COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN 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. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
Thank you. It appears we have enough Councilmembers here to establish a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please take their seats and retire behind the rail, and Council will come to order. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Jermaine Heath of St. Paul's Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Johnson. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us look to the Lord. Father in heaven, we do thank and honor to be here today. Thank you, Lord, for giving us life and to be able to live this life abundantly. This morning we come, Lord, asking for your grace, for your mercy, for your direction, and for your guidance to lead this city. Pray, Father, that you would bless these men and these women that gather together as Councilpeople to be able to govern and to lead your people. We pray, God, Lord, that you would bless them with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. But most of all, God, grant us a heart after you, Lord, to be able to lead your people. For, though, Lord, you are ruler, you have called us to rule. And so, Father, help us to use our influence. Help us to use the knowledge that you have given us. Help us to use the spirit and the courage that you have given us to be able to serve your people, for, Lord, when we look at it, we are servants. We serve your people. And so, God, as we begin to move bills and begin to discuss various issues concerning this city, always help us to keep in front of us your people. Help us to remember that they are precious in your sight, and that because they are precious in your sight, we have a level of responsibility to govern them well. We thank you, Father, for all that you have done. We thank you for what you're going to do. And we pray again, Father, that you would just give us the wisdom, that you would give us the knowledge to be able to do the right things, to be able to, Lord, have good discussion and reasoning amongst one another to be able to lead this great City of Philadelphia. Pray, Father, Lord, that your blessings will be upon us today and be upon all of those who are in this room morning, God. And, God, we pray, Lord, that after this session is over, may we not just talk about the issues. May we not just talk about the different things that are happening in the City and what we would like to see be done, but help us go out, Lord, and to do those things. Help us, Lord, not to be hearers, but most of all, help us to be doers of your word. We thank you, Lord, and we give your name praise, for it's in your name we thank you. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 18th, 2013. Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 18th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 18th stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome all of our guests and visitors. We hope that today is a pleasurable one. We hope your experience is such that you want to come back again. I would like to ask at this time, though, all guests and visitors, if you have electronic devices, please turn them on silent or turn them off. Thank you for your cooperation on that matter. At this time, the Chair Tasco, who will make a presentation recognizing April 27th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day. Would Ms. Joan Howell and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning. Once again, it is a great pleasure to present this resolution recognizing April 27th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day, and this activity has brought to my attention and the work that this organization has been doing through the years by my longtime friend, Joan Howell, and we thank you, Joan, for working so tirelessly with the Multiple Myeloma Network. Whereas, the Multiple Myeloma Network of Philadelphia will be hosting its fifth annual "Miles for Myeloma" 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, April 27th at 9:00 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Drive; and Whereas, Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, which help the body to detect and attack foreign substances like toxins, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that may have entered one's body and it is called "multiple" because the cancer can occur at multiple sites; and Whereas, the exact cause of Multiple Myeloma has not been identified. However, researchers have gained a greater understanding of how specific changes in DNA can cause plasma cells to become more cancerous; and Whereas, a number of risk factors for this disease have been identified, including age and having other plasma cell diseases, and common signs and symptoms of Multiple Myeloma vary based on the extent of the disease and include bone pain, fatigue, weakness, and recurrent infections; and Whereas, Multiple Myeloma may be first detected in routine blood tests. However, additional tests, including bone marrow tests, may be necessary to verify treatment and prognosis for the disease depends on various factors, including its stage and the patient's age, and treatment may include bone marrow/stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; and Whereas, Multiple Myeloma affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, with an estimated 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year and 10,000 losing their battle each year and the disease is the second most common blood cancer and third fastest growing cancer in terms of mortality in people over the age of 65; and Whereas, African Americans have the highest reported incidence of Multiple Myeloma and it is one of the top 10 leading causes of cancer death; now, therefore be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize April 27th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to representatives of the Multiple Myeloma Network of Philadelphia as an expression of appreciation of this legislative body. Certification, that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 21st of March 2013. It is supported by all members of City Council. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
-- Council President Clarke and Councilmembers. We're here today on behalf of the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Foundation. Bear with me this morning, sincere thanks to Council for a proclamation and proclaiming April the 27th as Multiple Myeloma Day. My name is Joan Howell and I have been -- I have had this disease for ten years. Those here with the ribbons are also multiple myeloma patients. The roses represent the multiple myeloma people who were with us six years ago. Also standing here are our family and friends, and they are one of our biggest supporters.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Marilyn Alexander. I'm a 19-year multiple myeloma survivor. I want to thank Joan Howell for making this day possible, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the City Council for all of their efforts to support the outreach to the multiple myeloma community. The visibility that this proclamation gives us will no doubt be able to find help and education that they didn't know existed before. The partnership that the City of Philadelphia, corporations like Celgene and Millennium, Frank Valeri sitting in the back, has given us as well as foundations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation with Beverly Harrison, Vice President of Clinical Development, back in here, will no doubt accelerate the search for a cure for multiple myeloma. All are to be applauded for all of their efforts. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Oh, one more. I'm sorry.
Good morning, Council President and Council. My name is Phil Falkowitz and I have multiple myeloma. ago, probably 1997, we sat around my kitchen table deciding what we could do about the local Delaware Valley situation of needing a support group, and we founded at that time the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group, and from that humble beginning, trying to help ourselves and trying to help others, we have amassed hundreds of people that are part of our support group that come out every Saturday once a month to meetings at the Ralston House. We give them a shoulder to cry on, we network information with each other, and we make awareness of blood diseases to the Delaware Valley, as we're doing today. I'd like to thank you very much. From these humble beginnings, here we are in City Council, and I think that's just awesome. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco again, who will present a resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of its Sixth Annual Delta Day. Would Sandra Gould and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And also joining Councilwoman Tasco is Councilwoman Brown.
Again, good morning. When you see the red and white, what time is it? It's Delta time. And you know these are hard-working ladies, working in the community, various chapters throughout the Delaware Valley. They are about doing good, helping people in the community, and keeping our community informed of what's going on, and this is our hundredth year are here to recognize and acknowledge Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of its Sixth Annual Philadelphia City Council Delta Day. They come every year, and they have done so for the last six years. Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Howard University on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two African American collegiate women. Nearly 6 weeks after its inception, the founders of this illustrious organization participated in their first collective act of public service, marching in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C.; and Whereas, the twenty-two founders envisioned an organization that will use their collective strength to promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide assistance to persons in need, educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities; and
Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta has been incorporated since 1930 and now boasts more than 200,000 members with over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea; and Whereas, the major programs of our sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Thrust of: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement; and Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta is highly recognized for its commitment to sisterhood, community service, and the creation and implementation of programs that support the mission of Delta; and Whereas, as a national and body, Delta Sigma Theta has participated in numerous Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, and in March of 2003, became a non-governmental organization at the United Nations, granting the organization special consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; and
Whereas, the chapters from across Pennsylvania participate in Legislative Days in Harrisburg, and we are honored and pleased to be joined by the members of the Philadelphia Quaker City Chapter, as they always come each year. It's the Quaker City Chapter that visits with us, and the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters, who seek to become involved in local public policy-making process and to further pledge their commitment to the City; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize and acknowledge Delta Sigma Theta and Valley Forge Chapters on the occasion of its Sixth Annual Philadelphia City Council Delta Day. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to members of Delta Sigma Theta as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This is introduced by co-Deltas Marian Tasco and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. And let me say each year the Sorority brings students to our forum. When we leave this room, we go over to the Caucus Room and we have lunch and we talk to the students who accompany the groups, and today we have joining the Deltas students from Harris Elementary School of Delaware County and students from Sayre High School in Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell's district. Thank you. (Applause.)
I am Sandra Brockington Gould, the President of Quaker City Alumnae Chapter. This morning we do have the members of -- a representative member of our chapter here, and we would like to thank you this morning for the warm welcome that you have extended to us from the Philadelphia City Council. As you may be aware, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is celebrating 100 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Political awareness and involvement is one of the five programmatic thrusts that drive the work of our organization. Under this thrust, we promote leadership, advocacy, and empowerment among members to bring about effective solutions to changes. We establish positions on emerging or determine appropriate responses that direct the actions of our members and our chapters. We vow to use our influence toward the enactment of laws for the protection of the unfortunate and weak and for the repeal of those depriving human beings of their privileges and rights. Public service is the heart of our organization. Today we would like to recognize and acknowledge the support of the Philadelphia City Council. We would like to ask your President, Darrell Clarke, to come and join us as we present you with this plaque as a token of our appreciation for your support. (Applause.)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Quaker City Alumnae Chapter honors the Philadelphia City Council for continued support of Quaker City Alumnae Chapter's community and public service initiatives and of Brotherly Love, April the 25th, 2013, Mrs. Sandra Brockington Gould, Chapter President.
Does anybody have a red tie I can put on? Thank you.
You're welcome. We, of course, could not do this work without recognizing to the Honorable Marian B. Tasco, our sister sorer, who has served the City Council for seven terms. We thank you for your dedicated service and leadership to the citizens of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Quaker City Alumnae Chapter honors Marian B. Tasco for your dedication in assisting and supporting the citizens of the City of Philadelphia and the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter, April the 25th, 2013, Mrs. Sandra Brockington Gould, Chapter President.
And, of course, we would be remiss if we did not recognize Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who is the only woman to win a Philadelphia at-large Council seat, who has served four terms as a member of City Council. We also say thank you, sister sorer, for your dedicated service of enriching the lives of Philadelphia residents by putting people first. Thank you so very, very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. And I'd like to just take this Chair of our Social Action Committee and our Co-Chair, we have Patricia Alford and we have Annie Williams Gadson, who have pulled together today and brought their students, and we are looking forward to having an enriching time this morning and early afternoon. Thank you so much for this privilege. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. Would Melissa Levy and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilman Jones and Councilman and Councilwoman Bass.
That's much better. Today I am truly honored and privileged to have this opportunity to acknowledge an organization for the work that they have been doing as it relates to the welfare of animals in the City of Philadelphia. And so my grandmother always told me, dare to be different, and so today that's what I am doing. About two years ago, I had an opportunity to participate in an event in the 2nd Councilmanic District at FDR Park called the Mutt Strut, and at this particular event, it was an event and social gathering for individuals who had out their puppies, their dogs, all in the day of fun and activity. And so after that event, my wife and I talked about she wanted a puppy. I bought her a puppy, and the puppy's name is Sasha Blue. And I went to an organization in my district to kind of get some idea on how to go about purchasing a puppy, and I had the opportunity to talk to some representative from PAWS, and I really had a chance to really look at how in-depth and important the work that they were actually doing. And so I just want to take the time to just recognize them. And also we will be partnering with them to do a puppy social called the Puppy Ball on May 18th, and it's all in an effort to bring together individuals who love their dogs and love their puppies. But on a serious note as well, I often go down to the Schuylkill River Trail dog park, and you wouldn't believe how many relationships I've met just out there just taking some time enjoying our puppies, enjoying our dogs and really building relationships. And so today I wanted to acknowledge the organization for the work that they have been doing throughout the 2nd Councilmanic District and the City of Philadelphia as well, and thank Councilman Curtis Jones for joining me here today. Honoring, recognizing and commending the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society for its dedication to saving and protecting homeless animals and its service as an active and effective resource for disadvantaged pet owners. Whereas, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, no-kill shelter in Philadelphia, and finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year. Additionally, the organization provides affordable basic veterinary services to pet owners and rescue organizations in an effort to reduce the homeless population among pets; and
Whereas, more than 30,000 homeless, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats enter the City's animal-control shelter every year. Of those, approximately 40 percent never make it out. To lead Philadelphia towards becoming a no-kill city, PAWS has created comprehensive rescue and preventive measures including finding homes for at-risk animals and providing low and no-cost veterinary services and spay/neuter surgery to pet owners; and
Whereas, PAWS has two centers based in Philadelphia. The PAWS Adoption Center, a boutique-style environment in Old City, an inviting setting. The PAWS Spray/Neuter and Wellness Clinic is located in the Grays Ferry section of the City; and
Whereas, PAWS is a privately funded organization. Through individual, corporate, media, and foundation support, PAWS effectively continues its mission. With help from a highly qualified staff, a large and active volunteer base, and widespread community support, the organization continues to be a leading animal advocacy resource in Philadelphia; now therefore
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors, recognizes and commends the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society for its dedication to saving and protecting homeless animals and its as an active and effective resource for disadvantaged pet owners. Further revolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be Animal Welfare Society as evidence of the sincere admiration of the Council of Philadelphia. And by a show of hands, how many people out there have pets, just by a show of hands? (Some members and guests raise hands.)
Okay. All right. At this particular time, I'd like to present this citation to the members of PAWS for your dedication and hard work. (Applause.)
My name is Melissa Levy. I'm the Executive Director of PAWS, and I just want to thank Councilman Johnson and the entire City Council for honoring us this morning. I accept this extremely hard-working staff, some of whom have joined us here today, and our Board of Directors. Our President, Dana Spain, is with us as well, and our hundreds of incredible volunteers, the thousands of adopters and foster parts who have opened their homes to animals in need and continue to do so. They are the ones who enable us to save as many homeless pets as we do on a daily basis. Our goal is to make Philadelphia a no-kill city, and that truly feels within reach now more than ever. We are constantly expanding our services to help more of the animals and pet owners who need us. We'll be opening a new location, our third location, later this year in the Northeast to provide adoption and low-cost veterinary services to an entirely new area. But we have a long way to go before every healthy and treatable pet in Philadelphia has a loving home, and we'll get there by community. We won't stop until we can celebrate being a no-kill city. We're all partners in this effort, City leaders, Animal Control, and so many dedicated animal rescue groups throughout the area. We are very grateful to City Council for recognizing the homeless animals and the struggling pet owners who are depending on all of us to do the best work that we can, and we look forward to working with you and everyone who wants to join us in the effort to save lives until the last one is safe. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the special guest joining us today. Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to make another small one before that, and that is the presence of a seventh grader named Steven Williams -- please stand -- who is the son of Steven Williams, who is the head of the Partnership CDC in West Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And he is the guest of Alice Wright, President of the Block Captains. Thank you, Alice. Thank you. (Applause.)
And now I'd like to mention, as we all know, the Penn Relays are this weekend. Twenty thousand Jamaicans will be here at the Relays. We always work with them to make sure they have everything they need. Seven hundred Jamaicans will participate guess Jamaican Bickle will beat us like they always do at the Relays. Last year we honored Prime Minister Portia Simpson and this year we will be honoring at the Relays Minister of Sports for Jamaica, the Honorable Natalie Neita-Headley, and she is here with the Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Dr. Alston Meade, and her assistant, and we also have the President of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, who is Honorary Consul to Guinea, and that is Stan Straughter. So they are our special guests, and we look forward to being with them this weekend, and we thank the Honorable Natalie Neita-Headley for being here, member of Parliament. Thank you. (Applause.)
I got my daily workout coming up and down from the podium. Good stuff. proceed, I'd like to recognize a good friend and one of our colleagues, State Representative Brian Sims. I understand you will be speaking during public comment, sir. I want to thank you for being here with us today. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for being here. We'll see you a little later. At this time, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: 130242, 130252, 130255, and 130274; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 24, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 11, 2013; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing the Commerce Director and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire an approximately 8.606 acre property located at 1070 Tinicum Island Road, Tinicum Township, Delaware County; and An ordinance authorizing Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation to construct, own and within the public right-of-way on Vine Street, 10th Street and Pearl Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commerce Director and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire an approximately 5.61 acre property located on Tinicum Island Road, Tinicum Township, Delaware County, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any other messages?
Thank you, sir. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize a good friend and a senior member of Council, Councilman DiCicco. Thank you for stopping by, sir. (Applause.)
Always good to see you. It let's us understand that there is life after Council. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Being a senior citizen.
Thank you, Councilman. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the immeasurable contributions Fergus "Fergie" Carey has made to the quality of life in the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution calling on the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of choosing a locally elected Board of Education and furthermore to examine the process required to do so.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I introduce one bill, which is co-sponsored by Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Sanchez, and on your behalf, two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 2-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Recording of Deeds," and Chapter 10-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fees," by adding duties for the certification of deeds, providing for tangled title assistance, providing for certain fees and making technical changes.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance authorizing the Commerce Director and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire on behalf of the City an approximately 8.068 acre property located on 1070 Tinicum Island Road, Tinicum Township, Delaware County.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commerce Director and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire on behalf of the City an approximately 5.61 acre property located on Tinicum Island Road, Tinicum Township, Delaware County.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire certain land along the Schuylkill River between 56th Street (as extended to the Schuylkill River) and 58th Street.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh, Nineteenth and Twenty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions today.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings regarding the implementation of a focused deterrence program citywide in Philadelphia to reduce gun violence, the creation of an Office of Violence Reduction and the appointment of an executive director and appropriate staff to such an office.
That resolution will be placed on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to investigate and hold public hearings reviewing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and its practices in Philadelphia, including the violation of parole conditions, the issuance of technical and direct violation warrants, the recommitment process and the effect that these processes have on the safety of the citizens of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to review the recommendations of the Philadelphia Jobs Commission.
Thank you. That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Mr. President. Two bills, one privileged resolution co-authored by all members of Council.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 1700 block of North 56th Street between Lancaster Avenue and Jefferson Street.
That bill will be placed in the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Parkside Avenue, 52nd Street, Merion Avenue, Girard Avenue, and Belmont Avenue.
And a privileged resolution honoring the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware on two decades of commitment to supporting the economic empowerment and growth of African-American businesses on the occasion of its 20 year Anniversary.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments within the public right-of-way on Vine Street, 10th Street
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. 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 no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introductions. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 130109, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Property,' and making conforming amendments to the Code to provide for a comprehensive plan for the placement of advertising on municipal property," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 130109. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to permit first reading of Bill No. 130109. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That bill will be reported out of Committee and will be on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note 2ND READING that the bill just reported from committee has been deemed to have had its first reading. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 130137-A, 120775-A, 120776, 130230, 121041, 121042, 130079, 130083, 130138, 130241, 130224, 130141. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have public comment. We'll give you the guidelines now. If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar today, you must sign up at the table to your left with the lady with the pink top on, Michelle. You will testify at the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a device on that podium. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we ask that you adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. We want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to speak. So we ask that you please acknowledge the limitations on the timeline. Thank you so much. At this time, Mr. Decker, please call the first name.
Jordan Gwendolyn Davis, commenting on 130224. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Jordan Gwendolyn Davis and I am a proud transsexual lesbian woman from South Philadelphia. I wear several activist hats in the community, but I speak now as an independent watchdog for the interest of the transgender community. I am proud that Bill 130224 will address many of the issues surrounding Philadelphia's transgender community, from clarifying the Fair Practices Ordinance, to adding gender identity to key protections of the City Code, to making transition care more successful to City employees, private employees as well as possibly the district health centers, to gender-neutral forms in bathrooms. I came here two years ago after experiencing trans-phobia and administrative violence in Pittsburgh and experienced much the same here, especially when it comes to gender-segregated institutions. While there is maybe a legitimate purpose to certain gender-segregated institutions, a person should be able to enter or to be placed into the proper gender setting regardless of gender identity. You all have nothing to fear by me or any other trans woman entering the women's room or being in any other women space. While cisgender women have nothing to fear by trans women being in women spaces, trans women have a lot to fear by being forced into men's spaces due to an endemic rape culture within. Although I wish that the protections of the bill and gender-segregated spaces went beyond bathrooms, I believe it is a great start. I would like to thank the Labor and Civil Service Committee for moving on this so quickly, including Councilperson Kenney and his office for giving myself, Kathy Padilla, and various allies the opportunity and privilege to make this bill more inclusive with the transgender community. And I would also give a special thanks to Councilperson O'Neill. Your affirmative vote for this bill in committee two weeks ago shows me that you have evolved since 11 years ago when you balked on the gender identity bill. Please don't disappoint us this time. I believe in the ability of people to evolve, and I hope that every member of City Council has now evolved, not just on the LGB part, but the T as well. Please, for the safety, health, and well-being of all people regardless of gender, listen to your better angels and please pass this bill. Thank you. (Applause.)
Joe Grace, commenting on 130224. (Witness approached podium.)
And to every member of City Council, good morning. I'm Joe Grace, the Director of Public Policy for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and I'm here today in support of Bill No. 130224, which offers a business tax credit to businesses in the City that elect to provide healthcare coverage to the life partners of their employees as well as to transgender employees. Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has always supported tax credits as an inducement to persuade business in Philadelphia to create new jobs and employment opportunities, and we support this strategy as a productive way for government to work with the business community to advance our shared goal of a more vibrant local economy. The Chamber also supports the goals of diversity and equality in Philadelphia and in Pennsylvania. A diverse workplace that treats employees fairly and equally without regard to race, gender or sexual orientation is a workplace where employees feel more of a sense of inclusion and engagement in their companies, which can only enhance the company's bottom line performance. The Chamber of Commerce proudly supports Bill No. 130224. Thank you.
Dolan Kneafsey and Amy Fiske, commenting on 130224. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, everybody. I can't talk that fast, so I'm not going to. My name is Dolan Kneafsey. This is my beautiful wife of 12 years and my adorable son, one of our sons. You might be asking yourself a couple of questions right now. You might be saying, one, how did this king of queens looking guy get her? And I ask myself the same question regularly. And then, two, why does he care about this bill, the LGBTQ bill? So I can't answer the first part of the question, but I'm going to try to answer a little bit of the second. I am a son of Irish immigrants. I am a City of Philadelphia employee. I have worked and lived in the City since I was 18 years old. I currently work for child abuse investigations. I have spent the majority of my career working there. And I also am a parent educator. I work very hard to help our families in the City of Philadelphia reunify when they're caught up in the system. I have a big, big Irish Catholic family, and, you know, when I grew up, when I was growing up, I used to pray. I prayed all the time, and my mom thought I was going to be a nun. That's because I was born biologically female. And I prayed and I prayed and I prayed that God would change me, fix the mistake that he had made. And my mother used to say, without knowing how I was feeling, my mother used to say, God doesn't make any mistakes. And that sort of cut to the core of who I was, because I thought in my mind, he did. He did this time, mom, but I couldn't tell anybody that. So I have come full circle with my relationship with my family with who I am and even with God, and I've come to realize that he didn't make a mistake. This was the path that I was supposed to be on. This was the journey that I was meant to be on, to fight for equality for all people. And had I not had my life experiences that I've had, I couldn't be the man that I am today. It's not possible. So I'm grateful now. After a lot of trial and tribulation, I am grateful. I am fortunate to have a family and loved ones who support me. A lot of people who are transgender don't have that. And this bill is very important for many reasons. Some of them are personal to me, but people talk about inclusivity and diversity. Everybody has to have a seat at the table in order for us to be inclusive and really being diverse and caring about each member of our city. I ask you to look at one of my sons and say why shouldn't he have the same health insurance and healthcare that someone who was born biologically male, him and his wife should have. We should all be covered the same. And like I said, I love the City. I bleed, depending on the season, green, orange, black, mostly red. But I just hope that you all can see it, to keep us as the progressive city that we have always been. Thank you.
Dane Menkin and Erin Schmitt, commenting on 130224. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Our names are -I'm Dane Menkin and this is my wife, Erin Schmitt. I'm a nurse practitioner, and for the past five years, I've worked at an LGBT health center here in Philadelphia. We live in Mt. Airy with our two children. Erin owns a small business there. We've been partners for over a decade and legally married for four years. I want to take a few minutes to explain why some of -- what some of the protections included in this proposed bill would mean for our family and explain how the lack of access to employer-covered health benefits has affected us. I'm a transgender man. I'm legally male. My name has been changed, my birth certificate amended. My driver's license, Social Security card, and passport all reflect my gender identity. Because, however, my health insurance provides zero coverage for anything related to my transition and because I have body parts labeled as female, I have had to be listed as female on my health insurance or risk losing access to routine or necessary GYN care. This has had significant impact on our family, both financially and in terms of our social and physical safety. Whenever anyone in our family sees a healthcare provider, my identity is always called into question. Our family receives benefits through my employer, so my information is always scrutinized when a provider billing person or receptionist sees me or hears Erin refers to me as "daddy" when speaking to our children. They immediately become concerned that either my gender marker in their system is wrong on our insurance or that we've engaged in some kind of fraud. We've had numerous conversations with medical office staff in front of our children explaining our family and what it means to be transgender and have had to deflect completely irrelevant questions around the origin of our relationship, how our children were conceived, how our families have handled my transition, and on and on. We deserve the right to be in control of how this information about our family is disclosed. Our children deserve the right to not witness their parents be interrogated at worse or the subject of curious -- or be the subject of curious intrigue at best when they simply need treatment in some emergency room for an ear infection. It's our sincere hope that the tax credit for employers who provide comprehensive trans healthcare will enable my employer to provide appropriate health insurance for me and all of our other employees. I need to be identified as male on my insurance in a way that's congruent with my legal status, life, and identity, while still having my whole body protected and cared for. We need my medical care. It's in -- it is entirely supported by -- we need to be entirely supported by our insurance provider. Given our monthly costs for insurance premiums and co-payment, the medicine and procedures associated with my transition are not insignificant. Neither are the thousands of thousands we've had to spend in drafting legal paperwork to protect each other and our children, and assisted reproductive technologies needed by lots of LGBT people who want families. As parents, our obligation and primary concern is protecting the safety and welfare of our children. As LGBT residents of Philadelphia, we ask that the City simply support us in doing this critical job and help all of our families and community members access protections that all people should have access to. Thank you.
State Representative Brian Sims, commenting on 130224. (Witness approached podium.) REPRESENTATIVE SIMS: Mr. President -
Good morning, Representative. REPRESENTATIVE SIMS: -members of Council, thank you for the opportunity to speak here today on what I hope, what I know is going to be another very historic day in the history of this great chamber. In short, Mr. President, there is no doubt that Philadelphia has a long and rich history of protecting its citizens from bigotry and discrimination. This is a city that has shown time and time again that it is committed to ensuring that all Philadelphians be treated with fairness and equality, that each of us be given a fair shake and a fair shot. We are a city that doesn't hide from its diversity, but instead celebrates and proudly displays our cultural, ethnic, sexual, and gender diversity every day for the world to see. It is in fact the Philadelphia way. In a state that has not a single statewide LGBT civil right, Philadelphia has protected its lesbian, gay, and bisexual citizens from discrimination for over 30 years and has attempted to protect its transgender citizens for the last decade. Quite literally, we are at our best when we are celebrating and embracing our diversity, and it is no surprise that pioneers of the LGBT civil rights movement chose Philadelphia to proudly proclaim that we are here, we are equal, and we deserve the same rights afforded to all of our brothers and sisters. It is with this rich history in mind, Mr. President, that I want to thank each and every one of you that are here today. As a brand new and openly gay elected official, I know that so much of the work that we do as legislators can be technical and important, but not always so inspiring. Today is not such a day. Today is a day to stand proud, to know that each of you has been given the opportunity to stand up in support of your friends, your family members, your constituents, your co-workers and, most importantly, on behalf of your better angels. Today we get to add your voices to the chorus of civil rights leaders and legislators who have fought for decades for the basic freedoms promised to each of us in our state and in the U.S. Constitutions. Today, members of Council, you are agents of equality. You are more than just Councilmembers. You are champions of a first-class city, proudly, proudly filled with a diverse and powerful citizenry. So thank you, Councilman Kenney. Thank you, Mr. President, and thanks to each of you that will cast your votes today. This is a remarkable day in our city's rich history, and I trust and I know that the votes that you will cast today will only bring us one step closer to fulfilling a dream for America that started in this very city just a few blocks away. Mr. President, on a personal note, there is within the LGBT community two camps, and we debate constantly about are we LGBT or are we GLBT. And it sounds like a minor point, and I think that there are many like myself that would argue that unfortunately that debate is somehow founded in misogamy, that those of us that are gay somehow need to be listed first. And I will tell you, sir, that if we were actually listing the members of the LGBT in order of importance, in order of how hard they have worked, and in order of how much farther they have to go, we would be the TLBG community. (Applause.) REPRESENTATIVE SIMS: Members of Council, you have heard some amazing speeches today. You have heard from some incredible Philadelphians. I am so proud to stand here today. I am proud to watch history be made, and I am so thankful for the votes that you all are about to make. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, City Council members. I wanted to comment once again on the resolution and bill authorizing committee to hearings that examine the feasibility of transferring ownership or operations of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity, and I want to say that just as NASA is the sauce of America's strength, PGW is the sauce of Philadelphia's strength. It creates hydrogen out of its many processes and it can lead Philadelphia into the hydrogen economy, and to exchange this great economic developer for paper money is not in the best interest of Philadelphians. Also, I'd like to add that $1.7 trillion are going to be taken out of the economy by sequestration. One point three trillion dollars are going to be taken out of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and political leadership has not addressed the consequences of this action. The financial system is not improving despite what we're hearing, and so Philadelphia will have to create economy formation measures to protect the population. Thank you, Mr. President, City Council members.
Thank you, sir, for your testimony. (Applause.)
Alfred Sheppard, commenting on 130224. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Alferd Sheppard, and I need to say something about the gay and lesbian community and talking about getting healthcare and all that and God making mistakes and not making mistakes and all that. Yeah, I was sexually abused by my mother. Okay? God didn't make no mistake. Sometimes women and dudes do some very terrible things when a child is very, very young and the child don't have no conscious of it. And then the child grows up and think that God did that, but he didn't. That's the other part of that story that your mom didn't tell you. But I know. I was there, and me and my mom had this conversation before and while she was doing it. Because I told her, don't do that, and she did it, and I was only five. And I know she had me a lot earlier than five. I had a little bit of conscious then. That being said, if God forbids all truths to give what they call that equal stuff, calling it -- we'll leave that alone. If y'all choose to give them what they call equal stuff, do it like this, and as they said -- I heard the Supreme Court kind of like said take that over to the other side, because I know separation of church and state. If y'all give those what they call tax credits, then make sure that the church keeps its, because a lot of these hospitals are religiously endowed or supported or whatever they call that stuff, operating. Don't segregate the monies just because the hospitals don't choose to serve who they don't want to serve. Thank you very much.
Thank you, sir, for your testimony. 4/25/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. We will now consider resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 130137-A.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Thompson Street, 9th Street, Girard Avenue and Hutchinson Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a motion.
I'm sorry. My fault. 4/25/13 - STATED - 2ND READING This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.