Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 16, 2017 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE 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 March 16, 2017
Good morning. We're going to start. We are running very, very late. If the visitors will retire behind the rail, members take their seat, we'll get started. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Norbert Hahn of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Al Taubenberger. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Guten Morgen. I understand there is a bit of a German heritage to the City, and so please forgive me for bringing my German accent with me for the invocation this morning. I'd like to thank Councilman Clarke and -- Council President, I'm Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 -
-- Clarke and Councilman Taubenberger, along with the other members of the City Council for inviting me here today. Viele, viele danke. Let us pray. Oh God, we give you thanks for a new day of life, for our beautiful city and its diverse citizenry, for those who live and labor here, for those who visit, shop or study here, and for those who serve it in many different roles. I ask your blessing upon all of them, especially those facing challenges in their lives. Oh God, we give you thanks for the public servants of the City of Philadelphia, those who teach, those who protect, those who rescue, those who clean, those who administer, those who govern, and those behind the scenes. I Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 them, especially those who are facing challenges while they serve. Oh God, we give you thanks for the men and women of the Philadelphia City Council - Darrell, Mark, Kenyatta, Jannie, Curtis, Bobby, Maria, Cindy, Cherelle, Brian, Blondell, Allan, Derek, William, Helen, David, and Al. Bless them with wisdom and with curiosity, with strength and endurance, with compassion and candor, with health and wholeness, with open mindedness and understanding, with resilience and justice. Give them the right words to speak and great patience to listen, spiritual fortitude to resist temptation, and a strong sense of being called to public service. Protect them and their families and guide today's deliberations that the people of Philadelphia may be blessed. Amen. (Amen.)
Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 you, Pastor, so much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 9, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 9th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 9th, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting March 16, 2017
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh for request of leaves of absence.
Thank you very much. There are no requests for leaves of absence today. Thank you, Council President.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 down to join us in City Council today. We really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to join us to witness your government in action. We truly hope that it is a knowledgeable day but, more importantly, a pleasurable day, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you all so much for coming down. Unfortunately, today we have no presentations. People kind of upset about that? All right. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. We are very pleased to have a special guest today from the School District of Philadelphia Head Start Policy Council, parents who are here, and they are here certainly with the Parent Engagement Specialist, De'Wayne Drummond, who leads the group, but is not only a leader there, he's President of the Mantua Civic Association Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 all that we are going through there. But we want to thank De'Wayne Drummond and all the parents who are here and all of you for coming back to take a photo with them as they join us this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I'd like to recognize them. Please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you so much for coming down, and continue to do your great work. We appreciate it. The Chair at this time recognizes the Sergeant-of-Arms, and I ask that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 13, 2017, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 2, 2017, and that on March 13, 2017, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on March 9, 2017: Bill No. 160895-A. 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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2517 Salmon Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 Area, identified by house number and street address as 6024 Greenway Avenue and 6026 Greenway Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain land along the Schuylkill River Park, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. We will now move to the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two bills.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire the 3100 block of Ludlow Street from Drexel University, together with all improvements therefrom.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain land along the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of 49th Street and Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 Botanic Avenue, and making the property part of the Schuylkill River Park.
Referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill.
An ordinance authorizing Owen Kamihira of Bar Fred to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1040 North 2nd Street.
That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduce one bill.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting March 16, 2017
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Devereaux Avenue (extended), Keystone Street, Princeton Avenue, Keystone Street, Cottman Avenue (extended), Milnor Street, Bleigh Avenue (extended), and the Delaware River.
And that bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have one bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Filbert Street, 59th Street, Market Street, and Salford Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 Street.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming and designating the day of March 18, 2017 as National Public Defense Day in honor of the 54th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gideon versus Wainwright and in recognition of the dedication and commitment of public defenders who seek justice for our indigent populations across the country.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez, I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting March 16, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you and good morning, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. No bills or Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next 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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2517 Salmon Street.
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 resolution concerning the FCC is read for a motion.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Ogontz Avenue from Somerville to Lindley Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Federal Communications Commission to reinstate the Lifeline Broadband Provider designations granted to nine companies which created a one-stop application process that significantly reduced the time, burden and expense of receiving a license and making available broadband Internet service to millions of people in poverty.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting March 16, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to mention that the FCC is in the process of limiting broadband service to millions of people who have been -- who live in poverty. This is a status that they were granted prior to the President's inauguration, and 14 days after his inauguration, the same bureau that provided that designation revoked its decisions and returned those petitions to pending non-streamline status and limited competition, which basically affects those who are most in need of the service. And so, Mr. President, I will ask that we move to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit first consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 allow consideration at this time of this resolution. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute 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 Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Kevin Hart as a Philadelphia comedy icon and designating July 6, 2017 as "Kevin Hart Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. There are no reports from committee today, so we will continue with the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 2ND READING today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170248, 170249, 170251, 170256, 170090, 170109, and 161061. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device. When that light turns green on that Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING device, it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. All that being said and done, Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
There are no speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Thank you very much. It's always good to stay in practice. Thank you, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our Calendar and we will consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, could you please read the title of 170248.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170248 is Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, 170249.
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 Sixteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and 170249 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170251.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to reject H.R. 785, also known as the National Right-to-Work Act, due to the legislation's negative impact on the ability of unions to bargain on behalf of working-class families.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170251 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170256.
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 Thirteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 170256 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170090.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by J Street, East Tioga Street, and Kensington Avenue, for further conveyance.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Blackwell.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Parker.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 170109.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Leverington Avenue, Mitchell Street, and Krams Avenue, for further conveyance.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 161015.
An ordinance amending Title 18 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commerce," to require the Department of Finance or such other official as the Mayor may designate to report to Council certain aggregate information regarding tax benefits such as tax exemptions, abatements and credits and to report on assessments of the economic impact of such tax programs.
This Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. I'm sorry, Councilman. I didn't see your light. Before we call that vote, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. First, I wanted to thank you, Council President and Councilman Greenlee, both of whom are co-sponsors of this bill, and Councilwoman Helen Gym for her legislation which helped build on these efforts. I'd also like to thank the Administration and specifically the Commerce Department for working with my office on this important piece of legislation. This legislation will help assure ours taxpayers and residents that the City can effectively and efficiently evaluate and analyze the 21 different tax Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING incentives and exemptions that we offer so that we are obtaining the maximum value for the 215 million we forego every year as a result of these programs. I also want to mention Pew Charitable Trusts. It is because of their study on cities' tax exemptions and incentives that this legislation was borne. But the goal for me here is to examine and analyze our return on our investment, with the overall goal to increase our taxpaying base, as you've said to me many times. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues on City Council to ensure that we as a city are taking every step towards making Philadelphia the most effective and efficient city we can be. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting March 16, 2017 3/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Bass.