Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 22, 2015 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
Beautiful day. The hour has come. We've established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seats, we'll get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend James A. Callahan of Christ the King Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Neilson. I would ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Guests and members rise.)
My honor to be with you as guest of Council President Clarke and Councilman Neilson. Also happy to be with great friends of the City in the Northeast, Councilman O'Brien, Councilman O'Neill, assets to Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 proud to be here. My mother's brother, Jim Tate, served here for many years as a Councilman and City Council President, and he was very proud. He was the first Irish Catholic Mayor of Philadelphia, but as was said at his funeral, he was damn proud to be a democrat. (Applause.)
Let us pray. We pause in prayer at the beginning of this session of the City Council of Philadelphia. In the midst of our busy lives, pausing in prayer is the greatest compliment we give to our God. May this pause give tribute to our God, but also remind these men and women of the trust, the hope, the responsibility given to them by the people of Philadelphia. Enable them, Lord, this day and throughout these days of economic, political, and moral struggle Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 together for the common good of the men, women, and children of this city. May their leadership be strong, loving, and wise, always knowing that on earth and in this City of Brotherly Love, God's work must truly be our own. Amen. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you for those inspiring words, Reverend. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2014, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11th, 2014 be approved. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
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 welcome everyone who has taken time out of their day to come down and witness their government in action. We hope that your stay here is a pleasurable one, one that you gain significant knowledge and you enjoy it so much that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for your participation today. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring The Philadelphia Tribune. Would Alonzo Kittrels and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Ladies and gentlemen, we had an opportunity to go up to Harrisburg University, which is a technical university, one of the youngest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. One of the things that was discussed was how industry, how technology has built-in design obsolescence, meaning that they don't build things to last, that they build things to break so that you get the 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, the newest hotchie-totchie whatever. This institution, Philadelphia Tribune, was built to last, as we recognize it on its 130th Anniversary. Now, that is in no way to say that its leader, Bob Bogle, was around when it started, but for sure he is the guiding hand behind it today. He started 45 years ago in advertising. It's one of those institutions where you just can't come in Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 top. It's one of those where you have to have some journeymanship and actually work your way, improve yourself. So today we are honoring and recognizing The Philadelphia Tribune as a community advocate and voice and champion for African American issues on the occasion of its 130th Anniversary as the oldest, continuous published newspaper, owned and operated by African Americans.
And whereas, at the age of 28, Christopher James Perry, Sr. published the first edition of a one-page, one man operation entitled Tribune Weekly at 725 Samson Street in an area known as Jeweler's Row; and
Whereas, Perry, born in 1856, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Upon graduating from high school, Perry relocated to Philadelphia. Although Perry's father wanted him to study law, he refused, Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 stating, quote, "For my people to make progress, they must have a newspaper through which they can speak against injustice," end of quotes; and
Whereas, after 11 years of working as a reporter for a local daily newspaper while attending night school, Perry's dream of establishing a newspaper became a reality when he launched the Tribune; and
Whereas, the Tribune is located in the great 2nd Councilmanic District. From the beginning until his death Perry wrote about the problems that affected the daily lives of Black Americans, especially Philadelphians; and
Whereas, today the Tribune, which moved to its present location at 520 South 16th Street in 1912, is now America's oldest, continuously published newspaper, owned and operated by African Americans. The Philadelphia Tribune is America's oldest, Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 newspaper, owned and operated by African Americans; and Whereas, the Tribune has championed issues of desegregation, overall equality, equal access to city employment and contracting opportunities for people of color to increasing the representation of African American judges appointed to Philadelphia Municipal Court. However, with the election and reelection of President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 as the nation's first African American president, getting blacks elected to office is still taken for granted; and
Whereas, the Tribune now champions quality education and economic empowerment as the civil rights issues of today. The Tribune is a powerful advocate and champion against police brutality and other concerns for African Americans;
And whereas, the Tribune has grown from the Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 one-page, one man operation of 130 years ago to a newspaper that is now published five days a week and maintains a website presence. In addition to the newspaper itself, the company publishes Tribune Magazine, Now, an arts and entertainment review; Sojourner, an African American visitors guide to Philadelphia and the Learning Key, an educational supplement directed to students, parents and teachers;
Whereas, on November the 17th of 2014 in celebration of 130 years of successful publishing, the Tribune launched a complete redesign of the newspaper, website and mobile device applications consistent with its history of evolution, timelessness and relevance; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the Council hereby recognizes, honors The Philadelphia Tribune as a Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 champion for African American issues on the occasion of its 130th Anniversary as the oldest, continuous published newspaper, owned and operated by African Americans. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to The Philadelphia Tribune as further evidence of our sincere sentiments of this entire legislative body. Signed by all members of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Mr. Bogle for remarks.
Councilmen and women. On behalf of some of our employees, members of our senior staff Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 here, we would like to say thank you for this acknowledgment. I admit, I'm not 130 years old. I'd like to damn sure get there too, by the way. But on behalf of the men and women for whom we have served for those 130 years, we are grateful. With their continued support, we will continue to be successful. And, once again, on behalf of all of us at The Philadelphia Tribune, we would like to thank each and every one of you. A little special acknowledgment to Councilwoman Tasco, who has served this body for 27 years. I had a brief moment to speak with her. Because all of you served and have served well, and we are, again, grateful for this acknowledgment, but no one can give you 27 years of their life and have done this so distinguishably. And so, therefore, while this may be not the most appropriate time, Mr. President, I Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 all of us would like to thank Councilwoman Tasco for her service. (Applause.)
Sorry. I had a little technical difficulty. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Before we proceed, I would ask if anyone has an electronic device that rings, sings or makes any kind of noise, I'd ask that you please turn it off or turn it on vibrate. Thank you. Thank you. 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, would you please Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 140902, 140936, and 140944. And I am pleased to advise you that on December 19, 2014, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on December 4, 2014: Bill No. 140830, and that on December 19, 2014, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on December 11, 2014, except Bill No. 140892. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the appointment of Amy Kurland to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, and 1917 Turner Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan the southeasterly half of Krams Avenue from Silverwood Street to a point approximately sixty-five feet southwestwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 That concludes the messages from the Mayor, and we will now have introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill, I offer one resolution for consideration next week. On behalf of myself, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman O'Neill, and Council President Clarke whose district the great school of St. Joe's Prep resides in, I offer one resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by revising the list of City depositories.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 resolution honoring the St. Joseph's Preparatory School Varsity Football Team on winning their second consecutive PIAA AAAA State Championship, District XII AAAA City Championship and Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to swiftly pass legislation establishing regulations for Transportation Network Companies that include the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three bills and three non-privileged Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain a temporary pedestrian bridge right-of-way encroachment within the public right-of-way at 3400 Civic Center Boulevard; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: 45th and Spruce Streets; Cedar Avenue and 47th Street; 34th Street and Brandywine Street; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of an independent Commission on Universal Pre-Kindergarten.
Those bills will be referred to Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 committee.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Amy L. Kurland to be a member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
And that resolution will also be referred to committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Commission on Universal Pre-Kindergarten.
And that resolution will be referred to 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 Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 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 resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and one resolution.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Fairmount Avenue and 18th Street; Mellon Street and 15th Street; 4th Street and Thompson Street.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, Oxford Street, Frankford Avenue, Norris Street, Aramingo Avenue, Fletcher Street, Moyer Street, Berks Street, Girard Avenue, Columbia Avenue, Beach Street, Delaware Avenue, Frankford Avenue, and Girard Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, and 1917 Turner Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the reading of the title of the bill for the re-call resolution for a motion on that particular resolution.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Administrative Code," as it has been amended by Bill No. 140856, by amending Chapter 9, entitled "Fees," by revising the fees for licenses issued under Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability."
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 140892, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' by reorganizing the provisions of that Chapter into separate provisions for Rental Licenses; Vacant Lot Licenses; Vacant Structure Licenses; and Vacant Waterfront Structure Licenses," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
The ayes have it, and that resolution is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I have two non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to make achieving clean water a greater priority in the year 2015 by increasing state investments to be made by the General Assembly and the Governor with dedicated, sustainable and long-term funding sources.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Raymond Jamal Maples, the first African American from Philadelphia to graduate from West Point Military Academy and for being the third running back in Army history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
And Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing The Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District for the tribute of the 269th anniversary of the birth of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
Mr. Decker, hold on one second. Councilman, you want to be recognized now?
Yes, if I could, Mr. President, because of the busy schedule. I wanted to make sure I pointed out that Councilwoman Blackwell and I and all members of Council are sponsoring a resolution to honor Raymond Maples. He's the first African American from Philadelphia to graduate West Point Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Academy, and he's in the audience today. And tonight he is getting sent back to his station, so he won't be in town. So this is why I would like to speak on it now a little bit. And I'd ask Raymond to stand up so we can all recognize him and honor him today on these achievements.
Certainly. Please stand up. (Standing ovation.)
Congratulations. Good work. And, Mr. Decker, please proceed.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a "Special Committee on Income Inequality in the City of Philadelphia," to identity trends, impacts, and opportunities associated with income inequality in the City of Philadelphia.
And Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills and four privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-2100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Conflicts Counsel Contracts," by requiring that certain City contracts dealing with the provision of services for indigent legal defense may only be made when permitted by ordinance where the contractor is the Defender Association of Philadelphia, the Support Center for Child Advocates, or Community Legal Services.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by establishing a policy of posting all Missing and Endangered Persons Alerts on City websites and social media sites.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs to hold public hearings to examine the Philadelphia Autism Project's final report and strategic plan.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs to hold public hearings regarding the state of educational opportunities and career development in Philadelphia for people with physical, psychiatric, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
And that also will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs to hold public hearings regarding the state of housing in Philadelphia for people with physical, psychiatric, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings examining the effectiveness of utilizing Narcan in response to drug overdoses and the feasibility of its use in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 And the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," to require that certain Economic Opportunity Plans incorporate the requirements of the First Source Jobs Policy contained in Chapter 17-2000 of The Philadelphia Code.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman James Kenney.
Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Thank you, Councilwoman.
An ordinance amending Section 9-3402 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Benchmarking Energy and Water Use," to expand the buildings for which the benchmarking and reporting of energy and water usage data is required.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing January as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. One bill, six privileged resolutions, one on your behalf, and too many co-sponsors to go through, but many. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan the southeasterly half of Krams Avenue from Silverwood Street to a point approximately sixty-five feet southwestwardly therefrom.
And a privileged resolution applauding and honoring the efforts of the Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit, a non-profit organization of volunteer underwater rescue divers for its commitment to community service and for its courageous and valiant efforts in the search and recovery of Shane Montgomery who accidentally drowned.
And a privileged Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 resolution honoring and recognizing SEPTA Police Sergeant Daniel Caban and SEPTA Police Officer Darrel James for demonstrating fast and effective emergency response and professional valiance in the dramatic delivery of a Christmas Miracle on the Market-Frankford El train on Christmas Day in 2014.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia's Living Legends: Geneva Black, Senator Shirley Kitchen, Cody Anderson, Vernon Odom, Lloyd Ayers, Vai Sikahema and Bobby Williams in the areas of government, public safety, social justice, civil rights, labor relations, journalism, community activism and business leadership in Philadelphia; and also recognizing Obra Kernodle IV as an Up and Coming Living Legend, all as part of the commemoration of Black History Month. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015
And a privileged resolution honoring and acknowledging the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania on its research towards a cure for Sickle Cell Anemia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and congratulating Siobhan A. Reardon for being named the 2015 Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Reverend Donald D. Moore for his recent induction as the ninth pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church after serving as Associate Minister at Kaighn Avenue Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Baptist Church in Camden, New Jersey and formerly serving as a pastoral intern and then Preacher-in-Residence under the leadership and tutelage of Dr. Reverend Albert F. Campbell at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in West Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions, one privileged, one non-privileged.
A privileged resolution Congratulating and Honoring the Teachers and Support Staff of the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf on Successfully Forming a Union and Joining the American Federation of Teachers, Pennsylvania.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution amending Resolution No. 140528, approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2015.
That Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I offer one bill, three resolutions, one privileged, two non-privileged and the Year of the Borinqueneers co-sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12 of The Philadelphia Code regarding towing and immobilizing of a vehicle for which registration information cannot be obtained.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Philadelphia Fashion Week for its important enrichment Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 to the City's fashion community and the creative/innovative economy.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing 2015 as the "Year of the Borinqueneers - United States Army 65th Infantry Regiment" in Philadelphia to honor and celebrate the remarkable military accomplishments of this Puerto Rican Regiment despite facing segregation and prejudice.
And that will also be on Final Passage today. That concludes our introduction of bills and committee. We have one more?
And a non-privileged resolution expressing City Council's support for Mohammad Gulab, the hero who saved U.S. Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, and urging that the United States Department of Homeland Security Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 1ST READING offer Gulab and his family political asylum in the United States.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And that now concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We have no reports from committee today, so the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar today.
Bill No. 140721, 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 creation of a new Department of Planning and Development, headed by a Cabinet-level Director, to oversee the Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 1ST READING City's planning, zoning, licensing, inspection, enforcement, and housing functions; continuing the existence of the City Planning Commission, Philadelphia Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Board of Building Standards, and Board of License and Inspection Review as boards or commissions in such new Department.
The Chair agrees. And at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion on Bill No. 140721.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the removal of Bill No. 140721 from the Calendar at this time and that it be remitted to the Committee of Law and Government. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 1ST READING seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the removal of Bill No. 140721 from the Calendar at this time and that it be recommitted to the Committee of Law and Government. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Bill No. 140721 will be recommended to the Committee -- recommitted, I'm sorry, to the Committee on Law and Government. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones at this time for a motion on Resolution No. 140732.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the removal of Resolution No. 140732 from the Calendar at this time and that it be remitted to the Committee of Law and Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 1ST READING Government. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the removal of Resolution No. 140732 from the Calendar at this time and that it be recommitted to the Committee of Law and Government. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Resolution No. 140732 will be recommitted to the Committee of Law and Government. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: No. 141035, 141036, 141037, 141041, 141042, 140831. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we would consider public comment as follows: If you are interested in speaking on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I would 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 Council Chambers. There's a device and a microphone. On that device there's a light. When that light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 your remarks, and when it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines to conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.
Ed O'Donnell, commenting on 141041. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. Ed O'Donnell on crime reduction, and I want to first praise Councilwoman Blackwell for her consistent helping the poor. That's the number one crime reduction problem. She is like Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, the prophet of the poor. Mother Theresa said the purpose of our lives is to help the poor, the poor, Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 the poor, the poor. Now, please, please must treat all people with respect, dignity, and friendliness, no belittling suspects, no ridiculing suspects. You want to reduce crime, people need to work at honest work, go to the fitness club, eat a healthy dinner, go home, get into bed by themselves, read the Bible, have a glass of apple cider. Most crime is hatched in bars, nightclubs. It's related to alcohol, drugs, sex, and gambling. How to reduce crime? Homes that are loving and clean and neat; teachers who love kids, like I had a lot of teachers like that; and then you have livable communities. If you go out in the morning and have cigarette smoke blown in your face and are dealing with rude people and litter, you're going to be depressed. You're going to be a candidate to snap and commit a crime. Most important, a guaranteed job for everybody. There's $800 billion Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 in the bank accounts of our nation's charities. A guaranteed job for every unemployed person, every homeless person, every prostitute, every former prisoner, picking up litter, passing out literature for small businesses, a clean one-room apartment, transportation, healthcare, crime would go down, prostitution would go down, homelessness would go down, gambling would go down. Now, Brian Williams and George Stephanopoulos and the media have no interest in these solutions. They're interested in violence and scandals, their own paychecks, their own egos. We need new people in the media who are loving, kind, merciful, and who have a passion for turning lives around. We need people in the media like Councilwoman Blackwell. Thank you.
Wendy Vote, Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 commenting on a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown on human trafficking. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Hello, everyone. My name is Wendy Vote and I am proud to serve as the Executive Director of Women's Way, the leading grant-making, advocacy, and education organization for women and girls in the Philadelphia region. And I want to start off by expressing our gratitude to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown as well as all of you for demonstrating your leadership in ending the exploitation of women and girls through this resolution commemorating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. At Women's Way, we strongly believe that raising the public profile of the issues like human trafficking is the first step to ensuring safety, Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 equity, and justice for all women and girls throughout our region. Women's Way initially became involved in working to end human trafficking over six years ago when we learned from the organizations that we fund that individuals are being trafficked right here in our region and that girls were disproportionately being impacted by this system of exploitation. In fact, 80 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls. And many times people hear about human trafficking and think of it as something that happens to other people, somewhere else. However, according to our national sources, over 300,000 Americans fall victim to human trafficking every year, and of those 300,000 Americans, the average age of a girl forced into sex trafficking is just 12 years old. This is horrendous. The truth is that this horrible crime is happening in Philadelphia and Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 throughout the State of Pennsylvania on a daily basis. Individuals are both trafficked through Pennsylvania on their way to other destinations, and Pennsylvania residents, including Philadelphians, are targeted by traffickers and exploited in our very own communities. They're being forced to work as field hands on farms, as domestic slaves in Pennsylvania homes, and women and girls are prostituted every day in our streets through the Internet and in establishments disguised as legitimate businesses. So we all need to be aware. Last year due to the efforts of Women's Way and advocates around the state, the Governor signed into the law the state's first comprehensive human trafficking law, Act 105. Prior to the passage of Act 105, Pennsylvania was one of only two states in the country that lacked a comprehensive legal definition of human trafficking. And under the new law, human trafficking offenses are now Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 2ND READING classified as second-degree felonies. So congratulations. The passage of Act 105 and today's resolutions are very important steps in the movement to end human trafficking, but there's still so much to be done, and I'm really looking forward to working with all of you on this important work. Thank you very much.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. There being none, it is now time to consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title to 141035.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 141035 has been adopted. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 141036.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Resolution 141036 is approved. Mr. Decker, 141037.
A 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 Fifteenth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting January 22, 2015 1/22/15 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 141037 is approved. Mr. Decker, 141041.
A resolution calling upon the Task Force on 21st Century Policing created by President Barack Obama to examine, in its report on promoting effective crime reduction, the importance of community policing, race relations and diversity training in policing practices as well as a review of racial disparities in the Criminal Justice System.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion.