Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 9, 2019 11:05 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 May 9, 2019
Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. If the members will take their seats, we'll get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Keon Gerow of Catalyst for Change Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far on the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in thy path, we pray. May your guiding hand bridge the gap that divides party lines, ideals, and factions to move our city forward with love, justice, and equity. Give us the power and potency to allow us to live Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 of truly being the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Protect our elected officials, our Mayor, our City Council President, City Councilmembers, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, prison guards, domestic workers, and all citizens of our city. May love conquer hate, hope conquer fear, good conquer evil, civility conquer debauchery, unity conquer division, and give us peace in the midst of the storm. Make us one Philadelphia, a city where black and white, rich and poor, liberal and conservative, white collar and blue collar, young and old can stand together in the unity of our God, who has not given us the spirit of fear but love, power, and a sound mind. May we be better, bolder, and more bountiful standing on the truth of your ever-lasting word that no weapon Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 us shall ever prosper. We ask these in the name of the one who is and was and is to come, he who was in the beginning before the beginning began and is in the ending after the ending will end, that at that name every knee must bow and every tongue must confess that God is in fact God of all, the matchless, marvelous, mighty name of the master himself, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Pastor, thank you so much for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 2nd, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 2nd 2019 stand approved. Our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave absence today.
The Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I will dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but more so than that, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I appreciate it greatly. We also have some special Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 would like to recognize them now. They are professional fellows from the country of Nepal, Pakistan, and India. They are guests of the United States Department of State, part of a program that promotes mutual understanding between our countries, and I would like to have them stand up and actually I'm going to mention their names. There's four of them. Ms. Amati Chatta (ph) from the nation of India, Mr. Muhammad Usman (ph) from the country of Pakistan, and Ms. Suman Nepal from Nepal and also Ms. Luxmar Marijan (ph) from Nepal as well. And a nice round of applause for our guests. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to some and present to others some folks who are very, very special to me. We have 49 students from Ad Prima Schools, Overbrook campus and Mount Airy campus. They're accompanied by three adults, two principals and the CEO Niya Blackwell. And I mention Niya specifically because many remember when she was lawyer in this city. She was lawyer to John Street when he was Mayor. She was lawyer to the Prison Commissioner, and when she represented many prisoners, she did so well, people wanted her to run for judge, but instead of running for judge, especially after the days of Lucien Blackwell, she decided to leave government altogether and become a CEO of a charter school that does better each and every year. So we're proud that they are here. They'll be in the Caucus Room after our session getting lunch, and I Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 you who remember Niya Blackwell, the apple of Lu's eye, will stop in and say hello, if you will. They are to my left in the balcony so that they could all stay together, and I'm just overjoyed to have them with us. (Applause.)
And welcome. We appreciate you being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution recognizing the employees of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. Would Commissioner Blanche Carney and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Jones, we have Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Henon, Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Taubenberger, and Councilman Johnson.
So I think it might have been four years ago there was an article done by the Inquirer about a budget hearing we had where I mentioned a guy from my neighborhood named Ray-Ray. Ray-Ray was a young man who I would say his parents, in effect, failed him, not providing the kind of guidance he needed to grow up straight like an arrow. I would then say the education, public education, failed him, because he could not read up to par by the time he was in the 4th grade, so he used to manufacture ways to get kicked out of class so he could play hooky, so he could do mischief. I think spirituality failed him, because he wasn't guided by a different light that would prevent him Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 of the heinous things he used to do. And all of us kind of feared and loved Ray-Ray, but when Ray-Ray went away to jail, it was a holiday in my neighborhood. Everybody was happy, talking about finally we can get some peace. What often happens is, when all of these institutions fail a young person, it is the correction officer's job to be that line, the line that should have been there at the dinner table and the family, the line that should have been there in the school where he learned how to play well with others. But these individuals, these professionals have to dance a delicate balance of providing justice, keeping the public safe, and keeping themselves safe, because after an 8- to 16-hour shift, they have to go back to their families, right? You can nod in your appropriate place yes. And they cannot take their job Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 is a delicate balancing act. I want to thank the President and Donna Reed Miller too for appointing me to the Public Safety Committee. I think that's a cruel joke you play on freshmen.
It's a lot of work if you take it up, but I had an opportunity to then learn about the correctional system, and at the time -what is it, seven prisons that were up there? Six. Six prisons that were up on State Road, and I had an opportunity to go in all of them, including the House of Corrections, which we have now shut down, and I learned an appreciation for these professionals. They do far more than walk the tiers. They're social workers. They're dieticians. They are counselors. They are people who deal with medicines. They are people who deal with the safety Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 in custody. And I'm looking at you because I truly do appreciate what you do. And without further adieu, recognizing the employees of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons for their professional contributions and services; and proclaiming the week of May 6th to May 10th, 2019 as Correctional Employee Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, more than 2,400 Philadelphians work under an oath to uphold the City Charter, the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the Constitution of the United States through their work at the Department of Prisons; and
Whereas, correctional officers, social workers, medical, maintenance, and administrative personnel work daily to provide dedicated service to our residents, while ensuring the security and welfare of over 4,000 Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, correctional employees carry out programs that encourage the dignity of those who are incarcerated and create an environment in which those who wish to make changes in their lives may become prospering members of their communities; and
Whereas, the correctional workers employed by Philadelphia's Department of Prisons strive to help those who will be released from city facilities, to achieve successful reintegration into our communities as returning citizens; and
Whereas, in 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing the first week in May as "National Correctional Employees Week." It is called upon officials of State and Local governments and all people of the United States to observe this week with their Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 ceremonies; and
Whereas, the professionalism, dedication, and courage exhibited by these officers in their performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost appreciation and admiration; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognizes the employees of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons for their professional contributions and services; and proclaims the week of May 6th through May 10th as Correctional Employee Week in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the employees of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons as evidence of the sincere respect and sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 (Applause.)
Just one point of information, this is the first African American female Prison Commissioner in the history of the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Commissioner Carney. COMMISSIONER CARNEY: Thank you, Council President, Councilman Jones, other esteemed Councilpersons here joining me today and, most importantly, some of the staff that represent the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, inclusive of uniform staff, correctional industries, vocational educators. We also have behavioral health, medical professionals here, our management, IT systems, Training Academy. These folks represent the best of what occurs behind five major operating facilities located in the Northeast portion of Philadelphia. We are residents of Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 this is a delicate balance in providing safety, security for folks that find themselves detained in our facilities. But the best of a man is measured by how he treats his fellow man, and it's through the delivery of services 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24-hour operation that these dedicated folks that are joining me now and those that are in full operation in those departments and facilities on State Road, that we represent the City of Philadelphia and the best that it has to offer those that find themselves incarcerated. And it's with humble submission that I thank the Council for honoring and recognizing the work that we do as part of the public safety cluster. And staff behind me and those maybe watching from the facilities, I applaud you, because I could do this not independent of you, and I recognize and I acknowledge this day and every day your commitment to public Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 you, and God bless. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution on my behalf recognizing the Masterman School Team. Would Brett Mandel and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilman Taubenberger and Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Council President Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Clarke, it's nice to be able to repeat some things, and this is to recognize a great school in the City of Philadelphia. So this is a resolution honoring, congratulating, and recognizing Julia R. Masterman School Team for their 2019 Odyssey of the Mind State Championship and wishing them success as World Finalists at the Odyssey of the Mind International Competition. Whereas, Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving competition that engages students in challenges involving a combination of engineering, art, and performance; and Whereas, Odyssey of the Mind has been encouraging students around the world to "think outside the box," teaching students to work together as a team to solve challenging problems in a productive way since 1978; and Whereas, the Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. Somehow we don't get that, right? I don't know. Anyway, and
Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team competed in the program's Division III, 9th through 12th grades, in a problem called, quote, "OMER to the Rescue again," end quote; and Whereas, the problem challenges students to construct and drive an original vehicle that must fit into one or two small suitcases. The vehicle must be assembled to accomplish various creative rescues before being disassembled and repacked and then reassembled before participating in a hero's parade; Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
And whereas, the Masterman School Team comprises students from a number of Philadelphia public schools including Masterman High School 10th-grade student, Drew Brown; Central High School 12th-grade student, Tillie Donover; Masterman High School 12th-grade student, Louise Iodice; Masterman High School 12th-grade student, Abigail Leighton; Science Leadership Academy 12th-grade student, Sofia Powers; Central High School 10th-grade student, Ariel Weinbaum; and Central High School 12th-grade student, Rose Weinbaum. The team is coached by parent Brett Mandel and by parent and Powel Elementary School teacher Chris Powers; and
Whereas, after placing first in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Competition held at Pennsbury High School on March the 2nd, 2019, the team placed in first place in the Pennsylvania State Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Mountain East High School on April the 6th, 2019; Whereas, at the Pennsylvania State Finals, the team placed first in each of the competition's three scoring categories to best their rivals. The team has earned their trip to compete at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals to be held at Michigan State University May 22nd through 25th, 2019; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors and congratulates and recognizes the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind for the 2019 Odyssey of the Mind State Championship and wishing them success as the World Finalist at the Odyssey of the Mind International Competition. And as a parent of a graduate of Masterman, I am also very, very, very proud. And bring it home.
Be it resolved further, that an engrossed copy Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 presented to the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations so far and good luck in the future. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Mandel for remarks.
Thank you so, so much for having us in today and for having us in in past years. We are thrilled to represent Philadelphia at the World Finals. And let me tell you this little dynasty in our nerd sport has represented you very well. They have brought home a second place trophy, a third place trophy, a fourth place -- or fifth place mention and a sixth place mention, and hopefully this year they'll continue to do that. This Chamber has literally watched some of these people grow up. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 last time you'll see some of them, including my daughter, who is off to Brown; Abby Leighton who is off to Yale; Louise Iodice who is off to Pratt; Sofia Powers who is off to Temple; and Tillie Donover who is off to Penn. This is what happens when we support our public school students. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, congratulations and thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb, who will present a resolution celebrating the 71st Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel. Would Naomi Adler and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Oh, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. It looks like we have everybody, all members of Council. Please proceed, Councilman.
Celebrating the 71st Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel; and Whereas, on the 14th of May, 1948, in Tel Aviv, David Ben-Gurion declared "the establishment of the Jewish state in Palestine, to be called Israel";
Ben-Gurion would serve as the nation's first and longest-serving prime minister; and
Whereas, the creation of a Jewish homeland represented for many the end of countless years of oppression, particularly in Eastern Europe; Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
And whereas, the Jewish community had made calls for a territorial Jewish state since at least the late 1800s in order to escape persecution; and
Whereas, in October 1946, following the devastation of the Second World War and particularly the Holocaust, President Truman declared the support of the United States for a Jewish state in Palestine;
In November of 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution allowing for the establishment of a Jewish state;
Whereas, this paved the way for the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel the following May; and
Whereas, Philadelphia has been home to a thriving Jewish Community since the late 17th Century; and Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
Whereas, our City has long had a close relationship to Israel that extends beyond the traditional bond between democratic nations;
We are connected by our shared values of diversity and equality, our shared commitment to education and innovation, and our shared passion for social and economic justice. We are both communities that face our own unique challenges, but are committed to the basic principles of brotherly and sisterly love; and
Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia nurtures a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship with Israel to the Philadelphia-Netivot and S'dot Negev Partnership, established in 1997;
Originally founded as a city of North African immigrants, Netivot has welcomed Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 immigrants, reflecting true diversity;
Over the past 20 years, the Jewish Federation has invested over $10 million in our partnership region while building a strong relationship that transcends dollars and capital projects;
The Jewish Federation continues to build the personal connections that have grown between the people of Philadelphia and Netivot and S'dot and S'dot Negev; and
Whereas, on May 9th, the City of Philadelphia will celebrate Israel's anniversary with a ceremonial flag raising outside of the Municipal Services Building to be followed by a celebration on the apron of the Municipal Services Building in which all are invited; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that this body hereby acknowledges and celebrates the Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 71st Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel. Congratulations, everybody. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Adler for remarks.
Thank you, Council President Clarke and thank you to Councilman Domb and all the members who join the resolution today on what is called Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. It is such an honor to mark Israel's 71st birthday with you, and on behalf of the entire Jewish community in the Greater Philadelphia area, I thank you for your constant support of our Jewish homeland and our local Jewish institutions, particularly at this time. While Israel is still a young nation, it represents a dream and a longing that Jews have had for thousands of years. The creation of the State of Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 1948 in the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people is, in short, a miracle. In its 71 short years, Israel has become a vibrant democracy with a thriving economy, all while remaining an open and welcoming place for all of you, people of all faiths to gather and worship in holy and sacred sites. The City of Philadelphia has had a long, strong connection to Israel, and over the course of the last decade, the bonds have grown even stronger. Our flourishing business-to-business partnerships have expanded mutual interests. More than $5 billion a year of commerce is going between Philadelphia and Israel every single year. We have mutual interests in developing renewable energy sources and of course highly advanced healthcare, and last year, our own Philadelphia Orchestra traveled to Israel with the Jewish Federation for its series of unbelievable Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 performances, deepening our relationship on an artistic level. And, most importantly, we share a cherished commitment to equality and social justice, a desire to remain a city and a nation that welcomes immigrants and provides opportunities to all people who wish to seek a better life. Israel has overcome and continues to overcome enormous obstacles. Every day Israelis face threats to their security and safety, seeking cover in bomb shelters, and this is a way of life for many of the residences that we support. Here in the U.S., Jews face not only a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism but also a rise in anti-Zionism, where protesters deny Jewish connections to their homeland and seek the elimination of this Jewish state entirely. Resolutions like the one we have today are very important and they send a clear message that hate and Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 no home here in Philadelphia. And the bonds we share with the Jewish homeland of Israel will remain strong and will continue to grow. On behalf of the Jewish Federations, I again thank you. And as a reminder, today is the day of Israel's independence, so we are celebrating it right outside this building. We invite you to come and join us between 12:00 and 2:00 at Thomas Paine Plaza to join in festivities and of course with food, giveaways, and music. Zahav, the best restaurant in the United States, as we've just heard yet again, has created some special treats. So you've got to come out and mark the occasion with us. Supplies are limited of course because everyone is going to go there. We hope to see you soon. And, again, thank you all for recognizing us today. (Applause.) Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
Thank you, and congratulations. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, will you please read those 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 recommendations of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 190181, 190208, 190232, 190250, 190252, 190253, 190254, 190256, 190287, 190288, and 190289. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4707 Hawthorne Street, 237 West Thayer Street, 2923 North Orianna Street, 3415 Tampa Street, and 2901 North 6th Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1901 through 09 North 33rd Street and 1911 through 15 North 33rd Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 805 North 40th Street and 818 North 40th Street located in the Third Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to define "rear streets" and to amend requirements related to parking and ground floor commercial, as they pertain to primary frontages and rear streets; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two rights of way for drainage purposes," by revising the terms and conditions stated therein and extending the period for compliance therewith, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 additional communications?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Energy Conservation," to establish a Solar Panel Incentive Program.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and one non-privileged resolution. Thank you very much.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive," by revising the terms and conditions stated therein and extending the period for compliance therewith.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 805 North 40th Street and 818 North 40th Street located in the Third Councilmanic District.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills, one on behalf of the Administration, the other on your behalf, and also two resolutions on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to define "rear streets" and to amend requirements related to parking and ground floor commercial, as they pertain to primary frontages and rear streets.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: North 17th Street and Francis Street; Willington Street and Jefferson Street; Thompson Street and North 16th Street; Parrish Street and Taney Street; North 23rd and Aspen Street; North 23rd Street and Brown Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring, congratulating, and recognizing Julia R. Masterman School Team for their 2019 Odyssey of the Mind State Championship and wishing them success as World Finalists at the Odyssey of the Mind International Competition.
And a non-privileged resolution dissolving the Headquarter Hotel Tax Increment Financing Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 District, being the area generally bounded by South Penn Square on the north, Broad Street on the east, 15th Street on the west, and Chestnut Street on the south, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Increment Financing Act.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 President, I have two resolutions and one bill on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by providing that no variance shall be granted to permit the multi-family use of a property located in certain defined Single Family Preservation Districts.
And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of David Montgomery, former President and CEO of the Philadelphia Phillies, and recognizing his contributions to Major League Baseball and the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Good morning. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4707 Hawthorne Street, 237 West Thayer Street, 2923 North Orianna Street, 3415 Tampa Street, and 2901 North 6th Street located in the Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Seventh Councilmanic District.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have three bills for introduction this morning.
An ordinance approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith).
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith).
Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith).
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution designating May 10, 2019, as World Lupus Day, on which lupus organizations around the world call for an increase in public- and private-sector funding for medical research on lupus.
And Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Zahav Restaurant for being named Outstanding Restaurant in 2019 by the James Beard Foundation.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have one bill for introduction co-sponsored by yourself, Councilmembers Greenlee, Parker, Jones, and Johnson.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," by adding a new Section 9-808, entitled "Legal Representation in Landlord Tenant Court," providing for access to free legal representation to the City of Philadelphia's low-income residents facing eviction in Landlord Tenant Court. (Applause.)
That will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of yourself and Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 myself as co-sponsor, I introduce the following resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a Zoning Code Review Commission as an agency of City Council, to evaluate, and recommend improvements to, Philadelphia's Zoning Code.
That will be on next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions this week. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I offer two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilmembers Domb, Squilla, and Taubenberger.
A privileged resolution recognizing May 18, 2019 as Armed Forces Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the 4th Annual Brazilian Day Flag Raising in Philadelphia as a Celebration of Brazilian Independence and Brazilian Day.
Also on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 190353, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, on behalf of the City, to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Services, whereby additional funds could be made available to City Federally Qualified Health Centers," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190353. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190353. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 12 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 180950, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-905 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Permits for Curb Loading Zones,' to exempt businesses Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 bicycle lanes from any fee for designation of a curb loading zone"; and Bill No. 181009, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on both sides of Decatur Road from Red Lion Road to Comly Road"; and Bill No. 181046, entitled "An ordinance revising parking regulations for South Street, from 21st Street to 27th Street"; and Bill No. 190085, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to a licensed tour vehicle operator to operate, on the west sidewalk of South Independence Mall West (formerly Sixth Street) between Ranstead and Chestnut Streets, the location formerly operated by 'Ride the Ducks' sightseeing tours, an existing prefabricated metal ticket booth and merchandising kiosk with signage, including an electrical conduit with an electrical service line and a Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 telephone service line in and under the public right-of-way"; and Bill No. 190103, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on both sides of McNulty Road from Southampton Road to Townsend Road"; and Bill No. 190104, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on Townsend Road"; and Bill No. 190105, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Ritner Street and South 12th Street; Camac Street and Moore Street; South 11th Street and Tasker Street; South 12th Street and Tasker Street; Morris Street and South 9th Street; Morris Street and South 6th Street; Morris Street and South 11th Street"; and Bill No. 190121, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 a portion of City Plan No. 194 by striking from the City Plan the southerly ten feet wide portion of Berks Street from Howard Street to Hope Street"; and Bill No. 190184, entitled "An ordinance adding a new Chapter 12-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of An Automated Speed Enforcement System to Improve Safety on Roosevelt Boulevard,' to provide for the use of automated cameras to determine speeding violations on Roosevelt Boulevard and to establish a system of enforcement and administration"; and Bill No. 190209, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by prohibiting vending on City Avenue between Haverford Avenue and 77th Street"; and Bill No. 190210, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Fox Television Stations to install, own and maintain Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 330 Market Street"; and Bill No. 190255, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to Sidewalk Sales, by adding new provisions prohibiting sidewalk sales in the Tenth Councilmanic District and making other conforming amendments," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of the 12 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read in the record by the Chief Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report. Stated Meeting May 9, 2019
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 190315, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter 9-4700, to provide protections for parking employees against wrongful discharge"; and Bill No. 190316, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-601 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots and Sales Showrooms,' to add requirements for sufficient staff for parking garages, parking lots, and valet services," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 190315 and 190316. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 190315 and 190316. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 2ND READING have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on our 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 recognizes Councilman -- there he is -- Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I am here, and the following resolutions and bills are being called for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190367, 190370, 190371, 180937, and 180976. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 public comment session. It will go as follows: When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude yours remark. I want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. You will be given three minutes to speak. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Thomas J. Smith, commenting on 190371. (Witness approached podium.)
I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just have to leave the Chambers. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions moving forward.
Good morning. My name is Thomas Smith. I am the Chief Operating Officer for Moss Rehab, a nationally recognized leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation and a proud member of the Einstein Healthcare Network. I'm here today to comment on Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Resolution 190371. Moss Rehab and Einstein are humbled by the response that we've received from Councilwoman Parker and the City of Philadelphia to our request to make the new Accessible Icon the citywide symbol for designating accessible parking for persons with disabilities and commend the City for taking this action. Moss Rehab and the Einstein Healthcare Network adopted the new Accessible Icon network-wide in 2014, and the people we are so privileged to serve, those with disability, expressed their overwhelming gratitude for representing the mobility, independence, and strength that they possess. We believe those feelings will now be experienced by countless others with disabilities who live in or visit Philadelphia. Thank you.
Nosung Park, Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Councilperson Clarke and members of City Council. Today I am here to support the resolution banning of the suspension of elementary-aged students from the first through fifth grade. Of course education is a very important community investment, but it should not be done at the expense of the businesses that our city depends on. My name is Nosung Park and my business, Liberty Gas Station, is located in District 9, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker's district. Councilmember Parker, I urge you to support the legislation to repeal the beverage tax. I have been running the business for more than 30 years. We have about 25 employees, and this tax, sugar tax, is putting all that in jeopardy. The customers all are crossing over to Chelten Avenue just one street Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 across and leaving the community to spend their money for their product. And part of the problem is, the tax is confusing the people. I can have two juice product that look like the same, but one is taxed, the one is not, and a diet drink doesn't have sugar are taxed, but chocolate milk that contains sugar is not. Whatever this kind of sugary tax hurt kind of small business in the City, most small business in the City. So I plead and even begging, please get rid of this kind of tax and energize small business in the City, and then enter that small business in the City. Then after that, we pay more tax for this city. Thanks a lot.
Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 190242. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm going to be speaking about Resolution 190242, resolution condemning the Trump administration's proposal to eliminate funding for the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics for me has always been great to be able to see people who we look at as people who can walk standard, we look at them and we see in wheelchairs, maybe walking with a limp, maybe missing a leg. It's very exciting to watch what they can do, but I don't know if many of you know that there's an Americans with Disabilities Act, which is supposed to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. And from what I understand, that -- and let me just say this too, that Donald Trump is a distraction. When you mention Donald Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Trump after three years of him being in office, we already know what Donald is up to, right? But do you know that in Philadelphia, Philadelphia has the smallest disabilities office in the nation, the absolute smallest, with the largest population of disabled people. So, yeah, I'm down with condemning Donald Trump, but I'm also down with lifting up the disabilities office in Philadelphia so that we can accommodate the disabled population in Philadelphia. Don't be distracted with politicians telling us to look at Donald Trump. Because at the same time that they're telling you to look at Donald Trump, they're pickpocketing. They're pickpocketing you while they keep focusing on Donald Trump, who has been in office for three years. So I absolutely applaud the Councilman for wanting to address this and to condemn Donald Trump for cutting Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 the funding, but we have to focus on Philadelphia. We are representing Philadelphians, and Philadelphians who are disabled deserve to be able to get on the sub at every single stop. (Applause.)
They deserve to be able to get into buildings that we can all just walk into. My name, Ogbonna Hagins. 58 is my number. Let's make Philly great. (Applause.)
He's here. He's here. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning, everyone.
Good Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 morning. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Islam Sharief and Blind Faith 4 U 2, or we can go by Sharief. We'd like to speak on the Bill 190367.
This bill is in reference to the Redevelopment Authority giving some more authority to issue properties, and I've been part of this city for 50 years. I've been a contractor for 30, and I haven't gotten one property. I'm a non-profit organization as well, and I have applied for over 300 properties and haven't been given any reconsideration. So I worked for the Redevelopment Authority. I worked for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. I worked for PHDC as an inspector. So I'm saying what do I have to do to be noticed and identified that my corporation, which I have two non-profits corporations, haven't been considered for anything? But the point that we have to speak on, Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 my daughter would like to read it out to you.
Thank you. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hi, everyone, again. We currently have a forum out. You might see our flyers hanging out. It's for Blind Faith 4 U 2, Incorporated. It just introduces them as a non-profit corporation, seeking to unite with other believers to present another clear opportunity to serve God. We want to print the ideas to have churches in Philadelphia ring their church bells at certain times of the day to pray. With all the violence that takes place in the City of Philadelphia and in America, that this could be a good place to start. If we can choose four to five times a day for church bells to ring and for people that could enter these church doors and just ask God for forgiveness, maybe there could be some Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 type of resolution.
We want to just make this idea clear that we need the help of City Council, TV, radio, have public announcements that at certain times of the day that the churches -there's so much violence in churches and on the streets -- will take a hold of this idea and actually ring church bells and people will come to the recognition that maybe we should have an idea to stop what we're doing and make concession to God and do his work. With this idea, we think that we can bring forth some forgiveness. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: And hopefully for our future youth -- we have my son, he's nine, out here passing out our flyers. We just want to make the City a safer place for everyone, honestly.
Stated Meeting May 9, 2019 Thank you for your testimony. Appreciate you being here. (Applause.)