COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 31, 2012 10:20 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 JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. We're going to start now. We've established a quorum. I'd ask all members to take their seats, and guests and visitors please reside behind the rail. I appreciate that. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Micah Sims of Mount Tabor AME Church. He is here today as my guest. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Eternal and All-Wise Heavenly Father, thou who are the giver of every good and perfect gift, we thank you for this, another day of life. We are appreciative of your ever-lasting love and presence in our lives. Heavenly Father, thank you for protecting us and keeping us while we slept on last night, assigning angels to thank you for your finger of love which awoke us on due time, with a reasonable portion of our health and our strength. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this country, and we pray today that you will bless our President, members of Congress and the Justices of this United States. Continue to help them enable all of us to embrace life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. We lift up those men and women who fight representing our country in battles across the globe. We ask you to not only protect them but watch over their families. We seek your power as we engage in honoring those who have not only served in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for everyone who has ever defended democracy on behalf of our country. Let's find a sense of pride, God, respect and resources so that we can honor their services and not belittle them. represents us in every capacity on the federal, state and local level. Give them a sense of fidelity today to work for the betterment of all of your people. Give them the spirit of care and concern to our Governor, to our Mayor on this day. Father, we thank you for the City of Philadelphia, from Wynnefield to West Oak Lane, Port Richmond to Packer Avenue, Strawberry Mansion to South Philadelphia, Northern Liberties to the Northeast and everywhere in between. Make this city and its residents what you want us to be. Help us to be diligent and committed to loving our neighbors like ourselves. Thank you for all of those that provide service in our city. Lord, touch our police officers, our firefighters, our teachers, our union workers, our community leaders and individuals who work diligently every day to provide a joy, happiness and security for their respective families. Today, we especially ask for your guidance and direction for these members of City Council. We ask for your spirit of wisdom, discernment and understanding as they move forward to deliberate the issues for and of this city. Give them an ever-pressing desire to make this city bigger, better and more beautiful, not only in its appearance but in its ability to create and sustain an environment of brotherly love and sisterly affection. Let their decisions improve life for those individuals who have shared years of residency in this city. Let their decisions improve the quality of education for every child. Let their decisions eradicate homelessness and hunger. And we seek to serve not only those who occupy corner offices, but those who struggle to find a place to lay their head every night. Help them to who voted for them but for those who voted against them, because their civic duty is to respect and to represent everyone. Help them embrace the mantle of City leadership which has been passed down from Council to Council. We lift our Council President and we pray, God, that you will continue to guide and direct him as he leads this City Council. And, lastly, God, on this day, we ask you to bless the greatest resource that we have in this city, our children. We pray, God, that you will create an environment of educational success, of safe streets, and allow us to not use them as pawns in politics and money, but that we might understand that they are our greatest resource and our greatest future. This is our prayer today. In Jesus' name. Amen. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for those inspiring words. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 24th, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 24th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The Journal of May 24th, 2012 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, I have one request for leave of absence from Councilman Green.
Thank you. Leave is granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you so much. The Chair at this time would like to recognize Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Later on in the session, I'll be introducing a resolution declaring June as AIDS Education Month, and with us today are members of the group Philadelphia Fight, who has sponsored AIDS Education Month for nearly 20 years, and I just want to recognize that they're here. Some of them are familiar to us over the years. Jane Shull, the Executive Director; Scott Wilds, President of the Board; Bishop Ernest McNear, Vice President; and Juliet Fink, Director of Education of the organization, among others, and they're sitting right here.
Please rise so we can recognize you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for coming today. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to welcome everyone here today. We hope that your be a good one. We hope as a result of that, you'll want to come back. So I thank you all for being here today to witness democracy in action. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a citation recognizing Raheem Brock. Will Mr. Brock and those accompanying him please come to the podium. I believe Mr. Brock went to school in the 5th Council District.
That's much better. I always like to start off my day smiling, and so today I'm honored and privileged to have the opportunity to present a citation to Mr. Raheem Brock champion Seattle Seahawks. I stand corrected; Minneapolis Colts. But on a more important note, the honor and privilege is based upon Raheem being a native of Philadelphia, as Council President Darrell Clarke mentioned, from the 5th Councilmanic District, and it's always pleasing to see how individuals who grow up in the City of Philadelphia become successful and responsible citizens. And so with that being said, I'm going to start this citation. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize Raheem Brock for his loyal and dedicated service to the community, and we welcome him back to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Whereas, the average player in the National three years, but star Defensive End and Super Bowl champion Raheem Brock of the Seattle Seahawks has been able to exceed expectations. Entering his tenth season, Raheem has accumulated over 300 tackles, 38 sacks and 12 forced fumbles. Coming off of one of his best seasons to date with nine sacks, it is now time for the NFL star to become a household name. Not only does he have an amazing career on the field, it's what he does off the field that makes this star an up-and-coming celebrity; and
Whereas, born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Raheem attended Temple University, where he was a four-year letterman and started 33 career games. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Indianapolis Colts fought for him, and that is where he remained as a solid fixture for the next career. In 2010, the Seattle Seahawks came a-knocking and were in a desperate need for a solid leader to carry the defensive unit, and they were not disappointed. Raheem finished the season with nine sacks and an NFC divisional title. The Seattle Seahawks became the first ever NFL team to win the division or a playoff berth in a complete season with a record below 500, 7 to 9. Six days after clinching their division, they also became the first NFL team to win a playoff game with a 9 and 7 record, as they defeated the defending champions New Orleans Saints 41-36; and
Whereas, not only has football paved the path for Raheem to grow as an individual, but, more importantly, as a philanthropist and role model. Raheem is always giving back to his hometown City of Philadelphia. He is very adamant about providing inner city children with the proper material to succeed. His goal is to support youth from distressed areas in realizing their full potential by encouraging them in all their endeavors. Raheem strives to expose children to a variety of programming focused on social, athletic and, more importantly, academic development. These programs teach children the value of education, especially literacy, healthy lifestyles, athletics and giving back to their community. He has also made donations to the Temple athletic program, provided financial support to students at his high school and has rewarded students from his elementary school by taking them on a Christmas shopping spree; and
Whereas, his philanthropy is balanced by his entrepreneurialism. When Raheem is not playing football or giving back to his community, he is glued to the recording studio where he houses a record label called Beast Modez Entertainment and in Philadelphia. Unlike other athletes' so-called record labels, Raheem is a beast in the music industry and has already signed two of the music industry's upcoming artists in the game, Jae Ellis and Last Donna. Beast Modez has appeared on TheSource.com, Vladtv and Comedy Central. Raheem also stayed true to his number one talent and regularly appears on ESPN NFL Network and other entertainment networks, most recently ESPN's Rome is Burning. A testament to greatness, Raheem Brock is a rare combination of what all athletes strive to have athletic prowess, unmatched intelligence, entrepreneurialism, success, insurmountable generosity.
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize Raheem Brock for his loyal and dedicated service to the community, and we welcome him back to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. With appreciation for all he does for our youth in the City of Philadelphia, we extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, everybody. I appreciate it. A couple years ago growing up in Philly, I never thought that I'll be able to help kids follow their dreams. I not only reached my goals and my dreams, but now that I've reached some of my goals, winning the Super Bowl, playing a couple of years in the NFL, then being able to come back to Philly and give out scholarships and help out kids in the inner city and help guys at Temple University, I mean, I'm just blessed and it's a privilege. Hopefully I can continue to do what I've been doing in the City, and I appreciate everything. Thank you. (Applause.)
I wanted to ask the Council President for one last comment. We should not take this moment lightly, because it's not often that you see someone of his stature reach a certain level of success, and I can't count on my hands how many individuals who have become professional athletes, become successful and rarely come back to the neighborhood and serve as an example to young people. So, again, can you just do it for me, let's give Mr. Raheem Brock a nice big Philadelphia round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing KeVen Parker. Would Mr. Parker and those accompanying him please come to the podium. I see joining the Councilwoman is Councilman Jones and Councilman Johnson, Councilman Squilla and Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you very much. It is really a pleasure for me to be here to make this presentation to KeVen Parker, Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe, 3801 Market. All of you who have attended my ward meetings and brag about our spread, really honor KeVen Parker. And all of you who come to our Christmas party where we feed up to 4,000 people, give honor to KeVen Parker. He is my caterer, he is my friend, and he takes care of us all. And it is especially a privilege to do this because we knew Ms. Tootsie, his mother, quite well, and it is in her honor as well as his that we make this presentation. Resolution recognizing KeVen Parker and the Spread the Love Campaign. Whereas, the Spread the Love Campaign presented by Ms. Tootsie's Bar and Lounge is a year long campaign comprised of random acts of kindness throughout the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Spread the Love Campaign is based on the value of giving, which is to present voluntarily and without expectation of compensation, to bestow, to devote or contribute to the success of, to restore; and
Whereas, these random acts of kindness comprise of small activities to encourage and assist the community such as covering a grocery citizen or assisting a family who is a few months behind in paying their electric bill; and Whereas, on the fourth Monday of every month, Parker and members of Ms. Tootsie's team will hop aboard the "Spread the Love" bus and seek out individuals who could use a helping hand; and Whereas
Spread the Love Campaign kicked off on January 30th, 2012 and will continue until December 30th, 2012; and Whereas, the Spread the Love Campaign's intent is to change the mindset of Philadelphians, particularly our youth, through charitable giving efforts and leading by example to be more giving, more respectful and more caring towards our neighbors; and Whereas, KeVen Parker is the sole proprietor, businessman extraordinaire, superstar of Lounge, Simply Delicious Caterers, Live Your Life Entertainment and KEP Lifestyle and Luxury Suites; and
Whereas, KeVen Parker, West Philadelphia's own, 4th District's own, raised in West Philadelphia -
Oh, I misread it. I'm sorry. KeVen Parker was born and raised in West Philadelphia and has consistently engaged in community outreach activities to give back to his community; and Whereas, KeVen Parker's mother, Ms. Joyce Parker, serves as his inspiration and role model, and has instilled strong morals and values in KeVen from a very young age; and
Whereas, the Spread the Love Campaign has received been featured in films nationally as well as locally on Channel 6, Fox News and USA Today, among other news outlets as an initiative that will make a difference in lives of many of our citizens; therefore, be it Resolved, that the City Council of Philadelphia hereby recognizes KeVen Parker and the Spread the Love Campaign. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Mr. Parker, please give your remarks. Thank you.
First, I'd like to thank Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, which as said, she is a friend, she's like family. This campaign actually, Spread the Love, actually the concept and it started because in July of last year, I lost my mom. I lost my mother on July 23rd of last year, and one of her initiatives and one of the things that she was an advocate of was to help people. She wanted to change the lives of people. The first seven years of my life, we were -- I was raised in a housing project at 56th and Vine, Haddington Homes Projects, and one of the ultimate goals of my mom always was what could we do to help the neighborhood in which you were born out of. See, when I was raised in the housing project, it was a village of women, mostly independent, strong black women, and the ultimate goal was to raise their children and come together to give them the best life that they could possibly give them. on July 23rd, one of my ultimate goals was to make sure that her legacy and her life continued to live on, because as a person transitions and when they pass, you say what can I do to make sure that their life extends beyond measure. So my mother was a woman of giving. My mother was a woman of empathy. My mother was a woman that believed in the better of everyone else. She always looked at the greater good. No one was a failure. She was the person that was there for the people in our neighborhood that God convicted of crimes and they left children behind. She was buying Similac and she was buying Pampers. She was paying electric bills. So when I sat at her home-going service on July 30th -- and we had about 2,100 people in attendance -- and we had so many people come up and talk about all the amazing things that she had done for them, things that I didn't even know about, because my mom and I, we were best friends and we talked about everything. However, she was a very, very, very frugal woman and she was the type of woman that didn't need to brag or boast. She just did what she did because it came out of her heart. (Applause.)
Always, always my company, always our belief system was to give back to the community and help as much as we could. But one of my concerns has always been that when we get large organizations that come to us for finances and for assistance, where does the money go? Like who is the money really helping? So with that in mind and with also knowing that I wanted my mom's legacy to live on, I said I need to make sure that the money that we allocate for charitable organizations, it goes to the grassroots. It goes to people that will be affected by it. We can actually change the pulse beat of people's lives. give money to a large organization. Yet I still see people struggling. Yet I'm not sure where my money has gone. So on July -- I mean, on January of this year, I spoke to some of my staff members, and we decided on doing this tour called Spread the Love, called Ms. Tootsie's Spread the Love, and basically, as Councilwoman and many Councilmembers have said, it's just about doing random acts of kindness. I don't know if you've all seen the movie "Pay It Forward," but it's about doing random acts of kindness, not looking for anything in return, not looking for recognition. Because it's so not about me. This is not about KeVen Parker. This is really about making sure that as a city -- and we say we're a city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, but yet we look at the murder rates, but yet we look at the people on the streets that can't pay their bills. So me being -- and I thank God for that, because I know that I'm truly walking in my purpose, but I know that it's my responsibility to give back. So in giving back, I give back knowing that my mom's legacy will live on. So Spread the Love. This campaign is just about giving. It's about doing random acts of kindness. Whether you pay someone's cell phone bill or whether you are in Dunkin Donuts and there's ten people in Dunkin Donuts that are in the store and they're about to buy their coffee and you pay for everyone's coffee. It's not about the amount of money. It's about the act. So it's about doing a random act of kindness. So my charge to everyone -- and when we do something for someone, we say we don't want anything in return. What we want you to do is pay it forward and do something nice for someone else. I'm greatly appreciative of the sponsors that have come on board such as Replica, and many, many other people have called me and they've said, What can we do to help you spread more love, and what I say to them, It's not about me spreading love, it's about us as a city spreading more love. So really I ask you in Chambers right now, what can you do to help us spread the love? Because it's not about me, as it's not about you. It's about us changing the pulse beat of Philadelphia. It's about us having a reputation of brotherly love and sisterly affection. Once again, I just thank you. I ask you to participate in this campaign, and know that when you do participate in this campaign, that you are changing the lives of other people. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2013; and Also a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1909 West Wilt Street; the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3034 through 38 West Girard Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3007 through 9 and 3013 Cabot Street, 3011, 3013, 3014 and 3019 West Stiles Street; and Also an ordinance authorizing 2303 Bainbridge Street to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City's right-of-way on the north side South 24th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080279) approved April 28, 2008, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S by placing on the City Plan Twenty-Sixth Street from Penrose Avenue southwardly approximately one-thousand eight-hundred thirty-two feet to a dead-end"; and An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to prohibit certain activities that damage, deface, or risk damage to, public artwork or memorials, and to provide for penalties for violations of such prohibitions, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, sir. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Hold on, Councilman. I'm going to ask you all to please keep your voices down because it's difficult to hear the session. So I'm going to ask that you please keep your voices at a minimum. Thank you. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor-Management Relationships," to transfer certain occupational classifications from the definition of Service Contracts to the definition of building or construction work.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three resolutions, two on your behalf and the other is co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
A privileged resolution declaring June 2012 as "AIDS Education Month in Philadelphia."
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill, please, today.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding as a permissible location a portion of the sidewalks and curb lanes of both sides of the 3500 block of Ryan Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance authorizing 2303 Bainbridge Street to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City right-of-way on the north side of Bainbridge Street between South 24th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080279) approved April 28, 2008, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S by placing on the City Plan Twenty-Sixth Street from Penrose Avenue southwardly."
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Mollbore Street, both sides, 8th Street to Beulah Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 16th Street, both sides, Wolf Street to Ritner Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Pemberton Street, south side, 22nd Street to 23rd Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Mole Street, west side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on South Street, both sides, 27th Street to Schuylkill Avenue.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Kater Street, south side, 17th Street to 16th Street.
That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green, who is not here. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions, one on your behalf, the other co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Greenlee and Councilman Goode.
A non-privileged resolution approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2013.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings to examine labor practices with regard to poll worker compensation.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
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 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to a preference in civil service regulations for the grandchildren of firefighters or police officers who were killed or who died in the line of duty; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for a preference in civil service regulations for the grandchildren of firefighters or police officers who were killed or who died in the line of duty.
That resolution will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by providing for the manner in which bicyclists may operate bicycles in streets, and by prohibiting motor vehicles from obstructing or creating certain hazards in bicycle lanes.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-507, entitled "CDO, Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District."
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Tasker Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 6th Street, both sides, Carpenter Street to Washington Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carpenter Street, both sides, 11th Street to 12th Street.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the accomplishments of Sun Ping, a performer in the Peking Opera Theatre of China.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution congratulating The Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team, Generals, on winning the PIAA State Single A Championship, The District 12 Single A Championship and The Philadelphia Public League Championship.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to prohibit certain activities that damage, deface, or risk damage to, public artwork or memorials, and to provide for penalties for violations of such prohibitions.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. That concludes the introduction. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills with a favorable recommendation from the Committee of the Whole.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 120393, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner to enter into a multi-year agreement with Covanta 4 receipt, transfer, and disposal of municipal solid waste"; and Bill No. 120394, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner to enter into a multi-year agreement with Waste Management of Pennsylvania for the receipt, transfer, and disposal of municipal solid waste, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120393 and 120394. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the suspended to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120393 and 120394. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 120393 and 120394 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
The Committee on Streets and Services reports 26 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 120299, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080544) approved November 19, 2008, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 163 by relocating the southwesterly houseline and curbline of Ridge Avenue near Calumet Street,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. , Rochelle Davis, and Deborah Davis to construct, own and maintain an enclosed basement entrance at 5512 Woodland Avenue"; and Bill No. 120324, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain a pedestrian barrier within the that divides 33rd Street and 34th Street between Spruce Street and Convention Avenue"; and Bill No. 120325, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Whispering Leaves Herb and Sip Shop to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4615 Woodland Avenue"; and Bill No. 120327, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Traffic Code,' by providing a new Chapter, entitled 'Bicycle Lanes,' requiring that the designation of bicycle lanes upon streets be authorized by ordinance"; and Bill No. 120333, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the paving of Cross Street from Gates Street to Hermitage Street and Gates Street from Silverwood Street to Cross Street"; and Bill No. 120334, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by changing the from Gates Street to Hermitage Street and Gates Street from Silverwood Street to Cross Street"; and Bill No. 120335, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 228 by striking from the City Plan Kingsley Court from Ridge Avenue, southeast of Walnut Lane, northeastwardly to a cul-de-sac turnaround"; and Bill No. 120336, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the paving of Kingsley Court from Ridge Avenue northeastwardly approximately three-hundred fifty-five feet to a cul-de-sac turnaround"; and Bill No. 120344, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tour Passenger Carriers,' by providing for an additional Tour Passenger Loading Zone on the west side of 12th Street between Market and Filbert Streets"; and Bill No. 120390, entitled "An parking regulation on Roberts Avenue, north side"; and Bill No. 120391, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Fox Street, east side"; and Bill No. 120410, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Old Nelson Food PA to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2930 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 120411, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Harper Street, south side, 30th Street to a point 200 feet west"; and Bill No. 120412, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Mount Vernon Street, north side, 12th Street to 13th Street"; and Bill No. 120415, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Temple University to construct, own and maintain encroachments within the right-of-way at 1837 through 55 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 120419, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 314, within the area bounded by Lindbergh Boulevard, Dicks Place, Eighty-Sixth Street, Shecktor Place, and a certain pedestrian walkway which extends from the southwesterly terminus of Shecktor Place southeastwardly and southwestwardly to Lindbergh Boulevard"; and Bill No. 120420, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Caffe Italia to construct, own and maintain auxiliary seating at 1424 Snyder Avenue"; and Bill No.
120422, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, south side, 19th Street to 20th Street"; and Bill No. 120423, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Colorado Street, east side, Carpenter Street to Washington Avenue"; 120424, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Beulah Street, east side, Johnson Street to Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 120425, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Catharine Street, both sides, 22nd Street to 23rd Street"; and Bill No. 120426, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 15th Street, west side, Catharine Street to Christian Street"; and Bill No. 120437, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sheridan Street, west side, Manton Street to Wharton Street"; and Bill No. 120438, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sartain Street, east side, McKean Street to Mifflin Street"; and Bill No. 120439, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking Street, south side, 12th Street to 13th Street," 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 so to permit first reading this day of the 26 bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is the consideration of Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next Council session. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 120443, 120493, 120494, 120495, 120496, 120497, 120499, 120500, 120213, 120343 and 120250. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you so much, Councilman. Before considering these bills, we will have public comment. I will quickly state the guidelines associated with public comment. You will speak at the podium in the middle of the aisle. We would ask that you accommodate the rules that are established by Council. You will be given three minutes. There's a device on the podium. When it's green, it's your time to speak. When it turns yellow, it means that you have 30 seconds to conclude your comments. The purpose of this is to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, because we sometimes get a pretty lengthy list of individuals to testify, so we want to make sure everybody has an opportunity. If you have not already signed up, you must sign up at the table to my left. Mr. Decker, please read the name of the first witness.
Commenting on Resolution 120500. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Suzette Christian. I'm a painter, glazer, plasterer and have been employed by the School District for ten years. I'm a single mother to three grown children who attended public school and have a 16-year-old daughter diagnosed with ADHD. She attends Lincoln High School and receives help dealing with her issues while getting a quality education. I'm also a grandmother to an amazing little girl, who will possibly have no resources in a school district that cares about her future. I would like to thank Councilman Mark Squilla for marching with us last week in one of the largest demonstrations in our union's history. I'm also the sole supporter of my home, where I'm leaned on heavily by my youngest daughter and granddaughter. Without my financial support, I will have to sell my home and move to Delaware to take up residence with family, as well as countless other School District employees. I dread leaving this city I love, where I was born and raised, where I chose to raise my children and hope my grandchildren would experience the City and its wonderful education system. Now I feel that the City does not care for us in return. It's sad. It's very sad. I urge City Council to please vote for Resolution 120500 in support of 1201 workers. Thank you.
Commenting on Resolution 120500. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Greetings, City Council, co-workers and citizens. My name is Andrea Lawrence. I attended the Philadelphia schools in the Germantown area of our city. I am a mother of three grown kids and a foster mother to four, who depends on me. When I am not working to maintain a clean and safe environment at our school, my free time go to my foster kids. I go above and beyond my job in my home. I don't just clean the building; I make sure the building is safe and the environment is good for everyone. I help out everywhere above and beyond - the hallways, the lunchrooms, the stairwells. I help out everywhere in the school building making sure that it's safe and is disease free, making sure that the bathrooms is maintained clean, because diseases travels among the school. The purpose of our schools are supposed to serve our children, and I want it to stay that way. We are facing issues now in Philadelphia state government that makes it seem like they don't want to make sure that the working class stay working. Why is it so hard? Why is it so hard for our government to understand that our kids need they help and the public school system is good for them? Now I need you, all of City Council, to go above and beyond as myself and 1201 members by voting yes to the Resolution 120500 in support of our School District. Thank you.
Commenting on Resolution 120500. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Good morning, everyone. My name is John Bynum. I was born and raised in South Philadelphia. I attended South Philadelphia High School. My work is important because I transport children safely on a daily basis. I have been a bus chauffeur for 14 years. I am also an instructor/trainer for new drivers for seven years. Our motto is safety first, schedule second. Our goal is to get children to and from school on time safely. Safety is always paramount. We are often the first person on the scene for kids in the morning. They could have had a bad day or a bad night, and we are the first ones to deal with the issues that they have in the morning. I have been a primary provider in my family for 18 years. I have a 16-year-old child, who will soon be graduating. I will need to help support her through college. Without my help, she will have no opportunity to further her education. I urge City Council to vote for the resolution in support of 1201 members. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. Good morning, City Council, staff of Philadelphia. My name is Melanie Hobbs Sullivan. I was born and raised in North Philly. I received a public education from sixth grade and up. I graduated from Dobbins High School. For the last 25 years, I proudly served the School District as a School Aide 3, which is a classroom assistant. I work with special needs children. I help feed them, change them, tutor them. I help them with their mobile skills and their verbal skills. These are students that cannot do for their self. As one of the first persons to see the students get off the bus and the last person to see the students get on the bus, that's my job. (Applause.)
I have two kids that came through the public school district and went off to college. I now have two grand-kids and a nephew who is attending the public school district. My nephew goes to Fitzsimons, which is at 27th and Clearfield, which is one of the schools the SRC has set to close this year. Where do he go? They don't know. I recently fulfilled my dream as becoming a new homeowner this year. I never imagined a year after getting a new home with a mortgage that I would be laid off with 2,700 of my co-workers. (Applause.)
I need my job to support my family and to keep my home. Our kids are failing. We are failing them. I strongly urge City Council to vote on the Resolution 120500 in support of 1201 District employees. Thank you, and have a good day. (Applause.)
Good morning, everybody. My name is Steve Siebert. I worked for the School District for 12 years. My mother worked for the School District as a custodian. I was born and raised in South Philadelphia. I have two children that attend Greenfield Elementary. For the past six years, I worked the maintenance in the electronic department. Me and my co-workers take pride in the work that we do to ensure that the kids get a good education. Part of my job is to maintain computers, set up computer labs, run computer lines, and we also set up SMART Boards, a state-of-the-art technology used by teachers to provide information and education for our children. I have a ten-year-old son that has transverse myelitis, which caused him to go paralyzed from the neck done. If I'm laid off, I will lose my medical benefits that I need to ensure to provide for my son, who is under constant medical care with physical and occupational therapy. I've been informed by my doctors that with constant physical and occupational therapy, my son will be able to walk one day. But if I lose my medical insurance, it would put him in jeopardy. Without my job, I won't be able to afford my mortgage, which has been increased. My family would have to move to New Jersey where my mother lives now. I love South Philadelphia and I don't want to leave. I urge City Council to pass the resolution in support of 1201 workers. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. Good morning, Council. Good morning, Mr. President.
My name is Ernie Bennett. I'm an engineer at the Tanner Duckrey School in North Philadelphia. I am a union rep as well for 32BJ District 1201. (Applause.)
I have worked in the public school systems for 26 years. I have put my five children through school, and all my kids went from public school to college. I have one that is presently one of Philadelphia's finest police officers. Thank you. I don't say that to impress you, but just impress upon you how public schools work. My daughter is a coach and a teacher of a Philadelphia high school. I have two grandchildren in school. I'm also a mentor. When my shift is over, I have three young men who have tooken an interest in becoming a building engineer like myself. Public education works if we give it an opportunity to work, if we give it the proper resources to work. Public education is not being given a fair shake. We have not been given the resources we need. Our kids did not create this budget deficit for schools' mismanagement. (Applause.)
But our kids and our schools are being used as scapegoats as if it was our fault. (Applause.)
If this district eliminates thousands of good jobs, you know what is going to happen? Kids are going to get hurt. And I really mean that. Kids are going to get hurt. When parents don't have jobs, how can they take care of their kids? How can they pay their taxes? How can they pay their mortgages? We have to stop dismantling public schools that will hurt our kids, drag down our economy and devastate our communities. I urge Council to stand up for our kids and public schools and to pass resolution in support of 1201 workers. City Council should not move forward on any SRC budget plan until the settlement is reached between 32BJ and District 1201. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you. Anyone else who wishes to testify that just signed up? (No response.)
There being none, thank you all for your testimony today. To the members of BJ32, we've heard and we continue to hear you. (Applause.) (Audience members chanting, "Save our schools.") (Pause.)
We heard you loud and clear today. Thank you. There being none, before we move on, I'd just like to recognize a number of our friends here today. I assume you're here for the CJC vote, Judge Jackie Allen, Judge Lydia Kirkland, the Honorable Stan Straughter. Judge, sir? All right. Okay. And good friend and family member, Judge Robinson. Thank you for being here today. 5/31/12 - STATED - 2ND READING (Applause.)
We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage. The Clerk will please -- I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, please read the title of -- I'm sorry. Before we proceed, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
We would be remiss without recognizing the Honorable Judge Charles Hayden also here.
I'm sorry. Judge Hayden, I did not see you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution 120443.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying 5/31/12 - STATED - 2ND READING conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120443 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120493.
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on 5/31/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings concerning the Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare's practices against Master of Human Services graduates of Lincoln University.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120493 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120494.