COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 5, 2013 11:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. I sound like I'm talking to myself. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
There you go. Thank you. Thank you. It's time to start. We have established a quorum. I ask for all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. The members have taken their seat. So Council shall come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Ethel Carpenter, Triumph Life Outreach Ministry, also the mother of our good friend Michael Carpenter. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Dear Lord, we thank you for this day, a day that we have never seen before. We thank you for the mercy and grace. We thank you for how you have extended our life throughout this year. Lord, we ask, God, that you will just look out on this Council and that you will bless it in a special manner. God, we ask you, Lord God, to look on each home that is represented here and, Lord, that you will just bless each and every one under the sound of my voice. Lord, we ask, God, that you will undertake in the name of Jesus that you will impart to them your wisdom and also, God, you will impart to them your decision-making. We thank you for this opportunity. We ask that you'll continue to bless throughout this service. These and all other blessings we ask in your name. (Amen.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 21st. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 21st, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 21st stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the democrats, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. 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 so much, Councilman. At this time, I will dispense with the regular order of business to welcome and thank everyone who has come government in action. We hope that your experience today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, we really appreciate you coming down here today. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Bobby Henon, who will present a resolution honoring Philadelphia Police Officers John Callahan and John Pasquarello for their heroic acts. Would TJ Ramos, his parents and brother, Police Officers Callahan and Pasquarello and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman O'Neill and Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Squilla.
Today is pretty special. I have a little personal connection to why we are honoring two heroic acts that was a little different than their daily job description. So here to recognize two officers with nearly 40 years of combined distinguished service of the City of Philadelphia with our city's Police Department who acted quickly, smartly during a terrifying, and I mean a terrifying, ordeal. On September 12th, TJ Ramos, nine-year-old catcher of Torresdale Boys Club baseball team, fell into cardiac arrest. With precise time and quickness and time ticking away, Officers Callahan and Pasquarello leaped into action, stabilizing TJ and accompanied him to the hospital. So instead of passing off to our great paramedics, they accompanied him to the hospital. I join my colleagues in City Council in extending my deepest thanks to them and their bravery acts, which is standard procedure, and honor our first responders. thank their families, superiors, and the Ramos family and everyone from Parks and Rec and the Parks and Recreation and the Torresdale Boys Club who were able to join us here today. Their actions signify the best definition of a police officer, to protect and serve. By using their extensive medical and law enforcement training, they were able to stabilize TJ after he collapsed. Their acts didn't end there. Their instincts told them to stay again, as I said, with TJ and his parents while they were at the hospital, at the local area hospital, and waited for the news of TJ's condition. And even though they knew each before them, Officer Pasquarello's comments struck me. He said later, Before TJ was just another child on my son's team. Now he's going to be my buddy for the rest of my life. I am deeply grateful that TJ and Philadelphia were able to count on their acts that they served here today is an example not only to the Northeast but to Philadelphians around this great city. So I want to thank you in honoring Philadelphia Police Officers John Callahan and John Pasquarello for their heroic acts in saving the life of nine-year-old Tommy Ramos, TJ. Tommy was a nine-year-old playing catcher for Torresdale Boys Club baseball team whose catching style emulates his hero -- his hero is Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz. Chooch -- and suddenly collapsed while at baseball practice September 12th, 2013 at Torresdale Playground; and Whereas, TJ's baseball coach and Torresdale's Philadelphia Police Officers -- Torresdale's own Philadelphia Police Officer John Callahan, 20-year veteran of the force, who has been assigned to the K-9 unit for the past 11 years; and
Whereas, also on the baseball team is the son of John Pasquarello, an officer of the Philadelphia Police Department for 18 years, who happened to be at the Torresdale watching his son's baseball practice. Both officers sprang into action, calling on their extensive medical training and law enforcement experience to immediately assist TJ's condition; and
Whereas, the officers quickly realized that TJ had stopped breathing. Officer Callahan began to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, with Officer Pasquarello doing chest compressions until an ambulance arrived; and Whereas, Officers Callahan and Pasquarello accompanied TJ and his parents, Carlos and Micki, to Aria Health Torresdale where it was determined that TJ should be transferred to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for further diagnosed with a genetic heart condition. He had surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, with the hope that one day he will be able to resume his baseball career; and
Whereas, TJ's recovery has been aided by a loving support group consisting of aunts, uncles, his grandmother, Connie McCourt, his fellow students at Saint Jerome's Catholic Elementary School, members of Torresdale Boys Club, and Tommy's biggest champion of all, his 11-year-old brother Aiden, who took to Twitter to ask for prayers for his little brother as he was being treated and who has been by Tommy's side throughout this ordeal; and Whereas, Officer Callahan resides in Torresdale with his wife Kristen and his two children, Kaitlin and Brian. Officer Pasquarello and his wife Lisa also live in Torresdale with their two boys, John and Brian. I got called up, two Brians. Their act of heroism undoubtedly saved this young boy's life; now, therefore
Resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize Philadelphia Police Officers John Callahan and John Pasquarello for their heroic acts in saving the life of nine-year-old Tommy "TJ" Ramos. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Officers Callahan and Pasquarello as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. And before I turn it over, I want to recognize -- and I'm a member of Torresdale Boys Club. My kids play ball with TJ and Aiden. I want to recognize the Board of Directors of Torresdale, who happens to be a Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia, Jim Lee, and Department of Rec's great service that they do in all our rec centers, Jason Budd, who is here representing the Department of Rec. And for the record, Torresdale's Board of Directors and some coaches are trained in a little bit of first responding emergencies with an active AED certification and further conversations with our Chairwoman of Department of Parks and Rec, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, and I are having conversations, with the intent in making sure that we can look at future, I guess, placements of these AEDs in our Department of Recs for that one emergency that we have. So thank you very much, and congratulations, Officers. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Police Officers Callahan and Pasquarello for remarks, please. OFFICER PASQUARELLO: I didn't know this was coming. This experience, I just hope it's an eye-opener for everyone and possibly they could also take CPR classes. You never know, this incident may happen in front of you and you have to respond and possibly save someone's life some day. Thank you. (Applause.) OFFICER CALLAHAN: I just want to say thank you. This is very much appreciated. We have some of our bosses in the back. They took the time to come and see this. We appreciate it. I want to say thank you to everybody here. (Applause.)
Good evening. Thanks. I want to say thanks to Bobby Henon for having us here. I'm TJ's dad. You guys kind of heard the story, but if you read the Daily News or the Inquirer, TJ is nine years old, like we all heard. He had a heart attack, cardiac arrest. God, because to this day, for everyone, John Callahan and John Pasquarello will be our family members. Without them, I can tell you this, that TJ would not be here today. We're nine weeks into -- he's been out of the hospital, and all I can do is just thank the family, our family, the Callahan family, the Pasquarello family, everybody that came out. And same thing with City Hall, thank you for having us. And AEDs, I will talk to Bobby about it and the Councilman. We want to try to get AEDs placed in any rec centers. If you guys know about it, it's a defibrillator that will save lives, and TJ actually has one installed in his body that he will carry for the rest of his life. So God forbid, it should happen again, it will act up and hopefully it will save his life in case John and John are not around because -- I got them on speed dial. Thank you for coming out today. And, once again, thanks for the police officers of the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman David Oh, who will present a resolution congratulating History Making Productions and commemorating the work of Founder and Executive Producer Sam Katz. Would Mr. Katz and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Oh, we have Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman Brown.
I think Councilman Blondell Reynolds Brown and I both would like to do a little say that as Chair of the Global Opportunities and Creative/Innovative Committee of Council, I'm especially very happy to make this presentation. If you haven't seen Philadelphia: The Great Experiment, it's a fantastic series all about Philadelphia and about Philadelphia as a city of ideas, Philadelphia as a city of innovation. But from my perspective, I'd also like to say our city needs to get behind this documentary series. It is one of the best ways that we can explain to the world who we are, how we can brand ourselves. I tell you, in China, in South Korea, in countries across the world, they would love a series like this and they would love to then visit and invest in our city, the City of Philadelphia.
I will underscore all that Councilman Oh has said and add that it's a wonderful, behind a very creative and intellectual effort done by one of Philadelphia's own. I had the choice to view it early on and along the way with different milestones, and I'm always excited to lift up anyone who has some creative energy and uses it to celebrate our city. So for me, Sam Katz, this is a real honor.
Well, why not, since everybody else had something to say. And also this is beyond being a brilliant film. I do want to acknowledge that Sam is a resident of the 8th District, which makes me particularly proud. But I have seen the film. It's wonderful, and I really encourage everybody to take a moment, take a look at it. I think that you'll really, really enjoy it and learn something about our city. It's very, very important.
Resolution congratulating History Making Productions and commemorating the work of Founder and for his multi-format historical documentary television film and Internet project Philadelphia: The Great Experiment. Whereas, Philadelphia: The Great Experiment was developed to showcase America's first city from its pre-history and then across nearly four centuries, as the nation's laboratory of ideas, a place of continuous innovation, exploration, and inquiry. A primary goal of the project is to give the viewer a better understanding of the origins and development of American ideas and ideals and the American character, through the lens of the Great Experiment. The story of democracy, the Constitution, civil rights, religious freedom, and of pluralism originates in Philadelphia. By using Philadelphia as an outstanding example of the urban crucible, viewers will not only understand Philadelphia better, by attaching the ideas of democracy, freedom, and tolerance to the Philadelphia, the project intends to engage viewers with four centuries of history, finding new ways to understand the challenges facing America and its cities today; and
Whereas, Sam Katz believing that Philadelphia has been on the forefront of progressive social movements, technological innovation, and the arts decided to showcase the City's founding and history by researching, co-writing, and co-producing the documentary series Philadelphia: The Great Experiment; and Whereas, the series' first four episodes entitled "The Floodgates Open," "Fever: 1793," "Promise for a Better City," and "The Fight" aired on 6ABC; and Whereas, Sam Katz used creative ways to engage the public and raise funds including over $50,000 using Kickstarter to go towards post-production costs for the next set of episodes, webisodes, and a longer movie put together with the the series; and
Whereas, Sam Katz's History Making Productions received three, three 2013 Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter for Best Documentary and Best Musical Composition Arrangement for the episode Fever: 1793 and Best Historic/Cultural Program/Special for the episode The Capital City; and Whereas, Philadelphia: The Great Experiment serves as a showcase for our city that can be shown around the world, documenting our prominent role in the formation of America and the future role that we will continue to play as one of our nation's largest and forward-thinking cities; now therefore be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby congratulates History Making Productions and commemorates the Executive Producer Sam Katz for his multi-format historical documentary television film and Internet project Philadelphia: The Great Experiment. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sam Katz and History Making Productions further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Well, this is really a great honor not only for our company but for all the people of the City of Philadelphia, the last great city of America to have a documentary film series done about it. And I just want to say as now an observer of history, I waited a long time to stand here. I think this is going to have to do. (Applause.)
I only wish you were giving a budget message, sir, but...
Yes, sir. I have news for you. Anyway, I also want to make note of the fact that a little bit of history, that this is the first time in history that many of the members of this Council have ever voted for anything with my name on it, and I am honored and I thank you for that. This is a story about a great place, not always with great moments in its experience, but great people. And I just want to make an observation, that we are really exploring with all candor and honesty what it is that transpired over the 350 years beginning with Lenape and ending sometime in the mid 1990s, and what we see is that history repeats itself. And I'm sure you've all heard that in your classrooms, but if you don't study history and observe history, the be doomed to make the same mistakes of it. There's a lot to be learned for the future of this community, and I hope those of you who are inclined to will visit us at historyofphilly.com, which is where all of the films are available at no cost, and on January 16th at 7:30 p.m. on 6ABC, the next episode of 1978 to 1994 will be broadcast, and I hope you'll watch. I'm deeply honored by this, but most importantly, I'm deeply honored to be a citizen of this city, and I thank you all very much. (Applause.)
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 Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 130636, 130656, 130694, 130699, 130727, 130764, 130763, 130765, 130768, 130771, 130772, 130773, 130774, 130804, 130806, 130807, 130811, 130812, 130813, 130817, and 130818; and I am pleased to advise you that on December 4, 2013, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on November 14, 2013; and I am pleased to advise you that on December 4, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on November 21, 2013, except Bill 130770, which I am returning disapproved; 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 Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1618 Ellsworth Street; and A 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 3856 Haverford Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban Area, identified by house number and street address as 5100 through 5122 Merion Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1505 through 13 Cadwallader Street and 250 through 66 West Oxford Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land bounded by North Delaware Avenue to the east, Spring Garden Street to the south, North Beach Street to the west, and Fairmount Avenue to the north, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Wishart Street, from 17th Street westwardly and northwestwardly to Allegheny Avenue, to Lippincott Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by relocating the southeasterly house line of Tacony Street from a point approximately one thousand seven hundred fifty seven feet northeast of Bridge Street to a point approximately six hundred seventy four feet further northeastwardly therefrom a variable distance southeastwardly, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any other messages?
Thank you very much. At this time, the next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. 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. Today I introduce two non-privileged resolutions.
A 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 3856 Haverford Avenue.
That resolution will referred to today's Final Passage Calendar -- I'm sorry. That's next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Third, Fifty-First and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute and enter into a Declaration of Rights, Easements, Covenants and Restrictions to govern the relationship among that certain parcel of land, together with the improvements thereon, commonly known as JFK Plaza.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute and deliver a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain parcel of land, together with the improvements located thereon, commonly known as Love Park Parking Garage.
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 Sixteenth, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance repealing Bill No. 110649 (approved November 14, 2011), entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Bath Street, between Hedley Street and Orthodox Street, both sides," and establishing a no truck parking regulation on Bath Street, between Bristol Street and Orthodox Street, both sides.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Gilbert Street, from East Sedgwick Street to East Mount Pleasant Avenue, both sides.
And an ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East Duval Street, from Mansfield Avenue to Stenton Avenue, westbound.
That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I have four resolutions, one privileged and three non-privileged.
A privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the American Society of Civil Engineers for its extraordinary service and dedication to the innovation of vital City infrastructure.
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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth and Fortieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
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 Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1618 Ellsworth Street.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1505 through 13 Cadwallader Street and 250 through 66 West Oxford Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair 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 one privileged resolution today.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to investigate Notario Fraud and other forms of immigration consultant fraud in the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the District Attorney.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. One privileged, one non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Tasco, Sanchez, Green, and Goode.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to conduct public hearings to examine the City Budget for non-traditional funding sources to assist low and middle income households with home repair and maintenance service to address household energy needs.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
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 Parkside Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 5100 through 22 Merion Avenue.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land bounded by North Delaware Avenue to the east, Spring Garden Street to the south, North Beach Street to the west, and Fairmount Avenue to the north; 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 Spruce Street, Juniper Street, Cypress Street, Watts Street, Pine Street and Broad Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Kater Street, south side, 7th Street to 6th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Winton Street, north side, 11th Street to 10th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Kimball Street, south side, 7th Street to 6th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Federal Street, both sides, 11th Street to 12th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Cross Street, south side, Dickinson Street to Passyunk Avenue; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Passyunk Avenue, south side, Wharton Street to 9th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Wharton Street, north side, Passyunk Avenue to 9th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 9th Street, west side, Wharton Street to Passyunk Avenue; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Wharton Street, both sides, 7th Street to 6th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Bainbridge Street, south side, Juniper Street to 13th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Manton Street, south side, 7th Street to Dead End; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising use regulations relating to medical, dental and health practitioners in certain areas of the City; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cypress Street from Broad Street to a point approximately ninety feet southeastwardly therefrom.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The 15 bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Tasco, Reynolds Brown, and Sanchez and one bill co-sponsored by Councilmembers Bill Green, Cindy Bass, and Maria Quinones-Sanchez. And if I may, Council President, be heard on the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to clarify that it is discrimination based on sex and therefore an unlawful business practice for any employer to fail to accommodate an individual's reasonable need to lactate or express breast milk.
Okay. That will be referred to committee, but, Councilman, I'm interested to hear what you have to say. Let's do that now, sir.
All right, Council President. The reason I wanted to make comment is because probably everybody in this room thinks that you cannot be fired for pumping milk on the job, so long as you're during your break, but in fact people have been fired, and as recently as February 2012, the lower court in Texas ruled that lactation is not pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition and, therefore, firing someone because of lactation or breast pumping is not sex discrimination. And so the lower court there ruled that firing a woman because of lactation or expressing milk was not protected under Title 7 of the Civil Right Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. Now, I would say that I know this because I once had a client come to me who was a police officer and she complained that she was being harassed at work because during the ten-minute or 15-minute break that she had in the morning and the 15-minute break in the afternoon, that she specifically was told that she was not allowed to pump milk, that she could do anything else on her break but pump milk, and, therefore, she lost her job. I referred that case to a friend of mine because I was busy and was surprised once the federal judge in Philadelphia dismissed the case saying there was no gender discrimination. But this year in Texas in May of 2013, the Fifth Circuit held unanimously that firing a woman simply because she is lactating or expressing milk is unlawful sex discrimination under Title 7. But that is not necessarily the law in Pennsylvania or Philadelphia or anywhere else in the Third Circuit. It's not clear. So by specifically amending our code, I believe we are expressing today that in Philadelphia, an employer must give a woman a reasonable accommodation to pump milk and that she cannot be fired simply because she wants to express milk because she's lactating or because she wants to pump milk for her child. And I think it is important that we do this, as it is a clear example of gender discrimination, in my opinion. Thank you.
And, again, that will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming January 13, 2014 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committee, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 130847, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code -- 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), Subcode 'F' (The Philadelphia Fire Code), and Subcode 'PM' (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) of The Philadelphia Code, by further amending construction and demolition practices, including but not limited to the following: adding new enforcement and Fire Department at construction and demolition sites, requiring sharing of information amongst the City's departments to ensure compliance with all aspects of the code, establishing worksite public safety requirements, requiring evidence of training compliance by construction and demolition workers and new signage requirements," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this Bill No. 130847. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bill No. 130847. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports 11 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 130589, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sepviva Street, Butler Street, Aramingo Avenue, Castor Avenue, Gaul Street, Westmoreland Street, Tulip Street, and Castor Avenue"; and Bill No. 130636, entitled "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"; and Bill No. 130694, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by adding provisions permitting and regulating the erection of District of Philadelphia property"; and Bill No. 130727, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Laurel Street, Front Street, Delaware Avenue, Water Street, the Delaware River, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 130763, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-506 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'North Central Philadelphia Overlay District,' by specifically amending Section 14-506(2)(c), entitled 'Sunset Provision,' to extend the stated expiration date until December 31, 2016"; and Bill No. 130764, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by making technical and changes"; and Bill No. 130775, entitled "An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Old City Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area of the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 130804, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by revising certain provisions, including provisions relating to definitions, civic design review, the Center City Overlay District, the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District, use categories and regulations, certain residential district dimensional standards, and parking and loading regulations for certain residential and commercial districts"; and Bill No. 130812, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional (Special Purpose) District Master Plan of and Services for the Aging for the construction of an addition to house the Witherspoon Senior Apartments"; and Bill No. 130855, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain use regulations relating to vehicle and vehicular equipment sales and service uses in certain commercial districts"; and Bill No. 130856, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by providing for and regulating accessory Digital News Ticker Signs in the Market Street East Advertising District and adding definitions, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 11 bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130589, 130636, 130694, 130727, 130763, 130764, 130775, 130804, 130812, 130855, and 130856. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 130805, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-1001 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fees of Commissioner of Records,' to raise the fee for recording documents"; and Bill No. 130854, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code to extend the deadline exemptions as longtime owner-occupants of certain properties in the City of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 130805 and 130854. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130805 and 130854. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 130873, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Community Development Fund, the Director of Finance - Community Development Block Development Fund, the Mayor - Office of Housing and Community Development"; and Bill No. 130874, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 130875, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 130876, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and of Finance Fringe Benefits"; and Bill No. 130877, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants and from the Acute Care Hospital Fund, the Department of Public Health to the Acute Care Hospital Fund, the Department of Public Health - State Payment," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130873, 874, 875, 876, and 877. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 130873, 130874, 130875, 130876, and 130877. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports two bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 130687, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,' by requiring reasonable workplace accommodations for employees who have needs related to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition"; and Bill No. 130701, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to permit City elected officials to become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office"; and Resolution No. 130715, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to the 'resign to run' provision of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that City elected officials may become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. 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 Nos. 130687 and 130701. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130687 and 130701. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes -- let me go back. Resolution 130715 will be on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session and Bill 130687 and 130701 will be on our First Reading Calendar today. I just want to make sure we clarify that. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. President. The Committee Public Works reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, hold on one second. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 130701 at this time.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 130630, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease Transportation Authority certain land and improvements known as City Owned Transit Properties"; and Bill No. 130658, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel with an address of 4732 through 34 Griscom Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 130803, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to the sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the City of an additional portion of the premises located at 111 North 49th Street"; and Bill No. 130811, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into ground lease and sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial and improvements located on a parcel of land bounded by South Broad Street to the east, Castle Avenue to the south, 15th Street to the west, and Morris Street to the north," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 130658, 130803, and 130811. (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 Bills No. 130658, 130803, and 130811. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Bill No. 130630 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Streets Committee.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Streets and Services reports nine bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you, Mr. Decker. Please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was 130578, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, (Bill No. 090120), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 130765, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Chestlen Development, owner and developer of 1441 Chestnut Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments to be installed in conjunction with a mixed-use development"; and Bill No. 130771, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Green Eggs Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1306 Dickinson Street"; and 130772, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Green Eggs Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 719 North 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 130773, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Global Crepes and Local Shakes to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1309 South 9th Street"; and Bill No. 130774, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Likmos, Incorporated trading as Dmitri's to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 944 North 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 130806, entitled "An ordinance authorizing TELA Partners doing business as Fairmount Coffee Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 888 North 26th Street"; and Bill No. 130807, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Lloyd's Whiskey Bar construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 529 East Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 130816, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Bleigh Avenue and Claridge Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the nine bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of as to permit first reading this day of the nine bills that were just reported from Committee of Streets and Services. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee of License and Inspection.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspection reports three bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 120647, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by repealing Subcode PM entitled 'The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' and adopting and incorporating, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code as the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code"; and Bill No. 130721, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), by authorizing the code official to gain access to enclosed and secured vacant of abating violations"; and Bill No. 130808, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'PM' (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) of The Philadelphia Code, by revising provisions relating to graffiti removal, penalties and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120647, 130721, and 130808. (Duly seconded.)
been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120647, 130721, and 130808. All those in favor please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
you, Councilwoman. Thank you, Mr. Decker. Please read that report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 130008, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating the Department of Parks and Recreation owned playground on the 2300 block of North 5th Street as 'Rainbow De Colores Playground'"; and Bill No. 130660, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute a Maintenance Agreement with the Township of Lower Merion under which the City will assist the Township in maintaining certain elements of the recreational trail crossing Manayunk Bridge"; and Bill No. 130848, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Commissioner of Packs and Recreation to enter into a Philadelphia Housing Authority for use by the City of the property located in the area bounded by Aspen Street, Markoe Street, Fairmount Avenue, and 47th Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130008, 130660, and 130848. (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 Bills No. 130008 and 130660 and 130848. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Mr. Decker, hold on three minutes. (Pause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your indulgence. We will now proceed under a special order of business, a motion that Council reconsider the vote on which Bill No. 130770 was passed. The bill was passed by the Council at its November 21st, 2013 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor at today's Council. Mr. Decker, will you read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 130770, "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising use regulations relating to medical, dental and health practitioners in certain areas of the City."
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 130770 which was approved by City Council on November 21st, 2013. (Duly seconded.)