Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 28, 2016 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
We're going to get started. If members will take their seat, our guests will retire behind the rail, we will start our invocation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Vincent Corbin of Crown of Life Ministries of Christ. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Cindy Bass. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
How's everybody doing? Before I start, I want to say that my wife, Roxanne, and I find it a great honor to have been invited here today, and it's an honor and it's a great pleasure. So at this time, we're going to ask for all hearts and minds to just Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 will bow our heads. Dear Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, as we collectively all gather here today, Lord God, to invoke your presence within these hallowed halls, Lord. And, God, we ask you, Lord God, that as I stand here, that we lift up our Mayor, our City, and each and every Councilperson and their entire staffs before you that you may endue them, Lord, with your divine wisdom and your guidance. Lord, I think all of us thank you, Lord God, for allowing us another opportunity to express our commitment and our love to all those within these City walls, Lord. God, we thank you, Lord God, for these your public servants in here, Lord God, and we ask that you give them the strength and you give them the endurance to be able to do the people's business. Precious God, we want you to go beyond just what their public service is, Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Lord, but, God, we want you to go into their private lives. God, we want you to bless their families, bless their neighbors, bless their friends, bless their entire support group, Lord. God, we want you to bless every Councilperson and the entire staff, Lord God. Bless them, Lord, in their homes, in their finances. Bless their health. If they have any issues, Lord God, we ask that you bring it -- that you bring it into concert to your divine will. Lord, we want to thank you for all things, Lord God. And, God, we ask you to even bless them with the peace that surpasses all understanding. And, God, as we close, God, we ask you, Lord God, that you just bless them with all knowledge and that you preserve each and every one of them blameless, and we commit them into your hands and let you keep them. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 21st, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 21st, 2016 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 21st, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the majority, there are no leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and I'd like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. I hope that your stay here is an enjoyable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Greenlee, who will present a resolution honoring Kathy Black. Would Ms. Black and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilmembers, we have Councilman Green and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. And we also have Fred Wright. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
Good morning to Council colleagues and guests. This morning we are thrilled to lift up, celebrate, and salute a woman who has been a warrior and a soldier in the labor community, and all of us hope to at some point do our goodwill and our good work and then to move on and reinvent ourselves. Right, Kathy? So this morning we are honoring Kathy Black on the occasion of her retirement from AFSCME District Council 47. Whereas, Kathy Black was born and raised in a Union family in North Philadelphia; and Whereas, Kathy graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Labor Studies from the University of Oregon in 1983; and Whereas, in 1988, Kathy moved home to Philadelphia and spent eight Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 State employees in the Department of Health for CWA Local 1034 in Trenton, New Jersey. For two years, she served as the Governor's appointee to the New Jersey Public Employee OSHA, also known as OSHA, Advisory Board; and
Can't wait to see all the trouble she starts in her retirement. Whereas, Kathy served as the elected President of the Philadelphia Chapter of CLUW (the Coalition of Labor Union Women) from 1993 until April 2014. While CLUW President, she served as a delegate from CLUW to the Philadelphia Council of AFL-CIO and held a seat on their Executive Board; and Whereas, Kathy has served as a Board member of PhilaPOSH (Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health) for many years and was elected Chair (for the second time) in June 2011. She served on the Board, the PAC and then Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Finance for Philadelphia NOW (the National Organization of Women) from 1999 until December 2015 and currently serves as Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union; and Whereas, in February 2007, Kathy was elected as the sixth national Co-Convener of the U.S. Labor Against the War, the anti-war organization within the labor movement, founded in 2003 in response to the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq;
Whereas, Kathy previously served on the Boards of Americans for Democratic Action (Philadelphia Chapter), the Pennsylvania Consumer Action Network, Citizens for Consumer Justice and the national board of Citizen Action; and Whereas, Kathy chaired the Program Committee and served on the Steering Committee for the UNITY 2000 Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 25,000 protesters, held in Philadelphia the day before the opening of the Republican National Convention on July 30th, 2000; and Whereas, Kathy has been a leader in major issue campaigns, including Labor Against Apartheid, the Living Wage Coalition, the All Women's Health Campaign, the Campaign for Contraceptive Coverage, the movement to end the wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces, which successfully advocated for passage of a City of Philadelphia Ordinance requiring all employers to provide paid sick leave to employees;
She also lives in a great neighborhood, by the way. Whereas, Kathy has been honored by the Pennsylvania Consumer Action Network, Philadelphia FIGHT, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 100th Anniversary Celebration, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Philadelphia NOW. In March 2015, Kathy was named a Philadelphia Woman of Moxie -- that works -- at an annual celebration of Women's History Month established by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and received the Paul Robeson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bread and Roses Community Fund; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the Council does hereby honor Kathy Black on the occasion of her retirement from AFSCME District Council 47. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Kathy Black, Health and Safety Director of AFSCME District Council 47, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Kathy, thank you for everything Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 years for the people who need it the most. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Black for remarks.
Thank you. Thank you so very much, everyone. Thanks especially first to Hadji Maloumian, who probably doesn't get enough thanks. He's the aide to Blondell Reynolds Brown who did all the work to make this happen in his usual conscientious and efficient manner. Thank you, Council President Clarke, my own district Council rep, and all the members of Council for this wonderful recognition, and especially thanks to Bill Greenlee. Yes, he's my ward leader. We are neighbors too, and he's my paid sick days hero and the chief sponsor of this resolution, and to Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Brown, whose idea it was to honor me today. Blondell and I have worked together for many years in many capacities, and I'm very proud to have her as a friend and as a feminist representative in this body. Thanks to all my friends and colleagues in the audience from the mighty Philly labor movement, especially my home for 19 years, AFSCME District Council 47. Thanks for my colleagues for being here, President Fred Wright. (Applause.)
Althea Jones, Donnell Martin, Barbara Dexter, and all those in the audience. I see some NOW members out there too and members from my even longer affiliation with my sisters from CLUW, the Coalition of Labor Union Women. We're the women's movement, the feminist conscience of the labor movement, and proud to be so. You've got much more important work to do in this body and I don't want Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 time, so I'm simply going to say what a wonderful gift it has been to spend my working life fighting to advance the rights of workers and women and for an end of war and militarism and to get paid union wages and benefits to do that work. These are issues that continue to drive my passions and for which I will continue to work unpaid. Yes, Maria, I will still cause trouble in between my planned world travels, that is, now that my long union career has allowed me to retire with dignity and in relative comfort. No worker deserves any less, and so let's keep the movement alive and kicking until we have living wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and comfortable retirements for all. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
Thank you. Before our next presentation, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to acknowledge to my Council colleagues the Pennsylvania Secretary for Agriculture, Russell Redding, is here today, and I'd appreciate a warm welcome and reception for Secretary Redding. (Applause.)
And he is here today because of two resolutions that are being put forward by myself and all members of Council regarding agriculture.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your great work. Appreciate it. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker, who will recognize Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Singing.)
Good morning, everyone, and thank you, Mr. President.
It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, along with the dynamic young people who are with them here today to be honored. I want to note for the record that I thought I was at a great loss. For the past ten years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to welcome my sisters here from across the state via our Social Action Committee, and when they gathered in their red on Harrisburg in the Capitol Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 House, they were sitting at the back of the Chamber and the Speaker said, Cherelle, who are all of those women in red? And I said, Mr. Speaker, those are my sisters. And it gives us a great honor. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and I have the distinct honor and privilege of being a part of this organization that was founded on January 13th, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 collegiate women. And I know when you think of a sorority, you usually think of women getting dressed up, having tea and crumpets, but I want you to know that what is different about these dynamic women and our founders is that our first act as a public sorority, our first act was our participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, DC. And for those who didn't know, there were women of color there. They just didn't report it. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 said, Mr. President, let me just note for the record that this is a citation recognizing Delta Days at City Council and members of their local youth election and leadership advocates on the occasion of Delta Days in City Council.
Whereas, the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October the 17th, 1976 by 27 African American educated women to proudly execute the organization's Five Point Programmatic Thrust, which includes Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Over the past 40 years, this chapter has strategically expanded its membership to more than 150 local women working to build a more connected and informed community; and Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Whereas, members of the Quaker City Alumnae Social Action Committee have dynamically continued in their foremothers' footsteps to promote social and political activism by addressing voting rights, supporting voter education, and hosting numerous voter registration drives and voter phone banks, as well as advocating for adequate education funding, quality after-school programming, and access to early childhood education for all children; and
Whereas, members of the Sorority's Social Action Committee have furthered their commitment to social and political engagement by empowering and encouraging student activism to the Election Ambassador Corps offered at Paul Robeson High School for Human Services, the completion of the Behind the Ballot Badge by the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council Troop 309, and continued participation in Youth Leadership Day where students Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 at Delta Days at City Council; and
I came up from standing on the floor, colleagues. We know our place. And whereas, 18 students from Paul Robeson High School for Human Services dedicated much of their free time to educating their peers and community on the importance of social and political activism by serving as Election Ambassadors under the Committee of Seventy's Youth Engagement Program. They are: Abdul Hakim Ali, Amir Slaughter, Almeda Dora Davis, Vinta Gisey, Dejalynn Paylor, Dominique Anne Hudson, Indigo Allen, Jye Waddell, Jamira Wally, Jonu Ballard, Kara Destiny Jordan, Shadarina O. Blackman, Shaman Nasir Levy, Taniya Lee, Tacona Stuckey, Trelsey Trotman, Tymere Hall, and Tiquan Dorsey. We applaud your level of activism and encourage you to continue in the footsteps of youth leaders who paved the Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 you; and
Whereas, the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council Troop 309 rallied their scouts and set out on the mission to understand what it takes to operate campaigns, galvanize supporters, and change public policy. Elsie Davis, Manisha Nelson, Lena Underwood, Jessica Williams, and Deanna Woolfolk, we salute your efforts and congratulate you on earning that prestigious badge; and
Whereas, the Deltas of Quaker City, who believe that it is never too early to begin grooming our future leaders, have made it their mission to introduce youth leadership training programs at their respective institutions, selecting well-deserving students who exemplify outstanding leadership skills and show a personal commitment to developing those skills. Ania Knight, Tamir Altatore, Storm Johnson, Andre Lou, Kyla Nixon, and John Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Flowers, we commend you for taking this major step in social activism and connecting with local elected officials, and we look forward to your future as selfless community leaders; and
Sisterhood and a development of an army. Whereas, the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter continues to explore new avenues to collaborate with local organizations to tackle the issues that impact Philadelphia residents in an effort to effectively resolve today's challenges by implementing much-needed programming and advancing essential policy initiatives; and
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia proudly recognizes and honors the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's Quaker City Alumnae Chapter's Social Action Committee and youth election and leadership advocates Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 the 13th year of Delta Days at City Council. We extend our sincere gratitude for your commitment to social and political engagement and your dedication to blazing a trail for our future advocates and leaders. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Cousins-Mond for remarks.
My name is Leslie Cousins-Mond. I am the President of the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. We want to thank the Councilmembers for support of the Delta Youth Day at City Council. We want to thank you for the 12th year -13th year actually. Ten years ago, our chapter changed the name and focus of the Delta Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Council to highlight the youth of Philadelphia. Today we celebrate the Council's commitment to the youth of the City. It's important that young people in our city see how issues facing our communities are discussed and researched. It's important that the young witness how adults handle and make laws that affect them and their communities, to understand that no one community is better or receives more services but how laws celebrate the varieties of cultures, traditions, maintain the safety and self-worth of all of its citizens. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was established and incorporated on January 13th, 1913. She quickly established herself in social action by two weeks later participating in the marching in the Women's Suffrage March in 1913. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Quaker City Alumnae Chapter was chartered on October Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 17th, 1976. This October, Quaker City will have left her mark and impact on the community throughout Philadelphia with programs that are meant to make the lives of its citizens better. Toy Library, which is one of the projects QCA developed, moved on to include Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, a program that works with youth female girls to prepare them for positive experiences at school, address youth issues, and to move towards continuing their education at a college level. The QCA Physical and Mental Health Program annually held in North Philadelphia is making a sufficient different for the residents of that community. The QCA's Social Action Committee has presence during its annual December Dessert Hour, with topics such as Aging Gracefully, which not only discuss laws and services for our aging population, but the services that their caregiver can utilize to make sure that their loved ones are comfortable in their Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 has held forums that allow citizens to discuss the healthcare law as well as join with the state senators to find sign-up locations. Our members assisted a large population in signing up for some form of healthcare, many for the first time in their lives. Twice a year throughout the City of Philadelphia, our members register citizens voting. Voting is a citizen fundamental right. We visit the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC to solicit our Representatives to support and fund education from K to 12 grades into twoto four-year colleges and universities. Again, on behalf of the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, we thank you for inviting us and having us here today. (Applause.)
And now I'm going to introduce Patricia Alford, our Social Action Chair. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
Once again, I want to thank you. I've been coming here for a number of years. I'm a charter member of Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, and it's just phenomenal support that we get from Philadelphia City Council. But we'd like to make some special presentations this morning. The first one to our soror and your committee person, Cherelle Parker, for your dedication in assisting and supporting the citizens of the City of Philadelphia and the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, April 28th, 2016, Mrs. Leslie Cousins-Mond, Chapter President.
The next award probably is a little surprise, but this Councilwoman has supported us ever since we've been coming, and we'd like to have Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 come forward. (Applause.)
Again, it honors Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for your dedication in assisting and supporting the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. We went to college together. It's been a long time. You've been doing this for a long time.
And the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter. Thank you very, very much for all your work that you do in the communities.
Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before having our next and last presentation, I would like at this time to recognize a former member of the City Council family and soon to be a new member of the General Assembly family, our good friend, Morgan Cephas. (Standing ovation.)
Quite an impressive win. At this time, I would like to recognize Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I want to ask my visiting students from Frankford Friends to please stand up. A few months ago I was visiting the school as we were talking about what would be some new learning space. The City awarded over to Frankford Friends some land and they will be expanding, and the students at that Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 come to City Council. So I want to recognize the teachers, Jonathan Clifton and Lisa Clapper, for bringing the students. As part of their visit today, they wrote some essays to give me their opinions on some of the budget proposals, including the soda tax. I just want to quickly read a couple of what I believe to be some very thoughtful thinking on the young people. One of the kinds about this law is that you're having poor people lose money, because research shows that they buy more soda than other people. However -- and I'm paraphrasing -- I have thought about this and my opinion is that on the whole, it's a good tax. Leda Porter writes, I realize that if we do have to pay an extra 3 cents per ounce for soda, it will increase grocery bills for families that least can afford it, like lower income and poor families. However, I think it Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 pass, because everyone should have a good education. Let it be known that young people are watching us and that they too have opinions and sometimes are more sensible than the adults in the room. So I want to thank them for coming down and have them enjoy their day as they visit City Hall. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh, who will present a resolution recognizing Philly Tech Week. Would Christopher Wink and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Oh, we also have Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Councilman Bobby Henon, Councilman Allan Domb, and Councilwoman Helen Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. As everyone gathers -
-- I'd like to just say that I'm always delighted about this year whoever is presenting this particular resolution, because while our history is our roots and shows where we've been and our substance, but technology represents our creativity, our innovation, and our future. And we're so grateful to have a lot of folks in our city growing every day more and more, innovating, creating things right here in our city. And so one of the organizations, Technical.ly Philly, has established our annual Philly Tech Week. And so this resolution recognizes and Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 April 29th, 2016 to May 7th, 2016 as the Sixth Annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast, and honoring the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community.
Whereas, the Philadelphia technology, innovation and creative communities are again coming together to celebrate their importance to the region's economy, culture, and future; and Whereas, the Philadelphia technology community - with leadership from local technology news organization Technical.ly Philly - has again organized a series of 140 events around technology and innovation in Philadelphia called Philly Tech Week, scheduled from April 29th, 2016 to May 7th, 2016; and
Whereas, Philly Tech Week will be kicked off with an outdoor arcade night at Dilworth Park. The following events will be hosted throughout the City organized by one-day Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 track themes: Creative, Civic, Business, Access, Media, and Development. The highlighted events include: a Mayoral Tech Town Hall; two forums about the growth and development of Philadelphia's health and science community; and the Philadelphia Tech Week Signature Event at the URBN building; and
Whereas, the Title Sponsor is no surprise, Comcast, and the Collaboration Sponsor is the University of Pennsylvania; Whereas, the Dev Track sponsors are Chariot Solutions, MeetMe, Linode, Jarvus Innovations, and Susquehanna International Group, LLP. The Creative Track sponsors are Tonic Design Company and URBN Engineering; and
Whereas, the Civic Track sponsors are The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Media Track sponsors are CapTech, Cashman & Associates, Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 University, and 1SEO.com. The Business Track sponsors are Saul Ewing LLP, Temple University, Science Center, and Morgan Lewis;
Whereas, Philly Tech Week 2015, the fifth annual event, was an event of great importance to the City's technology and innovation community. More than 25,000 people attended over 150 events that were organized by 300 partners. The continuation of Philly Tech Week as an annual celebration and gathering of influencers in the technology and innovation spirit furthers Philadelphia's reputation as an emerging East Coast technology hub; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby declares the week of April 29th, 2016 to May 7th, 2016 as the Sixth Annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast, encourages all Philadelphians to participate in the series of scheduled Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 technology and innovation, and commends the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community for creating jobs, increasing community, and remaining committed to the betterment of our City. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to representatives of Philly Tech Week as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you all. Thank you, Council President Clarke. Thank you, Councilman Oh, for introducing, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Domb, and Councilman O'Neill. Thank you all so much for the endorsement. Two things I wanted to say Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 One, technology has a bad reputation of being seen as isolating, and it's not. I think we're up to at least half of the councilmanic districts have Philly Tech Week events this year. It's something that our title sponsor, Comcast, and we as a technology news site care a lot about. This is not isolating. This has to be inclusive. There are software events around education, around food and access, in addition to surging technology companies that hire people. This is both about economic development and opportunity for everyone. An example would be the Coded by Kids program, someone whom you report on plenty, to organizing events in a handful of rec centers around the City so residents can understand how they can access this community - events at 58th and Chester and 22nd and Cecil B, in addition to Center City corridor. We care a lot about making this more accessible to as many people as we can, and I hope and ask Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Council, let's continue to make technology innovation more accessible than it ever can be. That's what I think has to happen. And my second ask is, we have rain looming tomorrow for our kickoff. So anything at all that can happen in this esteemed chamber to persuade that, I would much appreciate it. Five years running we've had rain in our kickoff. So if you could end that, it would be much appreciated. We'll be at Dilworth Park. We'll have several thousand people bearing the rain no matter what, I'm sure. By the end of today we'll decide if we are definitely going ahead tomorrow or doing it Saturday. So think of us. And that closing thought on that kickoff, there are no walls, which is very much by design. We do that at Dilworth Park. We have kids come from all parts of the neighborhood, all parts of our city to play with games built locally. So if you have a student, a Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 use technology but thinks it's only built far away, understand that it is built here in Philadelphia. And I thank you all for acknowledging that this work is being done. Thanks for the opportunity. We're going to give Philly Tech Week T-shirts to everyone in Council. We'll get them over to you, in addition to Philly Tech Week print magazines, so you can help spread the word. Thank you so much. Thanks to Comcast, University of Pennsylvania, and all of you for helping make this happen. I'll see you during Philly Tech Week this year. Thank you. (Applause.)
City Council President, five years in a row running. Next year I'm going to distribute Philly Tech Week umbrellas.
All right. Thank you. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, 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. 160222, 160223, 160227, 160228, 160246, 160271, 160272, 160275, 160276, 160277, 160300, and 160302. And I am pleased to advise you that on April 26th, 2016, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 14, 2016. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 090120), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein; and An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard," to revise the benefits required to be provided in connection with application of the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to lease to Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Center the premises located at 12601 Townsend Road, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?
Thank you very much. We will now recognize Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to acknowledge some fine students that have come down to observe us today from St. Joseph's University: Alexandra Hadda, a political science major; Sarah Snowden, a junior, political science major; Cheryl Rasinski, a senior in business administration; Matthew Zanowick, poly sci major; and Kathleen Deeds, a senior, international business major; and Tess Hill, a sophomore, who is also a political Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 science major. Would you join us in welcoming them. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. Welcome. Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. This morning I have one bill and three privileged resolutions and one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Maintenance and Supervision," to require installation of LED lighting in connection with large City public works projects. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
And a non-privileged resolution approving the Office of Economic Opportunity Registry, in compliance with provisions of Chapter 17-1503(1)(a) of The Philadelphia Code, pursuant to Section 6-109 of the Home Rule Charter.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Congratulating Barbara Ortiz Howard for Leading the Local Women on 20's Campaign to Place a Woman on the Twenty Dollar Bill.
And a privileged resolution Commending The Rising Queens on Their 3rd Mentoring Weekend Entitled, Young Ladies on the Rise "Marvelous Mothers Edition." Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
And a privileged resolution Honoring the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Barbara Daniel-Cox.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill, albeit it's the third time, and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 090120) approved April 15, 2009, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street."
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard," to revise the benefits required to be provided in connection with application of the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard.
That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance amending Subcodes "A" and "PM" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code ("The Philadelphia Administrative Code" and "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Code"), by establishing a separate offense for certain chronic, non-compliant violators of the Property Maintenance Code.
And that bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings examining the opportunities presented by regular Open Streets events in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings examining the state of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation's Basic Systems Repair Program and its extensive backlog.
That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to increase the City of Philadelphia's income limit guidelines for the Senior Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Citizen Property Tax Relief program.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and observing May 2nd through May 6th, 2016 as "Construction Safety Week" in the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the seven Philadelphia school principals who received the 2016 Lindback Award for distinguished principal leadership. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution commending the Treasury Department of the United States for their announced plan to feature prominent Americans on future currency notes, including Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Eleanor Roosevelt, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Marian Anderson, designed with tactile features directed to those with a visual impairment.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I do have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the life and mourning the loss of Samuel Staten, Sr.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing and proclaiming the week of May 1st through May 7th as Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Public Service Recognition Week in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating all the men and women who have answered the call to serve our city and our communities as government employees.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions, one May Day resolution sponsored by Councilmembers Blackwell, Jones, Henon, and Taubenberger and the other for nurses co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Bass, and Taubenberger. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing and designating May 1, 2016 as International Workers' Day, a day to honor and celebrate the Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 manifold achievements of workers, and the historical and continuing struggle of labor movements for justice and fair working conditions.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and designating May 6 through May 12, 2016 as Nurses Week in the City of Philadelphia to honor the critical work nurses do each day to care for the health and well being of Philadelphians of all ages.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have two non-privileged resolutions sponsored by all members of Council. Thank you.
Thank you. Thanks, Councilman. Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
A privileged resolution authorizing the Commerce & Economic Development Committee to hold public hearings on Vertical Farming, Hydroponic Farming and Aquaponic Systems in Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings on Urban Agriculture in Philadelphia.
And that resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease to the Rosemary Montagno Senior Center the premises located at 12601 Townsend Road.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer, on behalf of Councilman Mark Squilla, two bills.
An ordinance authorizing David Kyu for The Mural Arts Program, to install, own, and maintain a wall mounted art display at 1327 through 29 South Street.
And an ordinance legalizing an existing external steel stairs to the second floor of 2654 South Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Camac Street.
Referred to committee. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions and two bills.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Elkins Street, Olney Avenue, 20th Street, Belfield Avenue, and Wister Street.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding provisions requiring the City Contractors to pay Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 subcontractors promptly and setting forth an alternative process for prompt payment.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings for applicants seeking nomination to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation, and further authorizing the Committee to recommend for Council's consideration nominations to be forwarded to the Mayor.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Opera Philadelphia on their prestigious nomination as the Best Opera Company at the 2016 International Opera Awards.
And that will also be on this week's Final Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmember Cindy Bass and Blondell Reynolds Brown.
A privileged resolution Encouraging All Philadelphians to Participate in the 11th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30th, 2016 as a Means of Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will now have reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee Stated Meeting April 28, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports 12 bills with a favorable recommendation and one bill without recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 160006, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, 16th Street, Ogden Street, 15th Street, Poplar Street, Carlisle Street, and Brown Street"; and Bill No. 160073, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Planning,' by adding a new subsection, entitled 'Rittenhouse Square Residential Area'"; and Bill No. 160096, entitled "An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by establishing the Broad Street Area, Mid-South within the Center City Overlay District"; and Bill No. 160098, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cypress Street, Watts Street, Pine Street, and Broad Street"; and Bill No. 160135, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Westmoreland Street, Front Street, Hope Street, and Allegheny Avenue"; and Bill No. 160198, entitled "An Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hamilton Street, 15th Street, Callowhill Street, and 16th Street"; and Bill No. 160221, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire by condemnation fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 19th Street to the east, 28th Street to the west, Cecil B. Moore Avenue to the north, and College Avenue to the south"; and Bill No. 160222, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, 6th Street, Poplar Street, and 7th Street"; and Bill No. 160227, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-600 of The Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Code, entitled 'Use Regulations,' by modifying the household living uses allowed in the CMX-3 district"; and Bill No. 160228, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Green Street, Second Street, Spring Garden Street, and Third Street"; and Bill No. 160246, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 28th Street, Thompson Street, 25th Street, North College Avenue, West College Avenue, and Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 160271, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 31st Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 Street, Master Street, 32nd Street, and Jefferson Street. Further to approve the Master Plan for the Brewerytown Residential Mixed-Use District by adding the site bounded by 31st Street, Master Street, 32nd Street and Jefferson Street; to the Brewerytown Residential Mixed-Use District and approving various construction projects," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation; and Bill No.
160138, entitled "An ordinance amending various provisions of The Philadelphia Code, including Title 4 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' Title 9 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' and Title 14 'Zoning and Planning,' to preclude issuance of certain licenses and permits to any applicant who is delinquent in payments owed to the City," respectfully reports it has considered Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 the attached bill to Council with no recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 13 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 160006, 160073, 160096, 160098, 160135, 160138, 160198, 160221, 160222, 160227, 160228, 160246, and 160271. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. That concludes our reports from committee. We will now have our consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules will have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Council President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up for Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 2ND READING Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: 160287, 160337, 160338, 160339, 160341, 160342, 160075, and 160130. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before voting on these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a device on that podium. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160256, 160337, 160338, 160339, 160341, 160342, and 160007. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, sir. Evidently you love my company. Speaking for a moratorium -for the moratorium at the Sheriff's Department against any use of the Redevelopment Authority and/or Land Bank. This Council has been told this regard for the last nine months of public notice of alleged possible illegal and unconstitutional activities that the RDA Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 and the Land Bank is egregious and shows the total disregard for the suffering of others. Though the moratorium of mortgage foreclosures at the Sheriff's Department is a start, it does not go far enough. Improper deed transfers creates fraudulent documents. This is not allowed under federal, state, and local laws. This legislative body is aiding this abomination. I called Council's attention to federal law 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1986 previously read in open Council session. No action on the various issues about 1038 West Wyoming and the other properties involved leave me without my home while government is prepared to give up to $100 million to a developer to build on top of my stolen home. Investigation of the RDA and the Land Bank is required in this manner. Lest we forget that Paul Robeson is quoted that the answer to injustice is Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 not to silence the critic, but to end the injustice. This Council needs to act and needs to investigate the RDA and the Land Bank for these egregious behaviors or they themselves are guilty of aiding and abetting this criminal behavior. Thank you.
Good morning, Council President Clarke and members of Council. My name is Joan N. Stern. I'm a resident of the City of Philadelphia and a public finance lawyer who has worked with the City over the years on Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 bond and finance matters. I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 160287, and I commend Councilwoman Parker and Councilwoman Gym for introducing it. If Council adopts this resolution, as I hope you will, Council will join a host of organizations representing large issuers of municipal bonds, such as the Government Finance Officers Association, the National Association of State Treasurers, the League of Cities, in urging the Senate to take up HR 2208 and pass it so that high-quality municipal bonds such as those issued by the City will continue to be high-quality liquid assets in which large banks can invest for purposes of liquidity and collateral. This is a significant market for the City's bonds. It provides an important segment of the market to purchase the City's bonds in a cost-effective way. I hope that the Council will Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 make the City one of the supporters of maintaining the role of the City's bonds in this high-quality liquid asset classification so that the City can continue to benefit from an enhanced and improved market for its own bonds. Thank you for your time.
Thank you, City Council, for letting me speak here on the privileged resolution recognizing and designating May 1st as International Workers' Day and honoring workers and laborers like me and others. My ideas today where a resolution has (unintelligible) and passed that eight hours should be legally considered up for -- considered a day of work. I would like to ask City Council to support our amendments of SP 984. SP 984 is for transportation workers, for Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 taxi drivers, for limousine drivers, and for the (unintelligible). We need the support of City Council in that amendment regarding the minimum living wage, regarding the issues that we should have the right to collective bargaining, we should have a right for becoming a union. And I would also like to request City Council to ask Mayor Jim Kenney to uphold the laws against the carpool like Uber and Lyft, who is actually violating all this labor, ADA, and anti-business laws. That's all.
Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Tom Earle. I'm the CEO of Liberty Resources, which is the Center for Independent Living in Philadelphia and serves our many City residents who have physical disabilities, Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 and we're here to voice our full support for the resolution honoring May 1st as May Day and International Workers' Day for the many thousands of home care workers who help our seniors and people with disabilities live independently in the community and also in full support of taxi drivers, limo drivers, Uber Black drivers, who provide reliable, accessible transportation service to our many seniors and people with disabilities throughout the City. And we hope that we can count on the leadership of City Council, Council President, and Mayor Kenney in making sure that any state legislation that impacts the operation of transportation in Philadelphia has the full input of Philadelphia legislators, not only State Representatives and State Senators but also members of City Council, Council President Clarke, and the Mayor to make sure that any law passed by the state for Philadelphia makes sure that transportation is Stated Meeting April 28, 2016 4/28/16 - STATED - 2ND READING provided to people with disabilities, including UberX and Lyft, and that we work together with the Parking Authority, Councilman Al Taubenberger, David Oh, Helen Gym, and many others who have been sensitive and supportive of these issues. Thank you very much.