COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 17, 2011 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Kevin Gallagher, Chaplain of St. Patrick's Day Observance Association and the Vocation Director for Archdiocese Priesthood. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. God, ever faithful and true, we ask your blessings upon the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Compassion on this feast of the great apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick. On this day when the City celebrates St. Patrick, Irish culture, we ask the guidance and intercession of St. Patrick that we might be and continue to be a city of light, happiness and peace. Through the intercession of Patrick, we ask your special blessings upon Mayor Michael Nutter and the members of the City Council, that they will always guide the City in truth and integrity. Through the intercession of St. Patrick, we ask your presence in our city that it may continue to be a place of welcome and safety for all. Through the intercession of St. Patrick, we ask that you watch over all of the people that live and work in this great city, that we will always love and respect the dignity of every human person. Through the intercession of St. Patrick, we ask your special blessings upon the Catholic church in Philadelphia, that in the midst of crises, conflict and division, we will fix our eyes on the truth that will set us free. On this day of great Irish celebration, we ask you to watch over and bless those who will celebrate today for their safety, joy and happiness. Finally, bless us at the beginning of this day, and may all that we do, say and accomplish be for the greater glory of God. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Father for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The noise level is much too high, please. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 10th, 2011. The Chair recognizes
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 10th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 10th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence on behalf of the majority today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair and Jones, who will present a resolution honoring State Representative Kesha Ram of the Vermont House of Representatives. Would State Representative Ram and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Six months ago, I had the very, very good fortune to attend a meeting brought together by Oxfam, which is an international membership organization of women that care very much about climate change, hunger and a number of other issues in our world's poor countries, and during that meeting, I had the wonderful fortune to meet our State Representative Kesha Ram this morning, and the beauty of the story is that you never know, if you take a few minutes just to get to know someone, where that might lead. wonderful, wonderful pleasure to welcome her to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Compassion, some others might say Brotherly Love and Sisterly Effectiveness. Nonetheless, we're delighted that she's here, and it's my wonderful pleasure to welcome and honor Kesha Ram. Twenty-four-year-old State Representative Kesha Ram is a politician whose career you'll want to keep an eye on. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2008, she ran and won a campaign to become the youngest member of the Vermont House of Representatives and its only person of color. And today recognizing and congratulating State Representative Ram on her historic election and inauguration as the only woman of color and youngest legislator in the Vermont House of Representatives. Whereas, on August 2nd, 1986, Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram Angeles, California to a Jewish mother and Hindu father who had recently immigrated to the United States from India; and
Whereas, Kesha Ram developed an early passion for service, winning her first election in the fifth grade and earning a reputation throughout her childhood as an energetic and dedicated activist for her community; and Whereas, Kesha Ram's record of advocacy and excellence continued at the University of Vermont, where she graduated magna cum laude and became the first person of color to hold the position of Student Government Association President; and
Whereas, in 2008, Representative Ram initiated a lively grassroots campaign for State Representative in the Vermont House of Representatives as a 21-year-old, knocking on every door in and bridging the gap between her college campus and the community surrounding it; and Whereas, on November 4th, 2008, Kesha Ram defeated an incumbent politician to become a Vermont State Representative on the same day Barack Obama was elected to become President of the United States; and
Whereas, Representative Ram has emerged as a leader on numerous issues of importance to Vermonters and the country at-large, committing her time to green job creation, early childhood and higher education affordability, reduction of environmental toxins, tribal rights and recognition, accessible health care and equity in landlord-tenant relations; and Whereas, Representative Ram supplements her legislative work by serving as legal advocate for Women Helping Battered Women, assisting victims the courtroom throughout family and criminal legal proceedings; and
Whereas, Representative Ram's leadership and service have earned her several titles of distinction, including Lola Aiken Scholar, Morris K. Udall Scholar, Ronald E. McNair Scholar, University of Vermont Tower Society Member, Harry S. Truman Scholar, Oxfam "Sister on the Planet" Climate Change Ambassador, and Vision 2020 Delegate; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate State Representative Kesha Ram on her historic election and inauguration as the only woman of color and the youngest legislator in the Vermont House of Representatives. (Applause.)
And as the token man up here, further resolved, that this resolution be presented to State Representative Kesha Ram as evidence of our sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes State Representative Ram for remarks. REPRESENTATIVE RAM: Thank you so much. I guess it's what happens when you let the token man up here have the last word on a given time. I am just so humbled and honored to be here. I spoke last night at Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's celebration for the next generation leader and rising stars, and I just absolutely saw the best of your city, particularly its women leaders. I want to thank all the Councilmembers, I want to thank Council President Verna, particularly was mentioned in the resolution, I am the proud daughter of immigrants to the United States, some more recent than others, and on my mother's side of the family, they were fleeing the onset of the Holocaust in fact and were coming from Russia, Ireland and England, and on their way to Los Angeles by way of Chicago and other places, my grandfather was actually born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. So in a small way, I do have a connection to your wonderful state. It's been a whirlwind trip for me, but I had a cheese steak, I had a great night's rest in one of your hotels. I met so many amazing leaders, and you should be so excited about the future of your city. You know, I just -- as I was walking around the streets, I could tell how vibrant and colorful and alive this city was, and I know as an elected official that that's never by accident lot of hard work and a lot of good policy on the part of the great City Councilors and the great Mayor of Philadelphia. And so I'm just so humbled to be here. I think the entire Vermont State House is just a little bit bigger than this room. So I'm just really humbled and really impressed with all this work and so, so happy to be honored. Thank you so much. (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I would ask that all the young lads from Ireland and from the United States rugby teams please come up here with us so we can welcome them. (Applause.)
Madam President, we do not have a formal resolution today, but we wanted to welcome these fine athletes to our city. They come from every section of the nation of Ireland and every part of the country here in the United States. They are playing a friendly -- well, I guess it won't be that friendly -- on Saturday, March 19th at 3:30 p.m. at Charles Martin Memorial Stadium here in Philadelphia, and they're playing rugby league. Well, if you're a fan of the NFL and football, American football, it makes it look a little passive, this rugby league game, plus they do not play with pads. So if you want to come out and see some really terrific athletes enjoying an international sport here in our city, I would urge you to go out and attend this event. We have with us today -- and by the way, I'm sorry. I was remiss in not wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick's Day, which is the appropriate way to say much. (Applause.)
As you can see, we have the players here today, and we would like to ask Mr. Gordan Matthews, who I believe is, I'm not sure, coach or manager -- manager, to say a few words and accept our welcome. Thank you.
On behalf of Rugby League Ireland and the Irish Wolfhounds Rugby League team, can I just say what a great pleasure it is to be here today in Philadelphia to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I would like to also take the Niu with the American team, who organized the trip for us. We're looking forward to a really good game on Saturday. We will be manly enough to wish you very good luck, David. Not too much, but good luck. We look forward to a really tough game. I'd like to also take the opportunity to thank Bartlett, our sponsors, without who the trip wouldn't be possible, and say just thank you again. It's been a wonderful opportunity to come in here and see the Council at work and to promote yourself. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam President, the manager of the U.S. Tomahawk team, David Niu. (Applause.)
Councilman Kenney, thank you very much for your support of the sport of rugby league in America. As you guys can see, I have an interesting to Philadelphia in 1993. So a very proud Eagles fan and Phillies fan and been involved in the development of rugby in that time, and Councilman Kenney has been very helpful in that process. We look forward to a great game on the weekend. The weather is fantastic. The guys came in from Ireland, and we've got guys who have come in from all areas. So the weather is wonderful and the City has been very gracious in hosting us here. So we look forward to a great game. We welcome the City of Philadelphia out to enjoy and enjoy St. Patrick's Day this evening with the Irish team and the USA team and the game on Saturday. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And also we want to say hello to the manager, Alan Robinson.
On behalf of the American National Rugby League, I'd like to say thank you to the City of Philadelphia. In 1834, my great grandfather stood here and received his citizenship. This city has welcomed the Irish here for a long, long time and through some very tough times back in those days, and we're glad to be able to participate in welcoming our Irish brothers in rugby today. On behalf of the team, we'd like to present you, Councilman, for your undevoted -- your devoted support, your unwavering devotion to our team, a ball signed by the team and a jersey, No. 20.
From the Irish team, we'd like to present you with a special jersey.
Just, finally, Madam President, we would like to leave a token with them also and present one of our Liberty Bells to each of the managers of each team. Thank you very much. And, Mr. Niu, thank you. And good luck and be safe on Saturday. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution that I would like to introduce, but before that, I want to thank my friend Mary Fogg. We know her RDA, but she's so dedicated and passionate about not only the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade, but of her Irish faith and heritage. I also want to thank Seamus Boyle, who is President of the AOH, the state President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, the AOH, and all the members of the Irish organizations here today. They came from their traditional Irish breakfast at the Plough and the Stars and will now head over to the Irish Famine Memorial at Front and Chestnut Streets to pay their respects and remember where they come from. I ask all members of Council to support me in this resolution. I'd like to introduce this resolution.
Okay. Thank you. But I would like to recognize them.
You speech, and perhaps you would like them to stand to be recognized. (Applause.)
Welcome. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilmembers Brown and Jones, who will present a resolution honoring Hermione Logan. Will Ms. Logan and those accompanying her please join the Councilmembers at the podium. And I am told that we do have the honor of having State Representative Ron Waters joining us today to also honor Ms. Logan. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
We asked Father Logan if he wanted a chair. He got a little indignant and said, Why do I need a chair? So we're going to move on. There are very, very few things that get to be 100 years old and very few full life of contribution as represented on the stage, people who care about the institution, the person. So today we stand to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Hermione Clark Hill-Logan on the occasion of her 100th birthday. (Applause.)
And looking good. Whereas, Ms. Hermione Clark Hill-Logan was born March 16th, 1911 in Manassas, Virginia; Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan is the second daughter of Dr. Leslie Pinckney Hill, the renowned educator, author, poet, dramatist, community leader and first President of Cheyney State University, and Jane Ethel Clark, teacher and counselor, at Tuskegee Institute with Booker T. Washington. Amazing. Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan had five sisters, three of whom preceded her are here, sister Eleanor Valentine, who is the young age of 102 years old, and Mary Tucker, who is just a tender baby, who is 92 years old; Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan graduated from West Chester High School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Cheyney State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Columbia University with a Master of Arts degree in 1929, 1933 and 1939, respectively; (Applause.)
Whereas, in 1933, Mrs. Hill-Logan began teaching home economics at Frederick Douglas Junior High School and worked as the school dietician for over 39 years; and Whereas, in 1938, Mrs. Hill married Reverend Thomas W.S. Logan at Saint Simon the Cyrenian Church located in South Philadelphia. The wedding was officiated by Reverend John R. Logan, Sr. and Reverend John R. Logan, Jr., father and brother of the groom; and Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan is a member of Saint Simon's Episcopal Church where she served as the President of the Saint Michael's Guild and taught summer school at Camp Hope, a camp for colored youth at Cheyney State College; and Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan is described in her late father's poem, Melrose at Christmas, as "Hermione with the Heart of Gold"; and Whereas, Mrs. Hill-Logan has achieved many amazing, remarkable accomplishments in her life and Philadelphia has benefited greatly from her and her family's work and legacy; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate Mrs. Hermione Clark Hill-Logan on the occasion of her 100th birthday. (Applause.)
We also have a card signed by all members of Council like to present to you.
Thank you. At this time, before we recognize Hermione Logan, we are indeed honored to have with us State Representative Ron Waters, who certainly would like to be recognized at this time. REPRESENTATIVE WATERS: Thank you, Council President, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be here in Council Chambers to share in this very special occasion. I want to thank Mrs. Logan for all the years that she has given to our society. She has found a new way to live up to a message that we try to teach our children all the time about not giving in to peer pressure. She has found a new way of doing it. She's outlived everybody who grow with her. So the peer pressure doesn't -- is not a problem for her. respect, I just want to say thank you for keeping your promise, because I said to her before, as long as we keep this promise intact, I'll do my part, and my part is to send her a birthday card every time she has a birthday. Her part was to always have birthdays. So she's been keeping her part. So I'm just going to keep buying more and more stamps, because I think that you're going to be with us for a long, long time. God bless you and continue to do all the good things that you are doing. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
At this time, I would like to recognize Hermione Logan. And I think we should all do that by a standing ovation. (Standing ovation.)
Age is just a matter of mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mrs. Logan, you want to recite The Teacher that your father, the distinguished Dr. Hill, the first President of Cheyney University, The Teacher, how does it go?
Lord, who am I to teach the way to little children day by day, so prone myself to go astray? I teach them knowledge, but I know how faint they flicker and how low the candles of my knowledge glow. I teach them love for all mankind and all God's children, but I find my love comes lagging far behind. Lord, if their guide I still must be, oh let the little children see their teacher leaning hard on Thee.
God bless you, Ms. Logan. We certainly wish 100th birthday, and we hope for at least another 100, and I hope I'm here at that time to wish you a happy birthday. I'm sorry. Someone else want to be recognized? I see that Councilman Jones is giving me a finger. I don't know what -
My name is Randall Jefferson. I'd like to thank Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and all the Council for honoring Mrs. Logan. I went to both of them and I said we had to do something, because everyone here knows Father Logan, but today, which was yesterday, was Mrs. Logan's day. On Saturday, Father Logan will be 99 years old. So we will celebrate him on March 19th. And I'd like to also say this is befitting that this is Women's History Month, because in Arkansas in 19 -- March 16th, 1911, the women rebelled and took to vote. They had a meeting. So Mrs. Logan was also born on a historic day, March 16th, and it happened in Arkansas. Thank you. God bless you. I would like to say that Anna Diaz is a representative from Cheyney State University representing Dr. Vital, Mr. Eric Almonte, everyone. (Applause.)
Dr. -- I almost called him Dr. Donald "Ducky" Birts. Donald "Ducky" Birts. (Applause.)
Reverend and Mrs. Father Elliott Waters from Annunciation Episcopal Church. (Applause.)
Father Shaw from historic St. Thomas Episcopal Church, one of Father Logan's homes. (Applause.)
My sister Phyllis and my niece Mrs. Trottman, my two loved ones -
Long-time members of Father Logan's church, Calvary, where Mrs. Logan would go and sit in the back while Father Logan would chastise and preach to everyone. My mother, Mrs. Jacqueline Jefferson, who Mrs. Logan was one of the first members of CARIE, which deals with -- Board members for CARIE, which deals with elderly and aging people.
And the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, Robert White. Again, thank you to the Philadelphia City Council and the City of Philadelphia for this honor for (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 16, 2011, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 3rd, 2011, and that on March 16, 2011, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 10, 2011: Bill Nos. 100782-A, 110052, 110054 and 110084; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the amended and restated redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Franklin Town Project, designated as Parcel No. 12 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address for Parcel No. 12 as 1601 Vine Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 10-1001 of The Philadelphia Code relating to fees charged by the Commissioner of Records by providing that certain fees imposed for the recording of deeds shall be waived with respect to a deed filed solely for the purpose of removing the name of a deceased spouse.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Toppers Spa Salon as it celebrates 30 years of doing business in Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan region.
The resolution will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions, one of which is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Donna Miller and Councilman Frank Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the National Union of American Families for their dedicated mission in uplifting the American family and strengthening family and community ties.
This resolution will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council.
And a resolution calling for the retention of Audenried School Teacher Hope Moffett.
This resolution will also be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance naming and designating Public Health Center No. 10, located at 2230 Cottman Avenue, as "District Health Center No. 10, the Judge Edward B. Rosenberger Center."
The bill will be assigned to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on Spencer Gifts to stop selling merchandise offensive to St. Patrick's Day and the Irish people.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I offer one bill and two resolutions, one resolution on your behalf, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution on the state privatization of state stores/liquor stores for a special motion.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5700 to 6300 blocks of Hasbrook Avenue, both sides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council.
And a resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to oppose the proposed privatization of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Wine and Spirits Stores.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be considered at our next session of Council. We will now -- I now recognize Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Jones.
A resolution proclaiming the week of April 25, 2011 to April 30, 2011 as "Philly Tech Week," and honoring the broad Philadelphia technology community.
Thank you. This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling on Acting Sheriff Barbara Deeley to impose a stay on residential sheriff sales until homeowners have had the opportunity to apply for the federal Emergency Homeowner's Loan Program.
I neglected to say they were co-sponsored by both Blackwell and Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you. The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, one of the worst workplace disasters in U.S. history.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution in solemn recognition during the week of May 1 through May 8, 2011 as the Annual Remembrance of The Six Million Jewish Martyrs, Who Perished During the Holocaust.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance renaming and designating the Strawberry Mansion Health Center, located at 2840 West Dauphin Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Dr. Chetwynd Bowling Health Center."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the amended and restated redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Franklin Town Project, designated as Parcel No. 12 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address for Parcel No. 12 as 1601 Vine Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," to provide for mandatory annual licensing of dogs and the creation of dog licensing agents to facilitate the issuance of such licenses.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot you. It's St. Patty's Day, what can I tell you.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports four bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 100759, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-305, entitled 'C-4 and 'C-5 Districts,' by revising parking and area regulations and regulations relating to signs and off-street loading and trash storage in the area bounded by Arch Street, Juniper Street, Cuthbert Street and Broad Street"; and Bill No. 100873, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Second Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Cayuga Street, Front Street, and Hunting Park Avenue"; and Bill No. 110005, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 100656, passed by Council on December 16, 2010, to include the executed Neighborhood Development Agreement"; and Bill No. 110006, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'C-4 Commercial District,' specifically 14-305, Subparagraph (16), Subparagraph (c) regarding parking for the area bounded by Hamilton Street, 19th Street, Callowhill Street and 20th Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100759, 100873, 110005 and 110006. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a report from the Committee on Public Safety.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Safety reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Bill No. 110111, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by enacting a 9-3000, entitled 'Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards,' to establish provisions and requirements for the screening of criminal records by certain employers within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at this session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. 3/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered 3/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING today.
Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 110187, 110190, 110191, 110193, 110194, 110195, 110025, 110026, 110027, 110028, 110029, 110001, 110109 and 110059. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up, I would suggest that you please do so by adding your name to the list at the table to my left. The Sergeant-At-Arms will be at the table and will take your name and the bill number that you will be commenting on. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have up to three minutes, three minutes to speak. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the first name of our speaker.
Please approach the microphone, sir, to give your comments. Good morning and welcome. MR. McMURTRIE: Good morning. Joe McMurtrie, Dietz and Watson. We're here on Bill 080474, paid leave sick time. I'm not a good speechmaker. I'm a meat packer. And why I'm here today is, I started in the meat business in 1966 in South Philadelphia. At the time, there was 30, 40 maybe meat packing companies in the City of Philadelphia. Dietz and Watson is probably the remaining one or two in the City now, and when bills like this come up before us -we run a union shop. We compete with non-union shops. We have all the paid sick days. We have all that in combining arbitration contracts, and then we -- I found out about this a couple of weeks ago. I just think it's unconscionable that it would come into our business at this point. It's so hard to run a business as it is now. Like I say, we're one of the larger employees in the City. And it's so vague in its standing now. It just -- I just think it's unconscionable. That's all I have to say.
Thank you. We truly appreciate your coming in to express your opinions on this. Thank you.
I'm sorry. Just a moment, please. Councilman Clarke, do you want to be recognized?
Yes, please, Madam President. Madam President, I just want to say that for the individuals who are down here for the sick leave bill because it was placed on the Final Calendar, you may or may not have been at the public hearing. At that public hearing, we had a significant amount of testimony for and against the proposal, but during the course of the hearing and at the end of the hearing, I know that I said, and I believe a couple other Councilmembers said, that we understood the controversial nature of the bill. Therefore, there was going to be significant subsequent conversation centering around whether or not we can ultimately reach an agreement and subsequently passage of the bill. At that time, we also said that there would be at least one amendment and probably additional amendments to address the concerns of the individuals who had raised those concerns at the hearing. One of the amendments that we did not introduce today, I believe personally that it would have resolved a significant amount of the individuals, as I listened to the testimony of the last witness. So I just want people to know that we are going to continue to have the dialogue with those affected and with those that are not affected. This will not be something that we will pass or, frankly speaking, put on the Calendar for final passage, understanding that it's going to be for final passage, without additional conversations. So this is not something, given the broad nature of it, that we're going to try to push through this Council until we have had all of the necessary conversations that we've had and the appropriate amendments. I just want to say that for the record, so anybody who is down here concerned about the process.
Thank you. Councilman Rizzo, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. Good morning, sir. Please identify yourself for the record.
My name is Jamie Bruning. I'm with the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity and speaking on 080474, the sick leave law. As an organization, we'd like you to reconsider that law. We do care about our members, our employees. We are 1,800 employees in the Greater Philadelphia area, and passing a law to a non-profit and any for-profit -- we care about our employees. We understand our employees are important. We wouldn't survive without them. So we need to be competitive. We need quality, healthy employees to be successful, but to create an administrative burden on the organizations, for-profit or non-for-profit, to administer this, especially employees in and out of the City, doesn't seem appropriate to do from the City Council, and we'd like you to reconsider. And thank you for your time.
My name is Dick Mass. I'm an owner of a company called All Cell Rentals here in Philadelphia, and I want to speak on Bill 080474. I am not an attorney. I do, however, have some reservations about the authority or legality of this bill, City Council passing this bill, and as a City resident as well. I'm concerned that should it go to the court for the validity of it, I'm concerned about spending more City funds to defend the bill, should it pass. Prior to the business I was in, I owned a manufacturing business. We ran multiple production lines. I can tell you that it is very disruptive when employees are missing work in production lines. We would spend our days rearranging the rest of our work so that the people that did show up at work were able to put in the day's work that they came to have. I'll just relay a short story, my personal experience. I had an employee who received four days' pay one week, came in to complain that her check was light. We explained to her that she had phoned in sick one day, and she said yeah, but, you know, she was out sick. I said, Yeah, but you already used your sick days. And she said, But this time I was really sick. This is a true story. Unfortunately, that has left me -- that's my overall impression of paid sick leave. It is unscheduled paid vacation days. No employee leaves it on the table come the end of the year. I just think that it's something that should not be imposed upon businesses in Philadelphia. I think it's very business unfriendly. We all take care of our employees in ways that we think are appropriate in order to retain those employees. So I suggest -- my feeling is, please do not pass this law.
Thank you, Mr. Mass. Thank you for coming in. (Applause.)
Good morning. Good morning, Council President Verna, members of the Philadelphia City Council. My name is John Thompson. I'm the Director of Employee Benefits for FMC Corporation. I'm here to speak today candidly about Bill No. 080474 and why I believe it's bad for businesses operating in the City. FMC is one of the world's largest diversified chemical companies. It provides products in the agricultural, industrial and consumer market area. We make products that go into toothpaste and ice cream and lithium batteries for your cars and cell phones, in addition to other products. Our corporate headquarters is right up the street, 1735 Market, with about 450 people. With respect to this bill, I offer a few points. Point one, like other large employers in our area, for a number of years FMC has provided an array of benefits to support our employees with time off for disability and illness. The provisions of this bill create an overreaching mandate that would supersede our current programs and creating an entitlement to nine sick personal days. Using conservative assumptions, we estimate the cost for this benefit mandate to be in excess of half a million dollars a year just for this population here in Philadelphia. That equates to about five city tax-paying jobs at our current average salary. The question that we and other employers are asking is, how long can large employers afford to create tax-paying jobs in the City with such a financial intrusion on the way in which we choose to conduct our business? Point two, what about the unintended consequences of the bill, which I'm sure most folks aren't fully aware of? Philadelphia has a number of challenges, as we all know, in attracting and retaining large employers, small employers and the like. There is the business tax, the wage tax, the commuting in and out of the City. While Philadelphia has its advantages for area businesses, many of these advantages can be maintained by relocating outside City limits. Is the City of Philadelphia really interested in attracting and retaining large employers as well as medium and small employers and the employment opportunities that come with it? One would not get that feeling if you read the provisions of this bill. Next, over the last few weeks we've seen concerns around the country about the costs associated with pay and benefits for public employees in several states. Have we assessed the cost impact of the bill for City workers? Doesn't the direction of this bill feel a bit odd at this time and go counter to our efforts to contain reduced costs, contain tax increases and improve our overall competitive position? Last point, let's talk about the spirit of this community. FMC has had a presence in Philadelphia for more than 25 years, with our corporate office being located here since 2001. We are proud to call this our corporate headquarters and are engaged in numerous community activities. Like other area employers who call Philadelphia home, we have worked through the challenges, many of which have been mentioned above. But let's be clear, this mandate and overreach into how we run our business is a deal changer. While we run our business this way, we don't believe that this mandate is the best way to create jobs and preserve a strong employer base in the area. We respect the role of local government, but please do not break this spirit that we share with our peers at other Philadelphia employers. In closing, for the reasons I've stated, I urge the Council to vote no on the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces bill. I would be happy to answer any questions the Council might have. My contact information will be included in my testimony. Thank you very much.