budget, but I believe that it is key to be able to make sure that those students are successful, and those parents really need also the opportunity to understand. We have a lot of single parents who don't have the education or the background to work with those students. So I think it's important for those teachers to take on the responsibility and to be informed as well as those aides in the school system, principals as well, to understand how to work with those students and not to simply focus on punishing those students. If we don't have a law in place, I think the trouble and the problems will become worse and worse as they interact with the law enforcement. So I believe that a law needs to be Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 passed to not allow those students to be singled out. So I want to caution you and bring that to your attention. Thank you very much. We need social workers in every school.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170641. (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. Last week, Council addressed the people in Puerto Rico are getting their properties stolen by commonwealth government -- by their commonwealth government. Since Council, Mayor, and others have never disputed that my home was taken without payment, without due Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 process or trial by jury, I feel betrayed and abused by my government. Oath-bound officials have clearly violated property rights. 41 USC 1982 states all citizens shall have the same right thereof to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property. Oath-bound officials violated oath and law by refusing to investigate, prosecute all violations, constitutional and otherwise. Council, Mayor, Governor, and others violated constitutional laws by stealing my home without compensation first being made or secured. Oath-bound officials took federal taxpayer money, but refused to follow constitutional laws and due process. The U.S. Attorney General and the President of the United States clearly are obligated to act and secure probably misused federal taxpayer money. The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law. Your oath of office requires you to act or face Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 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 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 23 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 compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require the Constitution and laws be enforced. Jail is required for all who violate oath or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 170828.
A resolution urging the President of the United States to affirm the "Clean Water Rule."
And Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
I should pay attention, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170828 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170829.
A resolution calling on the United States Congress to fight hunger in Philadelphia by opposing any efforts to block grants, reduce funding, or structurally change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in any way that would negatively impact Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING its recipients, and oppose efforts to cut other federally funded nutrition programs.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170829 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170834.
A resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Authority for Industrial Development to sell a property in the vicinity of 76th Street and Holstein Avenue in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area - Stage "A" Industrial, containing approximately two acres, to Pio Construction & Roma Concrete, or its assignee or nominee.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170834 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170835.
A resolution also Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING naming Chelwynde Avenue, between Bialy Street and South 74th Street, "Akyra Murray Way", to honor and celebrate Akyra's life, which was tragically cut short in the shooting at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 170835 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170519-A.
An ordinance Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by creating a tax foreclosure diversion program that requires housing counseling assistance, updating tax installment payment agreements to help taxpayers with financial hardships, and other related items.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilman Stated Meeting October 5, 2017 10/5/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Greenlee.