Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 8, 2017 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
We're going to get started. If the members will take their seat and the visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get moving. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Steven Wetzel, Chaplain of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. God of justice and mercy, thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve the people of our Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 act with character and conviction. Help us to listen with understanding and goodwill. Help us to speak with charity and restraint. Give us the spirit of service. Remind us that we are stewards of your authority. Guide us to be leaders your people need, and help us to see the humanity and dignity of those who disagree with us and treat all persons, no matter how poor or weak, with reverence your creation deserves. Lord, today we pray for our Mayor, for the various levels of City officials, and in particular for this assembled City Council. I pray for the agenda set before them today, and please give an assurance of what would please you and what would benefit those who live and work here in the City of Philadelphia. Finally, Father, renew us with the strength of your presence and the joy of helping to build our city worthy of Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 person. We ask this as your sons and daughters, confident in your goodness and love. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25th, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 25th, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. Councilman Green, did you want to be recognized now?
Yes, at your pleasure. Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to acknowledge Ed McBride from PECO is here. He has a number of students with him that PECO has hired for the summer. My understanding is that Robin Bell, who is attending LaSalle University, Briana Crocker attending West Chester University, Samantha Dibali (ph) attending the University of Delaware, Jack Mosley attends Colorado College. In total, PECO has 70 direct co-ops this Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 summer, 12 college summer interns, and 30 high school students. I just wanted to thank PECO/Exelon for their work in encouraging our youth to join Exelon and to provide them with career training over the summer. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me just echo Councilman Green's remarks. Any higher ed institution that wraps their arms around young people during their growth stage deserves to be recognized, so we need to thank PECO for that. In the spirit of celebrating higher ed institutions and their alumnae, I believe it's great always to seize the moment to lift up a Penn State alum, who is a friend of this City Council and joins us every Thursday morning to see Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 taking care of business. And this morning I wanted to seize the moment to congratulate one of good friends of City Council for his distinguished alumni award that was bestowed upon him by my alma mater, Penn State University. He has a deep love and loyalty to Penn State that has been clearly demonstrated by his actions having served on the Pension Board for a number of years. Coupled with that, he has served as a philanthropist, advisor, and mentor to many, including me, and is dedicated to helping students develop professionally while investing in the time they have in Penn State. This past weekend he was celebrated. He's an alum of Penn State. And I ask all to join me in saluting our friend Nick Maiale. And he would say, we are? (Penn State.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. The next order of business is requests -- Councilman Johnson, did you want to be recognized?
Yes. Thank you, Council President. I just want to acknowledge I have a group of students from Mastery Cleveland Campus who are here observing us today, a varied group of astute young men with their -- I just want to give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
I think they hail from your district as well, Erie Ave. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Helen Gym.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted, and the Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 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 their government in action. I would hope your stay today is an enjoyable one and a knowledgeable one, so much so that you would like to come back again. So we really appreciate it, and we'll see you the next time you come. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution on my behalf to my good friend Kevin Upshur. Would Mr. Upshur and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you for the honor, Mr. President. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Resolution on behalf of our President, President Darrell Clarke, honoring and recognizing Kevin Upshur and the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center for their outstanding work throughout the Strawberry Mansion Community. Whereas, Kevin Upshur is a graduate of Strawberry Mansion High School and attended Cheyney University. All right. (Applause.)
For over 20 years he has worked as a social worker, most recently as a youth detention counselor, serving as a mentor for hundreds of kids; and Whereas, in 2008 Kevin founded the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center where he transformed his mother's local bar into an education and resource center with after-school and mentoring programs Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Strawberry Mansion; and
Whereas, his work at the center has been guided by the words of his late mother, Shirley, who died in 2006, urging Kevin to give back to the community to help curb the violence by creating a place where young people could learn. "My mother is the motivation in this," he told the Daily News during an interview in 2013; and Whereas, the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center has become a safe haven for kids in the neighborhood by providing access to computers, libraries, healthy meals, trips for students. By providing a productive outlet for Philadelphia youth, the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center hopes to reduce crime among the students; and
Whereas, during the summer of 2016 while world was focused on Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention, the Huffington Post visited North Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Learning Center while filming a story on gun violence. This placed a national spotlight on the center for its positive work in a challenging environment; and Whereas, in August of 2016, a GoFundMe page was created to raise money for the center's kitchen and bathroom renovation project. Because of the initial video posted by the Huffington Post, GoFundMe decided to spotlight the center's mission and donated the first $2,000 in the fundraising campaign; and
Whereas, because of Kevin's great work, NBC News Anchor Lester Holt visited the center to highlight the work in the community in a story that aired nationally. Almost overnight, GoFundMe donations began pouring in from people across the country; and Whereas, Kevin has also been featured on the Rachel Ray Show where he was presented with a $25,000 donation Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Bank;
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors and recognizes Kevin Upshur and the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center for their outstanding work throughout the Strawberry Mansion Community. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy be presented to Kevin Upshur as evidence of the true and sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And this was introduced and sponsored by the President. I'm happy to join him, and we are happy that all members are pleased to be a part of it. Thank you. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Kevin Upshur for remarks. Go ahead, sir.
I'm just very Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 It's really emotional for me, because my mother actually said, You got to do something. And I didn't know exactly what to do, because I was already working with young people over 20 years in youth detention at the Youth Study Center. So as time went on, we transformed the bar, because we had a building to work with. So we put books in the building. I said let's open up a bookstore, and people were saying, You're crazy. Open a bookstore at 30th and Dauphin? Nothing is going to happen, you know. But really it wasn't about money. It was just about trying to make a difference and have an impact. And everybody in this room, I look around, has been an influence, an encouragement. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell who has given us Lucien Blackwell Humanitarian Award, it touched me really deeply, because I said if I can get something in honor of her husband, that means I must be doing the right Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 thing, and I really appreciate that. And I think about my mom all the time, because that was -- we listen to our parents. They tell you things that will help you to go the extra mile. So what my mom told me, I think about it. I said, wow, she really told me to do the right thing, and I'm following up and we're doing good things. We have an impact. And I'd like to thank Councilman Clarke, President Clarke, and his staff. They're always there to help. Councilman Clarke stops by -- sometimes I think he has a key. I mean, he just pops up, and he's like, What's going on, Kev? How you doing, man? On Saturdays, you know, you stand on the corner like one of the corner boys, you know. So everybody in this room, I just want you to know, I appreciate being here. It's an honor. And as I look around and see all the Councilpeople, who you don't know you encourage me. When I Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 and see meetings, Council meetings, I'm encouraged. I'm watching it, I'm saying, wow, people are making a difference. So thank you so much. Appreciate your time. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. And one more time we will recognize Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring Cheyney University. Would Jasmine Sessoms and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Here we go. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Mr. President and members of Council, as Jannie from Cheyney, I'm proud to make Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Jasmine Sessoms, Director of University Advancement for External Relations, and certainly Chantelle Fitzgerald, President of Cheyney Foundation, who honored me and three others. And I would say I would have held it up if I knew that Michael Coard, heeding Cheyney's call, could not be here. I was just at a meeting with him this week, Monday or Tuesday, where he's always fighting for Cheyney University. I have so many people, my family, from Lu's grand-kids to sisters to sisters-in-law to nieces. One day when we have a program, I'll invite all of them, and people will wonder if there's anybody else left after my family is included. Resolution honoring Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 180th Founders Day celebration. Whereas, Cheyney University was Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Institute on February 25th, 1837, through the bequest of the Quaker philanthropist Richard Humphries, who envisioned an institution, "to instruct the descendants of the African race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanical arts, trades and agriculture, in order to prepare, fit and qualify people to act as teachers" -- you know it's the oldest one in our country too -- and
Whereas, the institution that would later become Cheyney University, originally known as the Institute for Colored Youth, operated at various locations in and around the City of Philadelphia until 1902, when its Board of Managers recommended the purchase of George Cheyney's farm at Cheyney Station, roughly 25 miles west of Philadelphia; and Whereas, in 1914, after a suggestion by newly hired President Leslie Pinckney Hill that its name should Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 of the school and the purpose of its work, the school's name was officially changed to Cheyney Training School for Teachers; and Whereas, in 1922, after more than eight decades under the direction of a Quaker Board of Managers, Cheyney was purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for $75,000; and
Whereas, in 1930, Pennsylvania's Council of Education recommended an extension of the school's curricula, leading to the first awarding of baccalaureate degrees in 1932; and Whereas, in 1951, following the recommendation of the Middle States Association, Cheyney Training School for Teachers became Cheyney State Teachers College, and by legislative act in 1959, the school's name was changed yet again, this time to Cheyney State College; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education was established by statute on July 1st, 1983, Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 System as a charter member, Cheyney State College became Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, Cheyney University has produced more than 30,000 graduates, a good number of whom ascended to positions of leadership in our City and Commonwealth, and some, like the late "60 Minutes" correspondent Ed Bradley, the late legendary civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, and Philadelphia Tribune publisher and CEO Robert Bogle, and the late great Barbara Daniel-Cox, who helped soror Dorothy Height bring the Black Family Reunion to Philadelphia, rose to the top of their respective professions; and Whereas, today, Cheyney University students, who represent a variety of races, cultures, and nationalities, still become teachers, but also enter careers such as journalism, medicine, business, science and technology, law, communications, and Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 government; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does honor Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on the occasion of its 180th Founders Day celebration. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of our legislative body. And in addition to all those who stand here who co-sponsored this, this was sponsored and signed by each and every member of City Council. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Sessoms for remarks.
I'll be brief. Thank you to Philadelphia City Council. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 you, President Council Clarke, and especially to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, our esteemed alumni for this honor. We look forward to serving the community. We're in our 180th year and we're going to be here for 180 more. So thank you for this honor. (Applause.)
That was brief. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to acknowledge that we've been joined by some students from Martin Luther King High School, and we have the privilege and honor of hosting the Augusta Clark Institute for Local Politics at Martin Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 on Friday. So we're pleased to have them and also Principal Keisha Wilkins, if they could stand. (Applause.)
Thank you for coming down today. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Councilwoman. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 6, 2017, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on May 18, 2017: Bill No. 170335-A; and that on June 6, 2017, I signed the following bills which Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 at its session on May 25, 2017: Bills No. 170265-A and Bill No. 170282-A. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1405 Jefferson Street and 1407 Jefferson Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1029 through 1031 Mount Vernon Street, 1026 Lemon Street and 1028 Lemon Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1604 Page Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a an agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to provide for the acquisition of Bigbelly waste and recycling receptacles, related maintenance and software licensing, and authorizing an advertising concession, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 additional communications?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I offer four resolutions, and I would like to be called upon after the reading of the last title of the resolution, please.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating SEPTA for Authorizing Their Largest Solar Initiative with the Installation of Photovoltaic Systems at Four Bus and Rail Shops Across the City of Philadelphia.
I'll tell them to turn it off after you Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 finish. You want to do the last one?
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Rachel Steinig on Her Forthcoming Book "Math Renaissance: Growing Math Circles, Changing Classrooms, and Creating Sustainable Math Education"; and A non-privileged resolution urging the President of the United States to Recommit and Join with the Council of the City of Philadelphia in Affirming Its Commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement; and A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Award-Winning Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for Its Ongoing Commitment of Service to the Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 City of Philadelphia's Community.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me say thank you also to my colleagues Jones, Parker, Green, Greenlee, Blackwell, Bass, Squilla, and Oh for supporting me on one or all of those resolutions. The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, said, and I quote, "The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of our planet." Fast forward to the 45th President of the United States, and we know that the central challenge to people and places around the globe now is climate change. The cause of inaction are high and smart solutions are required. The world as a whole agreed on a path forward. One hundred and ninety-six, 196 nations signed the Paris agreement for the first time. Now Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 climate change has rocketed to the top of the list of global issues that the world has agreed upon. Our 45th President of the United States, the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement creates uncertainty for our economy around the world. What we know is that energy is a key building block for economic opportunity, and higher energy prices will disproportionately hurt the most vulnerable among us. I seize the moment to salute Mayor Jim Kenney, then-Councilman James Kenney, for convening and conceiving the new Committee on the Environment and Sustainability. What is more important to our survival, I ask the question, what is more important to our survival as human beings, as citizens than the air we breathe and the water we drink? Here's the fact: One day we are going to hand over the keys, Mr. President, of this planet to the most Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 vulnerable among us, your grandson and my daughter. Children like Carson, the daughter of Councilwoman Bass, and Tomas, the son of Councilwoman Sanchez, and Langston, the son of Councilwoman Parker, are going to inherit the world we shape today. So it behooves us to lead this transition to a clean energy economy and empower all of our citizens to be conscientious about energy conservation. I'll close where I started with the 35th President, John F. Kennedy. "The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of our planet." I thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The three privileged resolutions read by the Chief Clerk will be on today's Calendar and the non-privileged resolution will be on next week's Calendar.
And Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce this resolution on your behalf. Thank you.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Kevin Upshur and the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center for their outstanding work throughout the Strawberry Mansion Community.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three resolutions.
A non-privileged Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1604 Page Street.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I offer no resolutions or bills today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the young men of Boys Latin Charter Middle School for their outstanding academic achievements on the National Latin Exam.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
And a privileged resolution recognizing the heroism of Brent "Rudy" Edwards that occurred on the morning of Saturday, May 27, 2017, when he rescued his 1-year-old nephew from a fire in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution and one bill on your behalf I would like to speak on, sir.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Pennsylvania Innocence Project for its advocacy on behalf of wrongfully Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 convicted Pennsylvanians and promotion of criminal justice system reforms to enhance conviction integrity.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Wendell Anthony Ewing to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a "Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention" to address Philadelphia's enduring plague of gun violence by facilitating coordination among stakeholders and formulating a comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy.
The Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. First and foremost, I want to thank you for your leadership and, most importantly, your being responsive to the call of addressing the issue of gun violence and violence as a whole here in the City of Philadelphia. Every day from one sunrise to the next we can expect three or four Philadelphians to get shot and/or murdered. That's not right, and it's totally unacceptable. Shootings are so common if you go to a Philadelphia classroom and ask the young boys and girls whether they know somebody who has been shot, every one of their hands will probably go up. I know because I have visited classrooms and recreation centers and asked that question. I also know because I was one of those young men who witnessed a family member being murdered. I've personally taken the crushing blow of hearing that a Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 loved one has lost his life to gun violence. The devastating impact that gun violence has had on our communities should never be accepted. We have focused our attention and resources on many of the major problems of the City, but we have yet to do so specifically on the issue of gun violence. The Special Committee that this resolution establishes will dictate itself to two goals, neither of which has been ever undertaken here in the City of Philadelphia. First, to facilitate ongoing coordination by stakeholders across sectors and disciplines. Second, to form a comprehensive citywide strategic plan for gun violence and prevention. That plan may vary in specifics from neighborhood to neighborhood, but throughout the City it will be thorough, evidence-based, and accountable. The committee's first order of Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 business will be to develop preliminary action items, along with deadlines for those action items. I want to recognize my primary co-sponsors, first and foremost, you, Council President Darrell Clarke, Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, Councilman Curtis Jones, for their support, as well as the Kenney Administration for being a key part of this undertaking. We have no time to lose. In the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. This unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action." And, again, Council President, I want to thank you for your support, our late night talks about how this issue Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 needs to be aggressively addressed, not only now but for the long term. If we're ever going to be a great city, that means we need to make sure our young people are safe, our neighborhoods are safe. We need not turn on the television in the evening and listen to a mother cry out for help because her two-year-old son was shot four times and the individuals who shot this young child haven't even been apprehended yet. So we want to stay on this issue until we get some level of resolve. Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for your continued due diligence on this very, very crucial issue. That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 you, Mr. President. I have two bills.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Westmoreland Street between Lawrence Street to 5th Street.
And an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Lawrence Street between Ontario Street and Westmoreland Street.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions, one non-privileged also co-sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Reynolds Brown, and Green, and one privileged for which I'd like to be recognized after the title is read, also co-sponsored by yourself, Mr. President, and members Blackwell, Green, Jones, Reynolds Brown, Squilla, Sanchez, Taubenberger, Johnson, Domb, Oh, Greenlee, and Gym.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Ahmeenah Young for her dedication to women, minorities, and the disadvantaged, as well as her overall commitment to the City of Philadelphia.
And a Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 non-privileged resolution urging Congress to oppose H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, which would undermine crucial enforcement and compliance actions provided by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act, de-regulate financial institutions and destroy the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, therefore exposing Americans to potential threats of abuse within the financial system.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb. Councilwoman, I'm sorry.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, this past Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 weekend we all learned that the trailblazing hospitality, corporate exec, and social justice advocate Ahmeenah Young had made the transition in her circle of life, and many of us, particularly those of us who attend these sessions, members of this body, we were taken aback by the news, because I know many of you -- and I remember some of you holding court with her in the hallway -saw her when she was just here three weeks ago in City Council. And she came to do what she normally does, and that was teach and give lessons and guidance. And on this past Sunday, Councilmembers Blackwell, Green, Councilman Curtis Jones, Sheriff Williams, and several of our friends attended the ceremony for Ahmeenah's transition. But I wanted to just state for the record when I learned that Ahmeenah had made her transition in our circle of life, I thought about her social justice advocacy. I appreciated Julie Coker Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Graham referencing her mentorship, Congressman Dwight Evans, and Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who she had a very, very close relationship with, Frances Jones, Sylvia Wright, Wanda Bailey-Green. And when all of these people were gathered -- and they're going to plan an event so that we can gather and have the opportunity, because we received the news and the turnaround time was so quickly. So they're working on planning something so that the Philadelphia community at-large can participate. But when you talked about Ahmeenah and mentorship and trailblazing, because when she set the stage in whatever arena that she rose to leadership in, it wasn't simply about Ahmeenah Young. She knew that her job was to blaze the trail and to bring other people along. In addition to that -- and I had to say this for the record -- I think Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 it was best summarized on Sunday for me when I talked with one of our good friends, Fareed, and Fareed said, You know, Cherelle, Ahmeenah never changed. And I looked at him, I said -- he said, She never changed. I don't care where she was or what she did or who the audience was. She was authentically who she was. You didn't have to like her, you didn't have to be in love with her, but you would respect her, and she remained authentic. I want to thank Ahmeenah's family, her children in particular, for sharing her with us all of these years. Thank her for being one of our teachers and thank her for being authentic and not hoarding her experience and her knowledge to herself but sharing it and then doing something that we don't often see, is that when people mentor, lots of times people say, I created that entity or that person, as if they brought nothing along. For everyone that she promoted, you never Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 saw Ahmeenah say, He or she wouldn't be who they are were it not for me, because she was just excited about what they brought to the table and being able to play a role in their cultivation. So we'll keep everyone posted, and thank all of our colleagues for their support.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, one on your behalf and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Michael and Alexis Birmbaum to install, own and maintain an exterior metal staircase and planter encroachments at 1714 through 20 South 2nd Street.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to provide for the acquisition of Bigbelly waste and recycling receptacles, related maintenance and software licensing, and authorizing an advertising concession.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Consul General of Italy, Andrea Canepari, for his many accomplishments on behalf of Italy in the City of Philadelphia and his commitment to the relationship between Italy and the United States, on the occasion of his appointment as Italy's Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Johnson House Historic Site's annual Juneteenth Festival, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the emancipation of African American slaves throughout the Confederate South.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. I offer two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Green, Bass, Domb, Taubenberger, Reynolds Brown, and Jones. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring June 14, 2017 as Flag Day in Philadelphia to Celebrate and Reflect on the Importance of the Flag of the United States.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Chestnut Hill Conservancy/Chestnut Hill Historic Society on the Occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business will be reports from committee.
So the next order of business will be the reports of the committee. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 report of the Committee of Finance.
Thank you very much. It would be nice if I was paying attention. Sorry. Thank you. The Committee on Finance reports out seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Chief Clerk, would you please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 170432, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Fourteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998; authorizing the City of Philadelphia to sell, either at public or private sale, one or more series of Gas Works Revenue Bonds and Gas Works Revenue Bonds to refund such bonds"; and Bill No. 170433, entitled "An Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Year 2018 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith)"; and Bill No. 170434, entitled "An ordinance authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City, prescribing the forms of notes and providing for their execution and payment, pledging certain revenues of the Gas Works as security, adopting a rate covenant and directing the imposition and collection of rates and charges sufficient to comply therewith"; and Bill No. 170438, entitled "An ordinance approving a Lease Agreement between the Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Works, and Germantown Realty Investment Group for certain premises located at 212 through 214 West Chelten Avenue"; and Bill No. 170515, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area,' to provide for extension of certain benefits"; and Bill No. 170519, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by creating a tax foreclosure diversion program that requires housing counseling assistance, updating tax installment payment agreements to help taxpayers with financial hardships, and other related items"; and Bill No. 170555, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the seven bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day Bill Nos. 170432, 170433, 170434, 170438, 170515, 170519, and 170555. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Law and Government reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 170204, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Ethnic Intimidation and Institutional Vandalism,' to clarify and revise its scope and related penalties"; and Bill No. 170401, entitled "An Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 17-2102 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Council Review of Contracts with Certain Entities,' to restore the exemption from Council review provided in the Home Rule Charter for certain contracts between the City and the Support Center for Child Advocates"; and Bill No. 170564, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Office of Property Assessment; Chief Assessment Officers; Powers and Duties,' by further providing with respect to the manner in which assessments are determined for certain properties that are subject to rent restrictions, affordability requirements and other related restrictions, and for properties with respect to which federal or state income tax credits have been obtained; and by providing for additional reporting requirements with respect to such properties," respectfully reports it has Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 170204, 170401, and 170564. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this day of Bill Nos. 170204, 170401, and 170564. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Councilman Squilla for the report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 27 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Chief Clerk, would you please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 170012, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Carpenter Street, Broad Street and Washington Avenue"; and Bill No. 170357, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Liberty Property 18th and Arch to construct, own and maintain ancillary building encroachments at 1800 Arch Street"; and Bill No. 170359, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 2800 and 2900 blocks of East Allegheny Avenue, both sides"; and Bill No. 170360, entitled "An ordinance terminating a no parking regulation on the Burnside Street between Tower Street and a point 140 feet west thereof, north side"; and Bill No. 170361, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Fox Street between Roberts Avenue and Abbottsford Avenue, east side"; and Bill No. 170362, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Flat Rock Road between Leverington Avenue and Fountain Street, east side"; and Bill No. 170400, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a buffered bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Chestnut Street from South Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 45th Street to South 34th Street"; and Bill No. 170435, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing deck and fence encroachment at 5200 C Street"; and Bill No. 170461, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Route 34 Group to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 5021 through 23 Baltimore Avenue"; and Bill No. 170462, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Boyd's Realty Partnership to install, own and maintain concrete planter encroachments at 1818 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 170466, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of the 4400 to 4500 blocks of Castor Avenue from Wyoming Avenue to East Cayuga"; and Bill No. 170472, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 2732 Donna's Bar to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2732 East Allegheny Avenue"; and Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 170473, entitled "An ordinance authorizing B1 Holdings to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 767 South 9th Street"; and Bill No. 170474, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 1338 Inc. to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1338 through 40 South 10th Street"; and Bill No. 170475, entitled "An ordinance authorizing WT Restaurant Holdings to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 743 South 4th Street"; and Bill No. 170497, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Cobbs Creek Parkway between Hazel and Cedar Avenues, both sides"; and Bill No. 170499, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the southerly eighteen Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Vine Street from Eighteenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred fifty feet eastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 170509, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 240 and 296 by placing on the City Plan Nixon Street from the existing northwesterly terminus of Nixon Street, northwest of Shawmont Avenue, to Port Royal Avenue (not on City Plan), placing on the City Plan River Road from Port Royal Avenue (not on City Plan) to a point approximately ten feet southeast of the Philadelphia-Montgomery County Line"; and Bill No. 170510, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
311 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Westview Street from Springbank Street to Hortter Street"; and Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 170518, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Pearl Street from Thirteenth Street to Broad Street"; and Bill No. 170553, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 3001 through 23 Market Street"; and Bill No. 170554, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mr. Baldev Shunta, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the west side of 34th Street, 148-feet north of Convention Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the west side of 34th Street, 148-feet north of Convention Avenue"; and Bill No. 170556, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 sub-surface portions and certain aerial portions of Moravian Street from 19th Street to 20th Street"; and Bill No. 170561, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a bicycle lane, in the southbound direction, on 15th Street between Carpenter Street and Washington Avenue; and also regulating the direction of the movement of traffic on 15th Street between Carpenter Street and Washington Avenue, and establishing no-parking regulations on both sides of 15th Street from Carpenter Street to Washington Avenue"; and Bill No. 170562, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Granite Street, south side, Frankford Avenue to Darrah Street"; and Bill No. 170565, entitled "An Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 & Company Malt House to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 3133 Gaul Street"; and Bill No. 170566, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9 of an ordinance (Bill No. 150377) approved June 18, 2015, as amended by Bill No. 160566, approved June 16, 2016, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments into the right-of-way of Market Street, Filbert Street, 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street and 8th Street, and authorizing the assignment of certain rights with respect to an overhead pedestrian bridge above Filbert Street west of the house line of Ninth Street to be assigned,' by extending the compliance with the authorization conditions therein," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk, with the exception of Bill No. 170553. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day the bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk, with the exception of Bill No. 170553. All those in favor will please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 170553 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker on a report for the Committee of Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 170366, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 21-105 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Hero Awards,' by increasing the amount that may be awarded to family members of firefighters, police officers, and Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 the course of performing heroic deeds, and by making certain technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170366. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this day Bill No. 170366. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee of Transportation and Public Utilities.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 170514, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department and the Department of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 for the provision of shuttle bus services at the Philadelphia International Airport, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170514. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this day Bill No. 170514. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today.
Thank you. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension 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 of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 2ND READING Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill No. 170572, 170573, 170574, 170575, 170576, 170577, 170581, 170583, 170584, 170285, 170196, 170198, 170199, and 170200. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to ask for a leave of absence and to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions, please.
Thank you, Councilman. And all amendments, Councilman?
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 session. It will go as follows: If you are here to testify on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, 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's a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'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 on the list.
Will Luttrell, commenting on 170584. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting June 8, 2017
Good morning, members of the City Council. My name is Will Luttrell. I am an entrepreneur, software engineer, and investor with a specific focus in advertising technology and proud Philly resident. Most recently, I'm founder and CEO of Currency Inc. I'm here today to testify against Governor Wolf's proposed technology tax. I moved to Philadelphia from New Jersey in 2005. In 2008, I co-founded Integral Ad Science as Chief Technology Officer. I am proud to say that we took a small team of three founders, a few interns and grew it into a 400-person company with over $100 million in annual revenue in 2016. Unfortunately, this is not a Philly success story. That company was Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 built in New York City on the backs of thousands of hours of Amtrak travel from my home to Manhattan. Shortly before founding Integral, I was contacted by venture capital friends to do technical due diligence on another technology company based in Center City Philadelphia. That company was Invite Media, subsequently acquired by Google in 2010 for $81 million. As a division within Google, that company has grown into the largest programmatic ad-buying platform in the world worth billions of dollars and creating hundreds, perhaps thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, this is also not a Philly success story. By the time of the Google acquisition, most of Invite's employees and operations had moved to New York City, which is where Invite lives on today under the name DoubleClick Bid Manager. When I decided to start Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 Currency, a new company in the same space as Integral and Invite, I had a difficult decision to make. The advantage of New York City for an ad tech company are enormous. Every ad agency and advertising-related company of note is either headquartered or has a presence there. Working capital is easy to raise there. The network of experienced sales, marketing, product executive, engineering talent is robust. But I chose Philly. It's a city where I live and love, where I'm raising my child and planting my roots. In addition to the business thesis of my company, we also have the thesis that this type of company can be built right here in City limits. We have launched in January and currently employ 15 people in our office at 19th and Market. We are recruiting employees from New York City and from New Jersey instead of the other way around. But our future in Philly is in Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 jeopardy. As we move from these humble beginnings, a new additional 6 percent sales tax on our services will create an undeniable incentive to move our operations out of the City and out of the state. The addition of this tax will impact the many software services we consume, adding to our costs and hitting us further on both ends, exacerbating the situation. If this tax is imposed on our industry, the highest in its kind in the country, you're saying loud and clear we don't want tech industry here. You're telling the Googles and the Facebooks do not expand here or be subject to this tax. You're saying do not invest in tech companies here or be subject to the tax, which is a killer of companies like mine, and, finally, have the worst possible outcome. Once a company grows to be successful and perhaps looking to be acquired, a tech tax in PA might literally force them to move before Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 completing the transaction, a disaster. Pushing the high growth tech companies out of the state in the pursuit of short-term tax gains is the wrong approach and will leave Pennsylvania and Philly behind the modern economy. Thank you so much for your time today.
Lauren Schwartz, commenting on 170584. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello, and thank you very much for your time. My name is Lauren Schwartz. I'm the CEO and owner of TechWise Group, a Microsoft Gold Partner that provides technology services to small and growing businesses in the Greater Pennsylvania region. I have spent my entire career in technology working with and for some of the largest companies and some of the smallest. Today I am speaking to you on Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 behalf of the hundreds of smaller businesses that TechWise Group supports and the one million small businesses, over 98 percent of the businesses in the state, that provide jobs for 2.4 million people. These businesses are the physicians practices, the law offices, consulting companies, manufacturers, construction firms, restaurant chains, retailers, farmers, you name it, that provide needed services and create jobs in this region. Each of these businesses are also technology companies. No business, regardless of size, can do what they do without technology, and these businesses are the ones who will be most impacted by reinstating the tech tax imposed in 1991 and lifted in part in 1997. Small businesses must invest in their technology to modernize and protect against cyber threats that are increasing every day. They invest in technology to grow and to compete. They invest in Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 technology to protect their information, process orders, service their clients, and so many other things. In short, technology to them is not a luxury. These technology investments are paid for from limited budgets, loans when attainable, and directly from the pockets of the owners of the business. The most powerful and innovative technology investments in areas like marketing automation, client relationship management, collaboration, and data analytics require significant technology consulting to configure, customize, and integrate. Imposing a 6 percent tax on the services needed to configure, customize, and integrate technologies is more than an additional cost or an additional strain on limited budgets. Reinstating this tax is saying to small business owners, all one million of them, that Pennsylvania wants to place tax on their efforts to grow, their ability to create jobs, and Pennsylvania wants to Stated Meeting June 8, 2017 tax innovation, sending us back to 1991. Thank you for your consideration.