Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 13, 2016 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
If members will take their seats, we're going to get started now. We have a quorum. If guests and visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get started. And we will start with our invocation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes a good friend of ours, the Honorable Joanna McClinton. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. We must say that having a dual role of being an awesome State Representative, we really appreciate you taking time out of your day to come down and give us some spiritual advice. Honorable, thank you so much. REPRESENTATIVE McCLINTON: Dear Lord, we thank you and praise you, for this is the day that you have made. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 glad. Father, we thank you for this awesome city that I've been blessed to call home my entire life. God, I thank you because we are the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. And it's my prayer this morning that love would abound. You told us to love our neighbors as ourself. So, Father, I thank you for every distinguished leader in this Chambers. I thank you for their life commitment to service. I thank you for all the sacrifices they make day in and day out and their staff and all those who support them. Father, it's our prayer today that you not only bless this session, but that you would move through each of these leaders. God, you know everything that we stand in need of. You know what our families are in need of. You know what our children are in need of. So I pray especially for these members that you Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 one of their needs, that you would strengthen them from the inside out. You said your grace is sufficient for us and you strengthen us in our weakness. So, Father, I pray that you be with them at every moment of the day that they lead. I pray that through these vessels, great changes will come about in our city. I pray that you'd inspire each and every one of them with great ideas and that they be able to work together to implement them to help all those who are hurting in our communities. Father, I pray right now that you would encourage them, lift them up, let them know, God, that all things are working together for their good. We thank you and praise you for this honor and privilege, grateful always to be in your presence, and we thank you for being with us all day long. In Jesus' name. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Honorable. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you all very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 6th, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 6th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 6th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair on behalf of the minority 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. At this time, I would just like Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action, clearly unlike the government in Washington, but I'm not going to get into that today. We really appreciate you being here. This hopefully will be an experience that will be knowledgeable and pleasurable, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you for coming down today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh, who will present a resolution urging the United States Department of Defense to include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Would Tom Corcoran, Suzanne Meissler, and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Oh, we have Councilman Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Jones, Councilman Henon, and Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Parker and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you very much, President. As we gather, I'd just like to state that we did a flag raising. We raised the family flag, the flag that draped the body of Seaman Patrick M. Corcoran. That is the only object the family has to remember their son and their brother, because he and 73 sailors perished when their destroyer was cut in two by an Australian aircraft carrier. They had shell benang (ph). They were ordered out of the perimeter. They reloaded, but the accident occurred outside of the war zone. Therefore, their names are not on the wall of those who were killed during the Vietnam War. That flag is flying, and it will be returned to the family later today. At this time, I'd like to present this resolution, and I'm joined Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 and the family of Patrick Corcoran as well as friends of the family, who I ask to join us afterwards when we take a picture. This is a resolution urging the United States Department of Defense to include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, including Philadelphia native Patrick Michael Corcoran.
Whereas, a Philadelphia native kid, Patrick A. Corcoran, remembered as a typical "Irish Catholic Philly kid," graduated from Father Judge High School in 1968. Concerned by the threat of the United States Army draft and the harrowing death toll of the Vietnam War, Corcoran joined the United States Navy; and Whereas, Corcoran served for several months aboard the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans, which had already collected four battle stars for action during the Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 War; and
Whereas, on March 29th, 1969, the officers and men of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans departed Long Beach, California towards Vietnam for the Western Pacific Deployment with the United States Navy to carry out the operational orders of their Commander in Chief; and Whereas, on June 3rd, 1969, the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans, while on an allied naval exercise, collided with the Australian aircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne, in the South China Sea near the coast of Vietnam; and Whereas, the collision took the lives of 74 American sailors. Within a year after his high school graduation, Patrick Corcoran was one of the casualties; and
Whereas, members of the United States Armed Forces who died during the Vietnam War have been memorialized by having their names Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC; and Whereas, the Department of Defense, despite the favorable endorsement of the Department of the Navy that the names be added to "The Wall" in Washington, continues to falsely maintain that the men who died aboard the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans do not meet the criteria for inclusion of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial because the accident occurred outside of the combat zone when, in fact, the ship and every other American ship in the vicinity was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal on that day of the very accident; and
Whereas, the Vietnam War's combat zone boundaries, which were ill defined and changed from time to time -- talk about a moving target -- should not be applied to exclude the names of the lost sailors from the Memorial because other members of the United States Armed Forces who Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Vietnam War combat zone have had their names placed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; and Whereas, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington still does not recognize Philadelphia's own Patrick Corcoran and his 73 shipmates, five of whom were from Pennsylvania. Yet the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists Corcoran as a casualty, as many state and city Vietnam veteran memorials include this group of fallen American sailors and heroes; and
Whereas, the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans Association and Patrick Corcoran's family have petitioned the Department of Defense for decades to have the names of the 74 sailors inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Philadelphia City Council adopted Resolution 140660, introduced by Councilman Dennis O'Brien and Councilman David Oh, on September 18th, 2014, "Urging the United States Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the Destroyer U.S.S. Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial." The United States House of Representatives also passed a resolution in 2014 urging the inclusion of the names on the memorial, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars passed a similar measure at the national convention; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we urge the United States Department of Defense to include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, including Philadelphia native Patrick Michael Corcoran. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Thomas Corcoran, Patrick Corcoran's brother, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Corcoran for remarks.
Thank you, Council President. Joining us is the sister as well, Suzanne Corcoran, and I would like to point out that our Executive Director, Scott Brown, of the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission is here, along with Joe Griffies, a veterans advocate and radio show host, and just point out that today is the Navy's 241st birthday. All right.
Good morning. This has been an absolute humbling morning for my sister and I and our entire family, who is here joining us. This has been quite a ride. It's been 47 years since the accident occurred. There's been a lot of trials and Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 get Patrick's name and the 73 sailors on the wall in Vietnam. And my sister and I, we'd just like to thank each and every one of you for making this such a great day for us. Also for putting this resolution together to try to get Patrick Corcoran's name, along with the 73 other sailors, onto the wall in Vietnam. I wholeheartedly, my sister also, want to thank each and every one of you individually. We would like to do that. But thank you again for making this possible. My dad and my mother, who aren't here today with us, they must be above us right now just smiling down. So thank you again for making this such a great day and for also making it such an honorable day for Patrick Corcoran and those 73 sailors aboard the Frank E. Evans. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
Would all the friends please come up and join us for this photograph. Thank you. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb, who will present a resolution honoring the late Ed Snider. Would Craig Snider and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Councilman Green, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Squilla, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Taubenberger, and Councilwoman Gym and Councilwoman Bass.
Today we honor the late Ed Snider. Before we get Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 started, I just wanted to say a few words. You talk about entrepreneurism. This is a man who's created a tremendous amount of jobs in Philadelphia, a Philadelphia icon in the sports world and in the business world. And when you think about it, I mean, today I just learned that there's over 3,200 jobs affiliated with the Flyers organization that Ed Snider created but, more importantly, it's the charitable work that Ed Snider did, which is pretty amazing, which you'll hear about. But also when you think about it, entrepreneurism -- and I know that Council President tomorrow is having an event on entrepreneurism tomorrow, if I recall right.
So here's a man like Ed Snider who would have been great to have at that event. And for those of you that don't know about it, there's an event tomorrow on Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Council President Clarke. We should get the word out. People should attend. So let me start with the resolution. Today we're honoring and remembering the late Ed Snider, co-founder and owner of the Philadelphia Flyers for nearly 50 years who passed away Monday, April 11th, 2016 at the age of 83 after a long battle with bladder cancer.
Whereas, Ed Snider, known as one of the most enthusiastic sports owners in Philadelphia history, formed the Philadelphia Flyers with several partners when Philadelphia was awarded an expansion team in 1966; Whereas, despite the fact that Philadelphia was a city with no hockey tradition, base of hockey fans or an arena, the Spectrum was built on Broad Street in the 2nd Councilmanic District and Ed Snider and the Flyers turned Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 that loved bare-knuckle fights on the ice and one proud to bear the name, the "Broad Street Bullies"; and
Whereas, in 1974 and 1975, the Flyers won consecutive Stanley Cup Championships making the Flyers the National Hockey League's first expansion team to win the hockey's holy grail. And my neighbor, by the way, who made me listen to those albums -they used to have albums of Gene Hart during the series, and I've listened to them for about three years straight. So I still hope he has them. Whereas
And whereas, Councilman Al Taubenberger's life was changed because he became an avid hockey fan. Even though the Flyers have not won any Stanley Cups since the team has become one of the best in the National Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 League, making the playoffs 38 times and playing in six more Stanley Cup Finals, the last in 2010. And as a season ticket holder, there's a lot of things that are going to happen in a positive way. Whereas
Whereas, Ed Snider became one of the most influential National Hockey League owners, attending nearly all of the Flyers' home games and creating an organization that felt like a family; and Whereas, in 1999, a Philadelphia Daily News poll named Ed Snider the City's greatest sports mover and shaker, surpassing basketball broadcaster Sonny Hill and the legendary Athletics manager, Connie Mack; and
Whereas in 1980, Ed Snider received the Lester Patrick Trophy for contributions to hockey in the United States and was inducted into four Hall of Fames: the Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 (1988), the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1997), the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2005) and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame (2011); and
Whereas, Ed Snider's most important legacy, however, is the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, created by Ed in 2005, which promotes life skills and hockey through after-school, recreational and supplemental educational activities for children and families in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey and is provided at no cost and focused on underserved boys and girls who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play. And one of those sites is in the 9th District at Simons Recreation Center.
And whereas, among other things, Ed Snider's Foundation partnered with the City and State on a $14.5 million project to refurbish four Philadelphia rinks for Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 serves approximately 30,000 children in Philadelphia and Camden with a plan to double the size of the program over the next several years. The 7th has a rink and a playground supported by the Snider Foundation, so we're very happy.
Whereas, there are very few owners in the history of sports that have the decades-long legacy of Ed Snider. From the founding of the franchise through over 40 years of stewardship, his dedication to the Flyers and the City of Philadelphia can't be celebrated enough as we mourn his loss; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors and remembers the late Ed Snider, co-founder and owner of the Philadelphia Flyers for nearly 50 years who passed away Monday, April 11th, 2016 at the age of 83 after a long battle with bladder cancer. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 wanted to mention, though, is that besides being a great entrepreneur and a great philanthropist, Ed was also a great dad and a wonderful grandfather. He had six children, 15 grandchildren. And today we're blessed to have his sister, Phyllis, from Chevy Chase, Maryland here with us today right behind, Phyllis, and three of his children, Lindy, Craig, and Sarena, and Craig's wife, Edna. So I thank them for being here today, and can't say enough about Ed Snider and what he did for the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Snider for remarks.
Hello. Members of the City Council and Councilman Domb, thank you for honoring my father, Ed Snider, here at City Hall today. My name is Craig Snider and I was 10 years old Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 me and my younger brother, Jay, aside and told us not to worry. He was an Eagle then, but he was about to become a Flyer. He was only 33 years old when he mortgaged all he owned to start the Flyers. It was a family affair from the start. His sister, Phyllis, is here with me today. She named the team. My mother designed the Flyerette uniforms. And Freddie Flyer, well, I don't know who designed Freddie, but we were all there sitting in Section T, Row 11 when the very first puck was dropped at the Spectrum at the first game. I can still remember the roar of the fans. No, it was not a sellout. It was those loud air conditioning fans overhead that would never be heard again once the Flyers took off. But we did hear the mighty roar of Philadelphia's real fans on the road to those two Stanley Cups in '74 and in '75 and in every playoff run since Clarkie started off with guys like Moose and Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Bird, Hammer and Hound, Dorney, Bernie, and the Watson brothers. I'll never forget when old man Watson came down from Smithers, British Columbia straight from the farm to hoist the Cup with his boys. We were family then and we're family now, 50 years later. Amazing. And my dad knew he was leaving the organization in good hands with Brian Roberts and the Comcast team, which adopted Ed Snider and the Flyers 20 years ago. Dad said Philly fans were the greatest fans on earth. He fought year in and year out to bring the Cup back to Philadelphia as much for them as for himself. Ed Snider wasn't born here, but Philadelphia became his true home, and I am honored to represent the Snider family in accepting this special resolution on his behalf. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb, who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Flyers on their 50th Anniversary. Would Paul Holmgren and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Henon, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Squilla, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Green, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Jones, O'Neill, and Johnson. Councilwoman, you need to come up here. I don't know if you have a Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 role, if you have a speaking role, but you probably should be up here. Councilwoman Blackwell, you probably need to come up here too. They're not speaking. They just look lonely out there.
I'd like to honor today, of course, the Philadelphia Flyers on their 50th Anniversary. So we'll get started with the resolution. And we have here today from the Flyers Shawn Tilger, John Page, and Paul Holmgren. So let's get started. Honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Flyers on their 50th Anniversary and acknowledging the 2016-2017 hockey season as the 50th Anniversary season of Philadelphia Flyers hockey.
Whereas, February the 9th of 2016 marked the 50th year anniversary of the NHL announcement that Philadelphia would be among six expansion teams for the 1967-'68 season; Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
Whereas, the early group called The Philadelphia Hockey Group, Incorporated, included Ed Snider, then treasurer of the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Keith Allen and general manager Norman "Bud" Poile, and was given little over a year to present a $2 million expansion fee to guarantee its entry; and
Whereas, on February 8th, 1966, in order to close the deal in obtaining the franchise, Ed Snider traveled to New York to present their plan to the convened NHL owners, which promised the building of a modern, 15,000-seat arena in Philadelphia, later named the Spectrum by Lou Scheinfeld, the Flyers' first vice president of business operations; and
Whereas, the following day, Philadelphia was officially awarded a conditional NHL franchise, the condition was to deliver Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 a state-of-the-art arena and pay the franchise fee; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Flyers not only made good on their promise, but were also the first expansion team in the post-Original Six era to win the Stanley Cup, victorious in 1973-1974 and again in 1974 and 1975. And Al Taubenberger was there for 49 of the 50 years. Whereas
Whereas, since their first season in 1967-'68 the Flyers have an all-time points percentage of 57.7 percent, as of the 2015-2016 NHL season, the second best in the NHL, behind only the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins at 60.1 percent;
And whereas, the Flyers also have the most appearances in the conference finals of all the 24 expansion teams with 16 appearances and 8 wins, and they are second behind the St. Louis Blues for the Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 of all the expansion teams with 38 out of 48 seasons, of which Al was in 49 of them;
Whereas, although the Flyers have not won a Stanley Cup since the '74-'75 season, there have been plenty of other highlights, including the 1976 win over the Soviet Red Army and the NHL record for the longest undefeated streak with 35 games during their '79 through '80 season; and
Whereas, the Flyers currently have eighteen personnel in the Hockey Hall of Fame, including famed players Bernie Parent, Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Mark Howe and Eric Lindros; and
Whereas, when asked to comment about the Flyers 50th Anniversary, the late Ed Snider said, "It's hard to believe that we're going to be celebrating our 50th anniversary. It feels like it was just Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Hockey League awarded us the expansion franchise. In our first season, The Hockey News thought we would most likely not succeed, but were they ever wrong. Now we are here with memories of two Stanley Cups, the Russian Game in 1976, the 35-game unbeaten streak, the five-overtime win against Pittsburgh in the 2000 playoffs, coming back against Boston in 2010 down three games, two Winter Classics, and so many more. My favorite part has been sharing these memories with all the players who define Flyers Hockey, with the hundreds of employees who work tirelessly to create a great experience with the millions and millions of dedicated, loyal, and passionate Flyer fans who have made our first 50 years so incredible. Together we truly have something special"; and
Whereas, over the last 50 years the Philadelphia Flyers have been a team the can be proud of and we wish them the best during their 2016-2017 50th Anniversary season; and now, therefore, be it
Be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize the Philadelphia Flyers on their 50th Anniversary and acknowledges the 2016-'17 hockey season as their 50th Anniversary season of Philadelphia Flyers hockey.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Flyers as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. (Applause.)
I just want to say a few other words that I thought of and, that is, that it's important that Ed Snider and the Flyers, they go together, and that's why we have them Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 today, because without Ed Snider, we'd have no Flyers. So it's really, really impactful. And the other thing I want to mention is, so many of the Flyers are out in the community, Philadelphia Flyers, the actual players, donating their time, giving to charities. They do a great job, and I think we should applaud that too, because they do a tremendous amount of charity work. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. First of all, I'd really like to congratulate the Corcoran family on what they received today. I feel honored that I was here to witness that. It's an incredible fight that they've gone through over the number of years that they've fought that fight, and hopefully Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 the fight to get to achieve their closure will be not so long. I'd also like to congratulate the Snider family. What an honor to have known Mr. Snider all these years, and to witness that today too was something special for me. On behalf of the Philadelphia Flyers, I'd like to thank Councilman Domb and all the Council for welcoming and honoring us here today. It was 50 years ago this year that Ed Snider brought hockey to Philadelphia, and what an impact it's made on the City. You know, Ed Snider -- somebody mentioned it earlier. I think it was Craig. He wasn't from Philadelphia, but Philadelphia was his home. He loved this City. He loved this team more than anyone, the Flyers, and he really loved the City and the people in Philadelphia very passionately, our fans. Fifty years of Flyer hockey. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 say? Other people have thrown out numbers. I'd like to throw out some of those numbers just to reinforce what's happened over the last 50 years. The Flyers have won 1,895 games over those 50 years, regular season games. It's the second highest winning percentage of all time, second only to Montreal Canadiens, and they've been around like 100 years. The Flyers have been in the Stanley Cup finals eight times and they've won two championships, and there's more to come focusing on the future. Looking back on the past, we have a lot of things going on this season. We have many, many heritage nights, many, many memories that we're going to celebrate, but we're really, really, really looking forward to the next 50 years. So thank you again for having us here today. Thank you. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. And for our last presentation today, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation recognizing Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy. Would Ms. Abernathy and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. City Council, City of Philadelphia citation honoring and Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 -- is Minister Muhammad up here with us -- honoring and recognizing Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy as a civil and human rights pioneer and legend. Whereas, Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy is the lone survivor from day one who was at the forefront of the creation of the American Civil Rights Movement. The youngest of eight children, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business education at Tennessee State University. In 1952, she married her first boyfriend, Ralph David Abernathy -- how you like that -- the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, the Dean of Men at Alabama State University, and a Professor of Sociology and Mathematics at the college, whom she met on the campus of Selma University College Preparatory School Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 when he visited the campus while at home on furlough from World War II; and
She's still giggling. That's love. Whereas, in 1955, Ralph David Abernathy organized the Montgomery Black Ministers, organized the boycott, and issued the first call for the creation of the Civil Rights Movement when Rosa Parks was arrested. From Montgomery to Memphis, the Abernathy home was the meeting place for strategic planning with Dr. King, Reverend Abernathy, and other leaders. Mrs. Abernathy hosted at her house the Freedom Riders in their home where Reverend Abernathy, Dr. King, and John Lewis held the press conference announcing the continuation of the Freedom Ride after the riders were assaulted and trapped overnight, with mass meetings participating in Reverend Abernathy's First Baptist Church; and
Whereas, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 of her five children participated in the following: the March on Washington, led the Selma to Montgomery March for the right to vote, the Mississippi James Meredith March, the Chicago marches where they were teargassed, the Memphis March, the Poor People's Campaign March, and the Charleston Hospital Workers Strike March. After the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Mrs. Abernathy stood with her husband as he called for calm and non-violence to replace the violence that erupted in the streets across America. Mrs. Abernathy worked with her husband as he led poor people of all races in the human rights movement of the Poor People's Campaign. As a result, Dr. Abernathy was instrumental in leading the Congress to establish the National Food Stamp Program and the Free Meal Program for low-income children in public schools across America;
And Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 whereas, while marching in Belfast, Ireland, Mrs. Abernathy was shot at for her support of non-violence. She accompanied Dr. Abernathy on non-violent pilgrimages across America, Europe, South America, and Asia as President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the World Peace Council of Helsinki, Finland. Ms. Abernathy has served for 15 years on the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Board, the Fulton County Development Authority Board, and as National Sales Director in Mary Kay Cosmetics and is the President of the Ralph David Abernathy and Juanita Jones Abernathy Foundation. Mrs. Abernathy is truly a human rights pioneer and an inspiration to young people all over the world for generations to come.
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize Ms. Juanita Jones Abernathy as a civil and human rights Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 commend Ms. Abernathy for all that she does and has done for the civil and human rights of the citizens of our country and extend to her the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body and say congratulations. (Standing ovation.)
And at this time, the Chair recognizes Mrs. Abernathy for remarks.
Mayor Kenney in his absence, President Clarke, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Minister Muhammad of the NAACP, and all of the other members of the Council of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to receive this honor and recognition. And I am so pleased to see so many people of color in your Council, which means you are concerned and you have representation Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 races, and that is a good thing, because we are the people, and there was a time -- everybody criticizes the man who didn't pledge allegiance to the flag the other day, who didn't stand up, and I said to some people, I understand it clearly. When I taught school 100 years ago, the students always pledged allegiance every morning, and my principal said to me, I understand you do not pledge allegiance. And I said, No, I do not. And he said, Why? I'm not going to call his name. I said, Mister, I'm not going to cross my heart and tell a lie. It says one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, and there is no justice for me. So I cannot tell a lie. I respect the flag, but it is not justice for me, and until it becomes justice for me, it says justice for all and I'm a part of that "all." So I still do not pledge Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 flag, because America is still not what she should be, and that's what our young people are understanding. I'm from down South and you are up South. So it's the same principle all over these United States, and none of us are free until all of us are free. (Applause.)
And I truly thank you for this recognition and citation. I hope I have included everybody in thanking you. But it's been a long journey from Montgomery until today, and we are still in need of people to stand up for justice and equality in these United States and in the halls of Congress, because all over the world they talk about us in America, and I'm very prejudice towards my country. I was in Switzerland recently and Germany and they were talking about America this and America that. I said, Well, I don't discuss the ills of your country. I Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 in your country, and I don't appreciate your talking about my country. America is not an infallible country and neither is yours, and I love America with all of her mess. One thing about it, we have the right to protest if we don't like it, and there are very few municipalities in this world where that can be done. And I thank you, City of Philadelphia, and I am so proud to be an American. I wouldn't be any other country representative. May God continue to bless you, and thanks for this citation. I know I don't look that old, but I've been on the road since 1955, and I'm no ways tired. Come too far from where we started, but we have so much, much more to do. God bless you. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on October 7, 2016, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 6, 2016: Bill No. 160767. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3300 through 08, 3310, 3312, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 3314 and 3316 Mantua Avenue and 701, 703, 705, 707, 709 through 11 North 34th Street; and A resolution approving the grant of an easement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1600 through 36 North Broad Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. At this time, we will move to introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 non-privileged resolutions. One is co-sponsored by several members and signed by everyone else.
A privileged resolution recognizing the University of the Sciences Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy on the occasion of American Pharmacists Month.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3300 through 08, 3310, 3312, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 3314 and 3316 Mantua Avenue and 701, 703, 705, 707 and 709 through 11 North 34th Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2016 as Energy Action Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Friends Housing Cooperative on its 2016 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Community Involvement Award from Preservation Pennsylvania.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the grant of an easement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1600 through 36 North Broad Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution and one bill co-introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilwoman Parker on both.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer three resolutions. Two of them are privileged, one is non-privileged, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution re-calling Bill No. 160516 is read for a motion on the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Father's Day Rally Committee for hosting a National Black Violence Conference in Philadelphia from October 21, 2016 to October 22, 2016 to address an increase in violent crimes in African American communities across the country. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety and Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold joint hearings to explore how the City of Philadelphia can expand cell phone connectivity throughout Fairmount Park.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 160516, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Henry Avenue, Coulter Street, School House Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, and Lincoln Drive," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution sponsored by yourself and Councilman Taubenberger and supported by all members of Council, and I wish to be recognized for remarks after the title is read.
A non-privileged resolution approving a 16-person task force entitled "The Task Force on Retirement Security for Private-Sector Employees in Philadelphia," the purpose of which shall be to explore best Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 practices to address the retirement security crisis in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, about 30 days after we started our session, this Council passed a resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to convene public hearings to examine the state of retirement security in our great city, and it was with your leadership and support, Mr. President, that we were able to begin that process from a data-driven and a research-based perspective with the study that was commissioned via the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at The New School for Social Research, and they conducted a report about whether or not Philadelphians were, in essence, prepared for retirement. Unfortunately, their research found what we expected and, that is, that Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Philadelphia was not doing well not only just on an absolute level but also at a relative level when you compared the state of retirement security for Philadelphians compared to those nationwide. For example, in Philadelphia, 48 percent of workers ages 25 to 64 work for an employer that sponsors a retirement plan compared with 53 percent nationwide, and only 37 percent of workers actually participate in a plan compared with 45 percent nationwide. We actually received an update on that report at our hearing that was held on June the 15th. We also heard from local residents being adversely affected by the financial insecurity of retirement, non-profit institutions, research institutions, practitioners, and also other folks from cities and states. And I noted that New York had clearly led the way in this effort. We also ensured that we had Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 intergovernmental support from representatives from not just our local government, but state government and our federal government as well. After that hearing on June the 15th, I introduced a resolution calling for the creation of a Task Force on Retirement Security for Private-Sector Employees in the City of Philadelphia. Over the summer, my team and I, we traveled to a few cities. We reviewed their data, their prospective policy and legislative proposals, and as a result, this resolution today is actually naming the member organizations of our task force and laying out our purpose and our duties. It is structured to ensure that there is appropriate representation from all industries that can in fact add value to our process. For the record, I want you to know we do have an intergovernmental policy development expert, an ERISA retirement security expert, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 representation from SEIU, Community Legal Services, Mayor's Commission on Aging, Pew, Keystone Research Center, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Sustainable Business Network. Our first meeting is going to be next year in mid February, and we will provide a short-term and long-term action plan. The end goal of the task force is to make recommendations to this Council regarding the potential solutions and legislation to address this issue. S. Department of Labor about whether or not and how larger cities can establish retirement savings programs, and we expect that ruling to take place in December. In addition to that, I want to Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 give a special thanks to our Controller's Office. They've done a great deal of research on this issue. Special kudos to Jeff Hornstein -- and I hope I pronounced his name correctly -- who is the staffer who has done a great deal of work. They've put together a very impressive panel discussion on the conference that I know is taking place soon. We will be attending that and using whatever data is compiled as a result of it and given to our task force so that it can inform our efforts.
I also want to give a special thanks to Econsult that has agreed to serve as the special technical advisor to the chair of the task force, and to say to my colleagues I thank them for their foresight and supporting our efforts on this issue, and I look forward to reporting our work and a prospective plan that this Council can think about how it will implement on the issue of retirement security. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Kenyatta Johnson, I would like to put in one bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 16-S by striking from the City Plan the southeasterly twenty-eight feet wide unopened portion of Grays Ferry Avenue from Carpenter Street to Kimball Street and from Kimball Street to a point approximately one-hundred sixty-eight feet southwestwardly therefrom in order to conform more closely to existing conditions. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Hi. Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by yourself, Councilmembers Blackwell, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Parker, Squilla, Henon, and Johnson.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to conduct hearings concerning the factors affecting teacher recruitment and retention in the School District of Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
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 offer one privileged resolution. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing PhillyCAM on this first annual National Community Media Day and launch of their community radio station WPPM 106.5 FM in Philadelphia on Thursday, October 20, 2016.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I offer three privileged resolutions, some of them sponsored by Councilmembers Greenlee, Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Squilla, Green, Domb, Parker, Bass, Taubenberger, Reynolds Brown, and Gym.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings investigating whether the Philadelphia area's VA medical centers are properly screening and treating returning veterans for brain injuries.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Jayda Pugliese for receiving the Milken Educator Award as one of the nation's top educators.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 the Atwater Kent on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary for exhibiting Philadelphia's rich and diverse history.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We will now have reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 22 bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Services, to which was referred Bill No. 160613, entitled "An ordinance prohibiting thru truck traffic on the 2800 block of Orthodox Street and the 2800 block of Hedley Street from Richmond Street to Bath Street, and establishing a truck route on Lewis Street between Richmond Street and Delaware Avenue"; and Bill No. 160616, entitled "An ordinance authorizing John Rybas of South 17th Street to construct, own, and maintain metal railing encroachments at 1002 through 16 South 17th Street"; and Bill No. 160672, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Fishtown Arts & Crafts doing business as Fishtown Social, to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1523 through 27 Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 160673, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 City"; and Bill No. 160683, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Spruce Street, between Delaware Avenue and the 38th Parallel, both sides"; and Bill No. 160684, entitled "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 Bill No. 160685, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Franko Borda to construct, own and maintain an elevated patio encroachment in two parts, at 1549 South 13th Street"; and Bill No. 160711, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Property Owner to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe in two parts, at 3847 Terrace Street"; and Bill No. 160714, entitled "An Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 in the vicinity of: Brown Street and Front Street; 12th Street and Tasker Street; Annin Street and 11th Street; 12th Street and Wolf Street; 11th Street and McKean Street; Jackson Street and 10th Street; and Gaul Street and Dauphin Street"; and Bill No. 160717, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 5 of an ordinance (Bill No. 150413) approved June 30, 2015, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing Michael Betancourt for AION Partners, to construct, own, and maintain structural encroachments at One South Broad Street,' by extending the time for compliance with the authorization conditions therein"; and Bill No. 160719, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-722 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of Dumpsters,' to limit the locations where dumpsters may be licensed in the public right-of-way"; and Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 160721, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Gorsten Street, between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road, both sides"; and Bill No. 160722, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Carpenter Lane, from Greene Street to Sherman Street, westbound"; and Bill No. 160723, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Vernon Road, between Anderson Street and Crittenden Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 160724, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Gorgas Lane, between Anderson Street and Crittenden Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 160769, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the City Plan Balfour Street from Ontario Street Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Street"; and Bill No. 160770, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Medary Avenue between North 6th Street and North 8th Street"; and Bill No.
160771, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Pickering Avenue, from East Mount Pleasant Avenue to East Phil Ellena Street"; and Bill No. 160773, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 327 by striking from the City Plan Herschel Road from Peyton Street to Priestly Street"; and Bill No. 160807, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Saybrook Street from Forty-Fifth Street to Melville Street and Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 Plan Forty-Fifth Street from Woodland Avenue to Linmore Street"; and Bill No. 160841, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Smick Street and Dupont Street; Race Street and 61st Street; Dupont Street and Fleming Street"; and Bill No. 160842, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no stopping regulation on the 7400 block of Henslow Place," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the 22 bills Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 into the record. (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 the 22 bills just read in the record by the Chief Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. They will be on the First Reading of Council today. Mr. Decker always makes sure that I'm on point. Thank you, sir. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 2ND READING that the bills just read into the record will be on our First Reading Calendar today. 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 today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 160853, 160875, 160876, 160881, 160885, 160886, 160888. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 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 middle of the Chambers. There is a podium with a device. When the light on that device 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, I'd ask that you please adhere to our 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.
Rabbi Debra Bowen, commenting on 160853. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you. My name is Rabbi Debra Bowen and I'm here to comment on Resolution No. 160853, adding Rabbi L.E. Dailey to the street signs on Lowber Avenue between Mayland Street and Mohican Street. I would like to thank Council President Darrell Clarke and also City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and all the members of the Council for making this amazing event happen. I would also like to thank Mr. Evans, who is currently hospitalized, unable to be here, who was instrumental in approaching Councilwoman Parker with the request. Today I stand before you as the daughter of Rabbi Louise Dailey and I have with me members of CTB family and my sons and their sons here. In Judaism we have a concept called l'dor va'dor, which means from generation to generation, and that is to show that the works that Rabbi Dailey did Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 has passed not only to her but to generations to follow. I am humbled by the honor that the Philadelphia City Council is about to bestow on this most deserving woman of blessed memory. My mother was a diminutive individual who was a visionary with big dreams. She came to Philadelphia in the late '30s as a result of a job transfer for my father and sought to find her place in the world. What she subsequently did was to begin a spiritual works that has blossomed into what we now know as Congregation Temple Bethel in West Oak Lane in Philadelphia. What started as a chavurah, or a prayer group, in our living room has become a beacon of hope in West Oak Lane for individuals of all faith. She had an indomitable spirit and a can-do attitude. She was a brilliant teacher of Torah and a gatherer of souls. People heard the message that she so adeptly taught, and they believed and followed her. As a Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 result, we now have five generations of families who follow her teachings of righteousness, civility, and sadaqah, which means giving to charity. Her most important legacy is the message she taught about the necessity of education. As such, 98 percent of our young people who graduate from high school go on to an institution of higher learning. In our small community, we currently have three individuals who are in a doctoral program, following in the footsteps of other members who have done so. She was not only a teacher of Torah, but also a financial genius who was instrumental in allowing us to build our synagogue by way of investments and donations from the congregations without having to obtain a bank loan nor incurring any debt. Congregation Temple Bethel is in need -- we thank you for the privilege. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016
Thank you so much for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160745, 160875, and 160876. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. How many official decrees can City Council ignore? Law U.S. Code 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1986 say none. The Pennsylvania and the U.S. Constitutions say none. Yet Council refuses to de-fund Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, DA Office, City Controller's Office, and the Sheriff's Office until a complete investigation and prosecution of all involved occurs. My home at 1038 West Wyoming was stolen. The government has committed to spend up to $100 million to build a mall on my stolen home. I have received no payment. That is why it is stolen. I have received no jury trial, which I have Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 tried to file and had to file because I was not paid since 1994. The City Council, the City, the Mayor's Office, and others have opposed my right to jury trial in complete violation of their oaths of office noted in the federal and Commonwealth's Constitution. Yet this Council's inaction is definite and possibly criminal. Making a mountain out of this issue seems to delight you all. I call again as an official decree for the immediate de-funding and stop using of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the DA's Office, City Controller's Office, Sheriff's Office as an elected decree -- as an official decree. This must be acted on immediately. It cannot be ignored. These possible criminal acts and oaths violation must be addressed. Is this the kind of government that our service people have died to protect?
Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 10/13/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you for your testimony, sir.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment. We will proceed to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 160853.
A resolution adding Rabbi L.E. Dailey to the street signs on the block intersections of Lowber Avenue between Mayland Street and Mohican Street in recognition of Rabbi Dailey's tremendous service and contributions to the West Oak Lane community.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 10/13/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That Resolution 160853 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160875.
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 Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 10/13/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. We move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160875 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160876.
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 1620 through 24 Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 1626 Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 10/13/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 160876 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160881.
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 Stated Meeting October 13, 2016 10/13/16 - STATED - 2ND READING the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)