Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 12, 2016 11:10 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 COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
Folks, we're going to start now. The men got caught up in the athletic status and we reverted to little boys and we almost forgot that we actually do have a Council session today. Thank you. We have established a quorum. We're going to come to order. The guests and visitors have retired behind the rail. And before we start, I would like to ask everyone to please turn their cell phones off or on airport mode. I know everybody had their phones out taking pictures. If you can just turn them off for the purposes of the Council session. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rabbi Tuvia Goldstein. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.) Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
This is actually not the first time that I've been invited here to give this prayer. The majority of people who ask me to speak somewhere once don't ask me to speak there again. So in that sense, you're in the minority. When I came to your office this morning, I saw it says Councilman Brian O'Neill, Minority Leader. So I understood now why you asked me to come and speak. Truth be told, I came here this morning primarily to try out for a college basketball team. And if you're looking for a rabbi, I'm your man. I apologize I came a little bit unkempt this morning. The truth is that in the Jewish calendar, there's a time of mourning. The reason that we mourn is not because of the death of a relative, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 many, many years ago there was a certain disregard from community leaders for people. The way people were treating people was not what is expected from community leaders. So we mourn to reflect on the importance of how we treat each other, especially as community leaders, and if we're here in this room this morning, it's because we represent the community and we represent serving others. It's a selfless service. So it's my most fervent wish and prayer that this idea to serve other people, without regard for one's own honor, or not to let arrogance or jealousy get in the way should be the way that we serve every day, that we should be able to do that and for our community and for our people. Thank you. Have a good day. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Rabbi. We really appreciate those inspiring words. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much, Rabbi, again. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Reynolds Brown.
The Chair thanks the gentleman and leave shall be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has come down to Council Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 government in action. It's been somewhat of an exciting morning. So I hope you continue to enjoy the day, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you all very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring Villanova University Men's Basketball Team. Would Daniel Ochefu and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Henon, Councilman Domb, Councilman Taubenberger.
So this morning President Clarke was challenging them, talking about he still got it and he can cross them over. I had to restrain him from himself. So not a call from President Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Obama, not a ticker tape parade in Center City, not the ringing of the bell at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange, nor throwing the first pitch out at the Phillies baseball game, I was told, was a greater honor than they were going to get today from City Council. These are wonderful honors, and it makes our city proud to have our close neighbors in Villanova be a part of the Greater Philadelphia region's success. Although my district ends at City Avenue, Councilman Domb and I flipped a coin, and he allowed me to do the honors of presenting this today. So I appreciate that. We are extremely proud to say that you are so Philly. Whether it's a cheese steak or whether it's bringing revenues from hotel stays, you have made us proud both on the basketball court and beyond. We look even more to the future and know that this is not the last time to the Big Dance. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 honoring and congratulating Jay Wright and the Villanova University Men's Basketball Team on winning the 2016 NCAA Men's National Basketball Championship. Applause here. (Applause.)
On a last second, heart stopping, buzzer beating three-pointer to defeat the North Carolina team 77 to 74. Whereas, Villanova, a private university located in Radnor Township and nicknamed the "Wildcats," is the first member of the Big East Conference and the Philadelphia Big Five; and
Whereas, Villanova University men's basketball has competed since the 1920-1921 season; and Whereas, the Villanova Wildcats have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 36 times -- by the way, I always had them out of the first round -- the 8th highest total in NCAA history; and Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
Whereas, this year, the Villanova Wildcats had a highly successful regular season, finishing with a record of 29 wins and 5 losses, earning them their first ranking in school history and ultimately landing them the No. 2 seed in the NCAA March Madness Tournament; and Whereas, Villanova soared through the tournament by handily defeating the University of North Carolina-Asheville, University of Iowa, University of Miami, University of Kansas and in the National Semi-Finals, Villanova defeated the University of Oklahoma by 44 points, big win, the largest margin of victory ever in an NCAA Final Four game; and
Whereas, Villanova's victory over Oklahoma landed them in the NCAA Championship game for the first time in 31 years, where they faced the No. 1 seeded UNC; and Whereas, Villanova defeated UNC Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 shot at the buzzer by Kris Jenkins to win the NCAA Championship with a final score of 77 to 74, clinching their second NCAA Championship in 31 years; and
Whereas, Villanova University's only prior national championship win occurred in 1985, under head coach Rollie Massimino and led by star players Ed Pinckney and Harold Pressley, in which they defeated heavily favored Georgetown University led by Patrick Ewing, in what is considered one of the greatest upsets in NCAA basketball history; and Whereas, Coach Jay Wright was named the 2016 Naismith Coach of the Year and senior Ryan Arcidiacono was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors and congratulates Jay Wright and the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Team on winning the 2016 NCAA Men's National Basketball Championship on a last minute, buzzer beater -- we can say that a million times -- and a three-pointer to defeat University of North Carolina 77 to 74. And note I have on the right tie with the right colors. Signed by all members of Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming out here. On behalf of my teammates and my coaches, we just want to thank you for recognizing us here today. We'd like to thank Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilman Curtis Jones, and all the members of the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 us here today. Your support is amazing and we really appreciate it a lot. We're extremely humbled by it, and just to see the great City of Philadelphia support Villanova the way they did this year, throughout the years, and especially on our run to the championship means a lot to us. And we're just extremely proud to represent Philadelphia. I want to thank you again for this great honor, and thank you one more time for the parade. I was unfortunately at no other Philadelphia parade, but I have to say that was probably the best one I've been at. So hopefully next year there will be an even better one. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Coach Wright. COACH WRIGHT: We're most proud of our players, and I think Daniel said it very well, how much we take pride in Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Philadelphia and really how honored and humbled we were that the City of Philadelphia embraced us and provided the parade that you all did. To put that together that quickly and for it to run so efficiently, to see the Mayor and all the members of City Council there, the Philadelphia Police were amazing. We were very impressed and very honored. And I know how important education is to the City of Philadelphia. I follow all the work you all do. What we're most proud of is, every player that has played for us that's been there for four years has graduated on time. We have a 100 percent graduation rate. (Applause.) COACH WRIGHT: And we have five seniors on this team, and we are very proud of the National Championship. We're most proud all five of them will graduate tomorrow on time, and they'll be national champions and college graduates. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 to all of you in the City of Philadelphia. We've got some great young people here today that are great students in the City of Philadelphia. We congratulate them and wish them the best on their tournament. And we want to thank all of you for what you do for the City of Philadelphia and, most importantly, for including us and embracing us. Thank you very much, and keep up the great work. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. We're going to move on. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution on my behalf honoring the Julia R. Masterman School Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 team members and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Mr. President, for this honor. Resolution honoring, congratulating and recognizing the Julia R. Masterman School and its students for winning first place in every element of the state Odyssey of the Mind Competition. Whereas, Odyssey of the Mind is an international creativity competition that synthesizes science, technology, engineering and the arts; and Whereas, Odyssey of the Mind has been encouraging students around the world to, quote, "think outside the box" and work together as a team to solve Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 1978; and
Whereas, Julia Powers in the 5th grade, Samuel Njogu of the 6th grade and Drew Brown, Jordan Carrier -- let me correct that. Whereas, Julia Powers in 5th grade and Samuel Njogu in the 5th grade and 6th graders Drew Brown, Jordan Carrier, Willem Cousineau, Regan Riley, and Ariel Weinbaum constitute the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team, which is coached by Chris Powers, a teacher at Samuel Powel Elementary School, and Brett Mandel; and Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team placed second in the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Tournament on February 27th, 2016; and
Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team went on to place first in all three scoring categories at the Pennsylvania State Finals on April 2nd, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 2016, being one of only two teams to accomplish this feat; and Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team solved the "Something Fishy" problem by designing and operating a technical solution to "catch" three different moving objects outside of a designated area and during a change in weather -that hurts my head just thinking about it -- and
Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School, a Philadelphia public school, will for the third straight year compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. More than 800 teams from across the United States and around the world that represent the best of young creative minds will compete in Iowa on May 25th, 2016 through May 28th, 2016; now, therefore Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team on winning first place in all three categories in the state competition, and wish them all the success in the World Finals competition in Iowa; and
Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations, rock stars. (Applause.)
And at this time, the Chair recognizes team members for remarks. PRINCIPAL BROWN: Good morning. I'm Jessica Brown, principal of Masterman, and I could not be more proud of these students, who worked tirelessly before, after school, on the weekends, when school wasn't in session. I am just so proud of them. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 thank the parents, and the parents -- many of the parents were coaches -- for their tremendous support and the students fundraising. I really -- I look forward to the day when there's a steady stream of funding for these clubs to exist in all public schools. So thank you. (Applause.) STUDENT 1: As stated, Odyssey of the Mind is a creativity competition for kids ages 3rd grade to college. STUDENT 2: In Odyssey of the Mind we build, brainstorm, and perform skits that represent outside-of-the-box creativity. STUDENT 3: This year our team had to use an object to catch something that was on the move. STUDENT 4: Our skit was about a girl trying to catch her grandfather on social media. STUDENT 5: We won Odyssey of Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 State Competitions, and now we're headed to World Finals. (Applause.) STUDENT 6: As stated before, Odyssey of the Mind World Finals are in Iowa, and we're going to need all of your help to get there. If you would donate, we have a GoFundMe and you can also donate by cash or check. STUDENT 7: Odyssey of the Mind has given me many memories that I'll treasure for the rest of my life and will continue to give me them, and your donations can really help us get us there.
Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing Opera Philadelphia. Would David B. Devan and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Bass, we have Councilman David Oh, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilman Alan Domb and Councilman Mark Squilla.
It's such a pleasure and an honor to be here today and to recognize Opera Philadelphia. And tomorrow they'll be leaving Philadelphia and heading to London, where they will be in competition for the 2016 International Opera Awards, which is really opera's Oscars, and it's for the very best in the world. They are one of five teams Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 world, not just the country, throughout the world, and we're so honored to recognize them and to spread the word about the fantastic work that they do. I think that we all sing opera, but we probably sing it at home, in the shower, where nobody is looking, nobody can hear us, but we have -- Mark, you sound -- Mark is going to sing for us. No. But we all sing opera in private, but for those who have the courage and actually the real talent honed over many, many years to be able to do this in public, it is truly an amazing thing. We want to recognize Opera Philadelphia. The performance has collectively spent decades in training and preparing to be the very best. And on a day when we recognize Villanova for their championship, their national championship, and we recognize Masterman Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 and statewide wins and on their way to the world finals, and now we're sending Opera Philadelphia off to the world finals of opera, and so we're very, very excited, because Philly loves a winner, don't we? All right. So the resolution reads: Recognizing and honoring Opera Philadelphia on their prestigious nomination as the Best Opera Company in the 2016 International Opera Awards. Whereas, Opera Philadelphia is the only American company to be nominated in the Best Opera Company category by the International Opera Awards, an event championing the finest operatic talent around the world and considered the "Oscars" of the opera world; and Whereas, International Opera Awards will announce the winners in twenty categories at a ceremony in London on May 15th; and
And whereas, in collaboration with the School Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia's Sounds of Learning Program addresses the growing gap in arts education and access in the Greater Philadelphia region. The program has reached nearly 150,000 students in ten counties through an intensive, in-school, literacy-based music education program that includes opportunities to see live opera performances; and
Whereas, Opera Philadelphia continues to set new expectations for opera for how the arts can be an economic driver, elevate the City's global profile, invigorate the community through creative place making and educational initiatives, and attract artistry, attendance and philanthropy from outside of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, in September 2017 Philadelphia Opera will launch an annual, 12-day multistage opera festival that will offer more than 30 total performances across seven different Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Opera estimates that more than 25,000 tickets will be issued and that over 20 percent of festival single ticket buyers will be from outside of the Greater Philadelphia region. These cultural tourists will bring an economic injection into the City during the festival footprint through lodging, hospitality, transportation, and other cultural attractions. Additionally, the festival will provide employment opportunities to artistic, production, and support personnel, with an estimated 500 full-time and seasonal jobs; and
Whereas, the festival will include the world premiere of We Shall Not Be Moved, a fusion of hip hop and opera inspired by writings of Philadelphia high school students. This production originated from Hip H'Opera, Opera Philadelphia's collaboration with Art Sanctuary to engage Philadelphia high school students Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 creation, production, and performance of a full hip-hop opera inspired by their stories; now, therefore, be it
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors Opera Philadelphia on their prestigious nomination as the Best Opera Company at the 2016 International Opera Awards. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Opera Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere appreciation, respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Devan for remarks.
Thank you very much. On behalf of our Board, staff, and Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 artists, I'd like to extend sincere thanks. This opera company loves Philadelphia. We love how Philadelphia is at the intersection of sophistication and grit, exampled by our other people being honored here today, and we look forward to taking that energy and that work and representing our city internationally and being ambassadors for the many great things that happen in Philadelphia, and we will wear the City with pride on our way over to London, and thank City Council and Councilwoman Bass for recognizing our efforts now and in the future. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 10, 2016, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 28, 2016, and that I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 5, 2016: Bill Nos. 160096, 160089, 160221, and 160222. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 as 1800 Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 1804 Cecil B. 5 acres of Hog Island Road from Tinicum Township, together with all improvements thereon; and An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into an agreement to release and indemnify the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in connection with access provided by SEPTA to carry out a project for improvements to JFK Plaza, also known as "Love Park," at 15th Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Boulevard; and An ordinance amending the ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended June 12, 2014, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works by revising the Philadelphia Gas Works Pension Plan to incorporate amendments thereto with respect to death benefits for certain plan participants; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to accept title to all or a portion of parcels of land in the area bounded by North Street, North 18th Street, Wallace Street, and North 19th Street; and amending Chapter 15-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fairmount Park System," to include such properties among the areas designated as part of the Fairmount Park System; all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications? Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have three resolutions. One is non-privileged.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating Ye Olde Philadelphia Club of Philadelphia on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3741 Aspen Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3405 Wallace Street.
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer four bills and three resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land commonly known as 3303 West Glenwood Avenue.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to accept title to all or a portion of the parcels of land in the area bounded by North Street, North 18th Street, Wallace Street, and North 19th Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Mulherin Partners to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1355 Front Street.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Diamond Street, Franklin Street, Berks Street, and 9th Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3110 North Percy Street.
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I offer one bill.
Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance authorizing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to construct, own and maintain digital outdoor advertising signs, encroaching on the public right-of-way at various subway, elevated train and rail entrances in the City.
That will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), Subcode "F" (The Philadelphia Fire Code) and Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Code, by adding certain provisions related to maintenance and inspection of fire escapes.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, acting on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement to lease and purchase from Tinicum Township an approximately 21 acre parcel of land adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, acting on behalf of the City, to acquire approximately 8.5 acres of Hog Island Road from Tinicum Township, together with all improvements thereon.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have five bills, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 one on behalf of the Administration, and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North Front Street, West Berks Street, North 3rd Street and West Oxford Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North 3rd Street, West Berks Street, North 6th Street, West Master Street, American Street and Oxford Street; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 within the Grants Revenue Fund, from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Managing Director; and Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 An ordinance amending Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), of The Philadelphia Code, by revising requirements relating to construction and demolition projects, including the expiration of permits; and An ordinance amending Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), of The Philadelphia Code, by revising signage requirements relating to construction and demolition projects.
Those five bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 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 Nineteenth and Twenty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Good morning, Council President. I have one Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 bill on behalf of the Administration and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending the ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended June 12, 2014, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works by revising the Philadelphia Gas Works Pension Plan to incorporate amendments thereto with respect to death benefits for certain plan participants.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the School Reform Commission, Superintendent William Hite, and the School District of Philadelphia to actively negotiate a mutually agreeable new contract with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers that provides adequate staffing of our Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 schools, acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of teachers and other staff, and respects both seniority and traditional payment structures, like step pay.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill on your behalf, of which I am a co-sponsor. I also have one non-privileged resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion on the resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Realty Transfer Tax," by revising the rate of the tax. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose legislation that would weaken existing protections against predatory lending and harm the citizens of our Commonwealth by legalizing high-cost, long-term payday loans.
Thank you, Mr. President. While I will wait until the adoption of the resolution co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Brian O'Neill, Blackwell, Quinones-Sanchez, and Green at the end of the Calendar to make a few comments on that, I want to move at this time to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit immediate consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. Councilwoman, you want to suspend the rules?
Suspend the rules of Council so as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Okay. Thank you. Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to allow this resolution to be on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be on this Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
And I'd like to be heard on the bill at the time of introduction.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
An ordinance amending Subcode "PM" of The Philadelphia Code ("The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code"), by adding certain provisions related to drinking facilities in schools.
Thank you, Council President. Over the course of a number of different hearings, we've been hearing from young people talk significantly about what it means to lack water access in schools. Recently the School District, in response to a request from City Council and student demands for a fountain inventory, released data this week that showed that 15 percent of its water fountains are non-operational and in many cases found that water fountains are not equitably distributed across the district, including some pretty shocking shortages of operational water fountains, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 including schools such as Franklin Learning Center, Dobson Elementary, and Moore Elementary, schools which just have one functioning water fountain in each school serving over 2,400 students. Many of these students have complained repeatedly about lacking water access, that they frequently feel dehydrated, that they have to pay $1.50 for water from vending machines, and that this has become a very serious issue for many of them. They feel that it speaks very directly to this issue of human rights. This bill, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Blackwell, Henon, Quinones-Sanchez, Bass, and Councilman Domb, will help address and mandate and keep the School District of Philadelphia, including older buildings, to the standard Plumbing Code of the City that mandates one working operational water fountain per 100 students and one working water fountain per floor. It's our belief that access to Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 drinking water for all children is a human right, and this will ensure that the District honors and fulfills that moral responsibility. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the School Reform Commission, Superintendent William Hite, and the School District of Philadelphia to address widespread overcrowding in Philadelphia schools by enacting a lower class size in grades kindergarten through third grade, and ending the practice of split-grade classrooms unless specifically designed for pedagogical purposes.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on your behalf and six non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into an agreement to release and indemnify the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in connection with access provided by SEPTA to carry out a project for improvements to JFK Plaza, also known as "Love Park," at 15th and JFK Boulevard.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution approving Supreme Dow to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Patrick Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 W. Jones to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Daniel Connor to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Byron Davis to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Julie Baranauskas to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Trapeta Mayson to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District.
Thank you. Those resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
I'm sorry. They're co-sponsored by Councilmembers Quinones-Sanchez, Parker, Green, Greenlee, Domb, and Bass.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Thanking NBC10 for its Production of Generation Addicted, Using Excellent Reporting and an Online Platform to Educate the Public about Heroin and Opioid Addiction.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the 2016 Philippine Independence Week Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 2ND READING Celebration from June 4th to June 12th.
And that will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. There are no reports from committee today, so we will move to the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 160256, 160412, 160420, 160421, 160423, 160430, 160228-A, and 160271-A. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will come to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, 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 the guidelines established for public comment and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify on that bill or resolution. Mr. Decker, please call the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 first name.
Council President, point of order. I'd like to add to the bills and reading Bill No. 160110 was late with an amendment being added to the Calendar in the document that I have here today. So 160110 will be amended today.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160256, 160418, 160421, 160430, 160420, and 160423. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and laws of God Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 entitle them to, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. The history of the present King of Britain is the history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having a direct object with the establishment of an absolute tyranny over this state. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. He has erected a multitude of new offices and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people; for quartering the large bodies of armed truths among; for protecting them by mock trial from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of this state. Black lives matter. For imposing taxes on us without consent. There are several indications of that. For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of the trial by jury, Trial No. 14-6880. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms. Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is marked by every act that may define the tyrant, is unfit to be a ruler of these free people. These are excerpts of the Declaration of Independence. Truer words have never been spoken in this Cradle of Liberty. Council should take heart these words and act accordingly. If Council's behavior sounds familiar to this document, then act morally. Many have testified recently the perceived injustice by agents and agencies of this government. You as the government body consent of the government have the fiduciary duty to act on our behalf. Paul Robeson has quoted, The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic, but end the injustice. De-fund RDA and PHA now. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Investigate why no charges have been filed by the DA and the Attorney General. This is an official petition of the people. And I leave you with a question. Has government for the people perished in Philadelphia, of all places? (Applause.)
Jennifer Baker, commenting on 160228-A. (Witness approached podium.)
I am a longtime resident of North 3rd Street in Northern Liberties where I've lived through the decline of the neighborhood in the '70s, '80s, and '90s and the current rebirth and development wave. Given my long experience in Northern Liberties in both good times and bad, I can say that I'm very concerned about the rezoning of this property in question in this bill. It's a property that encompasses only one building, which is the former Finnigan's Wake, which was a bar in the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 neighborhood. It's at 3rd and Green Streets. The immediate neighbors to this project, those who live on Green Street, Bodine Street, and North 3rd Street, are all concerned about the impact of the added height on the small street at the rear of this property. The neighbors certainly support the redevelopment of this site, and we feel that the proposed office use is a good one, but we believe that this should be facilitated via a zoning variance rather than rezoning the property. With such a variance, we, the immediate neighbors most directly affected by the project, would be able to negotiate with the developer over massing of added height. This is critically important because several nearby residents, many of the nearby residents, are working artists, those who moved into Northern Liberties long ago and settled in the neighborhood. Light is important to us Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 and has a great impact on our work. While additional height for a building at the Finnigan's location will affect our working life as well as the surrounding environment as a whole, through judicious design this impact can be minimized as much as possible. For instance, we would hope to have the massing of stair towers and pilot houses arranged in such a way so as to have the least impact on the neighbors' existing properties and on the artist studios on Green Street behind the property. A variance would give us the ability to discuss these matters seriously with the developers of the project or the developers of any future project that might be proposed for this site. Inability to negotiate could have serious consequences for the production of art and the quality of life in the neighborhood, which is already subject to serious overdevelopment. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 I urge you to vote against the rezoning of this property so that the neighbors' concerns about their work and livelihood can be taken into account with the development project at this site. Thank you. (Applause.)
Addressing Council as a group, Kerry Smith, John Dodds, Alicia Blessington, Soneyet Muhammad, Joanne Sopt, Reverend Gregory Holston, and Mark Horrell, commenting on Councilwoman Parker's payday resolution introduced today on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Kerry Smith. I'm an attorney with Community Legal Services. CLS, on behalf of its low-income clients, is here today in support of the resolution urging the General Assembly to oppose legislation that would legalize high-cost, long-term payday loans. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Payday loans are an abusive predatory form of lending. They carry very high interest rates, 200 to 300 percent annually, combined with really extraordinary leverage, as the lender has access to the borrower's bank account to get paid first on payday. In states where they're legal, they cause great harm to borrowers. And we're fortunate that here in Pennsylvania we have one of the strongest laws in the country to guard against predatory lending, but it's under attack as the out-of-state payday lenders are working to gut our protection. We thank Councilwoman Parker for her leadership on this issue. When there was a big fight in 2012 to bring these kind of payday loans into Pennsylvania, she helped lead the effort to oppose it, standing with a diverse coalition of over 100 groups from across the state. Some of our coalition members are here today. In lieu of us all taking Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 three minutes in support, we'll all just speak one minute briefly about why this resolution is so important.
I'm John Dodds, Director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project. I'm sure, as we all know, Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate of any of the ten largest cities. There's many ways to fight poverty in this city, but opening the doors to a predatory loan product that loans money to people at 200 and 300 percent interest is surely not one. This is an industry that tries to make money off of desperate people. We need to keep them at bay and we need to continue the ban on payday lending in the State of Pennsylvania so they don't come into our city and make money from people that cannot afford it. Thank you.
Good afternoon. My name is Mark Horrell. I'm the Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Community Organizer for Southwest Community Development Corporation. Our boundaries cover the area between University City and the airport, where more than 73,000 Philadelphians reside. The work of Southwest CDC is extensive and we take our work seriously. We provide many types of services. We are a Neighborhood Advisory Committee, a NAC, a neighborhood energy center. We provide housing counseling, utility assistance to neighborhoods, business support, and after-school programs, and publish the Southwest Globe Times newspaper. These are just a few of the many types of program we implement and it's because our residents carry some of the heaviest economic and social burdens in Philadelphia. Nearly 30 percent of Southwest Philadelphia citizens live below the poverty line. Southwest has the highest four-year violent crime rate in the City as a whole. Gutting our state's strong cap Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 on interest and fees to legalize high-cost, long-term installment loans will drop predatory storefronts right into our neighborhoods, seeking to hoodwink the very neighbors we serve. These businesses will not only lock our residents into a debt trap, they would also drain the money from our community and force Southwest CDC to divert resources away from neighborhood progress in order to assist our clients in climbing out of the trap of debt. This will result in disastrous consequences for our community, our programs, and the clients we serve. The payday lending industry is the last thing we need to see in our neighborhoods.
Good morning -- or I should say good afternoon. I'm Alicia Blessington, retired military officer, representing the MOA, Military Officers Association of America, Philadelphia Chapter. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Military veterans understand all too harshly the harm of payday loans. The Department of Defense did an intensive study on it and concluded that the results of these loans was impeding military readiness. A federal law was passed, the Military Lending Act, which limits the percent of interest and fees to 36 percent. These fees and interest -- this law only covers active-duty military personnel and their families. Unfortunately, retired veterans, many living on fixed income, returning members of the National Guard and the Reserve are not covered by the military lending law. However, they are covered by the current legislation in Pennsylvania for small loans. And this -- the Pennsylvania coverage currently in place has been recognized by the Department of Defense as one of the strongest in the country. That's why military organizations have been working so hard over the last couple Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 of years, particularly in Pennsylvania, to prevent payday loans being effective in Pennsylvania. Thank you for considering the welfare of the brave men and women who continue to serve in our military, and by adopting this resolution will be more benefit to them. Thank you.
My name is Soneyet Muhammad. I'm the Director of Education at Clarifi. In the United States Senate hearings this month, Senator Elizabeth Warren compared payday loans to throwing a brick to a drowning man. Contrary to the payday lending lobby, payday loans are not a lifeline for cash-strapped consumers. They help perpetuate a two-tier financial system of insiders and outsiders, have's and have not's, those who have access to financial products as Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 favorable and sustainable terms versus those who pay a greater proportion of their limited income to participate in the financial marketplace. Let's be clear about the real issue. Being low income or poor is a result of a shortage of money, not a lack of access to short-term credit. Instead of increasing the costs of being poor in this country, let's devote our time and resources to helping families avoid the circumstances that create a market for payday loans in the first place. Support livable wages and financial counseling. Keep Pennsylvania payday free. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Joanne Sopt and I am pleased to represent the Unitarian Universalist PA Legislative Advocacy Network, UUPLAN. As a unitarian universalist and Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 as people of faith, we would like to commend the Philadelphia City Council for taking a proactive stand on predatory lending. Our organization, UUPLAN, has been actively working for years to prevent predatory lending from setting up shop in Pennsylvania. Although the product names keep changing, each proposal is actually a debt trap, which takes advantage of people who find themselves in vulnerable financial situations. With interest rates as high as 300 percent APR, we find these lending practices to be morally reprehensible. Kudos to the Philadelphia City Council for adopting a resolution to prevent any attempts to weaken Pennsylvania's existing strong laws around payday lending and encouraging our PA legislators to resist any efforts to change course. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016
I'm going to try to be quick. My name is Mike Roles. I am the Field Organizer for the Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group. We like to say PennPIRG to make it easy. We're a membership-based organization. We focus on consumer rights and protections, protecting democracy and safeguarding our public health. We join with all the previous speakers for all of those reasons as to why we stand behind this and why we need to keep the new kind of credit product, this new long-term installment loan, which is a repackaged version of the regular payday loans, to keep this out of Pennsylvania. We want to thank Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Green as well for standing behind us, and we want to thank the whole body here for supporting us to keep payday loans out of Pennsylvania. Thank you very much.
Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Thank you for your testimony, sir.
Gladys Hughes, commenting on 160256. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Gladys Hughes. I've been a homeowner for 35 years. I'm retired now. And I just want to say we work or have worked. We vote. We have been in our homes, some of us, many years, and for a few taxes, our homes can be placed in foreclosure and Sheriff Sale by lawyers using loopholes. We have many helpers that we put into office that don't help and others that are just hired to help people and don't. We, the landowners, fall behind sometimes. Some of our helpers are Senators, Congressmen, Councilmen, Mayors, Save Your Home representatives that don't help. They help the banks. We have judges like Ellen Ceisler, we have lawyers like Steven Corbin, and firms, law firms, like Phelan and Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Hallinan. There are reasons our hired people let things go by with doing nothing, reasons from redevelopments for land, stadiums must be built, billboards, malls that must be built, new people coming in town, homes they need, too busy with important business. Again, redevelopment for land. They -- sorry. We don't seem to count old age anymore, and things are done to people when they don't want to move. They are made to pay for things they shouldn't have to. As one lady stated a while ago, taking people's homes, putting people in the street is murder. I say it. I say it's criminal, done by criminals that use the law with loopholes, and they get away with it. It's allowed. (Applause.)
Brad Wilson, commenting on 160412. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. I'm Brad, everybody. Just to start, I lied about the topic. I didn't come down to talk about that. I came down to talk about the sugar tax y'all want to impose on the soda. Everybody -- two days ago up on Rising Sun, I see two trucks going down the road and they're all protesting the science about it, but I got a great idea if you all will approve it. There's an idea that's a win-win for everybody. You look around the City, there's way too much empty real estate. There's nothing but dwellings for criminal behavior to happen on, guys storing their stash, rape women, whatever you want to do, it's criminal behavior. We need to get rid of the criminal behavior and help Richard Ross, since he's a cool dude, help him stop it and get all this real estate back into working positions. Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 When you ride the El towards 69th Street from here, you come up above ground, there's a nice big cement building that says insurance on it. What about taking some money to get that building back into being productive again. It will bring property tax in or any kind of money in for the City. What about all the homes going up toward Frankford from here. All these homes get rehabbed and get all the others rehabbed for people in them and living. They'll bring more property taxes in for all of you. You're all crying for money. Let's do the real estate thing. We all know real estate is a smart way to go. Come on, Darrell. You're not stupid. How about the real estate. Can you agree with me? Can I get a smile on you? Come on, Darrell. You can smile better than that. How about let's do --
How many of you Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 would like to see real estate, raise your hand. How many would like to see real estate, everybody? This is the way to roll. We get real estate moving, put people in it, put businesses in it, it will bring money to the City. In my opinion, the City should be self-supported, and the real estate is the way to do it. That will also improve property taxes and it will also improve -- what's the word I'm looking for -- value of the properties. It will bring all the value of the properties up. It's a win-win situation. See, now Darrell is agreeing with me. Good man. I saw you. You're too far away, Darrell.
But come on, let's do the properties, everybody. It's a way to clean the City up. It's a positive resolution. It's a win-win situation for everybody. The only one who loses are Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 the criminals. Nothing? Does anybody have any questions for me? (No response.)
All right. Well, I'm done. I hope you guys all agree. Let's make the properties work for us. That will get money. This is something better. And on the soda tax, another way to do it, get rid of the 3 cents. Let's do a nickel on everything from water to alcohol. That will make it win. All right?
Sheila Lloyd, commenting on 160256. (Witness approached podium.)
Resolution 160256 continues to set yet another way by land developers. Resolutions are passing through our City Council Chambers at a rate that will make the Founding Fathers of this general assembly cry out from the grave. I guess about all the secretive land deals that are currently unrevealing in the media and under federal investigation, this city and the voters will now get to see just how concerned our Councilmembers have been with passing resolutions that are connected to real issues, those issues that truly affect the people and their constitutional liberties. Our city has a large young population base that now sleeps on the street. We also have an increasing rate of illegal foreclosures and a homeless rate that shocks us so much that we pushed them off the street when Pope Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 Francis came to visit. Our voters need to know that come via election time just how much time and effort our Council has spent on becoming real estate brokers and land developers opposed to doing the right thing, which is to serve the people, especially those who have elected you. Council, please remember one thing. I mean, remember one thing, that Almighty God is watching and recording everything you say and do under that right hand you sworn as publicly displaying your commitment to protect and serve as a public servant. But we strongly urge you to become private servants to the banks and land developers in an effort to line your pockets, because that would truly be criminal, and that's something we feel that the voters should be made aware of. As you all know, your government immunity only protects you. If your acts and transitions are legitimate, only your Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 souls can answer that. Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Bass, Quinones, Parker, and Gym, you all started this project to correct the now flawed foreclosure system. Now let's work together to correct and make changes for the people and not the banks and Wall Street. With integrity and honor, the families of Philadelphia. Thank you for serving.
Johnny Young, commenting on 160256. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council, and members and people. Under Resolution 160256, our judicial branch, along with our mortgage foreclosure Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 program, which is nothing more than a special program, which in all cases is unconstitutional, has been ripe for the gavel for over several years now, and here are some reasons or key reasons I think we should pass 160256. Number one, when a special program or system is fundamentally injuring or harming the people, it needs a hard stop so that it can be evaluated and possibly overhauled. Two, when the injuries, misconduct, and errors arising from the special program are starting to appear systemic in its nature. Three, when the acts of that special program is in direct violation of fundamentally constitutional rights, liberties, and/or freedoms. Four, when that special program violates local, state, and federal statutes, codes, and laws and also circumvents local procedures. Five, when public funds are Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 aiding and abetting that special program without oversight, checks, and balances in order to eliminate misconduct in error, there is a real problem. Six, when a special program is used to steal, confiscate, misrepresent or violate the public trust accounts, assets, such as homes, cars, false imprisonment, there is a problem. Pope Francis shared a message that illustrates what this judicial branch has violated for decades, and we, the families of Philadelphia, will bring a hard stop to this violation starting today by demanding that the passing of this resolution is enacted. The Vatican created a world choice using the birth certificates to capture the value of each individual's future productive energy. Each state, province, and country in the fiat monetary system contributes to the people's value in this world trust identified by the Social Security number, Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 the SIN or the EIN number. Now we have judges that administrate the birth certificate trust account in court matters favoring the court and the banks acting as the presumed beneficiary since they have not properly advised the true beneficiary of their own trust. On September -- in two major court cases, Saunders versus State and Wheeler versus State, the most important duty of the judiciary is to make the titles to real estate as certain as possible so that every prudent and intelligent man and woman may know what their rights are and that they may hold their titles and abide in their properties in security and peace. Our City Solicitor shall not label private property as commercial property. Council, we strongly urge you to not become private servants to the banks and land developers, and do not Stated Meeting May 12, 2016 make your oath a lie. With integrity and honor, the families of Philadelphia.
Faruq Robinson, commenting on 160256. (Witness approached podium.)