COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON 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. (Good morning.)
We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. The members appear to have taken their seats, so we'll get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Charles R. Leonard of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
It is a privilege to be in the house this morning. I would like that we take a moment, being this is the 9/11 observance, that we take a moment just for silence for a moment for those who lost their lives at the World Trade also dedicated their lives trying to save and assist in the tragedy. If we have a moment of silence, please. (Moment of silence.)
Oh God, we pray this day. We pray for this nation. We pray for government, our President. We pray for state governments, and we pray for the city governments all around the nation, especially for this government, city government, the City of Philadelphia. We ask this day for your blessing upon the work of our lawmakers as they begin this new session of City Council. We pray give them wisdom, give them sense of compassion, give them humility as they work to solve the problems of the City of Philadelphia. We pray that the decisions that are made in this session will be decisions that will better this place, this city for lives of many others, for children, the families, for the seniors who reside here, that this become a better place, a model city for the nation and the world. Help these lawmakers to work together, to work together for the common good for the residents of this city. Let it be a goal of all the lawmakers in the Chamber to live in the words of the prophet Micah that they work towards to do justice, love mercy, and walk calmly with God. These things we ask in the name of the most high God. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you all very much. Thank you so much. order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 19th, 2014. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 19th, 2014 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 19th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, and welcome back, not that you ever left. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you very much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone here today who has found time in their day to come down and witness your government in action. We hope that your stay here today is a that you learn a little something today, and we really hope that your stay is so pleasurable that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for being here. I just want to say to my colleagues, I'm not going to say welcome back because we've pretty much seen each other all summer long, but welcome back in this room. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution on my behalf to the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. Would Ms. Mable Welborn and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's a pleasure to present this resolution commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center. Whereas, the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center (formerly known as is a $3 million facility located at 1415 North Broad Street made possible through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a loan from Fidelity Bank of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the 67,000 square foot two-story Center designed and constructed uniquely as a one-stop human services facility, housing a number of public and private direct-service agencies was dedicated September 12th, 1978; and
Whereas, for the past thirty-five years under the ownership and management of African Americans, the Center has been an easily accessible and affordable location for the providers -And whereas, the initial tenants -- I started in the wrong place. Sorry. Whereas, the initial tenants included the Philadelphia Youth Conservation Services, Philadelphia Human Office, Philadelphia Youth Commission, Philadelphia Youth Services Commission, the State Bureau of Employment Security, and Opportunities Academy of Management Training; and Whereas, for the past thirty-five years under the ownership and management of African Americans, the Center has been an easily accessible and affordable location for the providers of basic human and social services to the citizens of Philadelphia; and Whereas, previous tenants included the Social Security Administration, Philadelphia Police Academy, Bureau of Unemployment Security, Young Scholars Charter School, Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School, Opportunities Academy of Management Training, African American Chamber of Commerce, Volunteers of America, General Services Administration, City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, and the Committee; and
Whereas, the Center's current tenants collectively have approximately 300 full-time and part-time employees and logs on average 2,000 to 2,500 visitors monthly. Current tenants include the Philadelphia Youth Network, VisionQuest, Progressive Life Center, OIC of America, Campaign for Working Families, Spectrum Health Services, Credence Home Health Agency, National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer, Temple Center for Asian Health, and Michael Hanowitz, L.C.S.W.; and Whereas, the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust, whose mission in part is to create economic and community development opportunities by using its resources to advocate on behalf of impoverished people, helps subsidize the cost of maintaining the Center's accessibility and affordability for providers of social and human services;
Now resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby commemorates the 35th Anniversary of the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mable Welborn and members of the Leon H. Sullivan Trust Board of Trustees, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This is a resolution introduced by myself for Council President Clarke and carries the support of all members of City Council. Thank you all for all the services you provide. (Applause.)
Mr. President, distinguished members and citizens present, good morning. (Good morning.)
On behalf of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust and its Board of Trustees, we thank you for this -- from this august body such a resolution. Dr. Sullivan was the consummate advocate for social and economic empowerment for all people. Just as Hannibal Sarno Alps, he believed that there should be no obstacles to a meaningful quality of life for all people. He believed that all people should be able to dream and have an opportunity to achieve their dreams. It was this belief that influenced the development of the Human Services Center. To our knowledge, the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center, dedicated September 12th, 1978, is the only one of its kind continually owned and operated by African Americans. The Sullivan Human Services Center, an accessible urban location with a suburban campus atmosphere, is the site of choice for the providers: Achieving Independence, a nationally recognized leader in youth workforce development; VisionQuest, a comprehensive national youth service organization; Progressive Life Center, a statewide adoption network affiliate servicing children and families; Campaign for Working Families, offering ways to improve the economic status of working people and is the largest VIPA service provider of free tax preparation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Spectrum Health Services provides an organized comprehensive program of primary care, social and health education, as well as promotions and prevention programs; Credence Home Care Agency, a Medicare/Medicaid certified home healthcare provider servicing Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer promotes awareness among African Americans and the African Diaspora about cancer prevention Center for Asian Health is one of the first in the nation dedicated to raising the physical and mental health social issues of Asian Americans. Mothers in Charge is a nationally recognized organization focusing on violence prevention, education, and the intervention for families and community organizations. OIC of America was created to provide quality education, training employment, and housing through a national network across the country; and, lastly, Michael Hanowitz, a licensed social worker who specializes in providing psychotherapy for victims of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. I want to thank my colleagues, my trusted trustee Donald "Ducky" Birts; our tenant Mary Arthur, who is the Director of the Campaign for Working Families; and Stacy Johnson, who is the Director for VisionQuest. be on the service providers of the Human Service Center, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at 1415 North Broad Street with an open house. We will pay particular attention to those service providers who have helped the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust maintain its mission on providing social and human services. You're invited to the first-ever open house tomorrow from 11:00 to 3:00. On behalf of these outstanding service providers and the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust, we thank you for this acknowledgment. It is the inspiration for us to continue for another 35 years. We thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. I request that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages 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 on the following bills: Bill Nos. 140487, 140605, and 140606. And I am pleased to advise you that on June 19, June 27, August 5, and September 10, 2014, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 12, 2014, and that on June 19, June 27, July 15, July 30, August 5, September 3, and September 10, 2014, I signed all of the by Council at its session on June 19, 2014, except Bill Nos. 130950 and 140377. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body 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 Models Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2031 through 33 North 17th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 297 of a right of way for sewer and drainage purposes abutting the southeasterly side of Keely Court, southwest of Henry Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Hall Street from Fifth Street to its terminus westwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 358 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Jamison Avenue from Red Lion Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution and I wish to be recognized after the title of the re-call resolution is read for a motion on that resolution.
I needed a suspension in order to get it on the Calendar later.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 140377, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,' by adding a new Chapter 10-2100, entitled 'Marijuana Possession,' to create a civil penalty for the possession of certain items and to provide for penalties and enforcement procedures for violations of such provisions," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be considered at today's final Council consideration. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by extending the deadline for filing applications for the homestead exclusion.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts," by creating the Woodland Avenue Business District for Sidewalk Vending.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one 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 15th Street, Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 25th Street, and Diamond Street.
And a privileged resolution commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two privileged resolutions, and I'd like to speak on the one regarding domestic violence.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5600 to 7200 blocks of Rising Sun Avenue, both sides.
And a privileged resolution honoring Sharmain Matlock Turner on her 15 years of service as President and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition.
Councilwoman, you want to do it at the time of the vote?
Can we do the vote on the next one? Okay. Thank you.
And a privileged resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
And a privileged resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by revising provisions relating to the operation of farmers' markets on both sides of the 3500 block of Ryan Avenue from Frankford Avenue and extending 156 feet northwest of the northwest line of Frankford Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the "Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law," by providing a limited period of time during which certain Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section prohibiting smoking in certain places.
That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have two bills and one privileged resolution. The Taney resolution is sponsored by all members of Council.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by revising the penalties for the selling of any gun or implement, that is not a firearm, which forcefully impels a pellet of any kind.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," by amending the eligibility requirements to allow certain individuals who purchased their homes as part of government subsidized affordable housing initiatives to receive tax exemptions for longtime owner-occupants of residential properties.
And that bill will also be referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the Philadelphia Taney Dragons, 2014 Mid-Atlantic Little League Champion, for capturing the hearts of fans across the nation during their inspiring journey as the first ever Philadelphia Little League team to make it to the Little League World Series.
Thank you. That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want my Mo'Ne jersey for that day. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes newly minted Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution and I also have one bill on behalf of yourself and me.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-104 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prerequisites to the Execution of City Contracts," by requiring city contractors and subcontractors to use best efforts to provide goods made in Philadelphia, made in Pennsylvania or made in America when fulfilling city contract requirements and requiring quarterly reports indicating the cost and place of origin and/or manufacture for goods supplied pursuant to city contracts, and providing for penalties.
Thank you. And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Michael "Ike" Iaconelli for winning the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament on the Delaware River.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution urging the United States Department of Defense to include the names of the 74 fallen sailors of the destroyed U.S.S. Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills. The first bill is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," to require that each Economic Opportunity Plan include information concerning the equity ownership (as defined) of (1) the contractor, developer and/or recipient of financial assistance required to submit the Plan; (2) participants (as defined) engaged by the contractor, developer and/or recipient of financial assistance; and (3) the eventual owner or owners of the project or contract to which the Plan relates.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," to revise the Credit for New Job Creation by changing the minimum wage requirement in the definition of "New Job"; and by providing an additional "Special Tax Credit Opportunity for Job Creation" in the form of a multi-year credit for certain new jobs created in 2015.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. Today I offer up two resolutions, one privileged and one non-privileged resolution. The non-privileged resolution was co-sponsored by members Kenney and Bass and the privileged resolution was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kenney, Squilla, Sanchez, and Bass. Thank you, Mr. President.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold public hearings to examine the culture, enforcement practices, prevention measures, and potential solutions needed to address the epidemic of illegal dumping in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution supporting President Barack Obama and The Environmental Protection Agencies' Clean Power Plan that will help reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants throughout the United States.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have four bills, one co-sponsored by you and myself, two privileged resolutions, and one non-privileged resolution today.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, funding, appointment, powers and duties of a Police Advisory Commission.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance repealing Chapter 21-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Police Advisory Board," and replacing it with a new Chapter 21-1200 that reconstitutes and renames the board as the "Police Advisory Commission."
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Street Vendors," by providing for the inspection and regulation of mobile food vehicles that use propane or other combustible fuel, adding definitions, providing for enforcement and penalties and making technical changes.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 297 of a right of way for sewer and drainage purposes abutting the southeasterly side of Keely Court, southwest of Henry Avenue.
And that will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Paulette Brown, Esquire for her recent election as the first African American woman to become president-elect of the American Bar Association.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman -- I'm sorry. One more?
And a non-privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing the 30th Anniversary of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, from the 29th of September to the 4th of October, for providing critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.
Thank you. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, funding, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Police Advisory Commission as the citizen oversight agency for the Philadelphia Police Department.
That resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. For the record, Councilman Squilla on the propane bill is a co-sponsor.
It shall be noted. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on behalf of myself and Councilman Henon.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Regulations," to revise the boundaries of "Area 1" and "Area 2" as defined in Subsection 14-603(5)(a)(.2).
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer six bills and two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the re-call resolution is read for a motion on that 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 Spruce Street, 4th Street, Pine Street, 2nd Street, South Street, 3rd Street, Lombard Street, 5th Street, Pine Street, and 6th Street.
That bill shall be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Oregon Avenue, Delaware Expressway, and Front Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the "Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law," by providing a limited period of time during which Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver in the provisions of the Section prohibiting smoking in certain places.
And an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to change the amount of time that a boat, motor home, truck camper or vending cart may be parked in any on-street parking space.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Hall Street from Fifth Street to its terminus westwardly 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 Cedar Street, Venango Street, Gaul Street, and Tioga Street.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to conduct hearings concerning the time and financial costs of standardized testing administered to Philadelphia public school students as well as the effects of testing on teaching and learning.
That resolution will be on the Final Passage Calendar today.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 130950, entitled "An ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code to provide for the authorization of certain pedestrian enhancements to occupy, by license, a portion of the right-of-way," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be reconsidered at today's Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla and Maria Quinones-Sanchez.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings regarding the current state of park and street trees and their continued maintenance.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution congratulating and honoring the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition for upgrading the Eleanor C. Emlen Elementary School's computer lab.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution designating and recognizing September 2014 as Library Card Sign-up Month in Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution. The bill is co-sponsored by all members of City Council and the resolution is also supported by all members of City Council. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by providing for an expanded tax credit for employment of veterans.
That will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution urging further action to enact legislation to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 3900 Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Corporal Michael J. Crescenz 2ND READING Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and at this time, we will move to our reports from committee. And today there are no reports from committee, so the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 140614, 140615, 140616, 140617, 140623, 140627, 140511, 140515, and 140516. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested today in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, we'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left, if you have not already done so. When your name is called, you will go to the podium. There's a device on the podium. When the light turns green on that device, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. At this time, Mr. Decker, can you please call the name of the first individual who is interested in testifying today.
Nancy Nguyen, commenting on 140514. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Nancy Nguyen and I am the Executive Director of BPSOS Delaware Valley. We're a non-profit, non-partisan community organization based here in Philadelphia. We are a branch of the National Vietnamese American Community organization with the mission to empower, organize and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. Thank you for taking the time today to consider what BPSOS believes is a very important issue, local democratic control of public schools. My remarks today will focus on not only the failure of state governance of Philadelphia schools but also the possibilities of shared governance to rectify our current existing educational crisis. As an organization founded on the search for freedom, we hold vested interests in seeing the ability of individuals and communities to participate in the democratic process over the institutions which governs their lives. More precisely, we wish to see the institutions governed by the people and governed for the people. We became active -(Applause.)
Thank you. We became active as an organization in advocating and organizing around public education after an incident which occurred in South Philadelphia High School in 2009. On December 3rd, 2009, upwards of 30 Asian immigrant students were attacked at and around school, resulting in 13 students seeking treatment in area hospitals. These Asian students were assaulted because it was perceived that they were, we were, foreigners taking up whatever little educational resources were even available for American students. We realized that after many conversations with students and community members that this event was not simply an isolated incident, but was a direct result of mismanaged institutional resources with an unacceptably low amount of resources for actually all students. School violence is a daily reality for many schools throughout the City of Philadelphia and it is certainly not limited to student-on-student violence. School violence extends itself to the assault on quality education through the refusal of resources to students, especially English language learners, for instance. School violence extends itself to the inability to provide a decent quality of life for teachers, and it certainly extends itself beyond the school when it better prepares our students for entry into prisons rather than colleges, jobs, and careers. What we need to consider here in light of school violence and educational depravity is a question of how schools are governed. If it is within our belief that an institution that directly determines the life probabilities of our youth should be held accountable by the communities and families in which it affects, then we maintain that the Vietnamese community, like every other community in the City of Philadelphia, has the right to hold their schools accountable. We urge the City Council to vote affirmatively for the local controls ballot question on the basis of the immediate crisis. The immediate ongoing educational crisis and the failure of effective governance demands us as members of the City to reclaim the democratic process so that we can determine how our schools ought to provide for our children. We say the time is now. We say let the people vote. Thank you. (Applause.)
Catherine Bluin, commenting on 140514 and 140527. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, City Council members and guests. My name is Catherine Blunt. I am a retired principal and teacher. I worked for the School District for 43 years, and I am here to encourage this Council to support giving City residents the opportunity to express their opinion on November 4th about abolishing the School Reform Commission, otherwise known as the SRC, and returning local control of Philadelphia public schools to Philadelphia, its parents, its residents, its communities, and other stakeholders in Philadelphia who are interested in promoting equal and quality education for the students of our city. A petition was signed by 20,000 registered voters and it urged the following: All appropriate City officials are hereby vested with the duty and the responsibility to take all appropriate steps to the fullest extent allowable under law to promote and defend the will and mandate of the people, and that mandate was embodied and is embodied in Resolution 140527 and Bill 140514. It is clear after 13 years of SRC control that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, when under leadership hostile to Philadelphia, has held our children and our educational system hostage to a state and national political whims and aspirations. Our educational system, the largest in the state, is not supported and is often neglected despite its overwhelming economic needs. This is called benign neglect, and that means that the people who are responsible neglect to provide for those that it is in charge of. And just as separate but equal was found unequal under constitutional law, benign neglect in reality is neither kind or harmless. We urge you, I on behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia and those 20,000 registered voters, I urge you to vote yea on this legislation. Thank you. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Councilman Johnson, you had your light on. Did you want to speak? The Chair 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to acknowledge a group that's here today that does work similar to the work that I'm doing specifically in the area of Point Breeze, promoting affordable housing. That's the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities advocating for development, not displacement. Can we give them a round of applause for joining us today.
Thank you, Councilman. There being no additional speakers, we will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today. Mr. Decker, would you please 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of 140614.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 615.
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-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140616.
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 Forty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140616 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140617.
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 Forty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.