Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 29, 2015 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
We're going to start. We have a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. Thank you all very much. And to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes a very special guest, only in this capacity, Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr. I'd ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
First let me share a few words from Matthew 25. Then the King will say to those on His right, Come, you who are blessed by My Father, take your inheritance. The Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 since the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me in. I needed clothes, and you clothed Me. I was sick, and you looked after Me. I was in prison, and you came to visit Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me. This is a time in our meeting that we set aside for invocation. It's a time that we choose to invoke the Holy Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 our heads for prayer. This is a pray for my colleagues. Heavenly Father, we invoke your Holy Spirit to teach us the difference between heaven and earth, the difference between service and politics, the difference between faith and folly. Teach us the difference between heaven and earth, and teach us that there is a hereafter, that we can have heaven on earth. We live in a city with poverty, hunger, ignorance, loneliness, and despair, but we can share our money, we can share our food, we can share our clothing, we can share our knowledge, we can share our time and our concern. There is a hereafter on earth. Teach us that. Teach us the difference between service and politics, that people who are hungry, who are poor, unemployable, and in despair, they need to win on Election Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 political victory. They need real solutions to real problems. They need public servants that will change their lives. Teach us that. Teach us the difference between faith and folly. If we listen to your word and take care of those who have the least among us, we can create that hereafter on earth, when we focus on your holy will and not on our own needs to create legacies that will surely and quickly perish. We pray for these acts of faith. We pray for your guidance. We pray for your patience. We pray for your understanding. We invoke your Holy Spirit at this time. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. Can we have quiet, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 22, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 22nd, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 22, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Mr. President, I report no absences on behalf of the majority.
Thank you very much. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there is one request by Councilman and Minority Leader Brian O'Neill that he be excused.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. Thank you very much. At this time, I would like to take a moment to welcome and thank everyone who has come down to witness Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 We really appreciate the fact that you've taken time out of your busy day to see us function. We hope that your stay here is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Maceo Cummings. Would Mr. Cummings and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And I believe we'd like to also have our good friends from PIDC and government. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. We have so many wonderful and important friends and leaders of our community. I saw Walt D'Alessio, who is head of PIDC, whose Board I serve on and where Maceo worked. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 as well. We have Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, who is certainly the Executive Director for Health Equity. She's Co-Chair of our pre-K efforts. She's also the person with whom we are working to establish a program with Drexel to help us with nurses in our schools. Her Executive Assistant is Marcia Penn, who happens to be Maceo's wife, and it is why I took that time to let you know who she is. And all of these people -- Lorraine Brown is here. As all of you know, Maceo worked for The Temple Group. Everyone else -- I won't turn back around. I will have Maceo introduce all the other people that we missed. But I would like to say to each of you, we thank you for your support, and it is with great honor and pride that we present City Council, City of Philadelphia citation honoring and recognizing Maceo C. Cummings. The Council of the City of Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 proud to honor and recognize Maceo C. Cummings for his lifetime achievements and loyal and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, Maceo C. Cummings took courses in business management at the Philadelphia College of Textiles in 1970, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1973, and the Community College of Philadelphia during the 1978-79 semesters. He earned a Certificate of Completion in the Business Credit Analysis course in 1986 from the Oakland California Neighborhood Development Corporation; and
Whereas, Maceo Cummings began his career with the City of Philadelphia in 1986 during the Goode years as a Client Relations Specialist at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). In 1987, he was promoted to Project Manager, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Vice President. Then in 1988, he was promoted to Vice President. In September 1989, Mr. Cummings was promoted to Deputy Director and transferred to the Department of Commerce. In April of 1991, he was promoted to Vice President of Regional Retail Affairs entrenched in the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. In October 1992, Mr. Cummings was promoted to Deputy Director and transferred to the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), and in March 1994, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and transferred to the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation; and
Whereas, in March 1999, Mr. Cummings became Vice President of Temple Group Incorporated, and in March 2014, he became Executive Vice President of Camelot Developers Inc. During his exemplary career, Mr. Cummings took a profound interest in enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 background in management and experiences that illustrate a competitive achiever with a high level of competency and developing management and motivational techniques; and
Whereas, Maceo Cummings has served the people of the City of Philadelphia with fairness, compassion, dedication, and a willingness to help and achieve. He has earned the respect and high regard of his superiors and co-workers for his knowledge and expertise, and for this, we are thankful.
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, it is with great pride that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honor, recognize, celebrate, and lift up Maceo C. Cummings for his lifetime achievements and loyal and, I will add, unwavering, dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia. We in this Council commend you, Maceo Cummings, on all that you have Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 sincere respect and grateful appreciation of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by our own Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. And before I notice, certainly we have Bishop Harris behind me. Jim Cuorato, you should be up here with us. We ask that you join us. And, gosh, every time I look around -- there's Paul Deegan with whom we work each and every week at PIDC, and we are grateful and honored. In addition, as we call on him, as the President calls on him, I would like to note that we have two other things that we want to present to Maceo. And this says: Maceo Cummings, Philadelphia public servant, forever in Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 know that this is a key, because not only is he forever in our hearts, if he lived to be 1,000, we know that he's already earned the keys to the kingdom. This is for Maceo. (Applause.)
And also some of you may have seen this. You know about our work with homeless people over the years, my entire career, and this is called our Crystal Apple Award, and this has been for people who do their best to help those in need and who have for a very, very long time. So Maceo will receive all of these awards as part of his lifetime of achievement, for which we love and honor him. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Maceo Cummings for remarks.
Thank you. Wow. I don't know what to say. I appreciate what I've done, and I hope the Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 over the 35-plus years appreciate it as well. But there is one little thing that I want to make sure that we're clear. I actually started in government while I was a Deputy Director under the Goode Administration. I actually started in government under the former Mayor Bill Green and Dick Doran in the early '80s. And they said something to me. They said -- their operative said, Okay, Maceo, you need to be dependable, you need to be hard-working, you need to be analytical, you need to stay invested in your community. And I've tried to do that over the 35-plus years that I've served the City of Philadelphia, and I will continue to do that until the day before I go home, because that's how that works. I appreciate the honor. It was not expected. And there's somebody that's not up here that I want to recognize personally, and that's Alan Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 in the corner. And I just want to make sure that Alan -he was the one that sat down, representing the Green Administration, that told me what to expect in the public service job, and I hope I have done that. So I appreciate all, you know, the things that have happened, you know, rather it's a shopping center, rather it's housing, rather it's a commercial facility up in the Northeast. We've been over this, and the brand new Youth Study Center at 48th and Haverford. Unfortunately, our children needed it and wanted to make sure that it was the best that it can be. And so we continue to work. And I will stop now because I'm going to lose my words. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 We'll now move on to our next presentation. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who will present a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Would Ms. Jeanine Lisitski and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Tasco, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. It is my pleasure this morning to present this resolution to an outstanding organization which is doing wonderful and outstanding work in the City of Philadelphia to protect women and their children, and we're glad to be here today to present this resolution to them. Whereas, "Domestic Violence Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Month" is being sponsored locally by Women Against Abuse and through their sponsorship, they are encouraging everyone to help increase the awareness of domestic violence in our homes and communities and decrease its negative impact on Philadelphia; and Whereas, in 2014, the Philadelphia Police Department responded to more than 100,000 domestic abuse calls, and domestic violence is not just a local problem but a national issue where more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that women experience two million injuries from inmate partner violence each year and victims of severe intimate partner violence lose nearly 8 million days of paid work each year; and
Whereas, founded in 1976, the mission of Women Against Abuse is to provide quality and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 services, in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community education; and Whereas, Women Against Abuse, in partnership with Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Program and Women in Transition, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides a comprehensive continuum of services to survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout Philadelphia, which includes housing, legal aid, counseling, medical advocacy and behavioral health services; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides education and training to the community about domestic violence issues and resources and has partnered with the City of Philadelphia to operate the Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Hotline, and in fiscal year 2015, approximately 15,000 calls were answered through the Hotline;
And whereas, in support of efforts to protect victims of domestic violence, City Council has repeatedly championed the opening of additional safe haven beds, enabling victims to take crucial steps to reclaim their lives and move forward towards a brighter future; and Whereas, to ensure a more holistic approach to addressing violence in our community, Women Against Abuse is partnering with its sister agencies and the Deputy Mayor of Health and Opportunity to implement a strategic plan to respond to domestic violence in Philadelphia; and Whereas, to support a coordinated community response to domestic violence, Women Against Abuse held its 8th Annual iPledge Press Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 in LOVE Park as a community awareness initiative to promote knowledge about domestic violence and to build community support so that all Philadelphians will take a stand against violence; now, therefore, be it
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and recognizes October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Women Against Abuse as a sincere expression of City Council's gratitude, appreciation and commendation for raising the public's awareness regarding domestic violence. And this is a certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 22nd of October 2015. It is signed Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 President; introduced by Tasco, Brown, and Greenlee; and supported by all members of City Council. Congratulations, and continue the hard work. It will never end, but we would like to see it end, but we know you'll be around in the future to make sure that women are protected. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilmembers Tasco, Greenlee, Reynolds Brown, and all of the members of Council. We are honored to be here again this year to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia, and we are particularly happy that our partners, Health Partners Plans, will be recognized shortly and are here today Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Before I get started, I just want to take a quick moment to recognize the incredible work -- and that does not do it justice -- of our lead sponsor, Councilwoman Marian Tasco. As you all know, she has been a champion for survivors throughout her tenure on Council and will leave a lasting legacy for all of us that have been involved in the struggle towards ending domestic violence. I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Tasco. (Applause.)
It has been another monumental year for Philadelphia in their response to domestic violence. As you heard, we have completed a formal citywide strategic plan to holistically address domestic violence. This is committed to the vision of a safer and healthier Philadelphia where the City and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 coordinate resources and responses to intimate domestic and other forms of relational violence across all systems and agencies. As we move forward with plan implementation, our response benefits from a commitment of 17 different agencies representing the City's Administration as well as non-profit human service providers. In addition to that, we have 50 other community members and institutions and groups who are on four working subcommittees, work that will include the creation of a universal screening tool. That will also include screening for things like human trafficking, sexual violence. It will be a universal tool. It will also screen for perpetration and abusive behaviors. We're going to have a lethality screening, training plans and protocol, a warm referral system, new interventions, improved data collections by everyone, shared messaging and much more. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Ultimately, we do this to ensure that no matter where a person turns for help, that they'll be greeted with an effective response. However, it's important to remember that even though Philadelphia is making great strides toward this community response, we are still experiencing a growing demand for support. The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline received well over 15,000 calls last year, which was a 50 percent increase from the prior year. So that, in our eyes, is a positive thing, more people are reaching out for help, but, again, we're not able to respond to the overwhelming need there. It is really critical that our local community be able to respond to these cries, tens of thousands of them each year that occur right here in our city. So while today is a really important day, proclaiming Domestic Violence Awareness Month here in Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Philadelphia, we must remember that every day thousands of Philadelphians are experiencing domestic violence, and almost 300 of them will call the police related to this violence each day. So as we cap off this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's make the most of it, by not letting it be the only time that we focus on family violence and stand up for victims. There's many ways that you can all either get involved or stay involved to be part of this movement. First, you can join the coordinated community response to domestic violence by participating in one of the citywide plans -- citywide subcommittees. I'm sorry. And so whether you're interested in safe accessible housing, collaborative systems or direct interventions for victims or those using abusive behaviors, you can be part of creating this plan and implementing it. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 that, you can download the new Women Against Abuse iPledge toolkit to use with your circle of influence. It's a one-stop shop for getting involved in the effort to end domestic violence. It serves as a step-by-step guide, and it's filled with everything you need to encourage your community not only to sign the pledge but to have their own campaign wherever they are in their community. org, and we would be happy to come meet with your staff to walk you through how to use that. I want to close just by saying that our city largely looks to you, Councilmembers, for leadership. So I'd like to leave you by just asking the question, how will you be a part of working to end family violence not just during this month but every day?
I want to thank you and applaud Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 to being part of the struggle on many fronts. Together, I know that we can change the course of family violence and change the health and well-being of our own Philadelphia. So thank you so much for all that you do and for this proclamation. )
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing Health Partners Plans. Would William S. George and those accompanying him please join the Councilwomen at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Also I see Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Bass I believe is joining. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. Good morning. It's always a pleasure to salute members of corporate Philadelphia and the non-profit community who work every day to improve the lives of those who are struggling on the edge and margins of life. That includes Health Partners. So we want to first thank William George and his entire team of professionals for all that you do every day trying to improve the lives of those who need it most. This morning we are recognizing and congratulating Health Partners Plans on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary. Whereas, Health Partners Plans is a not-for-profit health maintenance organization, established by a unique partnership of four inner-city hospitals in 1985, whose common goal was to help meet the growing health care needs of Philadelphia's Medicaid population; and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Whereas, Health Partners Plans has expanded its offerings to serve nearly 247,000 Medicare, CHIP and Medicaid members across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties; and
Whereas, Health Partners Plan offers a continuum of award-winning quality health care, through its partnership with its owner hospitals, including Einstein Medical Center, Episcopal Hospital, Aria Health, Hahnemann University Hospital, Temple University Hospital and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children; and Whereas, over the past 30 years, Health Partners Plans has developed a reputation as a nationally recognized leader in managed care, with one of the highest rated Medicaid plans in Pennsylvania according to National Committee for Quality Assurance's Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2015 through 2016; and
Whereas, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 now home of the fastest growing Medicare plan in Philadelphia and is dedicated to improving the health outcomes of its members throughout life's continuum; and Whereas, the organization is committed to providing a broad array of health care options for families in Southeastern Pennsylvania and consistently receives high ratings for members and provider satisfaction; and
Whereas, Health Partners Plans remains committed to building healthier communities through its Healthier YOU programs, community education and outreach, medically appropriate meals to its most vulnerable members and special events like the Joyful Praise Dance Showcase and Health Fair, which promote health and wellness through dance; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby recognize Health Partners Plans Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. William S. George, President and CEO of Health Partners Plans, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This is supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Good morning, and thank you, Philadelphia City Council, for this distinguished honor. Thirty years ago, our name was Health Partners of Philadelphia, a name that stressed our roots and focus. We came about when four area hospitals collaborated to form the healthcare delivery system that would emphasize primary and preventative care to medical assistance recipients. In 1987, two years after our Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 business, our membership had reached 10,000 members, and here we are today, now named Health Partners Plans, celebrating our 30th Anniversary. We are a multi-billion dollar corporation staffed with over 800 people, serving 247 or 248 thousand people, depending on what week we're counting, which is equivalent of about one in six people in Philadelphia. We now have six owner hospitals. Our unmatched presence and commitment in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties has already allowed us to serve thousands of families through our Medicaid and CHIP plans, and now we are offering our popular Medicare Advantage programs beyond Philadelphia to residents in the surrounding counties as well. We are one of the fastest growing Medicare Advantage plans in the region, a Medicaid plan which consistently ranks among the highest Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 satisfaction and a host of award-winning nationally recognized programs. We have much to be proud of, and what I believe has gotten us this far and will carry us even further is our commitment very simply to our members. That drive to improve the quality of life through superior healthcare and service is what laid the foundation for where we are today. We do what no other plan does. For instance, we are the plan of choice for diabetics in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. For our most fragile Type 1 diabetics, we do what virtually no other plan in the United States does. We feed them, seven days a week, three meals a day. We also feed their dependents. If you know a diabetic, particularly a Type 1 diabetic, you know the starting point for a diabetic to manage their condition is diet control, and that's where we start. To our Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 knowledge, only one other plan in the United States does this in Boston. They're doing it for 50 diabetics. We do it for hundreds. For our most fragile senior members, we, again, do the unheard of. When they call our plan on the phone, their call doesn't go to member services where they talk to someone with a script. Their call goes to someone in Disease Management, and it goes to the same person every time. A person that speaks to them is a clinical social worker, a nurse or a pharmacist. No one does this in this region other than Health Partners Plans. We don't stop when it comes to taking care of our members. Member care has also been and always will be what motivates us, not just to provide the highest quality healthcare but to treat all people regardless of race and ethnicity with respect and dignity. I humbly share my gratitude for Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 800 employees. I often say they are the special ingredient in our special sauce. I also want to thank the community partners who help make Health Partners Plans so respected and made a success in serving the communities who need our services the most. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to City Council and especially Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and her staff. Our mission is to improve the health outcomes of our members, and through your support throughout the years, you've helped make that possible. Thank you for recognizing our 30th Anniversary and 30 years of doing it right. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms delivers messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 150407, 150643, 150645, 150667, 150705, 150721, 150722, 150744, 150767, 150745, 150746, 150747, 150766, and 150770. And I am pleased to advise you that on October 27, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 15, 2015; and that on October 27, 2015, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 22, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 2015: Bill No. 150612.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal.
And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire title or a lesser interest, by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Delaware River Trail; and An ordinance constituting the Eighteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable water and wastewater revenue bonds; and An ordinance constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue and sell either at public or private sale Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to acquire a trestle over Germantown Avenue just below Cresheim Valley Drive and to enter into an agreement to license from PECO Energy Company a certain strip of land running parallel to a portion of Cresheim Creek to be used as part of the Cresheim Trail; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner and the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to execute a document and file it in the Recorder of Deeds office to extinguish a 25-foot easement in favor of the City along former Hamilton Street between Eighteenth Street and Nineteenth Street; and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 striking from City Plan No. 187 of a certain right-of-way reserved for water main purposes and gas main purposes in the area lying southwest of Butler Street and northwest of Aramingo Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 195 by striking from the City Plan Webb Street from Huntingdon Street to a point approximately one hundred feet southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the City's Managing Director or his designee to enter into a cable television franchise renewal agreement with Comcast of Philadelphia and Comcast of Philadelphia II renewing the cable television franchises granted by the City to Comcast for Franchise Areas I, II, III and IV, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you very much. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the lady. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the Council President, I offer three bills and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Mohammad Chowdhury, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of 17th Street and Ranstead Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the northwest corner of 17th Street and Ranstead Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner and the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to execute a document and file in the Recorder of Deeds office to extinguish a 25-foot easement in favor of the City along former Hamilton Street between Eighteenth Street and Nineteenth Street.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Taxes," by repealing Section 19-1305(4)(e)(7) related to the sale of tax liens.
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-Eighth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon. Hold on one second, sir. (Brief pause.) Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Well, thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill.
An ordinance authorizing the City's Managing Director or his designee to enter into a cable television franchise renewal agreement with Comcast of Philadelphia and Comcast of Philadelphia II renewing the cable television franchises granted by the City to Comcast for Franchise Areas I, II, III and IV, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Mr. President. I offer two bills on behalf of the Administration and two on behalf of the 9th Councilmanic District.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Adams Avenue, Tabor Avenue, Harrison Street, Whitaker Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Bingham Street, Olney Avenue, Front Street, Nedro Avenue, and Hammond Avenue; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue; and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 An ordinance constituting the Eighteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989; and An ordinance constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989.
Thank you. Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
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 Seventh and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2015 as Dyslexia Awareness Month in honor of individuals living with Dyslexia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one bill and three resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding requirements related to the provision of electric vehicle supply wiring in connection with certain accessory parking.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings on implementing sustainable procurement practices for the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution establishing November 15, 2015 as America Recycles Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose House Bill 1623 which would cut access to Planned Parenthood Preventive Health Services in Pennsylvania.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and two resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards," by amending certain definitions and adding certain additional requirements with respect to screening job applicants and license applicants for criminal history. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
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-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the unit block of Malvern Avenue between North 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road as "Reverend Beatty Way."
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills and two privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 187 of a certain right-of-way reserved for water main purposes and gas main purposes in the area lying southwest of Butler Street and northwest of Aramingo Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 195 by striking from the City Plan Webb Street from Huntingdon Street to a point approximately one hundred feet northwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire title or a Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 lesser interest such as an easement, by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Delaware River Trail.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Roman Catholic High School on the occasion of their Quasquicentennial (125 years) anniversary of Catholic Education in Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Lisa Ciaranca Kaplan from Andrew Jackson Elementary School on being nationally recognized and awarded the 2015 Escalante-Gradillas Prize for Best in Education.
Also on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Ms. Frances M. Jones on the occasion of her retirement as the Assistant General Manager of Government Affairs for SEPTA.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two resolutions, one privileged, one non-privileged. Thank you.
A privileged resolution celebrating, honoring, and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Veterans Day 2015.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support House Bill 2224, which provides 100 percent property tax relief for all disabled veterans regardless of whether their disability was sustained during wartime or peacetime, and House Bill 2225, which provides for a tax relief stipend to disabled veterans who are not 100 percent disabled.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out three bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 140716, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Landlord And Tenant,' by requiring adequate notice to tenants regarding rent increases and adequate notice to landlords in the case of tenants' decision not to renew a lease"; and Bill No. 150573, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of an independent Commission on African-American Males"; and Bill No. 150741, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by creating a wage theft coordinator for the City and adding definitions, duties, penalties, fees, procedural requirements, a private right of action and other related items regarding wage theft"; and Resolution No. 150594, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Commission on African-American Males and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 140716, 150573, and 150741. (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. 140716, 150573, and 150741. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting October 29, 2015
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Resolution No. 150594 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh for a report from the Committee of Global Opportunities and Creative/Innovative Economy.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy, to which was referred Bill No. 150708, entitled "An ordinance creating the Philadelphia Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 Industry," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 150708. (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 Bill No. 150708. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a 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. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, so the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee at this time for a motion regarding Bill No. 140716.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 140716 at this time. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And again the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 140716. A copy of this amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 140716 has been amended. Bill No. 140716 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150757, 150793, 150797, 150798, 150799, 150801, 150666, 150499, and 150645. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on today's Calendar, we Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you 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. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Mr. Decker, do we have any speakers today?
There are no speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you will read the title of 150757.
A resolution authorizing the receipt by the City of 911 subscriber and consumer fees for local use, as provided by Chapter 53 (911 Emergency Communication Services) of Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. Resolution 150757 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150774. Hold on. I'm sorry, Mr. Decker. Give me 150793.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150793 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150797.
A resolution authorizing the creation of a "Special Committee on Student Loan Debt" to evaluate the social, economic and legal impact of offering monetary and other incentives to reduce student loan debt of individuals who are residents of the City.
The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President, and also for your help in drafting this important resolution. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150797 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150798.
A resolution calling on Au Bon Pain to resolve its ongoing labor dispute quickly and peacefully with workers at the Philadelphia International Airport.
Thank you. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150798 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150799.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING situate in the Twenty-Fifth, Thirty-First and Thirty-Ninth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150799 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150801.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150801 is adopted. Mr. Decker, will you call up 150666. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, 9th Street, Callowhill Street, Franklin Street, Vine Street Expressway, Vine Street, and Broad Street.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting October 29, 2015 10/29/15 - STATED - 2ND READING