Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 14, 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 CURTIS JONES, JR. 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 May 14, 2015
We're going to start now. We have a quorum. If everyone will take their seats, we'll get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Bill Golderer of Broad Street Ministries. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Squilla. I would ask all guests and visitors to please rise, and members. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Councilman Squilla, thank you for the invitation. Council President, thank you. Will you gather with me in prayer. Let us pray. God of persistent love, soother of our pain and prompter of our courage, we give you thanks today. We give you Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 up this morning. And even as we are grateful for this new day, for this fresh opportunity to be a blessing to our city, our hearts remain heavy. Holy one, we continue to mourn our great derailment tragedy. We grieve for those who perished and were harmed even as we rejoice at the courage of our first responders who courageously answered that call. Keep us mindful today and every day that life is precious and fragile. So as we enter this Chamber today, loving God, we ask that you would focus us on the important things, the essential things, the ultimate things that glorify your name and will make this city a place where all people can thrive. We gather today around real challenges, but we know you are a God of endless possibilities. And so we ask that your guidance be clear to us. Guide us so we don't squander what we have been given. Guide us to persevere through Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 our adversaries, but harden our resolve to advocate for those who are vulnerable and innocent. Remind us all that the children, the aging, the despairing are counting on us to persist always in hope. Ignite in us anew our passion to be of service. Inspire us when we are tired or weak or worn. Grow within us a new bold idea this day. Give us a breakthrough that carries us past cynicism. You didn't call us here to be cynical. So help us, we pray, to persevere and hope. Help us always to know that as we go through these hallways and through these streets, that you go with us, providing us everything we need to be the people the City needs us to be. Amen and amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before we start our session today, I would just like to take a moment to not only ask for a moment of silence for the tragic event and the victims and their families, I would also like to add a moment of silence for our colleague Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who lost his grandmother, very close to him, actually played a key role in raising him. So I'd just like to ask everybody for a moment of silence for those people. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 7th, 2015 be approved. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 7th, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a request for leave of absence.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence has been requested by Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting May 14, 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 I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has come down today to witness your government in action. We hope that you not only find today a pleasurable day, a knowledgeable day, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for your participation at today's session. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing students from the Benjamin Comegys Elementary School Afterschool Program. Would Principal Lisa Wilmer and those accompanying her please join the Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Blackwell is Councilman David Oh and Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, colleagues. This is a special day because this and the resolution that succeeds it dealing with Dr. Ira Harkavy and the Netter Center for Community Partnerships are related in that they work to help this -- they help to make this day possible and to create this video. We are very grateful to the principal and all the students. I hope they've arrived. They were in the subway trying to get here to see their work in action. I hope they are here and that they are pleased that we wanted to make this presentation, which is only about two minutes, folks. So we'll read the Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 forward.
Resolution recognizing and congratulating students from Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School Afterschool Program on their impressive, quote, "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully," end of quote, production featured on YouTube. Whereas, studies indicate that more than half a million students nationwide, or seventeen percent of students beyond second grade, were bullied two or three times a month over a period of several months; and Whereas, bullying and violence in the City's public schools has been a persistent problem over the years; and
Whereas, experts report that the incidence of bullying goes down significantly only when schools implement consistent, well-organized, long term programs; and Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Whereas, students from Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School in West Philadelphia created a phenomenal song and video production entitled "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully" during their afterschool program; and Whereas, fourth grader Diamond Houston wrote the hook for the song, and seventh grader Keion Marshall wrote the verses. They give special acknowledgement to Grandmaster Flash and P. Diddy for lyrical inspiration; and
Whereas, Comegys Elementary's students acted and performed to the lyrics in a video which is now on YouTube and has over 3,000 views; and Whereas, after the video on March 20th, 2015, the United States Secretary of Education tweeted the video clip from his social media account stating, "Awesome lyrics and hook by Comegys School in Philly reminding us all to be buddies, not bullies"; and Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Whereas, it is without a doubt the efforts and talents applied by these young men and women, the future leaders of our city, are phenomenal and deserve recognition; therefore be it Resolved, by the City Council, recognizing and congratulating the students of Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School Afterschool Program on their impressive "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully" production featured on YouTube. Sponsored by Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, 3rd Councilman District, March 26, 2015 and all members of Council. (Applause.)
And before we have Council at ease, we have to have Ms. Walters for remarks.
Wilmer. I'm sorry. Ms. Wilmer. And I would also like to thank the awesome interpretation. (Applause.)
Serious moves. Ms. Wilmer, please give your remarks. Thank you.
Good morning, all. I just want to say thank you on behalf of the Comegys School and City Council for acknowledging our hard work. We do try every day to support our students, and I couldn't do my work without the support of so many, especially my after-school director, Daniel, and, most importantly, my student, Keion. So I just want to say thank you to everybody for acknowledging us for our hard work and our efforts. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing George D. Gould, Esquire. Would Mr. Gould and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman and guests approached podium.)
This is really a great pleasure for me to honor this gentleman, George Gould. We met many, many years ago when we were both with the -- I was with the Philadelphia Urban Coalition and Charlie Bowser in training for this day and George was with Community Legal Services. His mission and the mission of Community Legal Services is to represent those who can't Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 are in need, and they've done an outstanding job. So give CLS a big round of applause. (Applause.)
Resolution recognizing and acknowledging George D. Gould, Esquire, winner of the 2014 Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award, for his achievements over more than four decades of work in the field of public interest law. Whereas, George D. Gould is the Managing Attorney of the Housing and Energy Units at Community Legal Services, which he joined in 1970 as a Reginald Heber Smith Fellow. The Housing Unit provides representation in housing cases, including landlord/tenant and public housing, while the Energy Unit provides representation as the Public Advocate before the Philadelphia Gas Commission and provides assistance in energy cases. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 foreclosure prevention, public housing, landlord/tenant law and childhood lead poisoning; and Whereas, Mr. Gould currently serves as a member of the Landlord Tenant Subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission, the Pennsylvania Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Workgroup, the Lead Primary Prevention Task Force and is a former member of the National Lead Task Group of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Lead Based Paint Hazardous Reduction and Financing Task Force created by Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. He also serves on the board of Regional Housing Legal Services and is a faculty member of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, where he teaches courses and develops written material on landlord/tenant law. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 events for legal services programs; and Whereas, in addition to the 2014 Bar Foundation Award, Mr. Gould received the National Housing Law Project's David Bryson Award in 2011, was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in 2009, and received the 2001 Striving Towards Excellence Award from Pennsylvania Legal Services. He has also received numerous awards from community organizations for his work in housing, and he is a contributing author of, quote, "Mortgage Foreclosure," end of quote, in Pennsylvania Consumer Law; and Whereas, George Gould is a teacher, mentor and inspiration to younger advocates, an excellent manager and leader, and most importantly, a brilliant advocate on behalf of thousands of vulnerable low-income persons across the country facing housing concerns. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 intelligent, creative and strategic housing lawyer, providing leadership nationally for legal services housing practitioners; and Whereas, George's lifelong dedication to serving, protecting and advocating for those in need, promoting equal access to justice, and influencing local and national policy are equaled by few, if any; and Whereas, George has applied the same sense of passion and dedication to his personal, family and community lives, whether it was coaching his son Peter's baseball and soccer teams, running a hot dog concession at the annual Fitler Square Fair, or successfully completing marathons in Boston, New York City and elsewhere; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize and acknowledge George D. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 decades of work in the field of public interest law. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to George Gould as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. It's introduced by Marian Tasco and supported by all members of City Council. George, we thank you for the many, many years of service. You've done a wonderful job, and I know the citizens you have served in Philadelphia are grateful. God bless you as you continue with the good work that you do. )
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Gould for remarks. And it's strange seeing you on this side of the podium. Thank you.
I am deeply honored by this resolution and greatly appreciate City Council for doing this. I have Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 City Council members for years and have enjoyed very much the opportunity to work with you. Councilwoman Tasco and I go back to the early '70s when we worked together to get the Whitman Park development built. I am very proud of our City Council; for example, taking strong action on the sale of PGW. I also want to thank the several community group organizations that I have worked with over the years. First, the Residents Advisory Board, representing tenants of public housing and their leaders, Nellie Reynolds and Asia Coney, who are standing next to me today. We have worked together successfully on numerous issues facing public housing tenants. I also want to thank the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, John Dodds, who is also here, who we have worked successfully on programs to help homeowners facing foreclosure. One in Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, HEMAP, which was created in 1983. And, finally, the Tenants Union Representative Network. Phil Lord is the Director. Unfortunately he can't be here. He's having a conference. But we worked closely together and were able to get this Council to pass significant legislation that gave important rights to tenants all across Philadelphia. Of course, I also want to thank the staff of Community Legal Services' Housing and Energy Units, many who are here today and standing with me, for their invaluable support and work that they have performed over many years. And I also want to thank the administration of the program. Finally, and certainly not least, I want to thank my wife, Diane, and my son, Peter, for supporting and tolerating me over these many years. Thank you. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. We will proceed with our last presentation. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Dr. Ira Harkavy and the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships. Would Dr. Harkavy and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And we have Councilman Wilson Goode and Councilman Ed Neilson also joining Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 President, all these leaders I work with all the time.
It's all that good stuff you have out there in West Philadelphia.
Thank you very much. This is a resolution honoring and recognizing Dr. Ira Harkavy and the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships for their dedication to community service and their significant contributions to the West Philadelphia communities. And let me note that we've worked with Dr. Harkavy from the time this was created until now. We're both young, but we've been around a while. And it is certainly an honor, and these few words cannot express -- Dave, come up here, please, Dave Glancey. You have to Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 few words cannot express the work he's done with the West Philadelphia Corporation during the Lucien Blackwell days, Turner School and so many experiences that we've shared together. I look back, Glenn and certainly Cory Bowman, to make sure you all are here. Before I begin -- Blondell, you're next, so you can make your remarks then. Whereas, Dr. Ira Harkavy is Associate Vice President and founding Director of the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania; and Whereas, as Director of the Netter Center since 1992, Dr. Harkavy has helped to develop academically based community service courses as well as participatory action research projects that involve creating university-assisted community schools in Penn's local Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 And before I turn it over to Blondell, you'll note the President's booklet he has on School-Based Services includes one of the schools, Sayre, and that program is another Dr. Harkavy program as well as many in West Philadelphia. And these are some of the solutions we need, this level of participation, to make schools better. Thank you.
I wish to add my own personal congratulations in that I worked with Dr. Harkavy in the late '80s, early '90s there in West Philadelphia when I was serving as the Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Partnership. He was a leader in understanding that when the local community does well, universities do better, and the universities really have a responsibility and an obligation to be anchored and entrenched in the delivery of services to the community Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Harkavy was a leader in that way. Whereas, the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships is Penn's primary vehicle for organizing community service initiatives to solve complex social issues that impact the quality of lives of Philadelphia residents, particularly those residing in West and Southwest Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Netter Center, which is housed in the Office of Government and Community Affairs, works to improve the internal coordination and collaboration of all university-wide community service programs, develops partnerships with the University and the community, and strengthens networks of institutions of higher education committed to the engagement with their local communities; and
Whereas, through the Netter Center, the University currently engages in academically based Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 service, direct traditional service, and community development; and Whereas, approximately 200 courses from a wide range of disciplines and Penn schools have been developed to link Penn students to work in the community; and Whereas, the Barbara and Edward Netter for Community Partnerships has won numerous awards, honors and distinctions during its tenure at the University of Pennsylvania; and
And whereas, Penn was among five higher-education institutions that received the Presidential Award, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to community service. Penn won in the category of Summer Learning; and Whereas, the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships will be celebrating their 23rd Anniversary in July of 2015; therefore, Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors and recognizes Dr. Ira Harkavy and the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships for their dedication to community service and their significant contributions in West Philadelphia communities.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Ira Harkavy and the Netter Center as a profound expression of this Council's appreciation. Introduced by Jannie L. Blackwell and supported by all members of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Dr. Harkavy for remarks.
Thank you. First Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Councilwoman Blackwell, who has been a dear friend and colleague for many, many years, for introducing this resolution, to my dear friends on Council and the good work that they do, and to the President of Council and his leadership. This is a really distinct and terrific honor for me and for my colleagues at the Netter Center. This award really is not an award about the work I do, but as we heard today, it's about the work of the Netter Center. It's about the work of my colleagues who are on this podium with me who have done extraordinary work. But it's more than that. It really is an award for a partnership. It's an award for people who work together. It's an award that is given to not just the Netter Center, but to other members at the podium, and one gentleman who is taking pictures, members of our Community Board, who is central to our work and have played leading roles and Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 It's also partners with the school that we partner with such as Comegys and Principal Wilmer and the wonderful work that we do with you and learning from you and your students and the teachers. And it is a partnership precisely with those students and teachers. It's also a partnership with my other colleagues at the University, who are up here with me today, who are part of the work we do. And it is a partnership then of multiple groups that work together for the betterment of the children and the communities of West Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia. This work is mutually beneficial. It helps make Penn a better institution. It helps make schools function better. It helps Penn students learn. It helps students in the community learn. It helps government more effectively, and it helps our city Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 events painfully make us all clearly understand that the problems of the City - poverty, unemployment, inadequate schooling, poor healthcare, insufficient social services - those problems are the most pressing and significant problems of our time. They've been that way for a long time, but the past months have made it crystal clear to everyone in the society that these are the issues of our future. These are the issues that we must work on, and these are the problems that together we must solve. It is crucial that the kind of work that the Netter Center does in partnership with the City, with this Council, with the community, with the schools, that that kind of work is crucial to solving those problems. Urban universities and their communities working together with government are essential to resolving and solving those Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 the democratic promise of America is realized by each and every American. I thank you for this award. I'm humbled by this award, and I look forward to working with all of you together now and into the future. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
If I may, I will introduce my colleagues. Councilwoman Blackwell said it was okay, so I'm going to do that. David Glancey, my colleague at the University of Pennsylvania; Rita Hodges, who is Assistant Director of the Netter Center; Isabel Mapp, who is Associate Director of the Netter Center; Linda Satchell, one of the leading staff members at the Netter Center; Joann Weeks, Associate Director of the Netter Center who handles our adaptation or application projects; Jenny Bae, who is a former student of mine who is in charge of a lot of work that we do, including Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 work; Ken Woodson, a member of the Community Board and, as we know, Philadelphia Zoo, plays a crucial role; Dan Merin has also been introduced for his terrific work at the Comegys School and helped do that video; Cory Bowman, Associate Director at the Netter Center; Glenn Bryan, also of the University of Pennsylvania who, along with Dave, are two of our closest colleagues; and James Brown, also a Board member of the Netter Center. And this was the hardest thing I've done in years, was to remember everyone's name and not make a mistake. So thank you all very much. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 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 Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bill: Bill No. 150353. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Westmoreland Street, North Hope Street, West Ontario Street, and North Front Street, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to accept title from Natural Lands Trust, Inc., to a certain approximately 6 acre parcel of Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 7900 Cherokee Street or Lane, subject to a conservation agreement granted by the Natural Land Trust, Inc., to Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, and incorporating the parcel into Wissahickon Valley Park; and An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into a license agreement with the Zoological Society of Philadelphia to continue licensing to the Zoological Society certain land and improvements known as the 38th Street Lot, Zoological Drive and Sedgley Drive Parking Area; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant; and to file Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 applications with the Commonwealth to obtain grants under the Act of April 12, 1956, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight; all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. Next is the introduction of resolutions and bills. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien -- no. Excuse me. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Well, I thank you. I think B is before O. No; that was a joke. Thank you. Today I introduce two bills and two non-privileged Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into a license agreement with the Zoological Society of Philadelphia to continue licensing to the Zoological Society certain land and improvements known as the 38th Street Lot, Zoological Drive and the Sedgley Drive Parking Area.
And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and for a Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant; and to file applications with the Commonwealth to obtain grants under the Act of April 12, 1956, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight.
That bill will also be placed in the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Civic Center Boulevard to "Raymond G. Perelman Way."
That 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, Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 situate in the Third, Sixth, Forty-Fourth, Fifty-First and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of Council President Clarke, I offer one bill.
An ordinance authorizing Roland Kassis to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 816 North 4th Street.
That bill will be placed in the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding as a permissible location the north side of West Tabor Road from North Park Avenue to North 13th Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes now Councilwoman Sanchez.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Development, all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Westmoreland Street, North Hope Street, West Ontario Street, and North Front Street, for further conveyance.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Mr. Chairman. On behalf of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, I introduce one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Council, the Mayor, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Council, the Mayor, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
That resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. Majority Leader. I offer one bill on your behalf and one bill on behalf of President Clarke.
An ordinance authorizing the transfer in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 within the General Fund, from the Department of Human Services - Prisons to the Office of Housing and Community Development, to support landscaping and lot-cleaning jobs in the Philadelphia Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Re-Entry Employment Program for Returning Citizens.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-1306 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Inspection Agencies and Special Inspectors," and Subsection A-902, entitled "Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Code Fees," to further provide for the registration of special inspection agencies and special inspectors, qualifications for such registrations and duties of such agencies and inspectors.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Green Street, Second Street, Spring Garden Street, and Third Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 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 First and Thirty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by adding a new Section establishing requirements for block parties and non-block party events, providing for permit fee refunds under specified circumstances and adding Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 definitions.
And an ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to accept title from Natural Lands Trust, Inc., to a certain approximately 6 acre parcel of land known as 7900 Cherokee Street or Land, subject to a conservation agreement granted by the Natural Land Trust, Inc., to Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, and incorporating the parcel into the Wissahickon Valley Park.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Mark Squilla and the other co-sponsored Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring that the 2015 Philippine Independence Week Celebration will be from June 6th to June 20th.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution remembering and honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military service, in observance of Memorial Day 2015 in Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. Our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 150233, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commissioner of Public Property to execute a sublease or other agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, subject to a master lease between PAID and Rodin Market Partners, under which the City Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 the building located at 2000 Hamilton Street"; and Bill No. 150367, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Venango Street, Germantown Avenue, West Tioga Street, and North Watts Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 150371, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel or parcels of land and any improvements thereon located at 2459 through 77 Kensington Avenue, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 150406, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from 7777 Philadelphia PA Loan Associates a certain Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 with the improvements thereon, commonly known as 7777-R State Road"; and Bill No. 150415, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Department of Public Property to acquire an approximately 0.80 acre property consisting of a portion of the elevated rail line known as the Viaduct located between North Broad Street, the north side of Noble Street, 11th Street and the south side of Callowhill Street, together with all improvements thereon and associated easements; and to lease a portion of the property to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 150233, 150367, 150371, 150406, and 150415. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 1ST READING of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session. Mr. Decker, please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar today.
Bill No. 150354, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parking Meter Regulations and Penalties,' to specify the fee for parking meter payments made through mobile payment systems; all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you. The Chair agrees, and this bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 150216, 130905, 140644, 150214, 150218, 150237, 150238, 150268, 150277, 150278, 150279, 150280, 150281, 150283, 150287, 150353, and 150372. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider bills just read by Councilman Jones. All in favor please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 2ND READING ayes have it. The motion carries. And we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered for the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150419, 150446, 150447, 150448, 150449, 150453, and 150225. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering our Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, we'd ask, if you have not already done so, sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today. Mr. Decker, would you please call the name of the first witness.
Tamara Anderson, commenting on 150214. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Tamara Anderson and I very much would like to talk about the ordinance that's being amended by Councilmember Sanchez as far as for the red light violation. So I'm really excited that there is an ordinance about safety, especially in light of what's happening in our city today as far as non-safety. And I would like to segue this into the fact that we don't want to give our children a red light violation when it comes to funding. We want to make sure that they're able to get the $105 million from City Council so that we can continue the safety and continue the work that the community and partnerships spoke about earlier. Because those partnerships, those mutual partnerships that deal with poverty, that is -- that adds the safety of children into the safety of our citizens and to all the good work they talk about that happens at U Penn and Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 happens in West Philly and happens in South Philly can only happen if it's on a foundation that already has funding. If it doesn't have that additional funding, those mutual partnerships fall to the wayside and they become counterproductive, because it's like filling a black hole that can never be filled. And so we want to make sure that we give a green light when it comes to funding, especially when Council is making their decisions for this year for their 105 million. Thank you. (Applause.)
Allan Irving, commenting on 150225 and 150216. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Members of Council, Mr. President, I welcome and thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Councilwoman Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Blondell Reynolds Brown's Bill 150216 to make the City Office of LGBT Affairs a permanent one, a permanent office of City government by amending the City's Charter. As a member myself of the transgender community and a Professor of Social Policy and Social Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, I want to put forward three brief arguments why I consider this bill crucial to the civic and civil life of the City. The first argument is one for education. This past semester I developed and taught a graduate course, the first of its kind, called LGBT Communities and Social Policy at the School of Social Policy and Practice -that's social work -- at Penn. Twenty-five Master students, Masters of social work students, took the course, demonstrating the pronounced interests of Master social work students in knowing more about LGBT communities and the role Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 of advocacy in advancing the social and civil rights of the LGBT population. In fact, several students, fine students, I should say, from the class are here to lend their enthusiastic support, Cate Revak and Sam Sperling. But no question, though, the highlight of the semester was the visit of Nellie Fitzpatrick, who is the current Director of the Office, to the class, who spoke and dialogued with the students for two and a half hours on the work of the Office and her ideas for future initiatives, including working with the transgender prison population. She was inspiring, a model public policy maker for the students, showing policy and action. The School of Social Policy and Practice at the University now has a valuable educational connection with the City's LGBT Affairs Office, one that will continue to -- we will continue to unconditionally build on. Without the Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 proposed amendment -- or proposed permanent office, our educational mission for our students and other students at all levels across the City would be critically attenuated. My second argument is one for pluralism. The proposed permanent Office of LGBT Affairs is crucial in promoting, in my view, an ethic of pluralism in Philadelphia's civic life and, as a consequence, creating a more livable and just city for the LGBT community. We talk about the social factor of diversity all the time, but we need to go further and recognize that pluralism is not diversity alone, but a continuous and vigorous engagement with diversity. Pluralism is not just tolerance, but the act of ongoing pursuit of understanding across lines of difference. Pluralism requires dialogue, conversation, and encounter. It involves speaking and listening. It does not mean everyone at the table will agree, but it does mean Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 all voices are at the table in committed conversation. And just quickly, since I see this light has flashed on -- I think I've only spoken for two minutes, though -inclusivity. And this is, I think, crucial to the development of a viable and flourishing City of Philadelphia in the 21st century, to promote inclusivity, and I believe that this Office will foster that in abundance. Thank you.
Hello, everybody. I'm Brad Wilson. I'm here representing the reentry program. I don't know the numbers. Don't jump on me. But what I came up to say is, one, the federal Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 government gives every business a $3,500 tax reduction to hire felons. I've been stuck in the homeless system for four years. I can't get out. Why? Nobody wants to hire me because I'm a felon. And the biggest problem is, what small felon programs there are to hire them are all black. They won't hire a white guy. It's reverse discrimination for guys when you and I were kids. I even got a forklift license. They want to put black guys in a forklift instead of me. I can't get anything. But if you really want to lower crime, I mean, it's at a point where what do we got to do, go back to crime, killing, raping, robbing? Is that what you all want to see? Raise your hand. How many want to see someone go back to crime? I don't see no hands. That's cool. Guys, you really need to take your reentry act seriously and get that moving a lot more. Be like Peter Gabriel, put it down with a sledge Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 hammer. All right? And that's how we need to go, because otherwise the homeless system, we're all overpacked. A lot of people can't stay in the homeless system too long, and that's the bottom line. We can't get out. How are we supposed to get moving? You really need to push the reentry act to get us moving, get us working. There's a lot of jobs here in Philadelphia. There's trash all over the streets. Center City District cleans up, but they can't do enough. We really need to push that act and get us working. And you want to cut down crime, get us working. We're too tired to go out and commit a crime now. I don't see anyone wanting a crime to happen again. So how about it, guys? Let's really put down the reentry act and get us back to working. All right? Thank you for listening.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will continue our Calendar. For today's Consent Agenda, I would ask Mr. Decker to read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on"; and Bill No. 130905, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East Duval Street, from Mansfield Avenue to Stenton Avenue, westbound"; and Bill No. 140644, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Vendors,' by providing for the inspection and regulation of mobile food vehicles that use propane and other combustible fuel"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 2nd Street and Erie Avenue"; and Bill No. 150218, 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. 150237, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Jim Williamson to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4249 Ridge Avenue"; and Bill No. 150238, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Alvin Shipon to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 342 through 44 Queen Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 under, and across 908 East Levick Street"; and Bill No. 150277, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue"; and Bill No. 150278, 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 Belmont and Parkside Avenues"; and Bill No. 150279, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Smick Street and Fountain Street"; and Bill No. 150280, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Parkside Avenue and 52nd Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 vicinity of Rexford Road and 52nd Street"; and Bill No. 150283, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 6th Street, both sides, Christian Street to Carpenter Street"; and Bill No. 150287, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Traffic Code,' to provide for the removal of inoperable abandoned bicycles located within the public right-of-way"; and Bill No. 150353, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 11-301 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Improvements,' to revise the method by which the Board of Surveyors may approve supplemental plans relocating the curblines"; and Bill No. "
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bills pass finally. Mr. Decker shall call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote either aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye or nay. Mr. Decker.
Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. Thank you very much. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution 150419.
A resolution also naming Martins Mill Road between Longshore Avenue and Knorr Street as "Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, MOH Road" to honor the memory of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, MOH and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150419 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150446.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1355 through 59 Germantown Avenue.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150446 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150447.
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, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
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.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150447 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150448.
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 Forty-Ninth Ward of the Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING City of Philadelphia.
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 Resolution 150448 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150449.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number Stated Meeting May 14, 2015 5/14/15 - STATED - 2ND READING and street address as 1606 through 10 South Twentieth Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)