Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 21, 2016 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
We're going to start now. We have established a quorum. I'd ask that all guests and visitors please retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seat, we'll get it rolling. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Bishop Keith W. Reed of Sharon Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Gracious God, our father, we come this morning to thank you for this privilege and this opportunity to call on your name. We also thank you for giving us the opportunity to live, move, and have Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 being, for this is a day that you've made. You've allowed us to be in it. Father, you told us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we might find grace and mercy to help us in the time of need. So we need your grace. We need your mercy. And I pray for those that are in this Chamber this morning. I thank you for each and every one of them that are here and that has been elected here, for they are in positions of authority that you have created. I pray that even now you would crown each and every one of them with wisdom, insight, discernment to represent the concerns of your people so that they may be concerned about who they represent in this place, that they may be able to have wisdom on the right judgments that need to be made. Lord, I ask you in the name that's above every name to guide them, to guard them, to lead them. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 for our school systems. We pray for the decisions they have to make about that, that you would give them insight and foresight. The many concerns that will lay before them, guide them, Lord. Please direct them to do that which is right for your glory and our good. We ask it in the name that's above every name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Monday, January the 4th, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Monday, January 4th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Monday, January 4th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
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.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has come down and taken time out of their busy day to see their government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you've come down, and we actually hope you enjoy yourself so much that you come back again. So, again, thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez, who will present a resolution on my behalf Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 50th Anniversary of Community College of Philadelphia. Would Dr. Generals, Jr. and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, we have Councilwoman Parker.
It is a pleasure on behalf of Council President Clarke to present this today. Council President and I agree on many issues regarding housing, but next to housing and the need for housing in the City of Philadelphia, when you talk to the Council President, he'll talk about jobs, jobs, and jobs. And recognizing Community College of Philadelphia in Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 important, because that should be the place where we develop our young college students who can transition into four-year institutions. It is the place where people get retrained. It is the place that we expect to help us as we build this pre-K model in the City that we're going to be adopting. It is the place people should be able to come and prepare the returning citizens and others. And for me, Community College of Philadelphia is hugely important as we really try to combat our poverty and prepare folks to become self-sufficient. It is a pleasure always to work with Lynette Brown-Sow, who is a staple here and is a guiding force at Community College, and to welcome Dr. Generals. Although he's been here for quite a while, I'm not sure he's come before Council before in this way. To welcome Dr. Generals, who from day one understood the value of the diversity and the issues Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Community College community. So with that, honoring, recognizing and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Community College of Philadelphia. Whereas, for 50 years Community College of Philadelphia has been contributing towards the betterment of citizens throughout this City by providing exceptional educational opportunities to its residents; and Whereas, on September 23rd, 1965, Community College of Philadelphia first opened its doors to 1,200 students. Since then, it has graduated 54,000 students, many of whom would not have been given the opportunity to acquire a higher education degree or certificate; Whereas, today, it serves more than 30,000 students each year at its Main Campus and three Regional Centers and offers more than 70 associate's degree, academic certificate programs; Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Whereas, this year, alumni are reaching milestones in the City of Philadelphia and across the world including: the White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer; Hayward L. Bell, Chief Diversity Officer for Raytheon Company; Dr. Kathleen Heatherington, President of Howard Community College; Luis Torrado, owner of Torrado Construction Company; and Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer; and
And whereas, innovative projects and centers of excellence, such as the Center for Science and Engineering Education, the Center for Male Engagement, the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society, the Center for International Understanding and the Reentry Support Project enhance and deepen the learning experience while accessing and strengthening community bonds;
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 presented to Dr. Donald Generals, President of the Community College of Philadelphia, and other members of the staff, faculty, and board of this great institution. Further resolved, that this resolution is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 19th day of November 2015, and it's co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Dr. Generals for remarks.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, members of City Council. I'm honored to be here on behalf of Community College of Philadelphia and receive as well as celebrate this recognition with regards to our first 50 years. I'd like to recognize the Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 all represent different sectors within the college. We have faculty. We have students, the most important sector. We have administrators and staff. So it is a group effort. And I also want to recognize and acknowledge the thousands of individuals who came before us. We stand on the shoulders of those who believed in the concept of a community college as a transformative institution. So many of you, many of your relatives, many of the people who are in the City of Philadelphia long before I arrived a year and a half ago, which from what I understand by Philadelphia standards is really nothing, those are individuals who understood the importance of a community college, and so they need to be acknowledged and recognized as well. We consider the next 50 years CCP 2.0. We've had, as Councilwoman acknowledged, over 50, actually closer to Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 70,000 students who have graduated. We've had over 600,000 citizens come through the doors. We like to tout the many legendary graduates, as were acknowledged in the resolution, and we think they are important and symbols of the greatness that can be achieved as a result of this education. But I'd like to also recognize and acknowledge the many individuals who are teachers, who are administrators, who work in the Fire Department and the Police Department and may not have the legendary names that some of the individuals who were recognized in the resolution, and they're good citizens, they're out in the community, they're coaching baseball teams, football teams, and these are individuals that we have developed and we have demonstrated through their efforts how we can transform the efforts that need to be transformed in the City. So CCP 2.0, we'll continue what Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 transform lives. We will expand our course offerings to further align ourselves not only with the four-year institutions but especially with the career and technical needs of the City. We think that's an integral part of what we do. I'd like to say that we blend education. So we train, but we also continue to enlighten our citizens and help them to understand how important it is for them not only to acquire really good saleable skills but to also be good citizens in the City of Philadelphia. We are working very closely and very intimately with the public school systems. We think we cannot do our jobs unless we are able to partner with the school systems through our dual enrollment programs and through our special programs, working on an early college program with the public school system. So we believe in the idea that students don't have to wait until they're 18 years old to go to college. They can Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 college when they're 15, 16. That's what's happening around the country and that's what we're hoping to do here. I could go on and on and on. A lot was said in the resolution. I'm really grateful for this recognition, and I do speak on behalf of the many individuals who come before us as well as those who work with me on a daily basis. So thank you and have a good season. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a citation recognizing WHYY as they present the final season of Downton Abbey. Would Mr. Marrazzo and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Councilwoman Bass.
Good morning, everyone. This is a great occasion to honor WHYY and what they do for us, not only here in Philadelphia but for the entire region. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join WHYY as they honor and recognize their final season of Downton Abbey. Whereas, WHYY has been Greater Philadelphia's leading public media provider, serving Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and all of Delaware for 60 years. WHYY takes pride in bringing audiences news when they need it, entertainment when they want it, and education when it counts on television, radio, the web, and in the community. WHYY TV is the primary PBS Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Valley. WHYY FM 90.9 is the leading public radio station in the region;
And whereas, Downton Abbey is one of the most watched series ever on WHYY. Since its debut on PBS in 2011, Downton Abbey has been a runway hit with fans, enjoyed by people of all ages and demographics. Downton Abbey is now in its sixth and final season, with 59 Emmy nominations, more than any other non-U.S. show in Emmy history. Downton Abbey is one of the most honored series on television; and Whereas, Downton Abbey has won 12 Emmy's, 3 Golden Globes, 3 Screen Actor Guild Awards, a Producer's Guild Award, and 3 BAFTAs, as well as a 2015 BAFTA Special Award in recognition of the series' outstanding global success.
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby join WHYY to honor and recognize their Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Abbey. We commend all involved in this momentous occasion, extend sincere respect and admiration from this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Marrazzo for remarks.
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of City Council and if I may, Mr. President, also recognize our good friend, the legendary Kenny Gamble and other viewers and listeners of WHYY. We are always honored to represent the more than 7 million people that WHYY reaches every 30 days here in the Delaware Valley. And as the good Councilman suggested, in this very complicated media landscape, there ought to be one media outlet that you can go to for trusted news and information, one place where you can have creative expression with the tuning of a dial and Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 learning. Downton Abbey is an example but gratefully not the only one of our programs that reaches so many people across all demographics here in the Delaware Valley. So, finally, I might add, while it's always an honor for me to represent WHYY, particularly in this august Chamber, it's a particular pleasure to be able to say in a rich diverse community like the City of Philadelphia, there ought to be one thing we all have in common, and that is WHYY. Thanks for this high honor. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Decker, please read those communications.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Clarena Tolson to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and A resolution appointing Beverly Coleman to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and A resolution approving the appointment of Folasade Olanipekun-Lewis to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Sozi Pedro Tulante, Esquire, as the City Solicitor; and An ordinance amending Section 9-703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 "Special Assembly Occupancies," by providing for additional types of activity to be regulated, amending the application procedures and increasing the fee for a Special Assembly Occupancy license and for Promoter registration; and An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 42-S and abandonment of a right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes, water main purposes, and public utility purposes which extends from the southerly terminus of Galloway Street, south of Packer Avenue, southwardly to Pattison Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 27-S and abandonment of a certain right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes within the lines of former Jackson Street, from Swanson Street to Vandalia Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Managing Director to contract with the Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Support Center for Child Advocates for the provision of professional services to the City for representing children in certain legal matters, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. Today I offer two ordinances, one on your behalf, and four privileged resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
An ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor-Management Relationships," by requiring the City's Labor Standards Unit to enforce the City's contract requirements for Workforce Diversity and by providing for penalties for contractor failure to make good faith efforts to meet Workforce Diversity goals.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subsection 19-2604(8) of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Green Roofs' Tax Credit," to amend definitions and make other technical changes.
And a privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 24th Annual African American Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Children's Book Fair and that February 6th is a continuation of its ongoing National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing January as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Labor and Civil Service to Conduct Public Hearings to Examine Philadelphia's Civil Service "Rule of Two."
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Committee on the Environment to Hold Public Hearings on Implementing Sustainable Procurement Practices for the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill co-sponsored by Councilwoman Parker; two resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Squilla, Councilwoman Parker; and I introduce a second resolution that's co-sponsored by most members of Council.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Trades," to Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 add Section 9-1009 entitled "Restoration Contractor License," to require restoration contractors to obtain a City license and comply with other requirements.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett for exhibiting undeniable bravery, resilience and dedication to protecting the City of Philadelphia in the face of mortal danger.
And a privileged resolution calling for the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings on the status of public schools in Philadelphia, the programs that exist and what we can do to insure that every student receive a quality education and support services necessary for positive Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 childhood outcomes.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five bills, two on your behalf, one of the others is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Domb, Green, and Taubenberger, and also one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to provide requirements regarding the safe operation of self-propelled mobility devices and to provide for enforcement and penalties; and An ordinance authorizing the Managing Director to contract with the Support Center for Child Advocates for the provision of professional services to Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 the City for representing children in certain legal matters; and An ordinance amending Chapter 2-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Recording of Deeds," to provide for further action by the Department of Records in cases where the Department reasonably suspects that a deed has been mistakenly recorded and that a fraudulent transfer of the real property described therein has occurred; 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 Ridge Avenue, 16th Street, Ogden Street, 15th Street, Poplar Street, Carlisle Street, and Brown Street; and An ordinance repealing an ordinance (Bill No. 150894) entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 119 and abandoning of a certain pedestrian walkway reserved within the bed of former Thompson Street, Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 from Watts Street to Thirteenth Street.
Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill and five resolutions on your behalf.
Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Torresdale Avenue, from Linden Avenue to Ashburner Street and both sides of Megargee Street, from Torresdale Avenue to Frankford Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the reappointment of Beverly Coleman to the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and A non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Clarena Tolson to the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and A non-privileged resolution confirming the appointment of Sozi Pedro Tulante, Esquire, as the City Solicitor; and Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 A non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Folasade Olanipekun-Lewis to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the appointment of a Chief Ethics Officer for the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Four resolutions will be referred to committee. The Chief Ethics Officer resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Green, Councilman Henon, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Sanchez, and Councilwoman Parker, and I'd like to be recognized Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 after the reading of the title.
Actually, Councilman, I wanted to recognize you now.
I appreciate it. I couldn't sleep last night, trying to find appropriate words that I would say to you for the introduction of this resolution. And after I prayed on it, I found it. There are 200,000 Muslims in and around the City of Philadelphia. There are over 65 mosques in the City of Philadelphia. Muslim children from K to 12 represent approximately 20 percent of the student body. Yet the most compelling reason why we open and introduce this legislation came from a student. I believe she went to Central High School. And she was asked how she felt by the fact that her religious observance, her two holidays that are significant to her Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 spiritual growth, were not recognized, and the word that rung in my ear and tattooed on my heart was the word "marginalized," marginalized. And I thought about it and I thought about it, and I wondered if I ever truly ever felt marginalized. And I remember going to the department store at Wanamaker's with my mother, who was a taxpayer, who was a government worker, who was a solid citizen even with being my mother. She would walk into that store, and immediately her demeanor changed. Her demeanor changed towards me. She would clutch me and my brother close, and it was almost as if she was apologizing for spending her money in that store. As a young person, that was the first time ever I felt marginalized. And I swore after hearing that young lady's voice, that none of our children, none of them, of any race, creed, color or religion, should ever feel marginalized again. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 I have my grandchildren there, right there. She just waved. Not you, Councilman. And I would do everything legal in my power as a Councilperson to make sure they never ever felt that feeling. We are teachers, auditors, doctors, City workers, lawyers, business persons, men and women, artists, and many of them have come down here today, and I'd like them to stand and be recognized and, as importantly, be welcomed to the City of Philadelphia in City Hall. (Applause.)
So I was asked by a good-hearted person, a well-meaning person, they said, Well, Councilman, shouldn't you wait to introduce this with all that's going on in the world. Jason Dawkins is a State Representative, and he heard some of these conversations. Shouldn't you wait because of the international friction between religions and governments? And Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 shouldn't you wait based on what happened even here in the City of Brotherly Love? And I said to myself and I thought on it and I said words that I'm paraphrasing from another great man, If not now, when? If not us, who? And if we don't speak about it now, Mr. President, dispel myths and boogeymen, because we come in different shapes, sizes, colors, heights, some of them are republicans, but what is most important is that they are citizens and they are taxpayers and that this city was founded on religious tolerance. William Penn came here fleeing religious persecution and established a beachhead of freedom. I think this resolution speaks to that. We always don't get it right here in this country, but we keep coming back at it until we do. And for those reasons, I submit this resolution today, which will eventually begin the dialogue between the Administration, between the Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 four unions to establish a religious holiday, the two Eids, for the Muslim community in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President. (Standing ovation.)
I'm sorry. Hold on, Councilman. We got to read the resolution. My fault.
A non-privileged resolution calling upon the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia to recognize Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha which commemorates Hajj, the annual holy pilgrimage to Mecca, and to observe both Eids in the same manner as other legally recognized holidays in Philadelphia. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
Yes. Mr. President, if I could, could I call for a rules suspension, thus allowing this resolution to be read and voted on this day. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 President, I have three bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," by extending the time for which such exemptions are available; and An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," by providing requirements relating to the retail sale of certain animals; and An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 42-S and abandonment of a certain right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes, water main purposes, and public utility purposes which extends from the southerly Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 terminus of Galloway Street, south of Packer Avenue, southwardly to Pattison Avenue.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding the Pathways to Job Growth Report by the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation and the Center City District.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding economic opportunity and diversity participation at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
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-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have three privileged resolutions. I would like to speak on the public safety resolution at the time of its adoption.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding Social Impact Bonds.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding public banking.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Committees on Education and Public Safety to conduct public hearings to examine the physical safety of Philadelphia schools.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions, one on your behalf and one on my behalf.
A privileged resolution authorizing a full and comprehensive investigatory public hearing by Council's Committee on Finance on the impact reverse mortgage lending products are having on residents of the City of Philadelphia. Specifically, the public hearings will seek to determine the extent and impact such lending products have on the City's senior Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 citizen homeowners, and the potential intergovernmental remedies that can be developed to protect consumers from any unintentional harms that may result from requiring this type of lending product.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution -- a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a "Special Committee on Student Loan Debt" to evaluate the impacts of student loan debt upon individual borrowers and the subsequent effect on the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have one bill and one resolution. The bill is co-sponsored by Councilman Jones, Johnson, Quinones-Sanchez, and Parker, and the resolution is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell, Reynolds Brown, Quinones-Sanchez, Henon, Squilla, Johnson, and Green.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to add a Chapter requiring businesses located in certain areas of the City or that receive tax or other subsidies from the City to provide certain economic development data to the Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 City and requiring the publication by the City of such data.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth and the Committee on Education to conduct hearings concerning the impact of five years of reduced state funding on safety, essential services and academic outcomes in Philadelphia schools, and on vulnerable student populations.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Yes. Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Assembly Occupancies," by providing for additional types of activity to be regulated, amending the application procedures and increasing the fee for a Special Assembly Occupancy license and for Promoter registration. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
That bill will be sent to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 27-S and abandonment of a right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes within the lines of former Jackson Street, from Swanson Street to Vandalia Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution, which was co-sponsored by Councilman Green and signed by all members of Council.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant - Rent Control," by requiring that tenants of certain multi-family buildings be provided with a written disclosure of the building policy on smoking in individual dwelling units.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 Imhotep Institute Charter High School Football Program for a phenomenal season and for making Philadelphia history by becoming the city's first public-league team to win a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state championship.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer nine bills, five resolutions, and six privileged resolutions.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in the Resolution approved by City Council Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that there shall be established in the Legislative Branch of the City of Philadelphia Government the "Legislative Budget Office"; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in the Resolution approved by City Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that there shall be imposed upon the City of Philadelphia's Pension and Retirement Systems financial discipline by amending "Section 3-803" of "ARTICLE III EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH ORGANIZATION," "CHAPTER 8 - INDEPENDENT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS," to re-balance the membership of the Board of Pensions and Retirement by adding independent experts; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to establishing and defining a new method and qualifications for appointing and electing the members of the Board of Education; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the International Trade and Investment Authority; and An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to provide for tax rate reductions of the Wage and Earnings Tax for Philadelphia Residents and the Tax on Net Profits Earned in Businesses, Professions or Other Activities for Philadelphia Residents; and Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "FINANCE, TAXES AND COLLECTIONS," to provide for transfer of delinquent taxes and fees to a qualified third-party law firm or collection agency; and An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS REQUIREMENT," requiring that ten percent of funds for performing arts events receiving at least one hundred thousand dollars of City financial resources be spent on local performing artists; and An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "TRAFFIC CODE," Chapter 12-100, "GENERAL PROVISIONS," by adding new definitions, and Chapter 12-900, "PARKING REGULATIONS and PENALTIES," by adding "live performing arts venue" to the entities exempt from paying fees for curb loading Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 zone permits and adding a new Section, entitled "Performing Arts Priority Loading And Unloading Zones"; and An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "FINANCE, TAXES AND COLLECTIONS," Chapter 19-1800, "SCHOOL TAX AUTHORIZATION," Section 19-1806, "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," by clarifying that banking is subject to the imposition of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax.
Thank you. Those nine bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Holding of Public Hearings Pursuant to City Council's Declaration of 2016 as "The Year to Combat The Heroin Abuse Epidemic in Philadelphia" to Explore the Serious Effects that Heroin Abuse is Having on Our Communities.
This Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Public Hearings To Evaluate The New Infrared Pothole Repair Process For Possible Future Use In Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to Hold Public Hearings to Investigate the Feasibility, Benefits, and Costs of Establishing a 24-Hour Arts and Innovation Section of the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 public hearings on Philadelphia's movement towards a "Smart City."
That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing, Celebrating, and Thanking The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and Expressing the Appreciation of the People of Philadelphia for its Excellent Service Protecting and Advancing Chinatown's Interests, and thus the City's Interests as well as Its Cultural Diversity, on the Occasion of Its 50th Anniversary.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the 2015 Winners of the PHL LIVE Center Stage.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016
And a non-privileged resolution respectfully requesting the Prime Minister of Israel, The Honorable Benjamin Netanyahu, to Maintain and support the Foreign Ministry of Israel's diplomatic mission in the United States by retaining The Consulate General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region in Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter in preparation for a return to local Philadelphia control of the Philadelphia School District by providing for a new method and qualifications for appointing and electing the members of the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia and establishing new standards and policies to ensure academic excellence, financial Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 responsibility, and efficient, economical, and effective operation and management of the School District of Philadelphia; and A non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an International Trade and Investment Authority; and A non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that there shall be established in the Legislative Branch of the City of Philadelphia Government the "Legislative Budget Office"; and A non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that there shall be imposed upon the City of Philadelphia's Pension and Retirement Systems financial discipline by amending "Section 3-803" of "ARTICLE 3 - EXECUTIVE Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1ST READING AND ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH ORGANIZATION," "CHAPTER 8 - INDEPENDENT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS," to re-balance the membership of the Board of Pensions and Retirement by adding independent experts.
Thank you. Those four resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee. We have no committee reports today, so we will move on to the consideration of the Calendar. And the next order of business is the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolution is being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Resolution No. 160001. There are no Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 further resolutions or bills on Second Reading and Final Passage for today's Calendar.
Thank you very much. Before considering the resolutions we have for today, we will consider public comment as follows: If there is anyone who is interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today -- we have somewhat of a limited Calendar -- I'd ask, if you have not already done so, sign up at the table at my left. When your name is called, you will be asked to go to the podium in the middle of the Council session. On that podium there is a device. There's a light on there. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, do you have anyone who is interested in testifying today?
There are no speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
That was a long comment for no speakers. Thank you. There being none, we will now move to our Calendar. We will now consider the resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. Mr. Decker, please read the title of the resolution.
Resolution No. 160001, entitled "A resolution to provide Rules for the Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia."
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment on your behalf to Resolution No. 160001. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I now move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The amendment to Resolution 160001 has been adopted, and this resolution will be on our -- we will now recognize Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on the amended version of 160001.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution as amended. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160001 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.
A resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 24th Annual African American Children's Book Fair and that February 6th is a continuation of its ongoing National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing January as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Labor and Civil Service to Conduct Public Hearings to Examine Philadelphia's Civil Service "Rule of Two," introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment to Hold Public Hearings on Implementing Sustainable Procurement Practices for the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's Invocation Stated Meeting January 21, 2016 1/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett for exhibiting undeniable bravery, resilience and dedication to protecting the City of Philadelphia in the face of mortal danger, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.