Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 14, 2019 11:02 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 Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Good morning. We're going to get started. I'd ask for your cooperation. Thank you very much. If the members will take their seat. We have our quorum established. Folks, I'd ask you all to please hold the voices down. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Joey Furjanic of The Block Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Al Taubenberger. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Good morning. Let us bow our heads and pray. God, our Father, you are so gracious and merciful. We don't deserve how good you are and how loving you've been. So with thanksgiving, we offer this moment as praise. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 are fresh each morning, brand new for all who call on you and receive by faith the favor and wisdom you offer. Each day is a gift, and today we unwrap this opportunity with great enthusiasm, passion, and also trepidation. Less of us; more of you. If we decrease, you increase. Not our truth, but your truth. Not our will, but your will. Jesus, make us more like you. Help us love like you, see the world like you, heal the broken like you, be patient like you, and do unto others how you did to us. Because while we were far from you, full of pride and selfish indignation, you came in and gave us abundant life, forgiveness, and limitless opportunity. We could come new creation under your sacrifice and shed blood on the cross. We rise because you resurrected. And it is only you who can Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 city, raise our children, raise our convicted, raise our single mothers, and raise our neighborhoods back to life. Help us live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us and no one will find fault with our work, and all we do, help us show we are true workers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships, calamities of every kind or even working to exhaustion for your name. Let us prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness by the spirit within us and by our sincere love. May your power within us serve our city. We serve you, God, whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, even if they call us imposters. We are faithful, even if we are ignored. Whether in office or not, our hearts ache for our city, and we always have joy. We might be poor, but we still Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 others. We may own nothing, yet we have everything. Please today teach us to offer hope to others, even those who we don't think deserve it. We choose not to just be good Philadelphians, but good samaritans and citizens of heaven. We are ambassadors to our city, and we will treat the least of these as if they were you. I pray wisdom over this body today. Give new insights in the minds of your leaders. You are the father of lights. Creativity is what you do. Love is who you are. So show us how to solve problems with ingenuity, to answer the cries of the addict, to protect our vulnerable children, to shape young minds for good, to protect life in the womb and foster life beyond, that we are resolute. My city, my responsibility. Our city, our responsibility. As we near our final amen, let us raise a hallelujah and a victorious Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 lost a battle and you never will. We thank you that you could have put anyone here at any time in history. You could have put Abraham or Moses, Esther or Elijah, or the apostle Paul even, but instead you chose us to carry out our city's legacy of freedom from slavery, equality from bondage, and identity as children of God. So we cry out for an overflow of goodness, an abundance of influence, unexpected blessing, and childlike wonder. We declare the best days for Philadelphia are ahead of us, and we won't be moved. So, finally, let us agree that politics won't shake us, partisan pettiness won't break us, and hate won't change us. We are not waiting on peace. We are makers of peace who carry confidence directly from heaven. This is your city. We are your people. In Philadelphia as it is in heaven. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor. We genuinely appreciate those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. And our next order of business will be the approval of the Journal, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 31st, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 31st, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon. Councilman, hold on a second. Folks, could you all please like stop talking. Thank you. Thank you. Councilman.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank and welcome everyone who has come down to witness their government in action today. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker, who will present a resolution honoring Sharmain Matlock-Turner. Would Ms. Matlock-Turner and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Mr. President, may I acknowledge some Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 students?
Okay. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And I would like to recognize one of my former bosses, Councilwoman Marian Tasco. And joining Councilwoman Parker, we have Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Domb, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Green, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Gym. Got you, huh?
Hey, Philadelphia, you all don't know it, but we just pulled off the greatest heist in the world this morning. (Applause.) Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. For those of you who are at home watching us on television, there are few men and women who can make a noteworthy mention of their commitment to our great city like the woman standing to my left with the Delta red jacket on, with strong ties to both West, Northwest Philadelphia, great service in North Philadelphia and throughout our entire city. We know her as a lot of things. Her name is formally, as the President noted, Sharmain Matlock-Turner. However, to me she is Tony's wife, she is Ayanna's mother, she is Naima's mother, and she is Josh's grandmother. And if both Sharmain Matlock-Turner and Marian Tasco are in the same room, neither of them go by their names. Their names are one words each. If you're talking about Sharmain Matlock-Turner, the only thing you say, especially if you're in an election day Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 room, General. And when Tasco is in the room, she is Boss. So it is a great honor and privilege for us to present Sharmain Matlock-Turner with this resolution today. She is the President of the Urban Affairs Coalition, and you are going to hear an overview from all of our Council colleagues about her contributions to our great city through a plethora of organizations. The only thing I want to mention for the record, Sharmain, is that I did not think it was humanly possible to have served as a community organizer, a campaign manager, a committee person, to work in corporate America, the healthcare industry, the non-profit sector, and to be one of those people we watch on Sunday morning, and you'll hear about that a little bit more. Let's give a round of applause as my colleagues come forward to make this presentation. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 (Applause.)
So we'll note again for the record that this is a resolution honoring and recognizing Sharmain Matlock-Turner, Urban Affairs Coalition President and CEO. (Applause.)
Whereas, Eighth District resident and my neighbor, the Urban Affairs Coalition, formerly GPUAC, with more than 350 employees, in partnership with a diverse Board of Directors made up of business, non-profit, and community leaders, unites government, businesses, neighborhoods, and individual initiatives to improve the quality of life in the region; and
I got to try to stay far from her, because she might be a little bit upset at me right now. Sharmain is the Co-Chair of the Poverty Committee, and I kind of lied to her all morning. So I'm sorry, Sharmain. From Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 everything else, but we love you. And I worked under the General in one of my first elections, and thank you so much for all your services. Whereas, the organization's efforts are focused in four areas: improving life chances for youth and young adults; building wealth in low-income communities; forging strategic partnerships; and strengthening the non-profit sector through fiscal sponsorship. The organization has successfully managed more than a billion dollars in social capital over its 50-year history; and
Whereas, successful UAC initiatives include: programs to end homelessness; HIV/AIDS education; a bankers' collaborative that drives community investment; a multi-partner citywide effort to close the digital divide; a citywide campaign to employ Philadelphia's low-income teens Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 summer; a partnership in the City of Philadelphia's free, quality pre-K programs; co-convening of the Philadelphia's Read by 4th Campaign; and consulting to improve contracting and employment opportunities for women and people of color in commercial construction, and parents who are trying to fight for their public schools; and
Whereas, Sharmain Matlock-Turner serves on numerous committees, including her recent appointment by Council President Darrell Clarke as co-chair of the Special Committee on Poverty Reduction and Prevention and her appointment by Governor Tom Wolf to the Pennsylvania Redistricting Reform Commission. Mayor Jim Kenney appointed her to the Workforce Development Steering Committee; she serves on the Independence Health Group Advisory Board for Consumer and Business Affairs; she chairs the Fashion District Economic Opportunity Oversight Committee; Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 the Comcast Innovation Center Economic Opportunity Oversight Committee; and
I'm going to transition the mic to someone that is no stranger to this room, Councilmember Marian Tasco.
Whereas, Sharmain Matlock-Turner serves on the following civic, government, business, and education boards: Pierce College; the Regional Federal Reserve Bank's Economic and Community Advisory Council; Entrepreneur Works; The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; and
The Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia; Uplift Solutions; The Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success; Foundations National Advisory Board; and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 is co-founder and chair of the twenty-year-old West Oak Lane Charter School, a founding member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors, and a guest host on 6ABC's public affairs television program Inside Story; and
Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize this sorority sister and confidante, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, Urban Affairs Coalition President and CEO, on the occasion of UAC's 50th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of her leadership with the distinction of shattering another glass ceiling, being the first woman at the helm of UAC; now, therefore, be it
I would like to also take a moment to acknowledge Ms. Matlock-Turner's work as it relates to making sure that we provide high-quality job opportunities for our young people throughout the summer and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 year. Also acknowledge her hard work and dedication. Next week we'll be giving away close to thousands of Thanksgiving Day baskets going to families in need but, most importantly, her tutoring me and mentoring me around the issue of redlining, working with UAC to hold banks accountable to make sure they're investing in neighborhoods predominantly with people of color and also making sure that when we address the issue of gentrification, individuals have the opportunity to become first-time homebuyers in gentrifying neighborhoods. I want to personally just say thank you for your efforts in working with me along those issues. Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors and recognizes Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition. And further resolved -- Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Further resolved, that the path and legacy has been set for another 50 more years because of all of the accomplishments and partners that have been brought together and helped serve Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Further be it resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sharmain Matlock-Turner as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And for today's Inside Story, the Chair recognizes Sharmain Matlock-Turner for remarks.
Oh, my goodness. Now, my office knows that I am a stickler for preparing remarks, so I cannot believe how you got me here today with no notes or anything in front of me, but in front of this wonderful, wonderful Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 I've had the opportunity to work with over the years. Some part of my career I was sitting in some of those seats back there as a City Council staffer. I worked in Harrisburg, both in the House and in the Senate. I rode around with my good friend Councilwoman Marian Tasco, and we always talked about what we could do to make a difference in the world. I babysat her son. She babysat my kids as we were out knocking on doors in trying to make a difference, and I always remember how she was so helpful and supportive to me that I was always, always, always committed to make sure that I would take one more minute, one more day, one more call to be there to support the men and women who I know are committed to driving change and to make sure that the City of Philadelphia is a great place for us to live, work, and play. So I just want to thank Council President Clarke and all of City Council Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 recognition, not just of me but really the 50 years of an organization that started right around the corner after the assassination of Dr. King at 12th and Market Street, which was the PSFS building, where people came together, led by an icon leader, Charles "Charlie" Bowser, and other community activists who said we can find a way to work together if we invest our time, our talent, and treasure in our city and in our community. And I hope that I've been able to keep the faith for that work, and I will continue as long as I can to make sure that Philadelphia is a place for us all. Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. We're going to move on. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Folks, if we can get a little bit of quiet. We have to move on. Thank you. At this point, I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Blackwell. I believe Councilwoman wants to recognize some individuals, and then I call on you, Councilwoman, to bring forth our next resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much. I would like to recognize from the heart of the Third District some wonderful students from Longstreth Elementary School. They are in the balcony, and we hope they will stand.
Thank you. Welcome. Thank you all for coming down. And at this time, I would also like to recognize Councilwoman Blackwell, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 resolution naming the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue "Representative Al Dumas Boulevard." Would the Representative Al Dumas and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And we also have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, and Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Parker and Councilman Johnson.
Councilwoman, hold on one second. Folks, could I ask you all to please stop talking or go in the hallway.
Thank you, Mr. President. We are very pleased to be able to honor one of our own. When Lucien Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Council and after Charlie Durham resigned to run for judge, he chose a gentleman named Aljia Dumas, Al Dumas, to succeed him in the 188th Legislative District. This gentleman, who has been around, he was a committeeman in the 46th Ward where Lu was ward leader and I currently serve. Now he's a committee person in the 51st Ward. So he still serves. He moved over a little from being a committeeman in the 46th to the 51st. Many of you saw his sign up. He kept it up for years on Baltimore Avenue that said the 188th Legislative District. But I might note that on October 18th, he turned 91 years old. (Applause.)
He is still around to be involved in all aspects of politics in my district and in our city, and we are happy to honor him. Thank you. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
We thank you for your service. This morning we are naming the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue "Representative Al Dumas Boulevard." That calls for a repeat. "Representative Al Dumas Boulevard" in honor of State Representative Al Dumas and his dedication to public service.
Whereas, born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 18th, 1928, State Representative Aljia Dumas arrived in the City of Philadelphia in 1947. Ambitious and determined, he set out to make an impact;
And whereas, over the next sixty years, Representative Dumas focused on achievement, establishing his own brand of success in a plethora of endeavors that reached into a broad cross-section of the City. In 1968, he fulfilled one of his long-held goals as a public servant, and that was winning an election Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 of Representatives' 190th District seat by Special Election; and
Whereas, Representative Dumas unfortunately was unable to repeat his historical accomplishment and win reelection. However, he forged ahead and continued making a positive impact on the community; and
Whereas, in 1971, he was elected as the President of the West Philadelphia Branch NAACP. In 1976, Representative Al Dumas was elected as Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' 188th Legislative District by Special Election, to serve the remaining 1975 term of the Honorable Lucien E. Blackwell; and
Whereas, Representative Dumas is currently a resident of Southwest Philadelphia. He was married to the late Mary Fannie-Dumas for over 60 years. He has four children: Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Dumas, Melita Dumas-Staley, Aljia, Jr. and Gwendalyn Donaldson Dumas;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby also names the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue "Representative Al Dumas Boulevard" in honor of State Representative Al Dumas and his dedication to public service.
It takes a lot of work to make those shoes look that cool. I'm just gonna tell you. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Dumas as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration, and recognition. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Representative Dumas and his son, who will make remarks.
Good morning. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 (Good morning.)
My father would want me to say -- the microphone gets in his way sometimes, so he asked me to speak for him. My father would first want me to thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for her introduction of Resolution No. 190753 as well as the whole of Philadelphia City Council for their recognition of my father, State Representative Al Dumas, for his lifetime public service and fighting for the community. This recognition means something, and it is especially gratifying because it comes from a body made up of individuals who know and understand the importance of public service. From fighting like hell to stop a gas or water shutoff to helping young people get summer jobs, if it helps keep people stay in the position to one day possibly thrive, it means something. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 my mom -UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: That's all right. She's here. She's here.
-- Mary Dumas, is not present among us to see dad receive this recognition and to remind him, please, Dumas, please don't wear that tie. Please. It doesn't match. But, mom, as you see, he matches beautifully. Thank you. (Applause.)
We thank Commissioner Barbara Deeley for being here -- Lisa Deeley. Sorry. I went back too.
Thank you. And, again, congratulations and thank you for your service, Representative. Our next order of business is Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, when you're ready, please read those messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 6, 2019, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council on October 24, 2019, and that on November 6 and November 12, 2019, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council on October 31, 2019, except Bill No. 190640, which I am returning without my signature. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District, which Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and An ordinance amending Chapter 13-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates," to provide for enforcement of prevailing wage provisions of the Code that apply in connection with the receipt of charity water rates; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 299 by striking from the City Plan from a point approximately three-hundred forty-two feet southwest of Matthias Street to its terminus approximately fifty-eight feet further southwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Parker Avenue from a point approximately one-hundred fifty-six feet southwest of Matthias Street to a point approximately one-hundred eighty-six feet Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or a portion of a certain parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by University Avenue, Civic Center Boulevard, Hamilton Street and 34th Street, for further conveyance; and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement to lease back a portion of the property to the City; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department to enter into one or more agreements with a vendor or vendors for the purchase and servicing of online legal research services, investigative tools, and related goods and services; and An ordinance authorizing the issuance from time to time of one or more series of general obligation bonds to Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell the bonds at public or private negotiated sale, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
No bills or resolutions this morning. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce ten bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cobbs Creek, Baltimore Avenue, 49th Street, Grays Avenue, 58th Street, Springfield Avenue, and Cobbs Creek Parkway; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority all or a portion of a parcel or Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 parcels of land in and about the area bounded by South 50th Street, Pentridge Street, South 51st Street and Willows Avenue, for further conveyance; 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 Haverford Avenue, 42nd Street, Powelton Avenue, Market Street, and 46th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ogden Street, 40th Street, Parrish Street, and Preston Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Locust Street, 49th Street, Baltimore Avenue, and 58th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cedar Avenue, Baltimore Avenue, and 47th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Lancaster Avenue, 38th Street, Hamilton Street, and 31st Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Chestnut Street, 45th Street, Ludlow Street, and 46th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, and University Avenue; and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or a portion of a certain parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by University Avenue, Civic Center Boulevard, Hamilton Street and 34th Street, for further conveyance; and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement to lease back a portion of the property to the City.
Those ten bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming November 16 through 24, 2019, as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Philadelphia and honoring organizations, advocates, and City workers for their work supporting Philadelphia's most Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 vulnerable.
That will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer six bills, five of them on your behalf. The other one is co-sponsored by Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Newsstands," by revising requirements for sales, design, and advertising; and An ordinance authorizing the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to construct, own, and maintain a proposed set of non-standard bollards at 1503-A through 11 Arch Street; and An ordinance authorizing MMB Contractors, Incorporated to construct, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 own and maintain hardscaped patios, an accessible ramp, and planter boxes at 2225 Spring Garden Street; and An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 22nd Street, Market Street, 21st Street, and Ludlow Street; and An ordinance authorizing Aspen Operations to install, own, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 741 North 23rd Street; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Brown Street between North 22nd Street and Corinthian Streets.
Those six bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Council President. Today I introduce two bills and offer one resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by allowing for sidewalk sales near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue.
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into one or more agreements with a vendor or vendors for the purchase and servicing of online legal research services, investigative tools, and related goods and services.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Alexander Balloon to the board of directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 6600 block of Callowhill Street, both sides; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 299 by striking from the City Plan Parker Avenue from a point approximately three-hundred forty-two feet southwest of Matthias Street to its terminus approximately fifty-eight feet further southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Parker Avenue from a point Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 approximately one-hundred fifty-six feet southwest of Matthias Street to a point approximately one-hundred eighty-six feet further southwestwardly therefrom.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 050670, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to Center City ERUV Corporation, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Center City eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities including a maximum of ten Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 poles along, over, and in certain public rights-of-way and City streets" --
-- "and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner's consent," to modify applicable boundaries, all under certain terms and conditions.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
That will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Urban Affairs Coalition on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution and one bill on Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance amending Chapter 13-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates," to provide for enforcement and prevailing wage provisions of the Code that apply in connection with receipt of charity water rates.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Sharmain Matlock-Turner, Urban Affairs Coalition President and CEO.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with a provider of codification, editing, and marketing services to produce printed and electronic versions of The Philadelphia Code.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by further providing with respect to uses permitted or prohibited in Commercial Districts.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-514, entitled "/FNE, Far Northeast Overlay District."
Also referred to committee. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 195 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a dead-end portion of Cumberland Street extending from Beach Street to a terminus southeastwardly therefrom; 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 Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Broad Street, Snyder Avenue, 7th Street Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 and Oregon Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Coscia Massimo to own and maintain an existing exterior building ramp at 2723 East Cumberland Street.
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 190746, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1508 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refunds and Forgiveness for Poverty Income,' to revise the tax rate," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190746. (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 Bill No. 190746. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 190854, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 190152 (approved June 19, 2019), entitled 'An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2020 through 2025 inclusive'"; and Bill No. 190855, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 190153 (approved June 19, 2019), entitled 'An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2020 Capital Budget'"; and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 190856, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2020 from the General Fund and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Special Gasoline Tax Fund, and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 190857, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019 from the General Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund, and the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the Aviation Fund and the Water Residual Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 190854, 190855, 190856, and 190857. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 190854, 190855, 190856, and 190857. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 190637, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, in Sayre Morris Recreation Center located at 5800 Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 recreational or other purposes"; and Bill No. 190765, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Stormwater Easement Agreement with The School District of Philadelphia, to allow for the management of stormwater discharge from the northern portion of The School District parcels located at 3201 Ryan Avenue and 3001 Ryan Avenue, by way of overland flow to the adjacent Pennypack Park," 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 to permit first Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Bill Nos. 190637 and 190765. (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. 190636, 190765. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be placed Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. They are Bill Nos. 190386, 190080, 190308, 190446, 190452, 190764, 190782, 190803, 190805, 190806. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Henon. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 2ND READING All in favor please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now again recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190797, 190636, 190601, 190704, 190786, 190802, 180553, 180969, and 190749. All other bills and resolutions are being held. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills that are on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light on that device turns green, it will be your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. We have an exhaustive list of Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 individuals who are interested in testifying, so I will alter the timeframe to allow everybody an opportunity to testify. So you will be given two minutes to testify. So, please, if you have some pre-documented testimony, please adjust it to reflect the two-minute limit. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Deanna Burney, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Deanna Burney. This is the first time I've given testimony. I'm blessed to be here to talk about the right to counsel bill. I urge everyone to vote yes on this bill. I bring to this work a lifetime as a teacher, counselor, principal, researcher, educator. Housing has a direct effect on student achievement. If Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 children aren't in school every day and the same school, they lose out. One of Dr. Hite's main bills is to increase the percentage of children reading at grade level. At present, it's only 36 percent of eight-year-olds that read at grade level. That means only one out of every three children. I'll bet if we looked at the individual schools, we would find out that there's a lot of variation between that percentage. Some schools might have 98 percent. Some schools might have 10 percent. This can also be applied to attendance. In my experience, I've had children who have to be evicted. I've had people find housing and then be denied later on. I don't believe that there is an at-risk child in this city. What we have are children in risky environments. When we say at-risk child, the impetus is that there's something wrong with the child, that the child needs fixing. When Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 we say children in risky environments, that makes us as the adults accountable and responsible for the environments that our children live in. And housing security begets school security, and I think we need to connect the dots between housing, attendance. And the School District does not give attendance data by school. I don't know why. Because I think that this...
Thank you. I think that this is a good beginning, this right to counsel bill, but I think we really need to drill down on the attendance by school, the reading achievement by school, and get a unified plan to make sure that all of our children are in safe environments, not risky environments. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 And I thank you.
Barrett Marshall, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
I'm honored to be here on a day that I know is going to be historic for the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, City Council, Council President Clarke, and Councilmember Gym for the opportunity to testify and to all of the co-sponsors of this bill to create a tenant's right to counsel. I'm Barrett Marshall, Director of the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, an attorney at Community Legal Services. Our work over the last two years with our incredible partners is a demonstration of the power of Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 representation for tenants. We've proven that when we raise the voices of tenants, we create a better world. Together, we have shown that we can prevent homelessness, stabilize communities, fight racism, and stem the rising tide of poverty in the City. You've heard the statistics. The eviction crisis is disproportionately affecting black women and their children. It is tearing apart longstanding communities. It's destroying the possibility of a future for so many families, and it's costing us dearly in every way. What we know is that legal representation has the power to change this, the power to create access, to generate equity, and to save lives. We have seen the difference that this representation makes. We know that home is our foundation, that stable housing is a health measure. We know that creating Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 stability for individual families leads to healthy children, thriving communities, and a productive city. We know the value that home has for each of us, and we know how to protect it. But what we must know is that we have work to do. Philadelphians will do the work. Our neighbors, our organizers, and our service providers are extraordinary. We will come together and we will lift each other, as we always have. But we need our city behind us. We need your support. Give us the chance to do what is necessary. Give us the chance to do the work here. We're asking you to invest in all of us, in our survival and in our success, in the incredible ability that Philadelphians have to come together and create real lasting change. We've already begun, and we know what we have to do. We ask that you stick with us, work with us to save our homes and strengthen our communities. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 We ask that today you see the work that needs to be done, you understand our commitment to each other and to our city, you hear the stories of those testifying, and that you pass a tenant's right to counsel. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Rasheedah Phillips. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 Although roughly three million people around the country are evicted each year, it is not a coincidence that who gets evicted falls along racial and gender lines, most frequently impacting black women and their children and, in Philadelphia, impacting black families disproportionately in spite of their level of income. It is instead by design that we have gotten ourselves here, and it is only by purposeful and intentional design of better policies that we can begin to unravel those structural and institutional inequities that consistently leave black families and other marginalized and vulnerable people behind. This bill offers a solution that recognizes that legal aid is a cost-effective way of preventing homelessness and can help provide outcomes for families that minimize disruptions to health, safety, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 employment, and education. PEPP, the Mayor's Eviction Prevention Task Force, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and others, Philly Tenants Union, have done the work and the research to show that although the majority of evictions appear to be over money, there is something deeper, more nuanced, more insidious at the base of these evictions and that the crisis is a systemic issue, not an individual issue, and one that requires a long-term systemic solution. It recognizes, for example, that our city's housing stock is old and deteriorating, particularly in areas of the City that have seen historic disinvestment, and that this leads to housing conditions that by law no resident should be obligated to pay rent for. Yet residents end up paying lifelong prices for their health, as their children endure the lifelong impacts of lead poisoning and other Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 harms. They end up with inaccurate eviction records that prevent them from accessing affordable housing for the rest of their lives. This legislation recognizes that because of the desirability of living in our city, our neighborhoods are being rapidly gentrified and seeing disproportionate rent increases and tax increases, such that according to some studies more than 12,000 African Americans in Philadelphia moved out of gentrifying neighborhoods over a 13-year period. Access to justice is a moral imperative. One's stability to access the justice system and defend their shelter and their home cannot be based on who can afford a lawyer. The scales of justice should never be tipped in favor of a landlord's ability to profit. When we talk about ensuring that every tenant who wants one has the right to access a lawyer, we're not just Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 talking about balancing out the justice system so it can do its job better. What we are talking about is a shift in access to opportunity and power, a shift in whose voice gets heard, a shift in who gets access to the sort of information that could change their future. One of the most innovative aspects of this bill is the requirement to provide community education in neighborhoods directly impacted by the eviction crisis to educate and empower tenants in communities on their housing rights and responsibilities. We urge you to pass this bill today. Thank you.
Agnes Domocase, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Agnes Domocase and I am a member of One PA. I have lived at 1929 Uber Street for over 15 years, serving as block captain. The property was bought, a 31-year-old developer from out of town. He doubled my rent. He made me pay a water bill when I never had to pay one before. There was a huge burden for my husband and me, because we were both retired and lived on a fixed income. We struggled to make the payments every month, but we never missed one. The landlord often sent people into the apartment unannounced. One time my husband had a tense interaction with one of the workers. Out of nowhere, we were told that we had to move out. When we got the letter, we were upset, scared, and confused. We didn't understand why we would have to move out. My husband was fed up and he just said, let's go. Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 I asked him, where will we go? Where are we going to move? We don't have any money. There were so many strange things happening, that he didn't care. He was just ready to go. I told him I would call the rental office and find out what was going on. When I called, I was so hurt to find out that the reason they were ready to put us out was because some simple miscommunication between my husband and a maintenance worker. But we both lived next door to my house -- my mother lived next door to my house. I couldn't imagine leaving the community that has meant so much to my family. Wealthy people have access to support and they have a lawyer. Why don't we have one? We deserve the same. All studies show people are less likely to be evicted and have better outcomes with lawyers and in eviction court. With the eviction crisis here in Philadelphia, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 why wouldn't we take this step to keep people in their homes? I urge City Council to pass the right to counsel today.
Gabrielle Green, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Gabrielle Green. By the grace of God, I have had the wonderful privilege of being both a realtor and an attorney. As such, I've had the opportunity to see firsthand the interrelatedness between laws and public policy, as well as the direct effect that these have on individual lives, particularly with respect to housing in Philadelphia. It is my wholehearted belief Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 that this bill will positively impact the lives of thousands of Philadelphians by decreasing the amount of homelessness, eliminating the extreme disparity in representation during Landlord Tenant Court while also saving the City thousands of dollars in unnecessary evictions. In my career as a realtor, I've worked with low-income families seeking housing and have watched a number of them get denied, not because of their inability to pay rent, but because of a previous landlord-tenant complaint filed against them, a complaint that many of them didn't fully understand, which led them to appear in court to defend themselves with limited knowledge of the law and without representation. In my career as an attorney, I have found myself constantly trying to navigate Philadelphia's municipal codes and rules of civil procedure. Even after three years of law school and time in Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 practice, I am still at a loss for words. I'm still constantly asking other attorneys for guidance and asking questions myself, as I know I'm not the only one. So how can we expect individuals who have not been trained on the law to understand how to navigate this complex and often confusing system? I recognize that with every step towards progress, there's bound to be opposition, but with this bill, there doesn't have to be. Eighty percent of landlords have attorneys in Landlord Tenant Court, whereas 11 percent of tenants do. This bill is not tipping the scales in favor of tenants to benefit them. It's making an attempt to level them. If there is one thing I've learned in practice, it is that those with the privilege, means, and opportunity have a responsibility to help provide for those who don't. I've personally never faced Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 eviction, but the reality is that evictions disproportionately affect and impact black female heads of households, which means I easily could have been, and that is why I am here. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I'm Curtis Shiver. I'm here today to represent the bill hopefully get passed today. I'm just thankful for this opportunity today to come up here and speak. I am a previous tenant. I was faced with some financial difficult stages during my process of landlord-tenant issues. This bill today is truly needed in our city to help families overcome such hurdles of becoming more distressed through the process and protecting families from financial burdens. It also Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 helps avoid the homelessness and mental disturbance amongst homes and criminal activities that's going on throughout our city. We all view those criminal activities that go on throughout the day in our city. These are most of the issues on why we face most of the criminal activities in our city. I am a previous returning citizen back into our city, and I previously was working with the City of Philadelphia and manage about 280 parks throughout our city, and I went through some of the troubles that our youth are facing throughout our city, and the housing problems that we face today with the landlords are some of the reasons that we need to pass this bill today. So I hope you guys take into consideration my statement today and get this bill passed.
Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting November 14, 2019
Fredericka Lightford, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
Peace and blessings to all. My name is Fredericka Lightford. This is my first time here in City Council. I'm here because I support the right to counsel. It's very, very important that we have counsel represent us. Sometimes we walk into certain situations and we don't know what it's like. I've never been evicted, but I have had counsel represent me, and it was a victory. So I think it's very important that we pay attention. A lot of people are being evicted. They don't know their rights, and they don't know that they can have counsel present them when they are in situations where they have to go before laws that they don't understand, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 they don't understand the meaning of it. But I'm here to say that it's a no-brainer. We need it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Angela McIver, commenting on 190386. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. MS. McIVER: Good afternoon. Again, I'm Angela McIver, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Housing Rights Center in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The mission is to ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all people. Now that the Kenney Administration is implementing more measures to ensure equity and equality, it's befitting that more interest occur in housing. Providing financial support for people that face evictions from their homes is important, because that stabilizes families, neighborhoods, and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 the economy. The right to counsel also indirectly helps residents achieve the goal of securing housing, because regardless of the disposition in eviction court, most residents will seek to be rehoused. Having effective counsel during the eviction hearing increases the likelihood that a future housing provider will evaluate a prospective tenant based on a true account of a former landlord-tenant relationship, a fair and just disposition, and access to electronic records that are free from error. Within the eviction crisis is the lesser known story that entails residents whose situations are complex and convoluted because their eviction predicament also entails one or more of their housing allegations. For example, when a disabled person needs a reasonable accommodation and comes to the Fair Housing Rights Center for assistance, Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 most times we work with that person to achieve a request, which enables the same person to remain in their home, or terminate a lease early without penalty. When the process fails, then the person can seek social justice. From March 2018 through March 2019, 190 intakes occurred. Fifty-six percent of those intakes involved residents of Philadelphia, and the majority were from people with disabilities. The organization was able to achieve a federal settlement in court with a huge housing management company that would not accept their SSDI payment that did not fall before the 5th of the month. We were able to set a national precedence that should be followed locally as well as in our state. Providing fair housing expertise is what fair housing does, and we have a proven track record of exercising the alternative of untimely evictions, displacement, and Stated Meeting November 14, 2019 institutionalization by using reasonable accommodations. Thank you for an opportunity to testify. (Applause.)