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.
The 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140617 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140623.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to support the redesignation of the railroad station located at 2955 Market Street, commonly known as the "30th Street Station", to the "William H. Gray III 30th Street Station".
The 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140623 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140627.
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, 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING situate in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140627 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140511. Let it be noted that there is a two-thirds vote required for that bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell at 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions; providing for obtaining the consent of the electors to increasing the indebtedness of the City.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. Two-thirds of the members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140515.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-800 of The 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones," by designating the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Housing Opportunity Zone pursuant to the 1500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140516.
An ordinance establishing a new Chapter of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Affordable Workforce Housing Opportunity Zones," authorizing the designation of the City in whole or in part as a Workforce Housing Opportunity Zone; establishing definitions; and authorizing disposition of publicly-owned zone 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING properties for nominal consideration.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.
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, all under certain terms and conditions," for the purpose of 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council, introduced by Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded -- not yet. This is for the adoption.
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 the resolution has been adopted.
And a resolution commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center, introduced by Councilman Greenlee on behalf of Council President Clarke.
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.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution honoring Sharmain Matlock Turner on her 15 years of service as President and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Awareness Month," introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to speak on this resolution.
More than three women a day -- let me repeat, more than three women a day -- more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States due to domestic violence. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that women experience two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year. Here in Philadelphia the Police Department responded to more than 100,000 domestic abuse calls last year. Clearly, domestic violence is a national and local 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING problem. Recent events in the sports world have brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront. However, and based on these statistics, numerous women suffer in silence or seclusion from all this crisis. Unfortunately, and after the media moves on to the next news cycle, domestic violence will probably not be in the headlines. Yet, this body, this City Council, and certainly long before I came on, has consistently and on an annual basis been strong supporters of domestic violence victims and those that provide comfort and assistance. Accordingly, I am introducing this resolution today to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness regarding this crisis. Hopefully by keeping people informed regarding domestic violence, we can reduce the number of victims that suffer in our city, state, and nation. And certainly, 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President, we need to find a way and I think in some instances there are programs for men who are abusers. And so this is a critical issue, and this Council has consistently, as I've said, recognized the issue of domestic violence and issued a resolution every year. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. And unfortunately it takes a noteworthy person to become in a public way and we take notice of something that happens every day of our lives for people that don't have the level of notoriety as your obvious individual -- I'm not going to say his name today -- in the NFL, but this is clearly a very significant issue that we must come to grips with. So with that, Councilwoman, did you make your motion.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the Philadelphia Taney Dragons, 2014 Mid-Atlantic Little League Champions, 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, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Michael "Ike" Iaconelli for winning the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament on the Delaware River, introduced by Councilman Neilson.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Mr. President. (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.
And a 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, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Paulette Brown, Esquire for her recent election as the first African American woman to become president-elect of the American Bar Association, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing the 30th Anniversary of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, from the 29th of September through the 4th of October 2014, for providing critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution 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, introduced by Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
And a 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, introduced by Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
Councilman, just make the motion for the adoption now and then we'll come back to that.
Make a motion to adopt the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings regarding the current state of park and street trees and their continued maintenance, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution congratulating and honoring the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition for upgrading the 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Eleanor C. Emlen Elementary School's computer lab, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution designating and recognizing September 2014 as Library Card Sign-up Month in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Bass. 9/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is also adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes the Calendar. Now the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion regarding
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. Mr. Decker, please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your resolution adopted September 11, 2014, Bill No. 130950, entitled "An ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code to provide for the 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.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 130950 was passed.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and a majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 130950 was passed has been now again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 130950. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of that amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 130950 be adopted. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 130950 has been amended. This bill will be placed on our Final Passage and Second Reading at our next session of Council. recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding special business.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL President CLARKE: The ayes have it, and Mr. Decker will please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your resolution adopted September 11, 2014, 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 140377 was passed.
The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 140377 was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 140377. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of that amendment. (Duly seconded.)
been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 140377 be adopted. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 140377 has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at the next session of Council. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would just ask a moment to talk about PHL Live, which is, as many of us have, a project from my office, but as Chair of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Economy, this project was really a project to emphasize the importance of music as an industry and as an employment opportunity in our city. And the project kind of grew on its own, and that has a little to do with me and a lot to do with music professionals, musicians, and folks in our city who really seized on the opportunity to try to bring more jobs and employment to folks in our city who are amazingly talented and for those who would like an opportunity to begin going down a road of perhaps being discovered and developed towards a future. And so with that, PHL Live Center Stage has become, I think, a really outstanding opportunity. Anybody can do it. It's free. They just record themselves, load their video to our website, phllive.org, and they're done. After that, Grammy award-winning, Grammy nominated judges will review their videos and pull out five finalists, and the at some of Philadelphia's best venues. And I've put some paperwork on everybody's desk, with the hopes that they will tell their constituents, family, and friends about this opportunity. The videos have to be submitted by September the 30th. And after the live performance on December the 5th, all the musicians will be invited to the Trocadero where they'll be brought on stage and a winner in each of ten categories announced, and the people will vote on the people's choice. That's 11 categories. And thanks to the volunteer effort and donations by interested folks, including Susan Slawson on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Helen Haynes on behalf of the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and other corporate contributors, we're able to provide each winner $1,000 and the amazing prize of having a concert with a world-class headliner at the Dell and studio time and photography and other things. So it's a great opportunity. Again, I hope people who are interested will submit. They have until September 30th. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. As we commemorate the 13th Anniversary of the tragic event on 9/11 I am reminded of all of the brave police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders that lost their lives that day. I'm also reminded about the citizens that lost their life that day. As we honor them today in respect to their courage and service to citizens in New York, Washington, DC, and here in Pennsylvania, as Chair of the Committee on Public Safety, I have had good working relationships with similar responders here locally within the Fire and Police Departments. I hear about stories every day about officers, sergeants, lieutenants, detectives on the front line in our communities that wake up every day, protect and serve, and all they really want to do after that is go home to their individual families' safety. But I'm reminded on the photo of the Justice Center the scales of justice, and they are balanced or they symbolize fairness. I'm also reminded of the troubles this summer in Ferguson, Missouri where this summer a young man was shot to death and the result resulted in a community that was torn apart because they did not believe that there was a fair process to lodge complaints and that their issues would be truly heard. As I talked about introducing the Police Advisory Commission bill, many Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is not Ferguson, Missouri and I said to them, thank God. But we also need to remember 50 years ago North Philadelphia was set ablaze because people believed they did not have a fair, transparent process to lodge complaints, and that riot resulted in loss of life, loss of property. And, again, thank God we're not Ferguson, Missouri. But the way that you keep from becoming Ferguson is by having a process that the citizens can believe in, both police officers who don't want to be unfairly charged with things and want a process that is swift to restore their reputation, but also citizens that travel our streets, pay their taxes, and want to feel that if they have a complaint, that it will be treated with dignity and respect in a fully funded, transparent, fair, citizen-controlled process. And I would urge my colleagues -- and this is not something to be taken lightly. It -- as my colleague always says, you can act in haste and repent in your leisure. So we need to think about it deeply, but in order for us to be the beacon that we are, the founding city in the nation, we need to be first to be all we should be by way of offering our citizens a process they can believe in. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's nice to have a full body in attendance here in this legislative body. So I want to welcome my dear friend Councilman Neilson today. Good luck and Godspeed and everything that goes with it. I'm sure we're all going to be proud. You're a hard worker and you're going to serve Philadelphia well. since we all met, and it's been a busy summer. So I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to thank all my colleagues who participated in the program that I had started in 2013 called Philly Play. Philly Play is a program that encourages kids -- well, it started off in my district, encouraged kids in the district to engage in active play for 60 minutes a day in our play spaces and recreational centers, which went citywide. So it evolved and participated in one rec center of each of our ten districts. And it wouldn't have happened without the members of this body being the muscle in the community, no pun intended, to try to encourage our kids for healthy play to combat the disease of childhood obesity as well as the chronic diseases that stem from a healthy lifestyle. So all statistics and policies show that if we encourage our kids to play early, they play healthy and they live healthy lives in their workplaces so we can have healthy workplaces. I'm happy to report because of everybody's help and participation in Philly Play over the summer, we helped out over 3,000 kids at each of those rec centers. We had 16 pop-up play events throughout the City of Philadelphia. We had a one day play day on August 13th where 3,400 people gathered and played safely and showcased all their skill sets that they've learned through the six weeks of the summer camp in the programs of Philly Play. So it is my intention to say that Philly Play and my commitment to Philly Play and addressing these issues with our kids is going to live on through this summer, and you're going to be hearing a little bit more on how it grows and is a part of every family, and any kid that wants to play healthy, any kid that wants an opportunity to play, we're going to continue to try to give them the here in the City of Philadelphia. So to all my colleagues and friends here, thank you, and stay tuned.
Thank you, Councilman. Congratulations and good work, and I'm sure we'll hear about the program again during our budget season. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Councilman Henon for coming up with a great idea. And we had a wonderful day at the Dorothy Emanuel Rec Center. Hundreds of kids were there playing and exercising and dancing. Of course, my dancing was limited, but we got -- they really had a great time, and it was a wonderful experience, and we're looking forward to it next year. And I guess people say, Well, they're on City Council, they should be dealing with more issues, but to us, kids, young people in our neighborhood, they are the serious issues we deal with, because they are our future and we want to look out for them and make sure that they have the facilities where they can go work and play. And I want to thank you, Councilman Clarke and Councilman Greenlee, for stopping by Sturgis Playground. That's now a recreation center. After eight years, we finally opened the Sturgis Recreation Center on Saturday, had a wonderful turnout. I want to thank our Recreation Commissioner, Susan Slawson, for her tireless work and her cooperation. Thank the staff of the Recreation Department, who worked so hard moving tree stumps and trying to make the playground look really presentable on Saturday. The Department of Public Property, the staff at Sturgis, and I want to thank all those community folk who came out, especially Jeff sidekick, Fran McDonald, who runs the Sturgis Advisory Board, and all of the groups and parents who came, the students, young people, male and female, who performed that day. It was a great day. We had Helen Sturgis, who the rec center is named for. She was the moving party back in the day back in the '70s to get that. It was just a little one-room building started. Her family all came out. So it was a wonderful day, and I feel real good. The neighbors felt real good at that -- we've expanded. The neighborhood has expanded with more children and we have a place to go. So I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support in this effort, and when you get a moment, just go by 62nd -- I can never remember -- and 65th. I can never remember the streets. It's across from the old Cardinal Dougherty High School. So it's a wonderful site. Thank you so much, and thank who helped, thank my community for their strong support.
Thank you, Councilwoman. It was an awesome job. You did a great job. Congratulations. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I too want to join the chorus in extending a personal welcome to Eddie Neilson. Who knew 12 years ago when we were doing our part to then get candidate Governor Rendell elected that 12 years later we'd be able to work together in this body. So kudos, Eddie. Secondly, I want to move back to stage left and refocus on Councilman David Oh's enormous undertaking he has put together around highlighting and celebrating a spectrum of genres of music, from classical to hip hop to my favorite, jazz, and to challenge my District Councilmembers to look within districts, because there's so much rich talent in Philly and too often they don't hear about huge undertakings like this, so that we can get those young people and artists on stage to do what they've been blessed to do. I will be there as a spectator, as I was not blessed with a voice, but I do want to -a singing voice, that is. I do want to congratulate Councilman David Oh for this enormous undertaking and the huge effort that it represents. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I want to say welcome back to all my colleagues. It's good to have a chance to join this distinguished body as we do the good work of the City of Philadelphia. know, this week school started, and I want us to continue focusing on making sure that our public service in Harrisburg on the democratic side, on the republican side, including our Governor, focus on making sure that the City of Philadelphia, specifically our public schools, receive the type of funding that they need. Schools opened up this week with a lack of maintenance staff, which means our young people are going to dirty schools. Schools have opened up this week with a lack of security forces, which means our children are going to unsafe schools. There's no other pressing issue that the City of Philadelphia faces than making sure that our schools are properly funded. (Applause.)
And so as we have already did the heavy lifting, as we have done in the past, we still have continue advocating, working with our state legislators, and even demanding that they make sure that when they go back into session next week, that the cigarette tax legislation should be their number one priority after them taking a very long vacation and putting our young people on the back burner this past summer. And so I just want to put that out there for the record. I will continue advocating and working with my former members in Harrisburg to make sure that we get a cigarette tax to support our public schools here in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Council President.
And I must say that we have strengthened our numbers in terms of our Council's House of Representative caucus, now having State Representatives to strengthen our ability to influence what happens up in Harrisburg. So get ready, guys. You may be taking some trips up to Harrisburg. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduced a resolution recognizing September as Library Card Sign-up Month in Philadelphia. And Philadelphia is a city of firsts. In the 1700's Ben Franklin introduced the concept of a library to share books and knowledge with people who wouldn't otherwise have such access. In the generations since, the Free Library of Philadelphia and its numerous locations encompass -- have greatly of simply sharing books. Libraries provide a place for collaboration, a place for learning, and a place where people of all ages can access technology. But it starts with a library card. While we continue to impress upon legislators in Harrisburg the importance of funding our schools, we know that libraries are able to help bridge the gap and provide the resources and support that schools and parents alone cannot provide. After severe cutbacks in our libraries, Mayor Nutter announced in his budget address a $2.5 million increase in the Free Library of Philadelphia's budget, allowing branches to reopen on Saturdays. And this afternoon the William Penn Foundation will officially announce a historic $25 million gift, transforming our libraries into 21st century institutions. Among the buildings receiving a facelift through this initiative is Lovett Library, which will be transformed into a community center for all ages and of course is located in the heart of the 8th District. At this time, what we want to do is just really make sure that everyone understands how important it is to have a library card. And so if you don't have one, we want to encourage you to go and get one. I must admit, I haven't had one in many years, but I'm going to go get one today, because my five-year-old daughter actually has one, and so she said to me, Mommy, where's your library card. And I so encourage all of my colleagues, all of our constituents to make sure that even if you already have your card, that you make sure that the young people in your neighborhood have cards and access as well. There's two cards that every Philadelphian should have, particularly adults. The first is a library card and the second is a voter registration card in our library and school systems. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. I too want to welcome Eddie Neilson, my new neighbor next door, to City Council, and I look forward to having fun and hopefully not getting into too much trouble over here. It will be him every time. But I did want to follow along with Councilwoman Tasco and congratulate Henon on his wonderful event. I got an opportunity to share with some of my colleagues at the closing event. It was very impressive to see 3,000 young people from all parts of the City sharing together. And as Councilwoman Tasco said, our kids are enormously important. think alike, Councilman Johnson talking about the schools, on Tuesday, I had an opportunity to eat a quick dinner with my son, who is a junior at Central, and his first thing out of his mouth was, Mommy, what are you guys doing about the schools? And he said to me that in two of his classes, he does not have a desk and that in some of the classes at Central, one of our premier schools, the kids are sitting on the windowsills. And so I too join Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and all of us here to let's be laser focused on Harrisburg over the next week and make sure that they do their part so that my conversations at dinner, the few that I have with my son, are more productive than what is Council doing and what are you guys doing about our schools. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. It's so true. Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Certainly I concur with all that has been said today, and I'd like to mention two issues. Before I mention education, I would like to say that this past weekend we enjoyed Operation Stand Down. Operation Stand Down is a homeless vet program that exists from Thursday to Sunday. I guess I've been dealing with it maybe about 15 years. And at the beginning, I thought that maybe -- from Thursday to Sunday we've been at the VA, we've been at armories here. We started out at the Lighthouse Field on Erie Avenue, and now we're all the way up in Norristown because we don't have a place closer in Philadelphia for our homeless vets. We need to deal with that. I was hoping early on that since it started on Thursday and ended on Sunday, if we extended it one day a week, a week where vets are outside in tents, but they get clothes and food and haircuts and the ability to see doctors and they get treated and taken care of, but as it is now, after Monday or Sunday night, they're back to being homeless people. And it's so sad that after all these years, we still have our vets who have given their lives for us who still sleep on the street, and I see them each and every year. Many times in between, but I know I'll see them yearly. Some of them will -- and they move up to be volunteers to help other homeless vets. But it's so important. We need that program located back in Philadelphia. It's headquartered here, but we need our services such that we don't have to go all the way to Norristown to be with them, and certainly we need to find a way to treat our vets better. The second issue I'd like to deal with is education. I've been going So far I've serviced about a third of my schools. The buildings look nice at this beginning of the year. By servicing them, I mean I've taken the money we raised and created boxes for 30 to 33, depending on the class, of first grade schools, and we've given them all kinds of materials, everything from books to erasers to you name it, all things that kids need and we have -- my pencils that you all see that say "stay in school" that already have a message and all kinds of materials. So we have sacrificed to try to deal with at least so far a third of my schools. That's where I've been every morning, going to see my schools. It gives me a chance to see my teachers, to see the children and to take materials, enough for at least all their first graders. We do 30 in a box of all kinds of things and continue to do that. We try to do our part, and I try to do this every year at this time so that our principals know we them, our parents know, people who work in the schools, and it gives me a chance to just see who is there and what's going on in our schools. So we said that to say many things about where we are. Certainly I'm really concerned that even when we have new schools, we have libraries that aren't staffed and libraries that don't have books in them. You know, you all have been in schools where they might put a stuffed animal here and there to make it look attractive, but it's just the way the system is set up now and the way principals have to deal with teaching and learning. It's sad. Children should know what a book is. Even though we're in the computer age, they should still know what a book is and learn how to read. Children should learn how to write in cursive. They don't do cursive writing anymore by fourth grade in school. So there's so much we need to do, and this is why -- those are just a few of the reasons why I do support a new School Board. I'm for elected. (Applause.)
I'll live with appointed if I have to, but as the saying is, everything lawful is not expedient. We did not want to add to confusion. Some people are concerned about the vote on the state level, cigarette tax. We didn't want to send mixed messages, that we're trying to fight anyone when it deals with the funding level of schools in our city, and this is why we decided that after many calls and requests in the last two days, that we needed to hold it. But it only means -- everything delayed does not mean that we can't deal with that issue. We'll continue to deal with the issue, continue to work with how we go on from here and where we go and continue to be committed to our children and the schools of Philadelphia. much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's great to be back home from Harrisburg. However, always coming home isn't always a great thing, because next week I look forward to going back up to Harrisburg and fighting for the school funding that we need so hard. In the past few weeks since I've joined Council, I have been making calls all throughout the Commonwealth and talking to both democrats and republican-elected officials to make certain that our kids do get what they deserve and in the hopes of Harrisburg passing a bill for simply our kids and take all the other attachments out of it. We know what held it up recently was some of the hotel taxes and things. This is our children here in Philadelphia. I want to thank everybody on Council for their kind remarks and the welcoming here in City Council. The staff members throughout the halls have been more than gracious and helped all of us get together so we can hit the ground running, so to say, through our transition. The District Councilmen and members, my colleagues, have invited me into their communities, into their neighborhoods, introducing me to their neighbors. There isn't anybody here that hasn't done that. I look forward to joining you on Saturday, Mr. President. And I just want to personally say thank you to all of you. I look forward to working with you, and together we will all build a better Philadelphia for all our future generations to come. Thank you, sir.
you, Councilman. Before we call for an adjournment, I would like to recognize some visitors/guests, the Temple University Law School's law and public policy scholars. They spent the summer in DC at public policy and government agencies and will be conducting research on public policy issues related to the City. I'd like to ask you to stand for a moment. (Applause.)
Thank you. So I don't care what anybody tells you about City Council, you saw firsthand today, right? I can tell by the smiles on your face that you were impressed. Thank you. With that -- I'm sorry. Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to add one thing. The resolution I introduced today about the concerns of the increase of that would actually affect the time that's going to be used for classroom preparation is a time that could be prepared for testing and the preparation for testing taken away from the actual teaching moments. Also is that how the tests will be used. Is the test going to be used to actually monitor the student's growth? Is it going to be used for teacher increases or decreases or firing them? There's something that we need to know. Also they have a cut score system where they put in place to determine whether a student is proficient or not, and we have interest in that, because that could negatively affect all the students in the class, but particularly a lot of the low income and disabled students who have to take these tests. And lastly would be the costs associated with this. If the cost associated -- how is that money being spent or that money can be spent and maybe better ways to help resource are the questions that we need to get from this hearing, and I really appreciate the support from our colleagues here to push that through. So thank you.
Great. Thank you, Councilman. We will be visiting members of the General Assembly next week, and one of the topics of discussion is the possibility of some level of implementation on the proposal to have some level of fiscal oversight on the local level, because we are concerned about how the money is spent. Is it actually spent on classroom teaching relating to the kids and not heavily focused toward administrative or other issues relating to that. So we'll -obviously you'll be an integral part of that conversation as we move ahead. With that, I'd like to call on Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 18th, 2014, 10:00 a.m. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Thank you all very much. ) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L.