COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. We'd like to start now. We're running a little late. Thank you. We have established a quorum. Council shall come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, our very own. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to provide invocation, Mr. President and members of Council. Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us here this morning. We thank you for the gift of service and recognize what an important purpose it is in our lives. Heavenly Father, we ask that of Council. Bless those like me who have been here a while and all of those who have come to try to do the people's work and try to serve people, all people, your people. And Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless their families. Help them as we deliberate on hard issues like taxes and schools. Help us as we deliberate issues on services to other people. And Heavenly Father, we will continue to give you the praise. We ask that you this morning bless people who are in nursing homes and boarding homes. Bless people who are in hospitals and people who are ill. Bless people who live and sleep on streets and don't know where their next meal or their next paycheck is coming from. And we ask that you bless us as we try to consider all of these things in this world today. And now unto him, who is able to keep us from falling, able to present before the presence of his glory and majesty, dominion and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting -- folks, please. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 17th, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 17th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal of the meeting of May 17th, 2012 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. with the regular order of business to thank everyone who has come here today. We hope your experience here is a pleasurable one. I promise we will be on our best behavior to assure that you come back. So thank you all for coming here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Cultural Fund on its 20th Anniversary. Would Sara Garonzik and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. We have Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Brown and Councilwoman Bass also joining the Councilwoman.
Mr. President, may I note that Councilwoman Joan Specter was here earlier and wanted you to know that she was here for this presentation and had to leave.
Thank you. Thank you. I would have loved to have seen her.
Thank you. Good morning. We can't believe 20 years passed since we implemented this program, but we stand here to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, which was put into place to kind of take the place of Class 500. And those of you who were around remember the controversy about that, but at the end of the day, it worked out real fine. So I'm here as one of those people who voted on this and was a charter member of the Board, I believe. Honoring the Philadelphia Cultural Fund on its 20th Anniversary. Whereas, the establishment of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, which Cultural Fund, was guided by an Ad Hoc Committee on Cultural Funding that was comprised of various arts and civic leaders and this Committee was led by the late John Allen, Artistic Director of the New Freedom Theatre, Cathryn Coate, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Helen Hayes, Executive Director of the Coalition of African American Arts Organizations, and Portia Sperr, the Director of the Museums Initiative; and Whereas, considering the work of the Ad Hoc Committee and the significant role that arts and cultural organizations and activities play in the quality of life of all Philadelphians, on May 9th, 1991, former Councilmembers John F. Street and Joan Specter introduced and passed Bill No. 1424 that authorized City officials to file articles of incorporation to establish a non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing funding to arts and cultural institutions, organizations, and activities within the City of Philadelphia; and
And I cannot stand here and pass on the opportunity to offer my own personal testimony. This is one community, this is one economic engine of our city that I completely absolutely adore. And it was Councilwoman Marian Tasco who reached to me long before I came to City Council to ask if I would serve on the Dance Panel, and, of course, that gave me a peek into this side of government. And so to now be here and celebrate this institution where it's proven now, based on research done by many far and wide, that this community stacks exceedingly high when it comes to being the glue for all of us who come from different parts of the world. And so with that, whereas, the Cultural Fund is an independent, community-focused -- whereas, through the Ad Hoc Committee, a report was issued guidelines for grants that the former -- forgive me; from the proposed Cultural Fund and, on February 18th, 1992, former Mayor Edward G. Rendell and former Council President John F. Street signed as incorporators and successfully filed the articles of incorporation for the Cultural Fund with the Commonwealth; and Whereas, the Cultural Fund is an independent, community-focused, non-profit corporation, with a mission of supporting and enhancing the cultural life and vitality of our city and its residents and its goal is to provide arts and culture as engines, as engines of social and economic development in Philadelphia. The Cultural Fund is governed by an 18 member Board of Directors of which the Mayor appoints four members and City Council appoints four members and the remaining 10 members are community directors;
I'd like to Street for appointing me as a charter member of this organization. Whereas, the Cultural Fund is managed by a lean staff of a part-time manager and a part-time clerical assistant and its office space, computer equipment as well as printing, mailing, and administrative services are provided by the Commerce Department and, considering this lean operation, the Cultural Fund's administrative budget has remained minimal over the past two decades, comprising 7 percent of its annual operating budget; and Whereas, the Cultural Fund is committed to an open and peer driven grant approval process with grants being made by a peer review panel through an open application process and, through this process, over 33 million has been invested into Philadelphia's arts and culture community over the past two decades and last year alone, over $1.8 more than 200 organizations;
And whereas, the Mayor and City Council have consistently funded the Cultural Fund, from 440,000 in 1994 to a peak of 3.2 million in Fiscal Year '10 and, in that year, the Cultural Fund established a new initiative entitled Youth Arts Enrichment Grants for projects that enrich the lives of young people through individual grants up to $50,000; and Whereas, the recent economic and cultural renaissance of Philadelphia is a testament to the long term investment in the City's rich cultural life and, over the last twenty years, Cultural Fund grants have empowered a rich variety of arts and cultural groups, ensuring that the City of Philadelphia and its residents have accessible and diverse cultural opportunities; now, therefore, be it
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the Philadelphia Cultural Fund on its 20th Anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This is a certification of a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 17th of May 2012. Signed by President Darrell Clarke, introduced by Tasco, Reynolds Brown, Kenney and sponsored by all members of City Council. And we like what you do. We support what you do. Each of us who have served on the Board support you and will continue to support you as you do the work to provide funding for our cultural arts in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you. This is really quite an honor to accept this on behalf of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund Board, in that it represents two decades of achievement and commitment to the well-being of our city's greatest asset, which we all know is our cultural community. There are so many people in this room today responsible for laying the foundation and providing the visionary leadership that has allowed us all to stand here and take such pride in accepting this resolution, and I wonder if back in 1992 the founders of this Fund ever thought that it would accomplish this much good. Thirty-three million seven hundred and thirty thousand dollars, 435 impressive, and it was just mentioned, this just from a small fund of $400,000. Over the last two decades, the Fund has weathered many economic storms, always landing on its feet, always adhering to its core responsibility to conduct its grants-making through an unbiased peer-review structure. The Board is now completing its strategic planning process that will take us through the next four years, and what we have all come to realize through this process is that three of our greatest assets are this peer-review process, which we have burnished until it shines; our dogged insistence on the Fund remaining as an independent, impartial entity; and our steadfast devotion to making general operating grants -- and we know how rare they are these days -- to organizations of every size, in every neighborhood and in every discipline throughout Philadelphia. be nowhere without the individuals who dreamed it as well as those who continue to support it, some of whom are with us today. I know they've already been shouted out, but I'm going to do it again, because we can't say enough to thank them. And I just have to say for a moment that standing here on the podium with all of these leaders who have contributed to the well-being of our cultural landscape for the last 20 and even 30 years is so moving for all of us, and I think we're all feeling that right now. Together, leaders in City Council and community leaders and artists have all joined together to make this happen, and it's a rare and beautiful thing. I'd like to again recognize some of those dreamers too; in particular, again Helen Hayes, who is right with me, and Cathryn Coate to my left. In 1992, Helen was the Executive Director of the Coalition of African Cathy was the Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. I remember sitting on her Board. And they were leaders in the independent Ad Hoc Committee of Civic-Minded Individuals you heard about today, who came together to create this organization. And their focus and energy were the engine -- talk about engines -- working in collaboration with Councilmembers Joan Specter and John Street in creating Philadelphia City Council Bill No. 1424. So let's once more give everyone a round of applause. They are our founding leaders, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. (Applause.)
I'd like to also recognize some other Cultural Fund leaders whose time, energy and vision made important contributions. Please hold your applause until the end. Unfortunately, so many people came that so I probably won't be able to mention everyone, and I beg your forgiveness for that. I'd like to mention Bill Parshall, formerly of Hunt Manufacturing, who is in the back there. Bill, raise your hand. And Penny Bach -- I don't know if you're here -- Executive Director of the Association of Public Art. They both sat on that Ad Hoc Committee on Cultural Funding. Karen Davis, who was Executive Director of the Arts and Business Council, was important in working through BVLA in drafting the legislation. We have two past presidents here, Kevin Dow and Nancy Goldenberg. Where are you? Amazing. Kate Moore, formerly of PNC, was on the Board. Of course, Portia Sperr on the original Committee, who was, as we all know, founder of the Please Touch Museum, and look where they are Isa here today and Bob Campana. And please forgive me, anyone else that I might have missed. And the following Councilmembers, current and former, who served on our PCF Board: the late David Cohen, of course. I don't know if Happy Fernandez is here, who is not a Councilperson, but where are you? Or, yes, she was actually. James Kenney, Angel Ortiz, of course Blondell Reynolds Brown we just heard from, Juan Ramos, Jack Kelly, Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Frank Rizzo, of course Joan Specter, who I hope is here today, but I'm not certain, John Street and, of course, Marian Tasco. We have with us some current members of our Board, not on City Council. Don't know if he got here yet, but there's David Young, the Executive Director of Cliveden of the National Trust; Germaine Ingram, an independent artist; Lois Welk -- raise your hand, everyone -- Executive Director of Dance USA; and Nina Zucker, independent marketing and press consultant. If I missed anyone, I'm sorry. Please continue talking to me at the next Board meeting. A shout-out to Gary Steuer of the Office of Arts and Culture and Creative Economy, who, by his seat on the Board, makes major contributions. And also Mayor Nutter, because in his capacity as a member of City Council, supported the first allocation to PCF in 1993-'94. And I would also like to thank our invaluable fund manager, June O'Neill, right here. So from all of us on the current PCF Board to all of you who made it happen, thank you for your amazing legacy. We owe it all to you, and we're going to continue strong. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. We'd ask that as you leave, please keep your voices down. We have another presentation. Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution honoring Patty Jackson. Would Ms. Jackson and those accompanying her please come to the podium. And we also have Councilman Goode, Henon, Jones and Councilwoman Tasco and Bass and Councilman Squilla.
That's much better. It's always pleasant when I'm honored and privileged to have this opportunity to present a citation to a young lady who is not only my friend but also someone who I consider an icon in the entertainment industry here in the City of Philadelphia. She also had been born and raised in the great part of the City which is known as South Philadelphia, particularly the Point Breeze area, and so it's always fitting to have someone who has grown up in the same neighborhood that you have grown up and who have gone on to do some great things in our city and never forgotten their roots. So at this particular time, the resolution reads: Honoring, recognizing and commending Patty Jackson for her thirty years as an acclaimed and beloved broadcaster who has graced Philadelphia with her iconic voice and undeniable talents for the last three decades.
Whereas, Jackson, a native South Philadelphian, was born on November 14th, 1963 and attended South Philadelphia Motivation High School and the American Academy of Broadcasting before embarking on her illustrious radio career at WSSJ in Camden, New Jersey; and
When I ask people what's the 411, they say what's that? I said, Don't you listen to Patty Jackson, the 411? Whereas, her diverse career has included country, urban and pop formats, including Power 99 FM and Q102, but her warm and soulful voice found its true home with adult radio listeners on WDAS-FM; and
I had to make my way through all of Patty's fans here. Whereas, Patty's conversational style has kept her audience connected throughout her broadcast career which has of entertainment's biggest names such as Quincy Jones, Denzel Washington, Tyler Perry, Smoky Robinson, Susan Taylor, Iyanla Vanzant, and Lee Daniels; and
You know I like the part about the South Philly gal. Whereas, her talents extend far beyond radio; Patty has penned a weekly entertainment column in the Philadelphia Tribune for over 10 years and her columns have been circulated nationally through the Internet; and
Whereas, Patty is also the official voice of welcome and information at the Philadelphia International Airport and travelers from all over the world are greeted by her inviting tone; and
Whereas, her tireless dedication to the community is evidenced by her involvement in the annual AIDS, Diabetes and Race for the Cure walk as well as National Woman's Campaign; and
Patty's highest ratings come from West Philly, though. Whereas, Patty has received countless honors and awards including the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists honoring her for outstanding community service, the Communicator of the Year Award from the National MBA Association, the March of Dimes A.I.R. Award for Milestones and Achievements in Radio, and a nomination for Billboard/Airplay Monitor Radio Award Local Personality of the Year; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize and commend Patty Jackson for her thirty years as an acclaimed and beloved broadcaster -(Applause.)
-- who has iconic voice and undeniable talents for the last three decades. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Patty Jackson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. I just want to personally say congratulations and we love you.
I can truly say that God has blessed me with a remarkable talent. I always thought I would be a singer, but I wound up being the one on the radio. It is my pleasure and my honor. I am so humbled. Thank you all. I know so many of the Councilpeople for working. I am glad that I am able to be a public servant radio. As those standing behind me can attest to, we are all working for the betterment of our city. I'm a true South Philadelphia girl, true Philadelphia girl, and what we can do together to make our city the greatest city in this country is how we should all come together. I thank you all. I am truly humbled. I stand before you as a mother. I've got my family here, my mother. I'm a caregiver for my mother, who has Alzheimer's. I stand here for her, but, you know, we kind of like do it all when we juggle our families, when we juggle our work, but it's really how we can come together and be a blessing to somebody else. If we could go forward with that every day, those blessings, they wind up coming back to us. This here today, this is a blessing. Thirty years strong, and I thank God for every single day. And I all, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill No. 120275, 120277, 120299, 120323, 120325, 120334, 120335 and 120345; and I am pleased to advise you that 23, 2012, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its sessions on May 10, 2012 and May 17, 2012; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body two resolutions appointing new members to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; namely, David Marshall, Harold Epps and Greg DeShields; and Also, a resolution approving the sale by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of 6975 Norwitch Drive, in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area - Stage "B" Industrial, containing approximately seven tenths acres, to FDA Car Rental; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to execute a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, obligating PAID to execute a sublease with the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, under which the Society would construct, manage, operate, maintain, and repair a multi-story parking garage and related streetscape improvements along West Girard Avenue; and Also an ordinance authorizing a license agreement with a term of up to twenty years and other related agreements, between the City of Philadelphia, as licensor, and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, as licensee, for certain land and facilities located in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park and the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, to be used to establish, conduct, and operate the Philadelphia Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy; and An ordinance authorizing real estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport Lindbergh Boulevard, North of Mario Lanza Boulevard and Southwest of Eighty-Fourth Street and Southeast of the Philadelphia Airport High Speed Line, Northwest of Bartram Avenue and Southwest of Eighty-Fourth Street; and An ordinance naming and designating the juvenile detention facility located at 91 North 48th Street "The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center"; and An ordinance removing certain properties located on the ground bounded by West Thompson Street to the North, North 31st Street to the East, West Girard Avenue to the South, and certain railroad tracks and North 32nd Street to the West from the Philadelphia Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone, subject to the request and consent of the owners of said properties, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Do you have any other communications, Mr. Decker?
Thank you so much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3100, entitled "Attorney Fees in Collection Matters; Retention of Private Attorneys," by giving the office of the Inspector General jurisdiction over delinquent accounts suspected of involving fraud or tax evasion.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce four bills and two resolutions. One of the resolutions is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Sanchez and Councilman Curtis Jones.
An ordinance establishing a no tractor trailer parking regulation on the 800 Block of South 53rd Street, from Baltimore Avenue to Whitby Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 38th Street, Ludlow Street, Chestnut Street and 37th Street.
And an ordinance naming and designating the juvenile detention facility located at 91 North 48th Street "The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center."
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to execute a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, obligating PAID to execute a sublease with the Zoological Society of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing KeVen Parker and the Spread the Love Campaign.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings concerning the Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare practices against Master of Human Services graduates of Lincoln University.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer five bills and four resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia.
And an ordinance authorizing real estate taxes for the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia for Fiscal Year 2013 and thereafter, by amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide for a tax and tax rate on real property; and by amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing real estate taxes for the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia for Fiscal Year 2013 and thereafter, by amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide for a tax and tax rate on real property, for exclusions, and for an established pre-determined ratio.
And an ordinance removing certain properties located on the ground bounded by West Thompson Street to the North, North 31st Street to the East, West Girard Avenue to the South, and certain railroad tracks and North 32nd Street to the West from the Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone, subject to the request and consent of the owners of said properties.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1237 North Thirty-First Street, 1239 North Thirty-First Street, 3010 Baltz Street, 3011 Baltz Street, 3014 Baltz Street and 3007 West Stiles Street.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 703, 704 and 705.
That will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington - Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 439 Belgrade Street.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Strawberry Mansion Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 17.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, one co-sponsored with Councilman Greenlee, one co-sponsored with Councilman Green, and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising the definition of the pending ordinance doctrine; amending certain procedures and requirements relating to Civic Design Review; amending certain provisions and requirements relating to stream buffers; amending and modifying parking requirements in certain districts and making certain technical changes.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by providing for the inclusion of notices regarding Housing Inspection License requirements in certain City tax and utility bills.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring The 10th Anniversary of the Gary Papa Father's Day Prostrate Run.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing a license agreement with a term of up to twenty years and other related agreements, between the City of Philadelphia, as licensor, and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, as licensee, for certain land and facilities located in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park and the Marian Anderson Recreation Center.
That bill will be placed in the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing real estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the sale by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of 6975 Norwitch Drive, in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area - Stage "B" Industrial, containing approximately seven tenths of an acre, to SDA Car Rental Limited Liability Company.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
A non-privileged resolution calling upon the School Reform Commission to acknowledge the vital importance of SEIU 32BJ 1201 School District employees to public education and our local economy by bargaining in good faith with SEIU 32BJ and quickly resolve the negotiations to prevent the layoffs of 2,700 school district employees.
No; for next week's Final Passage. Thank you, Mr. President.
That will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by every member of City Council, and I ask for its consideration at today's Council session.
A privileged resolution urging the restoration of the proposed devastating 20 percent cutbacks to the State's human services budget by Governor Tom Corbett. This is a non-privileged resolution.
Councilman, you're going to ask for a suspension of rules at the appropriate time or you want to do it now?
Yes. I'd like it for today, and I respectfully ask for suspension of the rules, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill co-sponsored by Councilwoman Brown and Councilwoman Tasco. I have four resolutions, three on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by enacting a new Section, requiring the street address to be displayed upon the curb of certain properties.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the Parkside Saints Football Team on winning the unlimited weight class Junior East Coast Football League by defeating the Mastadons from Vineland, New Jersey 19 to 6.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution appointing Harold Epps to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
That resolution will be forwarded to committee.
And a resolution appointing Greg DeShields to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
That resolution will be forwarded to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing David Marshall to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
That resolution will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations," by providing for an additional fee to be added to the cost of each parking ticket.
That ordinance will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carlisle Street, west side, Tioga Street to Ontario Street.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer one bill co-sponsored by every member of Council.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by providing for a tax credit for employment of veterans of the armed forces.
That bill will be referred to committee. That concludes our introductions. The next order of business is the reports from committee. Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120343, after Mr. Decker reads the title.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 120343, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designating the Criminal Justice Center located at 13th and Filbert Streets as the 'Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice,'" respectfully reports it has considered the same and to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be on the First Reading of Council today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks and Recreation.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 120250, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designating Hetzell's Field located at Thompson Street and Columbia Avenue as 'Dave Dougherty Field,'" respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill 120250. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The rules of Council will be suspended this day to permit first reading of this Bill 120250 on the first session of Council. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the -- before we proceed with public comment -- I'm sorry. I'm getting a little before myself. I'm moving a little too fast. The Chair recognizes -- I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the First 2ND READING Reading Calendar today. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 120441, 120447, 120448, 120450, 120106-A, 120015, 120213, 120051, 120168, 120178, 120211, 120212, 120249, 120277 and 120300. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Now it's time for public comment, but before hearing the public comment, I'd just like to lay down the ground rules. You will have three minutes to speak on a bill that is on today's Calendar. In order to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, we wanted to have somewhat of a limit. You will see a device on the podium. There is a light that will come on. If it's green, it means that it's your time to speak. When it turns yellow, that means you have 30 seconds, and when it's red, your three minutes are up. If there's anyone in here who wishes to testify on anything that's on today's Calendar, please go to the table to my left and sign up. Mr. Decker, please read the name of the first individual to testify.
Jenny Robinson, commenting on 120106-A. (Witness approached podium.)
I'm Jenny Robinson. I'm with AAA Mid-Atlantic in Philadelphia. As the region's largest organization of motorists with 79,000 Philadelphia members and thousands more in the region, AAA Mid-Atlantic is speaking out in favor of this bill to allow online and mail appeal hearings for parking tickets in the City, and we're glad to see that disabled motorists will have an option to have their appeals by phone as well. In Fiscal Year 2011, there were more than 1.6 million tickets issued in Philadelphia, with 17,000 parking ticket appeal hearings each month. Right now all those folks have to trudge into Center City, spending the day in purgatory at the Parking Authority instead of enjoying all that the City has to offer, and many other motorists decide not to bother because they can't afford to lose a day's pay or productivity, so they just go ahead and pay the $26 or much more depending on the kind of ticket you get, even if that ticket was wrongly given in their belief. AAA believes this measure is long overdue. Many other cities already have online and mail options for parking ticket appeal hearings, including New York City, Boston and Washington, DC. It's time to bring the City into the 21st century and let motorists have a fair chance to exercise their rights when they fight the parking wars in Philadelphia. Thank you to Councilman Green and other members of City Council for introducing and supporting this sensible and fair bill.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage. 5/24/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120441.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1815 North Gratz Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 5/24/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120447.
A resolution adopting the 2012 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, No. 120448. 5/24/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion.
I make a motion to move to adopt the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The 5/24/12 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. Resolution 120448 is adopted. Mr. Decker, No. 120450.
A resolution approving the purchase option agreement, redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Nicetown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 47, 48 and 49.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)