Stated Meeting, September 19, 2013

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,

Good morning. Good morning, everyone. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail and would our members please take their seats. Thank you. Before our session starts today, I'd ask all guests and visitors to please turn off all cell phones or any device that makes noise. Please put it on silent, vibrate or, better yet, if you can turn it off, that would be helpful. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Keith McClain of the Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Brian O'Neill. I would ask all members and guests to please stand. (Members and guests stand.)

Good morning, Pastor. PASTOR McCLAIN: Good morning. God, we thank you for the gift of prayer that we can come into your presence wherever we are and entrust ourselves and our work into your hands. Lord, as we gather in this place, we give thanks for all these men and women who have been given a place of authority in this great city. As they meet today, give them energy, wisdom, and vision. Give them humility enough to put the needs of our city first and boldness enough to believe that they can make a difference. I ask you to bless all those who hold office in the government of this city, that they may do all their work in the spirit of wisdom, kindness, and justice. Help them to use their authority to serve the common good faithfully. Lord, we pray for this city, the city which faces many troubles and challenges, crime and violence, the economy, struggles of our schools, and we ask you, oh God, that you would grant your holy and life-giving spirit that you may so move every human heart and the barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease, and that with our divisions healed, we might live in justice and peace. Renew the ties of mutual regard that form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders at every level and every part of the City. Help us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order, and that men and women from every culture and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity. Lord, let us go out into the world with peace. Let us have courage. Let us hold on to what is good. Let us return no one evil for evil. Let us strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. In everything we do, may we honor all people, love and serve you, and rejoice in the power of your spirit. It is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. (Amen.)

Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. (Council at ease.)

Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 12th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 12th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 12th, 2013 be approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.

Thank you, Councilman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business. I would like to welcome and thank all of our visitors here today. We really appreciate the fact that you have come down here to see your government in action. We hope your experience here today is a pleasurable one and that you come back again. And, again, thank you for coming down today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution honoring long-time WPVI cameraman Robert Pruitt on his retirement. Would Mr. Pruitt and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Kenney

Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution honoring the career of long-time WPVI cameraman Robert Pruitt on his retirement after 44 years of service to the Philadelphia community and also thanking him for always taking our best sides when he's filming us. Whereas, Robert Pruitt was hired full-time by WFIL/WPVI in 1969 as a film editor. Mr. Pruitt was known as an artist in his craft, cutting and pasting film together to create a news broadcast; Whereas, Robert Pruitt later became a photographer and cameraman for WPVI because of his love for being in the field. In this job Mr. Pruitt traveled to London in 1981 for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the Soviet Union in 1986. Mr. Pruitt also covered the Three Mile Island accident in 1979; Whereas, Robert Pruitt raised two children as a single father. Mr. Pruitt's daughter Rachael and son Seth are both married with children of their own who Bob adores;

Whereas, Robert Pruitt was quoted as saying that the reason he stayed at WPVI for so long was because as a child he moved around a lot, and if he found a good place, he would stay for a while. Philadelphia must have been that good place, and Mr. Pruitt's work and dedication to his craft has made Philadelphia an even better place. Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Robert Pruitt is recognized and honored for his service and dedication to WPVI and the entire Philadelphia community over the past 44 years. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Robert Pruitt as evidence of this legislative body. And certainly this was signed by all members of Council and we're pleased to make this presentation. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Pruitt for remarks.

Well, I wrote a couple things down, but unfortunately most of them have been said. However, like they were saying, when I started at Channel 6, it was FIL TV. And I'm actually humbled by your recognition. I've been at City Council for a long time. We were trying to figure out how many hours I've spent here. But in my journey, James Tate was Mayor. Richard Nixon was inaugurated as President. But it's been a privilege to work for a great company and a great city, and thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)

ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you so much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. 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 September 16, 2013, I signed Bill No. 130485 which was passed by Council at its session on September 12, 2013; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance approving a Lease Agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Elliott-Lewis Corporation for use of a certain 2.86 acre parcel located near Delaware Avenue and Tioga Street, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any other communications?

I have none, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. The next order of business is introductions of bills and resolutions. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions, one privileged and one non-privileged.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution recognizing the tireless, dedicated efforts of The Workshop School and celebrating its official opening as a full four-year School District of Philadelphia public high school.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution calling on the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's approach to education funding.

That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

A non-privileged resolution also naming 20th Street from Berks Street to Montgomery Avenue as "Jackie Jones Way."

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have three bills and two resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, Wheatsheaf Lane, Belgrade Street and Butler Street.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Posting of Signs," by revising enforcement and penalty provisions relating to posting and advertising upon signs on utility poles, street lights, and other structures.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority certain land and improvements known as City Owned Transit Properties, and further authorizing acceptance of title to certain real estate and improvements from SEPTA.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing Saturday, September 28th, 2013 as Philly Play! Day in the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 4th, 2013.

That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I have no bills and no resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution, non-privileged resolution, and a bill on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

And then I have two non-privileged resolutions on my behalf, one co-sponsored by Councilman Jones and Councilman Oh.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance approving a Lease Agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Elliott-Lewis Corporation for use of a certain 2.86 parcel located near Delaware Avenue and Tioga Street.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the tremendous bravery, contributions, and sacrifices of The Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment and calling on the United States Congress to award the Regiment the Congressional Gold Medal.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Thirty-Seventh and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the "Healthy PA" plan to provide health insurance.

That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating Joan Myers Brown and Laurie Olin for being awarded the 2012 National Medal of Arts and Humanities by President Barack Obama.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

Mr. President?

Yes, Councilwoman.

I failed to put on the record that Philadanco sits in the district of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell forever and she will be co-sponsoring that resolution with me. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The record shall reflect that.

And a non-privileged resolution supporting Senate Bill 1080 which seeks to reduce plastic bags in the trash.

That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Oh, that will actually be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and two resolutions, one resolution privileged sponsored by all members of Council.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hermitage Street, Henry Avenue, Dupont Street, Ridge Avenue, Monastery Avenue, Dexter Street, Lyceum Avenue, Manayunk Avenue, Leverington Avenue, and Ridge Avenue.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing September 30th through October 4th, 2013 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week which provides critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fourth and Thirty-Eighth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Mr. President, I offer three bills.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded generally by Station Road, Edison Avenue, Trevose Road, and Maple Avenue and including the south side of Maple Avenue.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising use regulations, pertaining to vehicle and vehicular equipment sales and services in certain areas of the City.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by further providing with respect to the annual fee for neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services provided to owner-occupied duplexes.

That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-503 to change the geographic boundaries of the North Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District and by amending Section 14-802 to repeal the special parking controls for the Delaware River Waterfront.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution designating the week of Monday, October 7 through Monday, October 14, 2013 as "Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Bob Rydell as Grand Marshall of the 2013 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two non-privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A non-privileged resolution also naming Emlen Street between West Upsal Street and West Johnson Street as "Reverend Dr. G. Daniel Jones Way."

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twelfth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Councilwoman, because that's a name change of a street, can we put it on next week?

That's fine. Thank you.

Mr. Decker, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Mark Squilla.

Thank you, sir.

A non-privileged resolution supporting the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and their planned development of the Eastern Tower Community Center.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. This concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions. We will have our reports from committee, Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports one bill and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 130532, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's power to enact provisions appropriate to accomplish the purposes of a Minimum Wage and Benefits Ordinance"; and Resolution No. 130544, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's power to enact provisions Council considers necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of a Minimum Wage and Benefits Ordinance," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 130532. 2ND READING (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 Bill No. 130532. All those in favor please say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 130544 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. That concludes our committee reports. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for purposes of calling up resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar. 2ND READING

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 130541, 130597, 130600, 130601, 130602, 130609, 130615, 120651-A, and all other resolutions and bills are being held.

Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Public comment -- if anyone here is interested in testifying today, you must sign up to the table to my left. You will be given three minutes to testify. We do this to ensure that everybody has an opportunity. Sometimes we have relatively lengthy public comment sessions. In the middle of the Council you will see a podium. That podium has a device on it. That device will have a light. When it is your time to speak, it will turn green. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, we ask that you please conclude your remarks and adhere to the guidelines that we have established. Mr. Decker, could you please read the name of the first individual who is interested in testifying today.

James Jenkins, commenting on 120651-A. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, Council President and City Council. My name is James Jenkins and I'm concerned about this real estate bill that they want to rescind. In Philadelphia I've watched it being revived for the last 15 years because of this bill. I'm not involved in the real estate business, although I'd like to buy a home in South Southwest Philadelphia and that abatement, ten years, makes it affordable for me as well as many others, and I just don't understand why something that's working so well in so many areas of the City, that people are trying to stop it now. I've watched my city go from plight to just beautiful now. There's so many people walking the streets. The neighborhoods are being revived, and in ten years, those people would pay real estate taxes as well as paying city wage taxes the whole time they're here. And I just wanted to voice my opinion today. Thank you for your time.

Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)

Thank you, President of the Council, and thank you, Councilmembers. I would like to ask the City Council to stop the proposal 120118 that studies the feasibility of transferring operations and/or selling Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity. As the economy may be heading into a hyperinflationary phase, the fed's recent decision is ominous. It is stating that the fed cannot get out of the unlimited bailout system. The fed is supporting the $60 trillion shadow banking sector. At this moment we still do not know the consequences of the 2005 Bankruptcy Act or the Dodd-Frank Act that gives superpriority status to derivative holders. The population is left with sequester. The population is told that the administration and the Congress is not finished with Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. What will Philadelphia do in the case of an insolvency crisis? City Council must create the Philadelphia public bank. A wartime urgency is needed to direct the City's energies to economy formation. A public bank, Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Philadelphia Navy Yard will serve as the basis of a science-driven economy. The City can start redeveloping the necessary infrastructure projects that is in sewers, waters, roads and, most of all, education facilities. Our budgetary crisis is located in the unlimited bailout system and the private sector's finance of government with the fed's collaboration. Thank you, City Council. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, sir.

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

If there are no other speakers, that concludes our public comment. We will now consider resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 130541. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

I want to hold that bill, Mr. President.

Okay, Councilman. Resolution 130541 is being held at the request of the sponsor. Mr. Decker, 130597.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 130597 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130600.

A resolution 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Models Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2108 through 44 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2105 through 47 Nicholas Street and 1631 through 37 North Twenty-Second Street.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. 130600 is adopted. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 130601.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixteenth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)

Resolution 130601 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130602.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 130602 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130609.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth and Forty-Eighth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. 130609 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130605 [sic].

Resolution 130615, a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 130615 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120651-A.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by reducing the amount of real estate taxes to be exempted for certain improvements to, or construction of, 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING certain residential, commercial, industrial or other business properties; and by reducing the duration of such exemptions.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me be clear. My goal is not to end the tax abatement program. My goal is to modify it. But the opponents of this bill don't want it changed at all. I understand why. The tax abatement is not based on individual need. It is by right. And there has been no project-by-project analysis that proves that each tax abatement project required a ten-year, 100 percent abatement. Therefore, the modification of this program would fit most development needs. If the project requires even more subsidy, there are other options to fill that gap, but the additional subsidy should be based on need. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING The opponents of this bill suggest that we should go find funding for schools elsewhere. I suggest we go find funding for development projects elsewhere other than school tax revenue. Every project does not need the current tax abatement, but every school absolutely needs more money. So why take money from needy schools for the tax abatement. In the end, who has the greater needs? The kids. For this reason, I am withdrawing this bill in favor of Bill No. 130586 introduced last week. My priority is now funding for schools as soon as possible, not 2016. I also call on the Mayor and the School Reform Commission to reject the current tax abatement policy that gives away tax dollars that could be used in needy schools and to immediately back my new bill. The campaign for Bill No. 130586 starts now. Stop taking money 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING from schools, plain and simple. So I move to withdraw Bill No. 120651-A. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of a withdraw. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The record shall reflect 120651-A is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, 120 -- that concludes our Calendar as it relates to bills. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.

A resolution recognizing the tireless, dedicated efforts of The Workshop School and celebrating its official opening as a full four-year School District of Philadelphia public high school, 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution calling on the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's approach to education funding, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Councilman Jones, did you want to be recognized, or you knew you were teed up next. Okay. Pretty good.

I'm getting in line.

You have a mirror up here, sir? Mr. Decker. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

And a privileged resolution recognizing Saturday, September 28th, 2013 as Philly Play! Day in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Henon.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution recognizing National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 4th, 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING 2013, introduced by Councilman Henon.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That resolution is also adopted.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the tremendous bravery, contributions, and sacrifices of The Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment and calling on the United States Congress to award the Regiment the Congressional Gold Medal, introduced by Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.

Thank you. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Mr. Decker.

And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the "Healthy PA" plan to provide health insurance, introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez for Councilwoman Tasco.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That resolution is also adopted.

And a resolution recognizing and congratulating Joan Myers Brown and Laurie Olin for being awarded the 2012 National Medal of Arts and Humanities by President Barack Obama, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you. I move for the adoption. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

And that resolution is also adopted.

And a resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing September 30th through October 4th, 2013 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week which provides critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community, introduced by Councilman Jones.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

That resolution is adopted.

And a resolution designating the week of Monday, October 7 through Monday, October 14, 2013 as "Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Bob Rydell as Grand Marshall of the 2013 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade, introduced by Councilman Squilla.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. 9/19/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and that resolution is adopted.

There are no other resolutions for consideration on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.

Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. There are no other bills or resolutions on the Calendar today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)

There being none, are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two pieces of work today. One -- both give me pause and make me sad a bit, but the first one, I have to congratulate Jan Ransom from the press corps for her leaving, I guess, to go to a smaller market, New York, in the Daily News there. Over the time she's been here, she's been a respected journalist and fair -- I'll say it again, fair -- to the issues. Not always agreeing with everything Council did, but always putting in the work to find out the truth of the matter. So she will be missed. I was unsuccessful, I must report, in converting her into an Eagle fan or a Sixers fan, so she has to go. And so we wish her well in her new

Thank you. (Applause.)

Second thing I want to announce, Mr. President, is that the war on poverty turned 50 years old, and I would argue whether or not we are winning that war. Like so many wars, it's hard to measure whether or not there are more casualties than victories. But earlier this week I participated in a discussion with the Mayor and State Representative David Reed, who is the Chairman of the Majority Policy Committee at Harrisburg. One of the things that you've been encouraging is better relationships with this body and bodies at the Harrisburg level, and I think it's paying off in many, many different ways with many different dividends. The subject was "shared prosperity" and dealing with anti-poverty that this body during the budget process asked and questioned what was the City's policy on anti-poverty. We can clearly articulate our greening policy. We can clearly articulate our anti-crime poverty, but we had some difficulty giving a vision for how we deal with the 28 percent of the folk in the City of Philadelphia that suffer from poverty. One of the things that came out of the discussion was the fact that one size does not fit all and that there are different shades of poverty and that you can be the poor person below the poverty line that was due to retirement and becoming on fixed income and not being able to manage to get above that poverty guideline. You could be third-generation, second-generation poor because of circumstances like poor education and lack of economic prospects. You can be new American immigrant poor because of language barriers and other your way and can't seem to get a hold of that American dream. Just like there are many shades of poverty, there will be many solutions to bring people out of that impoverished state. We need to make clear also that the House of Representatives at the federal level is now considering a $4 billion food stamp bill, cutting it back and taking food stamps away from poor people, which is an important safety net for those people who find themselves in that circumstance. Also, the Inquirer reported the fact that eight out of ten applications for public assistance are now being turned down by the state because of new regulations and proof that you are out there looking for work. And we all know that even with the recovery, it is a jobless recovery, that the last economic indicator to move the needle in the right direction is new job starts. So as we begin the conversation strategy, we thank the Administration. We thank Representative Reed for having the discussion, because we all know that even at the national level, during the Democratic National Convention, the word "poor" associated with people wasn't used. Saving the middle class was used, protecting the middle class, polite ways to talk about lifting all of our boats, but the words "poor people" were not used. So you can ignore the elephant in the room all you want, but it will raise its head in other rooms such as crime, such as homelessness, such as hunger. Until we open our eyes and open our mouths and begin the dialogue about how to alleviate poverty in the City of Philadelphia, it won't get done without us. So we applaud Chairman Reed for his efforts. And he's not from a big city. He's from a small county, but he street that is devastated by the economy and people who generally suffer in silence there. So we join him in trying to find strategies to alleviate poverty in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. As all of you know, we had two briefings this week. One is concerning Walk Safe Philadelphia, and we have a good structure in place. It doesn't mean that everything has worked out. As many of you know, we had problems at one of my schools, in fact where I used to teach, where I met Lucien through his children, at Lea School, because we still have problems with children trying to walk from Woodland Avenue at 46th to 47th and Locust across Chester, Woodland, Baltimore, Spruce, all of those streets. So even though we have a structure in place, we still have a lot of issues with that, as well as the Philadelphia School Partnership who is advocating universal enrollment. So we don't know whether we agree or disagree, but all that we hear on these subjects we will certainly bring to you so that we have at least the most available information. So I thank everyone for their support.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do want to echo what Councilman Jones says. I think it's such an important topic, and remind my colleagues that even our municipal union, District Council 33, put out a report where many of their members have to receive some sort of benefit because of So this is a conversation that we should have, and we should work on potentially having some hearings to discuss what we're doing, what we could be doing and the facts. It's an issue that, President Clarke, you and I have districts with concentrated poverty and one that we recognize every single day, and that's why we're always a proponent of City services to help and provide that safety net. So I want to echo that and thank him for raising that issue. I want to remind folks it's Hispanic Month. Next week is the beginning of the Puerto Rican Week, and we kick off the week with a flag raising at 12:00 noon here on Dilworth Plaza. I invite all of my colleagues to join me in that celebration. Thank you. And we will have food, lunch afterwards. That's always important.

much. Before we go to our adjournment, I would just like to do a little different, to use councilmanic prerogative as opposed to traditional presentations in the beginning of the session. We would like to offer a presentation and just recognize one of our members, a colleague who has worked and actually as many years as I have and some of us in here, City Council. Denise Beckett is retiring after 31 years of service in City Council in the Chief Clerk's Office. (Applause.)

And it would be good if she came to the podium right now. (Applause.)

She's a little bit shy. Just come on over. We just want to thank you so much. (Applause.)

Real quick, can the members come up real quick to take a picture. I know I'm a little off track, but anybody who works in this place for 31 years, they deserve it. (Council at ease.)

Ms. Ransom, if you had stayed around a little longer, you may have gotten one of those. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for an adjournment.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 26th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)

All in favor? (Aye.)

Opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. m. Thank you all very much. ) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L.