Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 1, 2018 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
Man, that was weak. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
There you go. Get ready for some good times this weekend. If everybody will take their seats and the visitors will retire behind the rail, we're going to get this baby started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Ethelyn R. Taylor of Oxford Presbyterian Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Parker. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Good morning, Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 (Good morning.)
Let us pray. Holy God, Eloheinu, Blessed One, Allah, Lord Jesus, the many peoples of the earth have many names for you, and the peoples of this city are as diverse as the peoples of the earth. Yet we are one people in your eyes, the creatures of your making. We worship you, our creator, for you have made all of us in your image. We pray that your spirit might be upon this body today and each day and that your creativity and wisdom might flow freely among your people in this Council Chamber, for these good women and men were called and chosen to order the life and work of this city with more than a million residents. It is indeed no small task, oh God, for we are all human. And so we ask that you inspire these, your servants, with your own just rule, that they may Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 and resources of Philadelphia with intelligence, imagination, and love. Bless those who hold office in the government of this city, that they may do their work in the spirit of wisdom, kindness, and justice. Help them to use their many gifts and talents collectively to serve faithfully and to use their authority to promote peace and justice and to administer the law impartially as instruments of your divine will. And, Lord, when the day is done and the work is complete, give them rest and recreation with their loved ones so that they may be refreshed in the enjoyment of the blessings you bestow, now and forevermore. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend, for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. And, again, thank you, Reverend. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 25th, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 25th, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 25th, 2018 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh on behalf of the minority.
Thank you very much. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has come down to witness their government in action today. We really appreciate you Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 your busy day to witness your government in action. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, we hope that your stay here today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you very much for your participation this day. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project. Would Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Brown is Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Jones, Councilman Green, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Johnson, Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
There is a short list of presentations that we do every year that I completely enjoy, and this one is particularly special because it's about children and the arts and books and literacy. And so it's always a pleasure to lift up and celebrate this year the 26th Annual African American Children's Book Project presentation. This morning we are honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 26th Annual African American Children's Book Fair, and I would amend that and say festival, Ms. Founder, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, and the February 3rd Kick Off of the National Literacy Initiative's Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book Program.
Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Whereas, in 1926, noted historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the study of negro life and history announced the second week of February to be, quote/unquote, "Negro History Week"; and Whereas, the second week in February was chosen because of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and
And I just want to encourage everyone to bring a young person to this particular event. All the books are free, and it's an invaluable experience. So I'd also want to thank Vanesse for her hard work in making sure that we bring high-quality literature events for our young people. Whereas, during early American history, African Americans were not allowed to learn to read and have books; in some states the penalty for this infraction was death; and Whereas, the importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 American Children's Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and
Whereas, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, the founder/CEO of the African American Children's Book Project, created the book fair because she saw a void in the community and understood that all children should have access to books that reflect their images. She believes that books open up the world of opportunities for all children and after twenty-six years, the African American Children's Book Fair is the oldest and largest single day event for African American children's books in the country. As a literary consultant she is a much sought after expert on trends in diverse books and how to incorporate these books into homes, schools and libraries; and
Whereas, one of the most important reasons to Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 children is that studies show that the more our youth read, the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older. Literacy also makes our youth more productive global citizens; and Whereas, strictly judging by attendance, the Fair is a tremendous success as well as over 3,500 people attended the Fair in past years from across the nation; and
Whereas, rich or poor, no one leaves empty-handed as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, bookmarkers, and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and Whereas, the success of the event is reflected in five elements: the attendees (parents, children, and caregivers and educators), the authors and illustrators, the sponsors and volunteers. Three esteemed participants Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 authors Ray Anthony Shepard and Brittney Shipp; and
Whereas, Aldustus "A.J." Jordan has dedicated his career and personal life to advocating for high quality literacy and educational opportunities for children and families in underserved communities. After beginning his career working for Head Start, A.J. worked as a school social worker, developed education-focused after school programs and served as the Education Coordinator for Public Citizens for Children and Youth, where he organized coalitions to develop advocacy platforms to strengthen public schools across the region; and Whereas, Jordan currently serves as Senior Vice President for Community Relations at Wells Fargo, where he leads the company's philanthropic contributions and employee engagement initiatives for one of the largest regional corporate funders in the areas Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 education. Jordan also serves on numerous non-profit boards and committees, including the Leadership Council for the Read by 4th Campaign, the Free Library of Philadelphia's Corporate Advisory Council, KIPP Philadelphia, the Salvation Army Kroc Center Advisory Board and the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia; and
Whereas, Ray Anthony Shepard is a grandson of a slave, a former teacher, and the retired editor-in-chief of a major education publishing company. He is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he received the Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson Foundation; and Whereas, Shepard's book Now or Never: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery is his first work of creative non-fiction for younger readers. The book is a dual biography of George E. Stephens and James Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Gooding, both of whom not only served in the Massachusetts 54th Infantry, but also published eyewitness reports of the Civil War from the perspective of the African American soldier. Their correspondence exposed the reality of life at camp, and the shocking misery of the battlefield. These soldiers and the 54th Infantry fought against many injustices, and their leadership resulted in one of America's first notable civil rights victories: the right to equal pay for African American soldiers; and
Whereas, Shepard has dedicated his career as an educator to fostering a better understanding of American slavery among history teachers and their students. From his personal experience growing up in Nebraska, he knows that it is difficult, quote, "to teach American slavery without making some students feel embarrassed, angry, or guilty," unquote. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 book, he aims to expose both the pain and hope of American slaves and their liberators; and Whereas, Brittney Shipp recently returned to Philadelphia's NBC10 First Alert Weather Team after spending two years as Chief Meteorologist at KRON-TV in San Francisco. Shipp is an Emmy-nominated journalist, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in International Development Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University; and
Let us thank all of the sponsors who support this annual event. Whereas, Shipp's children's book The Meteorologist in Me was published in 2016. The book tells the story of a girl named Summer who dreams of becoming a TV meteorologist. Summer loves sharing weather facts with her family and friends and wonders why Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 thought of her on TV. Despite roadblocks, Summer is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a broadcaster; and Whereas, The Meteorologist in Me was inspired by Shipp's combined passions for meteorology and children's education, and she hopes that her book will help to bridge the gender gap in STEM careers. Shipp is dedicated to energizing young girls to pursue understand weather and science; and
Whereas, the 26th Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge on Saturday, February the 3rd, 2018, from one to four p.m. at the Community College of Philadelphia located at 17th and Spring Garden Streets; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 26th Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Book Fair and the February 3rd kick-off of the National Literacy Initiative's Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book Program.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of the resolution will be presented to representatives of the African American Children's Book Project, the Founder and President, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, Ray Anthony Shepard, Brittney Shipp, and Aldustus Jordan for their hard work and unwavering efforts in the promotion of children's literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Let's lift up and celebrate those who care about literacy with the African American Children's Book Project. (Applause.)
Darrell, Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 your tongue. Thank you so much. I'm honored and humbled to be here, and I just wanted to acknowledge a few -- all of the Councilpeople who are in back of me for celebrating and reading the resolution, but I want to give a special acknowledgment to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Cherelle Parker, and Kenyatta Johnson, who are three people who have continually had a presence at the book fair. And one of the reasons why they have a presence there, if you want to meet the future of Philadelphia, come to my book fair. If you want to meet the people who are going to be the next employees of Philadelphia, come to my book fair. So I encourage everyone who is in this room, take some time on Saturday and come out to the Community College of Philadelphia. But I also want to say that reading is important, and as we try to Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 contract, those people who are there are buying books. It warms your heart to see people going up and down the aisles buying books. And we have the Super Bowl of reading, over 30 authors and illustrators. Best-selling authors and illustrators from around the country will be present, because we believe a book opens up a world of opportunities. But I just -- I know Darrell is going to give me the hook shortly, so I'm going to say A.J., who is from Wells Fargo, if Wells Fargo stopped giving in this town, it would shut down a lot of community service efforts, and he is in the forefront. He's always willing and able to support all of those causes. And then Ray Anthony Shepard, he worked in the publishing industry for a number of years, and you have a copy of his book. I encourage you to read that book, not only because it has some insightful information, but there's a Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 connection, because during the Civil War, Philadelphia had a lot of freed men of African descent who fought bravely in the Civil War for the North. And, finally, Brittney Shipp, you have a copy of her book, and Brittney was so upset she couldn't be here this morning, but the Eagles called and she's on assignment. But we just wanted to acknowledge her by the presence of her book there on your tabletop. And we're going to pass the mic to A.J., but don't forget, a book does open up a world of opportunity. Encourage, enlighten, and enrich our children through literacy. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Great to be here. I want to thank, first and foremost, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for the recognition and for all of your Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 youth issues for so many years and of course, Vanesse, congrats on -- it's hard to believe it's been 26 years -- the annual festival. Certainly my girls and I are looking forward to Saturday. And of course I want to thank Council for your leadership on the issue of education and specifically literacy, but I also want to acknowledge a few of my Wells Fargo colleagues that are here and Jenny Bogoni who is in the audience. For those who don't know Jenny, you have to get to know Jenny. Jenny is with the Free Library, and Jenny runs and leads a coalition initiative called the Read by 4th Campaign, an historic effort bringing together diverse stakeholders, parents, teachers, community organizers, the entire City to comprehensively address the issue of children's literacy in Philadelphia. The alarming reality is that in a city with one of the highest Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 institutions, two out of every three Philadelphia kids, two-thirds of all children, are not reading on grade level by the time they enter the 4th grade. Our company certainly is proud to serve as a lead supporter and funder and partner for Read by 4th that's reversing this trend and increasing literacy rates for literally thousands of children as we speak. So let me just say in closing, I know we're all excited about the Eagles on Sunday. We're going to, without a doubt, have a great victory, and then come Tuesday or Wednesday of next week we'll be outside, a million-plus people, cheering on the Eagles as they have their victory parade, but I wonder after all the fanfare is over, can we take that same level of energy, that same level of excitement, and that same level of pride and join the more than 91 partners of the Read by 4th Campaign to cheer on our Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 all of our children read on grade level and go on to make our city proud? I think we all would agree that while a Super Bowl win would be great for the City, ensuring that every single child, every child can read is the biggest victory the City could ever hope for. Thank you. (Applause.)
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the literary Councilperson, Blondell Reynolds Brown. She brought me here to the table, and thank you so much. Ray.
Good morning. I'm Ray Anthony Shepard, author of Now or Never. It is a book about a Philadelphian, George Stephens, who was obviously born here, became the first African American Civil War correspondent Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 early African American officers of the Union Army. And I'm also pleased to be part of the 26th Annual African American Book Festival held here in Philadelphia. It is the most prestigious book festival in the nation. Thank you again. (Applause.)
Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 815 through 819 North Fifteenth Street, 825 through 831 North Fifteenth Street and 824 through 826 Burns Street, 1522 through 1524 Parrish Street, 1536 Parrish Street and 1538 Parrish Street; and An ordinance authorizing the relocation of the lines and the striking and abandonment of certain portions of a right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes and water main purposes extending from Meade Street to Gravers Lane, southwest of Shawnee Street on City Plan No. 165, thereby reducing the width of said right-of-way, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications? Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
Thank you very much. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Forgive me for not being a good student and paying attention, Mr. President.
I have two resolutions that are not at my desk, so if you could please circle back. Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 815 through 819 North Fifteenth Street, 825 through 831 North Fifteenth Street and 824 through 826 Burns Street, 1522 through 1524 Parrish Street, 1536 Parrish Street and 1538 Parrish Street.
Thank you. That will be on next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Councilman, did you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Council President. I would like to ask for us to take a standing moment of silence for a young man who represented the best and brightest that not only South Philadelphia had to offer but, most importantly, the City of Philadelphia. That's former NBA basketball player Rasual Butler. He passed away two nights ago with his wife, Leah LaBelle, formerly an American Idol contestant, in a car accident in California. He was born on May the 23rd, 1979. He was 38 years old and, as I mentioned, from South Philadelphia, specifically Point Breeze. He was an NBA player for 14 years and played for eight teams in total throughout his career. He Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 played college basketball at LaSalle University. He played for such NBA teams as Miami Heat, the New Orleans Hornets, the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers, and the Washington Wizards. He concluded his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 to 2016. He will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook, and the compassion he had for everyone around him and, most importantly, his commitment to the young people in Point Breeze, South Philadelphia.
Thank you, Councilman. May we all have a standing moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ashton Road, Old Ashton Road, Welsh Road, Axe Factory Road, Winchester Avenue, Holme Avenue, and Holme Circle.
That will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
A non-privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia to officially join the National Stepping Up Initiative, to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. I'm sorry. Next week's Calendar. Thank you.
Council President, I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution and one bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate bicycle lanes, in both directions, on Island Avenue from Penrose Avenue to Enterprise Avenue, and Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 on Enterprise Avenue, for its entire length, and authorizing the removal of travel lanes on both Island Avenue and Enterprise Avenue, in the same limits.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Patty Jackson for 35 years as one of Philadelphia's premier radio hosts.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Angelo Place, between Mars Place and South 82nd Street, "Joe Wilson Way."
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Thank you, Councilwoman.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring The Northeast Baptist Church on their 60th Anniversary.
This week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing a Moment of Silence on February 1, 2018 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the sacrifices made by Memphis sanitation workers who proclaimed "I Am a Man" in their successful campaign to secure their economic rights and social dignity.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmen Oh, Squilla, Taubenberger, Jones, and Councilwoman Parker.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia band the War on Drugs for winning best rock album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
That will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Reynolds Brown, Taubenberger, Green, Johnson, Parker, and Domb.
A privileged resolution honoring the life and achievements of the scholar, scientist, and fighter for world peace William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, and declaring 2018 as the Year of W.E.B. Du Bois in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I offer two bills.
Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by eliminating for new businesses the requirement to make an estimated payment when filing a return for their first tax year of business operations and allowing the estimated payment in succeeding years to be made in quarterly installments.
And an ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," Chapter 10-800, "Safety," by adding a new Section 10-840, "Criminal Squatters," prohibiting conduct related to criminal squatting, establishing and clarifying procedures to investigate criminal squatters on real property, establishing and clarifying procedures for the removal of criminal Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 squatters, and establishing procedures for the dissemination of information on eviction and ejectment proceedings, and emergency housing.
And that shall be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Council President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution signed by all members of Council.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Activity on Streets," by amending Section 9-204, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," to change certain requirements for vending licenses and the process for obtaining locations for Center City sidewalk vending.
And a privileged resolution congratulating and honoring Carla Moss for her years of dedicated service to the residents of Philadelphia on the occasion of her retirement from the Philadelphia City Commissioner's Office.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 authorizing the relocation of the lines and the striking and abandonment of certain portions of a right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes and water main purposes extending from Meade Street to Gravers Lane, southwest of Shawnee Street on City Plan No. 165, thereby reducing the width of the said right-of-way.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilmembers Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Cherelle Parker. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Gary Tuggle on the Occasion of His Retirement as the Special Agent in Charge of the Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 United States Drug Enforcement Administration's Philadelphia Field Division.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Nia Andrews for Her Exemplary Service and Leadership as Miss Philadelphia 2017.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions.
Mr. President, you forgot the student that was not paying attention.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
A privileged resolution recognizing the Efforts of Philadelphians to Elevate Awareness of Human Trafficking in the Month of January.
And a non-privileged resolution Urging the Philadelphia Parking Authority to Recognize the Martin Luther King Holiday as a Non-Ticketing Day.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. And we have no reports from committee today, so the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar today, so the Chair at this point recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar today. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 171138, 180024, 180025, 180027, 180031, 180032, 180033, 180038, 180039, 180046, 180052, 180053, 180054, 180055, 180057, 170850-AA, 170955-A, 170997-A. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you so much, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar for today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Chambers. There's a podium. On that podium there's a device. When the light on that device turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Jojuan Powell, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Jojuan Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Powell. I'm from the Mantua area in Philadelphia. I'm here to speak about bail reform and how I think we should end cash bail. Can I grab my book really fast? Sorry. I feel like we should end cash bail to -- I really want to know where's the money going to. I forgot the percentage. I'm pretty nervous. I'm sorry. I forgot the percentage of what is taken out and it goes back to the City. I really wanted to know like where does that money go, and if it don't go anywhere, is it possible that it can go to some of our communities, such as my community? I live in the Mantua section community where no teenagers from the age of 11 to 18 has anything to do activity-wise for them to get -- it's easy for them to get in trouble or get arrested, because there's nothing for them to do. So I was just here to ask and Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 beg for the bill to be passed; that is, no cash bail in Philadelphia, so that money can be brought back to our communities. Thank you. (Applause.)
Nasir Matthews, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I want to apologize in advance for my nervousness.
My name is Jerome Matthews. I prefer to be called Nasir. I'm here on behalf of the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund. In light of some recent events that took place in like the last 30 days, they Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 really came and helped me out when I was in the position where I really didn't have anyone else to help me. I was arrested and incarcerated and held on bail, which I really couldn't afford or anyone in my family couldn't afford. And I was able to get in touch with them, and they helped me out, and in the process, I lost my job. If I had stayed in any longer, there's a possibility I could have lost my home. I could have lost my car. And for all of those things, I really worked real hard and a lot of years, you know, to actually acquire those things, and as a result, the cash bail system, you know, I almost pretty much lost all of that and would have had to return to pretty much somewhat of a state of hopelessness and feeling helpless after everything that I have acquired. And just as some suggestions, I really believe that there's a lot at the government's disposal that they could use Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 as opposed to cash bail as -- I'm well aware that in a person's absence of not attending their hearing, they can be held accountable. That trial can be held in their absence. They can be found guilty and they can be sentenced, you know, all in the same time. I believe that there are other things that can possibly be done, like when people are accused of committing crimes, they can be held to being GPS monitored while they're on release, because at the end of the day, being citizens of the country, the way that other system works, it's supposed to -- people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but for people to be held in prison without any ways to get out, it's really a feeling like you're guilty until proven innocent. And I really believe that we should work hard to try to do something about this, especially for people that would be in my position that have a lot to lose and would have to work so hard to get it Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 back. That's it. Thank you.
Nyssa Taylor, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Thank you. Nyssa Taylor from the ACLU of Pennsylvania. I am urging this Council to pass Resolution 180032. Taking away someone's liberty solely because they cannot pay violates multiple constitutional protections. Across the country a recent wave of civil rights lawsuits have successfully challenged this practice of cash bail. Courts and states such as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and California have issued rulings that stop this inequitable practice. In recognition of the terrible Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 toll that we just heard described by Mr. Matthews, legislatures in cities and states across the country have drafted legislation to eliminate this practice. We would urge Philadelphia to join this vanguard. Philadelphia's current system of cash bail violates constitutional protections in three ways. First of all, setting monetary bail higher than someone can afford constitutes excessive bail under the Eighth Amendment and it upends our fundamental rights of liberty and the presumption of innocence. Recognizing this, our United States Supreme Court has written, The traditional right to freedom before conviction permits the unhampered preparation of a defense and serves to prevent the infliction of punishment prior to conviction. Unless this right to bail before trial is preserved, the presumption of innocence, secured only after centuries of struggle, would lose Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 its meaning. Setting bail that someone cannot pay injects into our own system of government the very principles of totalitarianism, which our government has sought to guard against. We know that hundreds of people are incarcerated on State Road because they cannot pay. Second, detaining people solely because they do not have money violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States. Because an order imposing secured money bail is effectively a pre-trial preventative detention order only against those who cannot afford to pay. Those wealthy defendants with similar criminal histories who pose risk can buy their liberty while our indigent Philadelphians sit incarcerated because they do not have cash. And, finally, the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits the government from depriving people of liberty without Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 due process. Our system flagrantly ignores these protections and strips our people of their liberty as a result of their financial poverty. Philadelphia's current system of monetary bail violates these constitutional protections and takes a toll on our population. This practice must end, and this resolution is a great step in the right direction and I would urge you to pass it. Thank you. (Applause.)
William Moore, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
Mr. President, my name is Reverend William B. Moore. I pastor the Tenth Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia for the last 44 years. A number of my parishioners have been victimized by the criminal justice Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 system. For a number of years I went with other pastors to visit the prison and I went for several years, and a number of my parishioners were there, not only the first year that I went, the second year that I went, the third year that I went. They were there so long that they were joined by other parishioners from the church that I pastor as well as other pastors, and many of them could not pay a cash bail. There's nothing that would assist in the speed-up of returning citizens from the criminal justice system than that requiring a cash bail. In addition, while I stand here, I also want to address another issue that impacts our community and, that is, shock waves ran through my body when I read that Temple University was moving forward with the stadium. We have been victimized by senior citizens whose taxes are rising, whose homes have been Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 destroyed. Our neighborhoods have been destroyed by noise and trash. People cannot sleep at night because of students. And as a pastor, I have built a senior citizen home. I participated in homeownership, and yet our communities are being filled by visitors who stay for four years and move forward. And I would certainly urge that when this matter comes before Council, in that Temple has not heard our cry, that the members of this body will hear our cry. I do want the Eagles to fly, but we do not want the Temple to fly. (Applause.)
Mike Lee, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, members of City Council. My name is Mike Lee and I am the Legislative Director in Government Affairs for the District Attorney's Office of Philadelphia. Thank you very much for proposing this Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 resolution, and the District Attorney's Office is in favor of Resolution 180032 to express our interest in instituting internal policies to reduce the reliance on the cash bail system. We understand that there are currently five types of release on bail that are afforded to the criminal justice system. We are excited to work forward with the other stakeholders in this process to bring forth a better balance of public safety, the rights of the accused, and the moral and financial cost of the current cash bail system. And if you have any questions of how we're trying to reform or inform our reform, please feel free to reach out to me, and we look forward to producing a better Philadelphia and a more fair criminal justice system. Thank you.
Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
Orlando Acosta, commenting on 180032. (Witness approached podium.)
How you doing? I'm speaking on 180032. Basically we can't be a city of the forefathers of where we have the Liberty Bell and so-called freedom if you violate the aspect of our Eighth Amendment and the Fifth Amendment in the due process and different things like that. We can't be the founding city of freedom if we're violating civil rights in that way. So we have to eliminate this cash bail. People are being bankrupt because they can't afford to get people released. And how are we going to create a city of unity and liberty and this is where the forefathers wrote the most sacred document in the country, but we're the city that's violating civil rights? That's not looking good on our city. That's not looking good for our citizens. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 So we have to stop this and let civil rights and people rights speak, because that's what the forefathers of the Constitution want for our citizens. Thank you. (Applause.)
Weatta Frazier-Collins, commenting on 180027. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. Giving honor to everyone that is in attendance, City Councilmen, distinguished guests. I am Weatta Frazier-Collins, the daughter of the legendary boxer, Smokin' Joe Frazier. Before I continue -(Applause.)
-- if I can just say, go Eagles. I didn't get the memo about wearing green, but my blood is green. As far as the underdogs is concerned, the Eagles is an underdog, but Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 let me tell you that Joe Frazier was probably the first underdog in the City of Philadelphia back in the '60s. I stand before you today asking for permission and approval to allow Glenwood Avenue to be changed to Joe Frazier Boulevard, Street, Avenue, whichever you all prefer. My father was a dynamic man. He was a man that gave back from his heart and the spirit of love. He mentored a great deal of individuals in the City of Philadelphia, men and women. I ask that you approve this in honor of him. The Fraziers are not finished. When we closed down his estate, we realized that there weren't any schools named after Joe Frazier. There are no buildings named after Joe Frazier. This man did a lot for the City of Philadelphia and it is overdue, but the bad thing is, my father was modest. He believed that he was just doing his job. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 So when he woke up in the morning to run down Fairmount Park and do his road work and to get things done to make things perfect for his family, he just figured he was doing his job. He didn't need a statue. And thank God that is now down at the Xfinity Live. He figured he didn't need all these accolades, because the bottom line is, his parents taught him to be respectful, to be humble, and to get the job done. So I ask as the Founder and the CEO of The Legacy Exists Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund to pass this bill to honor this great golden Olympian medal winner. I stand also with my husband, Gary Collins, and we're just grateful for the opportunity and hope that you all will actually pass this bill. Thank you for the chance. Thank you. (Applause.)
Norman Wooten, commenting on 180027. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, City Council elected officials. Good morning, Frazier family. And good morning to all the family and guests here. My name is Norman S. Wooten. I reside in North Philadelphia as a committee person for the 37th Ward, 10th Division. I, along with my counterpart, Michael Abdullah, represent this North Philadelphia community. We, the aforementioned, have proudly signed petitions to have Glenwood Avenue east of Broad Street renamed officially to Joe Frazier Boulevard. Joe Frazier, former heavyweight champion, went down in history as one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring. He stepped in at 20 years old and won the gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Olympics. He completed his career with a record of 32, 4 and 1 with 27 knockouts. He made Philly his home. He built a gym in a house here because he loved the people. But his roots ran deep in the sandy soil of South Carolina where he was born in 1944. Joe was a man who at an early age helped his father with heavy work around the house. Long before he became Smokin' Joe, he was known in Beaufort, South Carolina as Billie Boy, a stocky farmer's son who honed his skills. By the age of 16, he came to Philadelphia to stay with residents, got a job in a slaughterhouse, describing himself as a small piece of leather, well put together. Joe found respect in the pitless survival wars of the North Philly boxing gyms. He never backed up and he never backed down. In closing, I'm proud to be here today in honor of Joe Frazier, as his legacy will continue to be remembered Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 in the streets of Joe Frazier Boulevard. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Clerk, would you read the name of our next speaker, please.
I see Council President Clarke coming back, members of City Council, brothers and sisters, and fellow Philadelphians. My name is Ethelind Baylor, Vice President of AFSCME District Council 47. I am here to speak in support of Councilman Green's resolution recognizing a moment of silence today, February 1st, 2018, in honor of the sacrifices made by the Memphis sanitation workers who proclaimed "I Am a Man" in their successful campaign to secure their economic rights and social dignity. To honor those sanitation workers and their supporters that stood Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 up for their right to remind the public they were indeed human, that they deserve proper equipment to do their jobs, and that they deserve the right to be recognized as a union in 1968 and those who died on the job in Memphis, Tennessee, Brothers Cole, Robert Walker, as well as your recognition of our national Moment of Silence event scheduled today, February the 1st at 12:30 p.m. here outside of City Council. Fifty years later, brothers and sisters in AFSCME District Council 47 continue the struggle for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to retire with dignity for union workers in Philadelphia. We appreciate your resolution. It is also a reminder that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood with those AFSCME sanitation workers and was assassinated while still in Memphis on April 3rd, 1968. The moment for civil and human rights today is still a labor and clergy Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 working together to improve the conditions for working people in this nation. The sign "I Am a Man" reminding us of the struggle in Memphis is a poster I see every time I enter into our District Council President's office, Frederick Wright. It is a constant reminder of the people who struggled and died for our right to have organized labor. We must never forget those who made the supreme sacrifice, and we have a responsibility to continue the struggle for jobs, peace, and freedom. Echol Cole, Robert Walker, Dr. King, Brother Norman Rayford, member of the Hospital Workers 1199C who also died while organizing for members in his union. Again, thank you, Councilman Green, and for those members in City Council who will support this resolution in recognizing AFSCME's national Moment of Silence today, Thursday, February the 1st, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. through 1:30 p.m. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 outside of City Hall. We invite all of you to join us today, and if you can't make it outside, we ask that you just join us in a moment of silence. Please take a video or picture of yourself, and we ask that you use the hashtag #iamcoleandwalker. Thank you.
Hello, everyone. I'm Brad Wilson. I lied about what issue I want to speak about, but why? I want to get up here and speak. Everybody, I'm a resident of Center of Hope, the shelter for men up at Broad and Girard, and I've lived there -- Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 this is the second time I've lived there. The reason why I wanted to come up and speak, everybody, I'm putting out a cry for help. I'm not a baby, but a serious cry. Center for Hope does not provide us with a hot shower. The roof leaks. They refuse to get the roof fixed. Two guys had their bed wet by this roof leaking. The rooms do not have proper heat, and when we complain to the staff or go to director, the director says, I'll take care of it, and nothing happens. This is a real cry for help. Can you please get us some help? Hot water heaters and a new roof put in. Those are serious L&I --
You're speaking about the BID, the Northern Liberties BID?
You signed up to speak about the Northern Liberties BID.
Right. Darrell, Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 this is the only way I can probably get some help out there. I know you City Council people are able to do something about the shelter system.
Sir, excuse me. You signed up to speak about the Northern Liberties BID.
Do me a favor? Sir, will do me a favor? Can you hang around until after the Council. I'll have somebody sit down and talk to you about the specific issue. Thank you.
Jared Doblein, Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 commenting on 171145. (Witness approached podium.)
I'm here to speak on Bill 171145 about the proposed non-profit creation for the development of Northern Liberties. I think for too long Council has allowed these non-profits to develop and allowed to play a shell game with developers' money and allowing tax breaks and allowing tax abatements and allowing development without community consciousness in mind. That being said, I think that this Council has a decision to make in granting a variance for the stadium in North Philadelphia. Our Council President has said time and time again that if the North Philadelphia residents stand against this stadium, like they have against these for-profit Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 developments without them in consideration, without these for-profit developments, without time for public housing, without money for public housing, if he stands with us, he'll stand -- he said he will stand with us if we speak out against the stadium. We're standing right now --
Excuse me. You started out talking about the non-profit corporation. Are you talking about the Northern Liberties BID?
Okay. I just want to make sure. I understand it's a strategy to segue, but as long as you start out by talking about it.
Right. Well, they're all connected in terms of the property development in this community. So the North Philadelphia stadium is just another move to be able to develop Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 properties in that community without the consent of the district residents. The district residents are right now in Council, and they're opposing that stadium. They're opposing the variance to block off 15th Street. They're opposing putting a 35,000-seat football stadium, a single lane across from a day care, across from long-term community residents' homes. And we think we're sick of Council playing this shell game where they put this money in the non-profits, and the non-profits go there and they do the developments, but no one lives in them or they bring in people from outside the neighborhood with little money put toward mixed housing or low-income housing. So we think that the stadium is another example of this. It will lead to gentrification in North Philadelphia. It will lead to the displacement of long-term residents, and we think it's a shame for Temple to be wanting to do Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 this, for a community school to be wanting to do this, and we think that Council should stand against the proposed stadium in North Philadelphia, just like it should stand against the shell games that are played with non-profits and community development corporations.
Good morning, Council President, and thank you, Council President Clarke. Thank you, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. In some ways what we do here today with this resolution recalls your late husband, Councilman Lucien Blackwell, who loved and was inspired by Du Bois. For him, I Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 am certain this is a dream come true. Thank you, Councilwoman Helen Gym, for introducing this resolution into Council. It's an historic resolution. Honoring William Edward Burghardt Du Bois on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his birth and to declare 2018 the Year of Du Bois and encouraging Philadelphians to read Du Bois this year is a special moment for our city and nation. It carries transcendent and spiritual significance. In honoring Du Bois, who honored our city with his landmark sociological study, the Philadelphia Negro, the Council honors our citizenry and makes a statement about the values we strive to realize. The citizens will take pride in this act. The nation will acknowledge it, but more than this, the world will take notice and say here is a city whose leaders are imbued with moral courage, that here is a city with the courage to stand up for a man who at the Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 height of McCarthyism was attacked by his own government, whose name was smeared and books removed from libraries and his name could only be mentioned in whispers. The world and nation will say here's a city that is great because it honors not just a great scholar, scientist, poet, internationalist, and activist for the rights of African Americans, the darker races of the world and working people, but who was one of the great fighters for world peace and for the progressive unity of all peoples. As the world hears about this, it will pause and say here is that city on the hill. Here is that city that dares to imagine what James Baldwin called the new Jerusalem. They will say Philadelphia is that city that audaciously imagines what the African Pope, Saint Augustine, called the New City of Man. In embracing the life and legacy of Du Bois, Council will say Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Philadelphia is a city that strives to realize man and womankind's most ancient strivings for peace, justice, and human rights. Our people suffocate under the weight of one crisis after another of wars and threats of more horrific wars. I think I have to stop.
Thank you very much. This will be a great occasion. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, everybody. My name is Meghna Chandra. I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Saturday Free School, and a member of the Organizing Committee for the 2018 Year of Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 Du Bois. Making 2018 the Year of Du Bois would be an act of courage on the part of City Council, upholding science, integrity, and peace. As a student in the University, we learn two approaches to scholarship. On the one hand, we learn that statistics can reveal the truth. On the other, we learn that there is no one truth, that the world is too complicated to understand. Du Bois teaches us that science free from the delusions of white supremacy can help humanity evolve. In the Philadelphia Negro, he demonstrated meticulously through sociological methods that blacks are an oppressed people who faced problems, not because they're an inferior race as the whites believed but because of the cruelty of white society. Du Bois realized that the truth alone was not enough to change the world. He understood the need to stand for truth Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 in a system that tried to bury it. In 1908, he delivered a speech, Galileo Galilei, at his alma mater. In his speech he said that Galileo for all his scientific accomplishments was a failure because he lied about the scientific truth in order to save his life. Science is a great and worthy mistress, but there is one greater and, that is, humanity, which science serves. One thing there is greater than knowledge and, that is, man who knows. In the midst of the society whose lifeblood is faith and in the name of science which will know the truth, that the truth may make it free, the verdict of civilization must be not even splendor of the service of truth done by Galileo Galilei can wipe away the blot of its cowardly lion. Unlike Galileo, Du Bois was a true scientist and warrior who lived his life unbowed and unbroken. He stood for the full recognition of the humanity of Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 black people at a time when the whites' power structure believed that black people were subhuman. He stood for peace at a time when being American meant standing for war. He paid the price for it many times throughout his life, but he gained the respect of the darker nations around the world and the gratitude and respect of future generations. Finally, to proclaim 2018 the Year of Du Bois is a profound act of imagination and the belief that humanity can evolve. To honor W.E.B. Du Bois is to believe in a future in which people have the courage to stand up for what's true even when it's unpopular and dangerous, and in celebrating the legacy of this great man, young people know what it is to dedicate our lives to the pursuit of truth, justice, and freedom. Thank you. (Applause.)
Autumn Zellers. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting February 1, 2018
Good morning. So my name is Autumn Zellers-Leon. I am a member of the Saturday Free School and I am also an anthropology Ph.D. student at Temple's College of Liberal Arts, and I'm speaking today in favor of the resolution of the Year of Du Bois in 2018. So as a graduate student, I teach classes and assist professors who teach classes. In this way, I and my colleagues prepare Philly's community for public service and the world. I was born in Philadelphia, but the majority of my colleagues come from all over the country and the world, and here in Philadelphia we find a city rich in cultural and radical political traditions rooted in its thriving black community. We find this alongside deeply unsettling social facts of poverty, segregation and, as the Councilman mentioned earlier, struggles with literacy. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 As graduate students and university employees, we find ourselves sharing with others in the City, country, and world the fears of an uncertain future. In this milieu, I started what is now nearly an extinct species of event at Temple University -- that's a reading group -- of none other than W.E.B. Du Bois's magnum opus, Black Reconstruction. Every week since September of last year grad students and undergraduates and community members have sat around a table reading to each other aloud Du Bois's work. Reading him has helped to illuminate our social condition here in Philadelphia. Du Bois's life of a scholar drastically unrecognized in his lifetime offers us clarity and hope in these confusing times. And among so much of this confusion inside the university and out, we have found a common thirst between ourselves as students and community members for clarity and Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 knowledge, and we have also learned about our responsibility to tell the truth for a better world. We have learned about the color line and its powerful role in shaping the social inequality we experience and see around us. We have also learned how it is crucial to understand this color line if we want to move forward as scholar activists in the United States. Finally, by reading Du Bois together, sharing aloud his pros and poetry, we honor the magnificent contribution he has made to our city, which was only formally recognized decades after his death in 2012 at the University of Pennsylvania. The Council's vote in favor of this 2018 Year of Du Bois resolution would also be an honor to his service and an expression of solidarity with the people of this city thirsty for knowledge and clarity. Thank you. Stated Meeting February 1, 2018 (Applause.)