Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 25, 2018 10:50 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 January 25, 2018
It's good to be back. School is in. We've established a quorum. I'd ask all the guests and visitors, if they can retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seats, we'll get started. Before we start, because I see we have some new guests today, if you have a cell phone or any other type of electronic device, I will ask that you please turn it off or turn it on airplane mode. Bottom line is, please don't make any noise. Thank you so much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Steven Avinger, Sr., of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all guests, Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Father God, creator of the universe and sustainer of everything in earth and heaven, we come this morning thanking you for your keeping power and both your grace and mercies that emanates from your throne. We ask your richest blessings upon this day and upon these proceedings. Bless these, your servants of the people, and as they deliberate over the people's business, we pray that you give them wisdom and discernment that they will make decisions that benefit the City and its residents. Now, God, it is our prayer that you get the glory out of all that is done and may your mercies and grace be with us all. This prayer we offer to you, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Pastor. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2017. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Aye.)
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.
Thank you. I'm sorry. I seem to be having a little smoke going on up here at this light. I better turn this off. Okay. Had a little technical difficulty. Councilman Henon, I'm sorry. We got a little distracted by the smoke coming out of the light. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018
Mr. President, on behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So thank you so much for being here today. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution recognizing what I call is my hero as it relates to knowledge of sports, Ray Didinger. Would Mr. Didinger and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Green, Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, and Councilman Taubenberger and Councilwoman Parker.
Although we have certain presenters, could I ask all members of Council to join us up here even if you do not have a written part at this point, but come on up anyway, because we don't know the next time we may be on the precipice of winning the Super Bowl. So I want us to memorialize this with all members. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Applause.)
Come on up. So come on up, and I thank my colleagues for joining me. So there are many things that qualify you as a Philadelphian. There's cheese steaks, there's water ice, there's soft pretzels, there's playing in the fire plugs during the summer, Piccadilly, but there's also Ray Didinger. And not to be confused with Big Ray, who is his grandfather, or Little Ray, his father, who was bigger than the grandfather, or Young Ray, who he was called growing up in a bar in Southwest Philadelphia, but we're talking about Ray, the Philadelphian, who has bled with us in our wins, cried with us in our losses, but managed never, ever, ever to lie to us about the level of proficiency of our sports teams. So, therefore, it is truly an honor to recognize a Philadelphian today. He is an author. He's a sportsman. He Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 never lies. He doesn't lie. He won't tell you everything he may know about the running back situation or the cornerbacks, but he will never lie and, therefore, it brings us comfort. It brings us encouragement when we are about to win. It brings us comfort if we ever lose, and he is a consistent sports voice and Philadelphian. So, therefore, we are here to honor Ray Didinger for his -- recognizing and honoring Ray Didinger for being inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. (Applause.)
Whereas, Ray Didinger, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is a prominent sportswriter and commentator, and a resident of the East Falls Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Yeah, the Fourth Councilmanic District. Yes, that's right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018
And whereas, Didinger is a 1968 graduate of Temple University and a member of the Temple University School of Communications Hall of Fame. He wrote for the Philadelphia Bulletin and the Daily News for more than 30 years;
Whereas, Ray Didinger was named "Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year" five times by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. In 1995, he won the Dick McCann Award for his long and distinguished career of pro-football and his name was added to the Writers Honor Roll in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Ray Didinger's work also earned him six Emmy Awards as a producer and writer with NFL Films; and
Whereas, Didinger is the author of 11 books, including three best-sellers: The New Eagles Encyclopedia, One Last Read and The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies. In Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 2016, Didinger wrote his first play: Tommy and Me. The play was performed locally by Theatre Exile; and
Whereas, Didinger is the first print journalist inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He is a host on 94WIP All Sports Radio in Philadelphia and he is a football analyst on NBC Sports Philadelphia Eagles Pre-Game Live and Post-Game Live Shows; and
Whereas, in 2017, Ray Didinger's famed career was further memorialized when he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame -- and that was reported on by WIP, Angelo Cataldi this morning -and now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors Ray Didinger for being inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ray Didinger as evidence of the sincere appreciation and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Didinger for remarks. (Applause.) (Councilman Jones and Councilman Johnson put on "underdog" masks.
You know, that's a good look for you. Councilman Jones, I like that. Well, I think this kind of tells the story of what this season has been about and what yet remains to be done. I think you're going to see quite a few of these in Minneapolis in two weeks. I've worked in the media for Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 century, and over the years, many of my colleagues have said, Wouldn't you rather be in news? I mean, all you do is just cover games, as if somehow that's not meaningful or important. Well, after seeing what we saw Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field and later in the streets of our fair city, I defy you to say what we're witnessing with the Eagles is just a game. Clearly, it's much more than that. If all you see are numbers on a scoreboard, then you're missing the point and what is the true essence and beauty of sports; that is, its ability to lift us up and bring us together. In a world where so many things divide us, where we are disconnected physically and emotionally, there's something magical in seeing thousands of Eagles fans, young and old, rich and poor, black and white, all with their faces painted green, standing arm in arm and singing Fly, Eagles Fly. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 loved about sports is the teamwork, and when that teamwork extends to an entire city or an entire region, as we're seeing now, it's a wondrous thing that allows us all to stand a little taller and closer together. The Irish philosopher, Francis Hutcheson, once said, That action is best, which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers. He said that centuries ago, but he might have said it Sunday night hanging from the top of a traffic light right out there on Broad Street. I was still new to the newspaper business in 1974 when as a reporter for the Philadelphia Bulletin I covered the Flyers' first Stanley Cup parade. I rode in the parade sitting next to Joe Watson, Sr., the father of Joe and Jimmy Watson. He was a butcher from Smithers, British Columbia, population 300, and he came to Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 sons win the Stanley Cup. As he rode through the streets gazing out at two million cheering fans, he said, I didn't know there were this many people in the world. I'll always remember that moment, that emotion that made a humble butcher from British Columbia and the people of Philadelphia feel as one. To me, that's meaningful. To me, that is important, and that's why after all these years I still love my job covering games. I want to thank you, Councilman Jones, for this wonderful honor. To stand here in this historic Chamber and accept this proclamation is something very special indeed. Thank you all very much, and I hope to see you back here in two weeks for a Super Bowl parade.
So for all true Eagles fans, we've purchased the new Eagles Encyclopedia so you can know half as much as Ray Didinger knows. Mr. President.
Councilman Jones, did you get one for our good friend in the media with the Dallas Cowboy hat on? I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. Thank you so much. Go Eagles. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green, who will present a resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Would Daryl Stephens and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
On January 5th, 1911, ten astute young men on the campus of Indiana University founded an institution unparalleled in the history of collegiate life. I know my colleagues to my left will understand what I'm talking about. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was based on achievement in every field of human endeavor, as you listen to our opening sermon in front of Reverend Dr. Steven Avinger, a member of this august body, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, in the political realm former Mayors Wilson Goode, John Street, State Representative Stephen Kinsey, State Senator Sharif Street, and a former member of this body, Councilman George Burrell, all members of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated, as well as the men behind me who are about achievement in every field of human endeavor and also someone Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 mentor, my father, Walter Green. So it brings me great pleasure to present this resolution this morning, and there's a close connection between the City of Philadelphia and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter was founded here May 25th, 1922 by one of our founders, John Milton Lee. And if you look up Broad Street, you will see our international headquarters, and we'll be coming back to you with our conclave in 2019. So it's with great pride to present this resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter on the occasion of the 107th Annual Founders' Day of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Whereas, on January the 5th, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, Elder Watson Diggs, John Milton Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Lee, Byron K. Armstrong, Guy Levis Grant, Ezra D. Alexander, Henry T. Asher, Marcus P. Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, Edward G. Irvin, and George W. Edmonds founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; and Whereas, through their vision, these ten astute men founded a college fraternity now comprised of functioning Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters on campuses and in cities throughout this nation and the world and through that seed, a fraternal tree was grown whose fruit of membership is available to, and now enjoyed by, over 150,000 college men, regardless of race, religion, or national origin; and
Whereas, from its origin through today, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is a unique organization in that its members share a common purpose of achievement in every field of human endeavor and this unified purpose is exemplified every day by its Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Congress, city halls, courtrooms, boardrooms, newsrooms, classrooms, concert halls, film and recording studios, physicians' offices, athletic fields, fields of combat, pulpits, et cetera and more; Whereas, in addition to the achievement of its members, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is dedicated to training for both leadership through its various programs, including the A-Man Initiative, Achievement Academy, Guide Right, Kappa Kamp, and Kappa League has mentored hundreds of young men into the past, current, and future leaders of our country; and
Whereas, members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity have a long commitment to serving the common person and, through this commitment, have provided substantial support to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, United Negro College Fund, Habitat for Humanity, and several other Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 service initiatives around the world; and Whereas, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the City of Philadelphia share a special bond in that the Fraternity's international headquarters is located in Philadelphia and, historically, the Greater Philadelphia Region has been home to hundreds of members in both the Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter on the occasion of its 107th Annual Founders' Day of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Daryl Stephens, Polemarch of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Stephens for remarks.
To Council President Darrell Clarke and the members of City Council, thank you for your acknowledgment of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, with this resolution. Since 1911, members of Kappa Alpha Psi have achieved in every field of human endeavor. While our motto is achievement, we realize how important it is that Kappas help others achieve as well. For example, the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Achievement Academy mentors over 75 young men from middle to high school every year in Germantown at our Achievement Center as part of our national Guide Right Initiative. Members of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter have a long legacy of indelible achievement. Members include Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 American Mayors of the City of Philadelphia in Brother Dr. Reverend W. Wilson Goode and Brother John Street, Esquire. In addition, we can point to the accomplishments of the late Brother Dr. Reverend Leon Sullivan, founder of OIC and the author of the Sullivan Principles aimed at ending apartheid in South Africa. We serve at the legislative level in City Hall currently with Brother Councilman Derek Green and in the past with the late Brother Cecil B. Moore, in Harrisburg with Brother State Senator Brother Sharif Street, Esquire, and State Representative Brother Stephen Kinsey. In July of 2019, Kappa Alpha Psi will hold our national conclave here in the City of Brotherly Love. We expect that our members and their families will pump millions of dollars into the local economy. We anticipate that Kappas will paint the town in crimson and cream. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Philadelphia. God bless Kappa Alpha Psi. Go Eagles. (Applause.)
And Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations. 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, would you please read those messages.
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 transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 170995, 170996, 171002, 171003, Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 170985, 170997, and 171128. And I am pleased to advise you that on December 20, 2017 and January 3, 2018, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 7, 2017, and that on December 20 and December 21, 2017 and January 3 and January 23, 2018, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 14, 2017, except Bill No. 160111-A, which I am returning without my signature. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Michael Untermeyer to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District; and A resolution appointing Kenneth Silver to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District; and A resolution appointing Richard Millan to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District; and A resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 dispose of 2520 Potter Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4546 North Marvine Street located in the Eighth Councilmanic District in accordance with terms of Chapter 16-1700 of The Philadelphia Code, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. This morning I wanted to take a moment and recognize one of our new additions, our intern, Tanya Broddis (ph). She's a junior at Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 been working in our office in the last month as part of her school project, watching her government in action. She joins our legislative team. I'm always happy to help promote and mentor young women, particularly this week as women are very empowered after Saturday's march. And we will also be nominating her to be a youth commissioner representing the Seventh Councilmanic District. So I want to thank her for her work in our office. Where's Tanya? Stand up. (Applause.)
Congratulations. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I just also wanted to take a moment to recognize a lifelong civil rights hero here in Philadelphia who is here with us today Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 and a Board member of the Japanese American Citizen League and a major leader in the Asian American movement here in Philadelphia, Hiro Nishikawa. If you can just stand up. (Applause.)
Hiro will be testifying a little bit later today, but he was an internee at the Poston camp in Arizona and will be speaking significantly to what this moment means about some of the xenophobic hysteria that we've seen and the incredible need for civil rights leaders like himself to carry on legacies. Thank you.
Great. Welcome. Thank you. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. Good morning, Mr. President. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 This morning I offer one bill and four resolutions co-sponsored by members Greenlee, Taubenberger, Jones, Bass, Parker, Blackwell, Sanchez, and Henon. I thank them all. Thank you, Mr. President.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by adding a new Chapter 6-310, entitled "Sodium Safety Warning Labeling for Chain Restaurants."
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Career of Monica Malpass on the Occasion of Her 30-year Anniversary as a Journalist for 6ABC Philadelphia.
And a privileged Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 resolution recognizing National Mentoring Month and the Work of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region to Connect Philadelphia Children to Positive and Dedicated Adult Mentors.
And a privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the Occasion of the 26th Annual African American Children's Book Fair and the February 3rd Kick Off of the National Literacy Initiative's Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book Program.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Meryl Levitz for Her Pioneering Leadership of VISIT PHILADELPHIA and Her Extraordinary Service to the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones at this time.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, three non-privileged resolutions, and three privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
Oh, no. Councilman, I thought you had your light on.
Oh, okay. I did, but we started introducing bills. That's okay. I wanted to jump back to recognizing people and a school in particular that came down to watch democracy in action. They are members of the Eastern Academy Charter School, who are taking it to the next level through activism fighting for their renewal down with the School District, and I wanted to recognize them today. Would you please stand. I believe they're in the balconies and behind us. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. And thank you all, and thanks for coming down. We appreciate it. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and five resolutions. All but one resolution have been signed by each and every member of Council.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by providing for the reimbursement of filing fees for parking ticket appeals.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Lynette Brown-Sow on the occasion of her retirement for her committed service to the Community College of Philadelphia and for her many accomplishments that have benefited the city of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Stephen S. Tang for his work at the University City Science Center and his leadership in technology and innovation in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to discuss the public advertising and outreach concerning the implementation for the SEPTA Key Cards and the phasing out of tokens.
And a non-privileged resolution expressing support for the resolution introduced by the United States Congressional Black Caucus condemning and calling for the censure of President Trump because of remarks he made about certain African countries, Haiti and El Salvador.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill on your behalf and offer two resolutions, one of which also on your behalf, and those resolutions are signed by all members of City Council.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, 5th Street, Spring Garden Street, 8th Street, Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Brown Street, and 9th Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Bill "Speedy" Morris on Winning 1,000 Games as a College and High School Basketball Coach.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Glenwood Avenue from Broad Street to Germantown Avenue as Smokin' Joe Frazier Boulevard.
That will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, three non-privileged and three privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
An ordinance legalizing an existing retaining wall encroachment at 289 Osborn Street.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Euclid Street, 53rd Street, Morse Street, and Georges Lane.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council to hold public hearings to Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 explore establishing Public Safety Officers and alternative code enforcement methods to improve the quality of life throughout the city.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Water Department crews and customer service staff for their unprecedented response to water main breaks and emergencies during the freezing cold weather in the Winter of 2017-2018.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia Living Legends: George Albert Beach, Joey Temple, Rita R. Smith-Wade-El, and Valeria Bullock, who are leaders in the areas of civil rights, community activism, education, business and youth mentorship in the Philadelphia Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 area; and further honoring those legends who are no longer with us: Vernon Marks, Charlie "Boo" Burrus, Abdul Malik Muhammad, Carl Moore, and Joe Faulk as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to pass a law requiring convicted domestic violence abusers to immediately relinquish all firearms within their possession to law enforcement.
And a non-privileged resolution encouraging the Philadelphia District Office's office and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to institute internal policies that reduce reliance on cash bail; and further calling on the Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Pennsylvania State Legislature and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to revise state laws and procedure codes governing bail to allow for the elimination of cash bail statewide, or to provide for an exemption in the law for cities of the first class.
And a non-privileged 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 Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018
Thank you, Council President. I have three resolutions and one bill on your behalf I would like to speak on, please.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Managing Director.
Thank you, Council President. Council President, as a longtime advocate of gun violence prevention, I have a lot of good days, but also I have a lot of bad days. I have lost count of the number of funerals that I have attended for constituents who have lost their lives far too soon to senseless gun violence. When I visit schools in my Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 district, which should be a joyful part of my schedule as an elected official, I ask a classroom full of children to raise their hand if they know someone who has been victimized by gun violence. In a Temple classroom, the majority of students in the class raise their hand. But today is a good day in moving forward in addressing the issue of youth gun violence here in the City of Philadelphia. As Chair of the Special Committee on Gun Violence, I work closely with partners across the City of Philadelphia on better coordination and planning for gun violence prevention. This is not an easy task. A leading partner in the newly formed Office of Violence Prevention, which has been reexamining the City's violence prevention approach from the ground up, I have full faith in the office Director, Shondell Revell, but I have become convinced that they need additional capacity in order to succeed Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 in their mission. I want to thank you, Council President, today for working to bring the $200,000 to the Managing Director's Office to support this effort in addressing the issue of youth gun violence. This is only the first step as we approach the budget process to begin prioritizing how we address the issue of youth gun violence here in the City of Philadelphia. These funds will build on other important gun violence prevention steps the City has taken recently, including the Police Department new gun violence suppression unit. You know last year we had entered the year with over 317 homicides here in the City of Philadelphia. So that should not go under the radar. There is a new task force to specifically go after guns. And also the Law Department's lawsuit to ensure timely reporting of the national database for gun background checks and the Health Department's anti-gun violence Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 media campaign. This is one small step in our efforts to address the issue of youth gun violence, but if we're going to be a great city, if we're going to recruit companies such as Amazon to come to the City of Philadelphia, we must have a safe city. So, Council President, I want to thank you for your leadership and your partnership, and I also want to thank the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Safety, who is also working diligently and closely with me to address this issue. This is only the beginning, and as we move closer to the budget process, then that's really where the rubber is going to hit the road as we advocate for initiatives to put boots on the ground so we can have young men and young ladies having the opportunity to get involved in something that's positive as opposed to picking up guns. Thank you very much, Council Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for continuing the focus.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Read by 4th for its dedication to increasing the educational attainment in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for its dedication to sisterhood and service, in celebration of the sorority's 110th Anniversary.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation on the occasion of the Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 organization's 60th Anniversary.
And that will also be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have three bills and four resolutions, one bill and one resolution on your behalf.
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 to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the Philadelphia Land Bank's ability to acquire vacant, tax delinquent property and to return such property to productive use while revitalizing neighborhoods fairly and equitably; and An ordinance amending Section Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 14-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District," to revise requirements and to designate several Transit-Oriented Development Transit Stations.
And an ordinance authorizing The Capital Group II to install, own and maintain a proposed retaining wall and existing fence encroachment at 2000 McKinley Street.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to assess the City of Philadelphia's efforts, as coordinated by the Managing Director's Office and our Human services departments to prevent and treat abuse, addiction, and disease related to the use of opioids.
This Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 week's Calendar.
And a non-privileged 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 Eighteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2520 Potter Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Charter relating to the Philadelphia Land Bank's ability to acquire vacant, tax delinquent property and to return such property to productive use while revitalizing neighborhoods fairly and equitably.
And that will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions and one bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Fulton Bank, National Association.
Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on the Disabled and Persons with Special Needs to hold hearings regarding professional and family caregivers and first responders in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring JoAnne Fischer for her service to the women, children and families of Philadelphia.
Today's Calendar. Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Thank you, Councilwoman.
A privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's "Special Committee on Student Loan Debt" to Investigate the Impact of Student Loan Debt on Older Borrowers in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President and colleagues. I have three privileged resolutions and two bills on the Hero Awards bill that's being co-introduced with Councilman Taubenberger with co-sponsors Oh, Parker, Henon, Squilla, and O'Neill. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sales, Leases and Other Grants of City-Owned Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Buildings and Facilities," by requiring appraisals as a condition of approval of certain acquisitions and dispositions of real estate.
And an ordinance amending Section 21-105 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hero Awards," by increasing the amount that may be awarded to family members of firefighters, police officers, and prosecution detectives killed in the course of performing heroic deeds.
And a privileged resolution recognizing January 26, 2018, as "Earned Income Tax Credit ('EITC') Awareness Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 resolution honoring and remembering the late D. Herbert Lipson, owner of Boston and Philadelphia magazines, who passed away Monday, December 25, 2017 at the age of 88 years old.
And a non-privileged resolution encouraging Apple Incorporated to choose the City of Philadelphia as the future home of its new U.S. based campus.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have one bill and three privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Criminal Record Screening Standards," by adding certain provisions to clarify that the prohibitions on use of criminal records provided herein also include records arising from the juvenile justice system, and adding definitions.
And a privileged resolution declaring January 30th, 2018 Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring the heroic efforts of professional caregivers, and declaring February 15, 2018, as Caregivers Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Children and Youth to conduct hearings regarding the impact of unpredictable and inadequate work hours on the wellbeing of families, and examining the effect of unstable work weeks on children and caregivers.
And that will also be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by all members of Council, and I thank them very much.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding Graduate! Philadelphia, a non-profit that supports adults who have some college credit and no degree to go back to school to get their diploma. The adults who Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 return back to school to start or finish their college education have come to be known as "Comebackers."
And a privileged resolution Honoring, Recognizing and Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Convention Center of Philadelphia, and the strong cultural and economic impacts it has had on our city and the region.
And that will be on today's Calendar. 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, Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 Mr. President. I offer three bills and four resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section 5 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170474-A), approved June 27, 2017, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 1338 Incorporated to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1338 through 1340 South 10th Street"; and An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as the Callowhill Business Improvement District, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Race Street from North 8th Street to North 5th Street, and to remove a travel Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 lane, in the eastbound direction, on Race Street, from North 8th Street to North 6th Street.
Those three bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a non-privileged 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-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Richard Millan to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District. Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 COUNCIL President CLARKE: Next week's Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Michael Untermeyer to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Kenneth Silver to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.
And that will also be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions.
A privileged Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to investigate train operators' responsibilities for cleanup, maintenance and beautification of transit entry points into Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged 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 Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very Stated Meeting January 25, 2018 much, Council President. Today I offer three privileged resolutions co-sponsored by members Domb, Parker, Bass, Taubenberger, Reynolds Brown, and Green. Thank you.