Stated Meeting, June 4, 2015

Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 4, 2015 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

We're going to get started. We're running a little late, and I will take full responsibility for that. If everyone will take their seat and every visitor will retire behind the rail, we'll get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Bishop Carolina Harris of the Ephesians Christians Fellowship Church International. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Just before I Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 prayer, I want to thank President for allowing me to grace this pulpit today. I also have a special thank you for Councilwoman Blackwell, and I also want to say thank you to all of the other Councilpeople that are -- some of you I know very well and some of you I'm getting to know. And so I want to thank all of you for allowing me to come here today to invoke the presence of God in this place. Father, we just thank you. We thank you because this is your place, and we thank you for the privilege and the assignment to come into this place today and to invoke your presence, because the earth is yours and the fullness thereof, and everything that exists belongs to you. And, Father, we ask you as we come today that we invoke love, the spirit of love, and may the spirit of love continue to be in this room and may the spirit of love continue to be in Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Councilperson, that they may understand that this is an assignment that you've given unto them, and we just thank you for them accepting this assignment. We ask, God, that you bless them, that you continue to keep them in harmony and united together as they make those decisions that is needed for the people that you have assigned them to. We ask you now that you will continue to help them to do the things, give them the spirit of wisdom, because you said wisdom is the principal thing. Give them that spirit of wisdom that they will decide, that they would know when and how and where to continue to do their assignment. Help them to understand that this is a journey that they're on. It's not over yet. It's a continued journey. It's a learning place, that you place them to learn the things for the next dimension. And we ask you to bless them Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 now, God, bless them and keep them. And I release the spirit of love in the children. Let the children's voices be heard. We release the spirit of love, the spirit of peace. And now may the grace of God be with them now and forevermore. Amen. (Amen.)

Thank you so much, Bishop, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you very much. Can I get a little quiet, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 21st, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 of Thursday, May 21st, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 21st, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence request has been requested by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Thank you. Leave shall be granted. The Chair now 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 come down today to witness their government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to come down and see us. We hope that your experience today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you for coming down. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution on my behalf Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 125th Anniversary of Saint Laurentius School. Would Principal Elaine McKnight and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Councilman Bill Greenlee and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Councilman?

Thank you, Mr. President.

Councilman Squilla, I just want to say before we start, I went to a fundraiser a few months ago and I promised the young folks -- they were at the fundraiser, and I promised them that they would be on TV. You see those cameras up there, guys? You are now on TV. All right? (Applause.)

Good Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 a great honor for me to read this on behalf of the President, knowing that Saint Laurentius is right outside my district and in Council President's district. But today we're honoring, recognizing, and celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Saint Laurentius School. Whereas, Saint Laurentius, the First Polish Speaking Catholic Church and School in Philadelphia, was founded in 1890; and Whereas, growing from humble beginnings, having collected $37.50 from 47 families, grew decades of tradition and positive community impact and successful Philadelphia citizens; and Whereas, on January 29, 1882, the first meeting of organizers of Saint Laurentius Parish was held in Muellersken Hall on Third Street. These organizations petitioned the Archbishop of Philadelphia to send them a priest; Whereas, Reverend James F. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Ward, Archbishop of Philadelphia was the founding priest of Saint Laurentius Parish. He and the first parishioners endured many obstacles, such as The Orange Men, as they erected their magnificent church at Berks and Memphis Street in Fishtown; and

Whereas, Saint Laurentius School opened its doors in 1890 to immigrant children whose families wanted to educate them under a strong Catholic School education model. They were also able to enjoy the freedom of using their native language while becoming successful Philadelphia citizens; and Whereas, Saint Laurentius School began as a Polish school for about fifty children in a local blacksmith shop. Father Malusecki, the pastor of Saint Laurentius, knew that there was a need for a parochial school and invited four Felician Sisters from Detroit to take charge of the school. They Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 basement of the church while the parish families built the school and not one single school day was missed; Whereas, the current Saint Laurentius School was dedicated on October 29, 1899. The parish continued to flourish and created affiliations with groups that encouraged the physical, moral, and spiritual development of all children. The Reverend Anthony Ziemba (or the beloved Friar Tony) encouraged the community to make many major improvements to the school at the time of the church's centennial. Father Frank Gwiadza continued -- there's principals in the room, thank God -- continued to build the school community and make improvements. Additional renovations have been made over the years including creating a creative space for the PreK; and

Whereas, a strong community of faith has been Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 School with priests helping parents, parents helping teachers, teachers helping children, and all helping one another in prayer, guidance, and charity; and Whereas, although the Saint Laurentius Church's future is in question due to the physical condition of its brownstone, Saint Laurentius School and the Catholic Community in Fishtown continues to find ways to reconnect and rebuild. The school is a thriving bastion of urban education in the City of Philadelphia serving more than 220 children at full enrollment capacity, providing a quality academic education while proclaiming the Catholic faith and enforcing a strong value system; and Whereas, Saint Laurentius has yearlong celebrations planned to commemorate this milestone, including fun nights like a Quizzo, School Spirit Day and they will work with families and community leaders to raise money for the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 27th Designer Bag Bingo and the Saint LauRUNtius 5K on April 18th; and

On behalf of Council President Clarke, now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Saint Laurentius School. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Saint Laurentius School as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Principal McKnight for remarks. PRINCIPAL McKNIGHT: I apologize. When you're 125 years old, sometimes you need to put your reading glasses on. Councilman Clarke and esteemed Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Council of this great City of Philadelphia, good morning. I am privileged today, as I am every day, to be principal of Saint Laurentius School and to address you on behalf of the students, families, faculty, and staff of Saint Laurentius. Like the early immigrants who started our school in a humble blacksmith shop, we believe in the freedom to proclaim and teach our Catholic faith and to educate every child in order that they become future lifelong learners in a global society. Utilizing resources that are probably very different from those used years ago, we continue to strive to provide opportunities for personal formation while providing a sound academic education in a changing and challenging world. Our mission statement begins with the words, "Saint Laurentius School serves the children who are entrusted to Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 care." These children are our children, not mine, not the teachers, but all of our children. We believe that each child deserves the opportunity to become the best they can and become citizens of a larger community who can make tough decisions for the greater good. As we look forward to the future, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us with the same convictions of our faith and goals in service to our school, our parish, holy name of Jesus, our community, Fishtown, and beyond our boundaries to our beloved Philadelphia United States and the world. Saint Laurentius School has an 8 out of 10 rating on the Great Philly School's website. It is the highest rating in the 19125 area code in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you again for publicly recognizing our achievements and your support for the children and families of Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 bless you, and in the words of our Polish ancestors, Sto lat, which means may you live 100 years. Thank you again. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution on my behalf recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition. Would Deacon Thompson and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium, along with Councilman Curtis Jones, who also represents portions of Strawberry Mansion, and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Whenever you're ready, Councilman.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Council President, I'm pleased to present this resolution honoring and recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition for their dedication to improving the quality of life in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia. The Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition is a unified faith based team supporting common initiatives and was developed to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Strawberry Mansion Community; and Whereas, led by Deacon William Thompson, the Coalition consists of religious leaders along with community and civic organizations all working together for the common cause of wanting to do what is best for the greater good of the Strawberry Mansion community and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 action planning committee; and

Whereas, the mission of the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition is to continue implementing community driven programs to reduce crime and violence for the youth and the elderly. The Coalition sponsors a Sports Club that includes baseball, basketball and tennis, as well as chess and checkers for the older members of the community and is organizing a Fun Day for families of the Strawberry Mansion Community; and Whereas, on July 11, 2015, the Coalition will host, quote/unquote, Unity in Our Community as a yearly event where the community, cross-system organizations, service providers, clergy, political leaders and businesses come together to have a day of activities, fun, fellowship, and information; and Whereas, the Coalition has hosted many events such as a Cancer Walk Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 for the Cancer Society, a Health and Awareness Fair and sponsored a Black History Essay Writing Contest for local schools where the winners received a plaque, a monetary prize and were recognized in The Philadelphia Tribune; and

Whereas, further examples of the great work of the Coalition include appreciation dinners for pastors, officials and community leaders for their tremendous support. They also raised money for a family from the Strawberry Mansion community who lost everything in a fire; and Whereas, the Coalition holds gospel concerts to continue the unity, love and respect that is growing in the community and participating also in the National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhood a safer, better place to Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 it resolved, that we hereby honor and recognize the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition for their dedication to improving the quality of life in Strawberry Mansion neighborhoods of North Philadelphia. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to members of the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition as evidence of our sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Presented by Darrell L. Clarke, President of the Philadelphia City Council, 5th Council District, 2015 June 4th. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Deacon Thompson for remarks. DEACON THOMPSON: We'd like to give honor to God, and I'd like to thank Council President Darrell Clarke and Councilman Jones and Blackwell for Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 us, and thank you guys for your service. I'd like to thank the organization that's made up of what they told you, political and pastors and non-profits and after-school programs. And I would like to personally thank you guys for making us to be the instrument in our community that provides us and pulls us together. All of this could not have been done if all of us had not came together on one business. How can two walk together, unless they agree, in different faith, but we all walk for the community base. If it's okay, at the end can we pray? And I'd like to thank my pastor for -- Fulton. He's our director, and thank him for having our organization's headquarters. We met at Faith Temple, and we'd like to thank him. And if you don't mind, Councilman, can we pray on the end?

What Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 do? DEACON THOMPSON: We would like to end with a prayer for us and the members.

I'm never going to turn down a prayer. DEACON THOMPSON: All right. So that's what I want to end with. I just want to end with a prayer, because that's what kept us together. We're driven on faith. So I'd like to ask Pastor Fulton, can he come and give us a unity pray for our community and our City Council so we continue to work together.

Gracious and Everlasting Father, we're grateful and thankful for this day that now has blessed us, guide us, and kept us. And as we come before this august body, we ask you to look upon these thy people, so noble and so great, who we come down to ask you to bless each and every one. Bless from the Mayor of our city to our Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 the Councilmembers that represent all the constituencies of this City of Philadelphia. We pray thy humble and bountiful, and everlasting blessing upon them and all of them. These blessings we ask in Jesus' name, for Christ's sake. And all of the people of the Lord said amen. (Amen.)

Thank you so much, Pastor. Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. Folks, we have one more presentation. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution congratulating the Constitution High Boys Basketball Team, The Generals. Would Robert Moore and those accompanying him please join the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

Good morning. Thank you all for being here, and I just want to say I know there are some jealous Councilmembers here, because my district seemed to have four state champions this year, and Constitution was one of them. So it's really a proud moment for me for how our high school basketball teams have performed this year. It's really amazing, District 12 won every state championship in the State of Pennsylvania. So congratulations. (Applause.)

And Constitution seems to be making this a habit, but that's great. Today we are honoring and congratulating the Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team, The Generals, on winning the 2015 PIAA A State Championship and The District 12 Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 AA Classification. Whereas, The Generals, led by Coach Robert Moore, named AP Coach of the Year in Pennsylvania, finished with a record of 24 and 8; and

Whereas, the Varsity Basketball Program at Constitution High School was started only a mere 6 years ago and the team has advanced to the state playoffs every year of their existence, winning 138 games each in that period and winning three state championships over the last four years. They won 4 City Titles in 5 years, 1 Public League Championship in 2010; and Whereas, The Generals defeated Farrell to win the State Championship by a score of 85 to 53 on March the 20th, 2015; and

Whereas, The Generals were led by Kimar Williams Philadelphia Public League Player of the Year, 1st Team All Public League, 1st Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 State, 1st Team Daily News All City Selections. Ahmad Gilbert - AP State Player of the Year, 1st Team All Public League, 1st Team All State, 2nd Team Daily News All City, 1st Team Inquirer All Southeastern Pennsylvania. And Chad Andrews - 1st Team All Public League, 2nd Team All State; and Whereas, based on their past performance, it is safe to assume that The Generals from Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team will only get better with time; now, therefore

Be it resolved -- and probably be here again next year -- by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby congratulate the Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the 2015 PIAA State AA Championship and The District 12 A Championship. Congratulations. (Applause.)

And Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Moore for remarks.

Thank you. I'll be brief. I just want to thank all the members of Council for all the support that you give to public education, giving me the extraordinary honor to teach here in Philadelphia and coach and do what I love to do and see these young men to go on to college. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. Before we proceed with today's agenda, I would like to recognize one more resident from the 5th Councilmanic District. It seems to be the 5th District Day. I would like to recognize Ms. Charnae Love McCoy in our Chambers today. She resides in my district and is a student at KIPP DuBois Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 3.98 GPA. (Applause.)

Hold up now. There's more. She's not only obviously very smart, she also is Miss Liberty Bell's Most Outstanding Teen of Philadelphia 2015 and she will be competing for the title of Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen June 9th through June 12th. Congratulations and good luck. (Applause.)

It's always a good day when we can recognize wonderful young people in the City of Philadelphia. 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.

com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 150407, 150413, 150162, 150163, and 150441. And I am pleased to advise you that on June 2, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 14, 2015, and that on June 2, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 21, 2015. And I am pleased to inform you that on June 2, 2015, I signed Bill No. 140644. This bill would authorize the City to inspect propane and natural gas systems operated by mobile food vendors and set citywide standards for the industry in regards to propane and natural gas use. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 are dormant until the General Assembly has acted. Nevertheless, the City continues to make appropriate arrangements with state and federal regulators to conduct inspections of propane and natural gas systems. It is regrettable that state law prevents the City from directly and independently enforcing rules around appropriate propane usage with respect to mobile food vendors. Nevertheless, my Administration will continue to work with Council, the state, and federal authorities to take every step necessary to ensure public safety. Respectfully submitted, Michael Nutter, Mayor. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 1932 Alter Street; and A 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 number and street address as 871 through 73 North Opal Street; and A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Emergency Management; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the Office of Emergency Management; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein; 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 Valley Green Road, Cherokee Street, and Wolcott Drive; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into Use and Lease Agreements between the City and each of the airlines servicing the Philadelphia International Airport, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications in your possession? Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

I have none, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and two resolutions. The one on 792 I'd like to be recognized again for a motion.

Sure.

And while I have the mike, I'd like to introduce some guests who are here. There was a grant, a Picasso grant, given out by PCCY, and Donna Cooper is here. We have students from all over the City, especially from Powel School and Work Study School. We have principals from McMichael, Mr. Wallace, and Beeber, and we have schools all over the City. Of Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 course they're encouraging us to pass the budget request for the School District, but they also gave a skit today outside with regard to the police officer being killed and a young man from the neighborhood being killed and how it all relates together and how we're all part of the same community. Just a wonderful group of people from around the City, and we thank all the students and their leaders for being here.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Mr. President, I forgot to mention that all these gifts we have, from the tambourine that we could have used for your faith-based people to other gifts, including a worry bracelet. So I'll have my worry bracelet here and we all have worry bracelets, because we're really worried about the School District and how we get there, but we're doing our best. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

I'll take two.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman, you introduced how many bills? Two?

One bill and two resolutions.

One and two. All right. Thank you.

And one I need to be recognized on after the title is read, Resolution 792.

You want a suspension?

Yes.

Okay. Mr. Decker, go ahead.

An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 No. 090120) approved April 15, 2009, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street."

That bill will be referred to committee.

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 Sixth and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Councilwoman, which one -- the next one?

Next Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 one.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 566 and House Bill 792 and for the Governor to sign the final legislation to expand the Pennsylvania Housing and Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program to all counties in Pennsylvania.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution will be considered on today's Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills, one on your behalf, and four resolutions, three on your behalf and one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and myself.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Tax," by establishing a rate of taxation Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 on parking transactions for fiscal year 2016 and thereafter.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into Use and Lease Agreements between the City and each of the airlines servicing Philadelphia International Airport.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating the Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women on their 40th Anniversary.

That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition for their dedication to improving the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 quality of life in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

That resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And 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 number and street address as 871 through 73 North Opal Street.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And 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 number and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 street address as 2310 through 14 North Marshall Street.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Mr. President, I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

You're welcome.

A privileged resolution recognizing June 2015 as Re-Entry Month in the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1932 Alter Street.

And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution, non-privileged resolution.

Thank you, sir. Thank you, Councilman.

A non-privileged resolution urging the General Assembly to modify the uniformity clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow for a differential real estate tax rate between commercial and residential properties to fund the accelerated reduction of wage and business taxes to foster the growth of Philadelphia's job and tax base.

And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode -- I'm sorry; O'Brien. Sorry, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have four bills, two on your behalf, and three resolutions, one of them privileged co-sponsored by Councilwoman Tasco, which I'd like to speak to.

Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the Office of Emergency Management.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "PM" by providing further requirements relating to the maintenance of exterior stairs and fire escapes.

Referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia and to set the rate for such tax.

Referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by establishing a tax rate for City real estate tax.

Referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution -- and a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to conduct joint public hearings to investigate funding opportunities for the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 research towards the cure of Sickle Cell disease underway at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

And today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution adopting the 2015 Emergency Operations Plan as the official emergency management doctrine of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Emergency Management, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office.

That will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill -- oh, I'm sorry. Councilman, hold on one second, please. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Recognizes Councilman Jones. He wished to speak.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. I promise not to speak at the speech of the majority for this. I wanted to take a moment to say that the ALS Challenge, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease and trying to respond to that, raised $100 million towards that challenge. And if I were to tell you that we could in Philadelphia through a Philadelphia-based hospital, through a Philadelphia resident doctor eliminate an entire disease for $5 million, would you take that offer? And the challenge is to raise that $5 million for sickle cell disease. One out of 12 people from the African American community carry this silent killer. One in 375 actually pick up the trait in a very painful way. Currently, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is making significant -- and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 I'm going to say it again -- significant progress in eliminating the entire disease but for $5 million. We have over 1,000 families that suffer from that disease, and what I'd like to do is hold hearings to figure out a way how to put that to rest forever. It is a curable disease. They did a presentation, and my colleagues and their staff did attend, but it's time to let the rubber meet the road and let's do something where in Philadelphia we can be the first to eliminate an entire disease that affects so many people in our community. And I would hope and encourage a positive vote by my colleagues to look into this solution, not a problem but a solution. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, one on behalf of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance repealing an ordinance (Bill No. 120396) entitled "An ordinance authorizing Northern Liberties Auction to construct, use and maintain various encroachments within the right-of-way on the north sidewalk of Spring Garden Street between North Third Street and Bodine Street.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-700, entitled "Development Standards", by adding an additional level of LEED certification for Floor Area and Height Bonuses.

That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 6800 block of Gorsten Street, between Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Valley Green Road, Cherokee Street, and Wolcott Drive.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution Designating and Recognizing June 20th as Community Garden Day in Philadelphia.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution designating the month of June 2015 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in Philadelphia.

That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes now Councilman Oh.

Thank you, Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Council President. I offer three privileged resolutions and a bill. I'd like to be heard on the bill. The National Night Out resolution is co-sponsored by our Public Safety Chairman, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., and Councilman Mark Squilla. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes, and Collections," Chapter 19-1800, "School Tax Authorization," Section 19-1806, "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax", by clarifying that banking is subject to the imposition of the Realty Use and Occupancy Tax.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. You want to speak now, Councilman?

Yes, Council Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 President. Thank you. I just want to clarify that the law seems to be unclear at this point in time as to whether or not banks are subject to the City's use and occupancy tax. There have been recent Commonwealth Court decisions supporting that the City can impose a use and occupancy tax on banks. I understand why non-profits don't pay real estate tax, do not pay the use and occupancy tax. I don't understand why for-profit-making entities like banks are exempt from paying the use and occupancy tax, and I'd rather see that we evenly spread out the use and occupancy tax than raise it on existing businesses. It appears there's approximately $8 or $9 million if we would collect these taxes. Thank you.

Thank you. I'm sure we'd all like to know about that.

And a resolution recognizing August 4, 2015 as "National Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Night Out" in Philadelphia as a neighborhood-engaging program to build up police-community partnerships and make our City a safer and better place to live.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring June 14, 2015 as Flag Day in Philadelphia to celebrate and reflect on the importance of the flag of the United States.

This week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and welcoming the 20th Annual Eurasian/Russian - American Innovation Technology Week in Philadelphia from June 11 to June 25, 2015; and honoring The Mid-Atlantic Eurasia Business Council for its leadership in promoting industry, growth, and business relations between the U.S. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Eurasia; and encouraging Philadelphians to participate.

Thank you. That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports six bills and 11 resolutions with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Bill No. 150375, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, the Director of Commerce, and other officials of the City to execute or approve various agreements and other matters by and among the City, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, and others relating to the redevelopment, operation, and maintenance of properties located on the north side of Market Street between 8th and 11th Streets in the City and commonly known as the Gallery Mall"; and Bill No. 150376, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 aerial portions of Ninth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street and Tenth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street; and authorizing the conveyance of such struck and vacated areas, together with certain areas previously struck and vacated"; and Bill No. 150377, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments into the right-of-way of Market Street, Filbert Street, 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street and 8th Street"; and Bill No. 150378, entitled "An ordinance approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area, including the second amendment to the urban renewal plan, which provides for the rehabilitation of the Gallery at Market East as a first class mixed use retail center"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/CTR, Center City Overlay,' by adding a new subsection entitled 'Market Street East Retail Area,' relating to accessory signs"; and Bill No. 150380, entitled "An ordinance creating the Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 8th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west, and Market Street on the south, including certain improvements located therein, and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District"; and Resolution No. 150307, entitled "A resolution reappointing Peter C. Rothberg, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 "A resolution reappointing Sheryl Bar, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 150309, entitled "A resolution reappointing Harvey Spear, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 150310, entitled "A resolution reappointing Leo Addimando, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 150311, entitled "A resolution reappointing Chris Terlizzi, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 150312, entitled "A resolution reappointing Ernest Jones, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 150313, entitled "A resolution reappointing Harold Epps, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 "A resolution reappointing Larry Howard, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 150315, entitled "A resolution appointing Peter Soens, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 150316, entitled "A resolution appointing Julie Coker, to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No.

com) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Redevelopment Agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and Keystone Philadelphia Properties for 1025 Market Street, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 150375, 150376, 150377, 150378, 150379, and 150380. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 150375, 150376, 150377, 150378, 150379, and 150380. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolutions No. 150307 through 150316 and 150390 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out five bills with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, if you can please read that report.

The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 140519, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-502 to further provide for requirements within the Center City Overlay District"; and Bill No. 150239, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germantown Avenue, School House Lane, Greene Street, and Armat Street"; and Bill No. 150264, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes"; and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 150355, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Fifth Street, Reed Street, Fourth Street, and Dickinson Street"; and Bill No. 150441, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' Chapter 14-600, entitled 'Use Regulations,' and Chapter 19-2400, entitled 'Hotel Room Rental Tax,' to facilitate short-term rentals of accommodations, to clarify the imposition and collection of Hotel Tax on the same, and to make technical and clarifying changes, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the five bills that Mr. Decker just read. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140519, 150239, 150264, 150355, and 150441. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out two bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, read the report, please.

The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 140721, entitled "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 creation of a new Department of Planning and Development, headed by a Cabinet-level Director to oversee the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 planning, zoning, licensing, inspection, enforcement, and housing functions"; and Bill No. 150368, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 20-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Political Contributions and Expenditures,' by further providing for disclosures relating to contributions and committee expenditures, including electioneering communications expenditures"; and Resolution No. 140732, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of a new Department of Planning and Development, headed by a Cabinet-level Director, to oversee the City's planning, zoning, licensing, inspection, enforcement, and housing functions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 140721 and 150368. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140721 and 150368. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Councilman Greenlee for a motion regarding Resolution No. 140732.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Resolution No. 140732 at this time. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you again, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Resolution No. 140732. A copy of the amendment has been Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 of Council, and I move for the adoption of that amendment. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 140732 has been amended and will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee of Commerce and Economic Development.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report.

The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 150093, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 18-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Airports,' by requiring providers of ground-handling services at City airport facilities to obtain a permit from the City before providing ground-handling services and providing for possible permit revocation, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150093. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150093. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee have been deemed to have had a Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 2ND READING first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150517, 150518, 150519, 150266, 150275, and 150276. All other resolutions and bills are being held.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you have not already done Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 so, you have to sign up at the table to my left. There's a sheet. Your name will be called to testify on a bill or resolution. It must be on the Final Passage Calendar today. You will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, it's your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify when your name is called. I do want to make one note. There is a particular bill that is on the Final Passage Calendar today that has a significant number of individuals to testify on that bill. That is Bill No. 150406. That is a bill to acquire property for purposes of building a prison. I do want to note that the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 sponsor of the bill has held the bill. That bill will not be voted on today. (Applause.)

So I'm going to ask if, because of the time associated with the testimony, if you still feel the need to testify, I'd ask if you could make your remarks relatively short, because I'm assuming you'll have another opportunity when the bill is in fact -- if it in fact will be heard. Because we have a number of individuals on that. We also have a number of individuals that want to testify on another matter, if that's okay with you. If you can either not testify because it's not going to be voted today or if you're going to testify, if you can kind of accelerate your testimony a little bit. Thank you for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, you want to call the first name on the list.

Ali H. Johnson, Jr. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Commenting on 150406.

Good morning.

Good morning. I'm going to be representing Ali H. Johnson, Jr. He's not able to be here today.

State your name for the record.

Nasir Allen.

Okay.

My name is Ali H. Johnson, Jr. I am a student at Powel Elementary School in Philadelphia, PA. I'm testifying on the cursive bill as it relates to supporting Philadelphia students. Our public schools need $105 million. If our schools do not get this money, we will lose valuable programs like art, music, and dance. We need the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 arts because creativity is important and art, music, and dance help us to express ourselves. At Powel School, we use art to learn about different countries and history. We have made great pottery and used art to display Greek mythology. At school I play the violin. I enjoy it very much. I would hate not to play because you did not choose to put money in the budget for arts. Playing the violin has helped me to be a well-rounded student and it's helping me to be responsible and successful. Today we are bringing you tools to build better schools that have art and music programs for all students. Thanks for listening. And also the Workshop School would like to say something. The Workshop School would also like to say programs for the arts also keeps kids off streets and working diligently for something that matters. Our future Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 matters. We matter. Thanks for listening.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Aylan Malik. (Witness approached podium.)

I just want to make clear, because the last speaker spoke on a measure that was not on the Final Passage. Are you speaking on what? What bill?

No. 150518.

And that's in reference to the acquisition of land for a prison?

No.

What are you speaking about today?

Supporting students.

That's not on the Calendar today for Final Passage. You have to -- the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 subject matter -- let's me explain.

For cursive writing?

No. Let me explain. So in order to have public comment, you have to speak on a bill or a resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar today. There is no bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today for school funding. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Council President Clarke, could we speak for 30 seconds about what was to be the prison bill? We changed it in hopes that we could speak about the cursive bill.

You come in every week and you segue into issues that are not -UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Well, I was just here today. So we're hoping we can get 30 seconds.

But it's not -- I'm just saying, it's not on -- there will be an opportunity for Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 you to come to speak on school bills, school funding bills, trust me. There will be. But if you come in and you use a bill that's not related to the matter, it's just not adhering to the rules. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We understand.

So I would respectfully ask that you, one, stop doing that, because I've been kind of real liberal on that and you guys come in every week and you talk about something that's not on the agenda, and I've been -- but it would be helpful if you kind of like maybe today kind of go along with the rules, please. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Okay. Well, this is our last student for today.

I'm sorry? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: This is the only other student for today, if that's okay.

Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Okay. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you.

Thank you.

My name is Keyshawn Strand. I'm a 9th grade student at the Workshop School and today I'm going to give a testimony on behalf of a student at Powel Elementary School in Philadelphia, PA. I am here today to testify on Bill 150518 essentially relating to supporting students. This money will go a long way. As schools invest in education today will mean that more students will succeed and less people will go to prison. The School District of Philadelphia needs $105 million so that kids like me can get a quality education and experience different types of art in schools. Arts are important to schools. Arts are important to me, because if we Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 did not have art, schools and life would not be as interesting. Art is important to me because it helps people communicate with each other. I also think art is important because when I learn skills with an art connection, I don't forget them. Some of the things that we have done at Powel and in our community to engage youth in art are working with pottery, paper mache, painting, drama, and instrumental performance, as well as print making. Skills I've learned from art are cutting, creative writing, and following directions. The art has given me confidence. Those are the reasons why we need art. I thank you for listening and I hope you will help our school get the money they need so that our students can succeed in schools and in life and in careers. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Applause.)

Khandace Mitchell. (No response.)

Roxy Barnaby. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Roxy Barnaby and I'm the Associate Education Director at Public Citizens for Children and Youth, PCCY.

Is Khandace Mitchell not here?

Yes, she is.

Oh, I'm so sorry. (Witness approached podium.) MISS MITCHELL: Hello. My name is Khandace Mitchell and I'm a student at the Workshop School. I'm here today to testify about Bill 150158 -- I'm sorry; 15018 (sic). Cursive writing is important Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 and a way that I can express myself in writing. In writing you have a chance to express yourself, and being able to write in cursive gives you an interesting and intriguing opportunity to write. But theatre has played a bigger role in helping me learn to express myself. This year in my school we did a play project that 9th grade students produced and wrote it. Some of us acted, some of us made costumes or the set, some of us made music, and some of us were a part of the arts administration team. The play project was the best thing I ever did this year. It gave me a chance to do something I loved and work together with the whole 9th grade, and I feel proud of my work. On the day we performed, I was so nervous, but also excited, and when I heard the audience cheer, it gave me confidence and courage. That's why we need to fund the arts in schools, because every student deserves to have the kind Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 of experience I had. Thank you. (Applause.)

Roxy Barnaby. (Witness approached podium.)

Thank you. Sorry about that earlier. My name is Roxy Barnaby and I'm the Associate Education Director at Public Citizens for Children and Youth, PCCY. I'm here to testify about Bill No. 150518 today, a bill calling for the School District of Philadelphia to mandate cursive writing in the curriculum. I not only work in the City on behalf of our children, but I am also a Philadelphia resident and my husband was born and raised here. His father was a public school teacher in the District at Cook, then Germantown High, and his mother worked as a school nurse at Beeber, then at Roosevelt for many years. So for both my own family and all Philadelphia families, I want to see the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 City succeed. Over the past few months, I've interviewed 18 Philadelphia comprehensive high school principals. In one school I visited, while I was there parts of the cafeteria ceiling collapsed under the weight of torrential rain and about a thousand students had to be rerouted to the auditorium for lunch without any staffing help. In another building, entire floors were shut down because schools were built for many more students decades ago. The principal told me that because there are not enough adults in the building, walking around these abandoned areas, students often go there instead of going to class. City Council has come through for the School District in past years, but we can't let those investments stop now. The School District of Philadelphia has requested $105 million from the City for next school year. This investment, Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 coupled with the proposed $160 million from the State, would give our students the basics like school counselors, access to school libraries, and current textbooks. Over the past year, PCCY has taken hundreds of concerned citizens to Harrisburg from all over the region. In 2014, we went to Harrisburg on October 6th, October 16th, November 18th. In 2015, we've gone on January 21st, February 4th, April 4th, April 22nd, June 2nd, and we've also scheduled bus trips for June 23rd and June 30th. We've gotten 2,000 voters from Southeastern Pennsylvania to support the fair funding formula. We've gone on 80 one-on-one visits to build support for a fair funding formula and have driven 2,000 miles across the suburbs outside Philadelphia over the last year. We've trained 700 people on how to advocate for fair funding. Still, we are asking you to Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 hold up your end of the bargain and pass revenues for the $105 million for our students. We assure you that we will continue to hold our State elected officials accountable. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Melanie Newport. (No response.)

Melanie Newport. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Melanie Newport. I'm a resident of Point Breeze and a Ph.D. candidate at Temple University. I study jail policy history. I was here to testify on Bill 150406, which I understand is not being voted on today, but I just wanted to weigh in. I find it repugnant that we house anyone, particularly those who are presumed innocent, in buildings constructed decades before architects had Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 even figured out how to build safe and secure jails. We should be ashamed that we do not house our citizens in spaces that reflect the dignity and integrity of our criminal justice process. That said, I think moving toward purchasing land for new jails is extremely wrongheaded at this time. We should only build jails as a last resort, only after we've exhausted all of our alternatives. The best way to avoid building a new jail is to reduce our jail population. Philadelphia Prisons has made great strides on that in moving towards developing a plan through their receipt of the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge Grant. In getting this grant, Philadelphia should be at the beginning of a lengthy evaluation of our pretrial incarceration policies. Given that we are in the midst of developing this plan, I think that purchasing land for a new jail before we Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 have reevaluated our bail practices, our pretrial services, and the use of tools like release on recognizance is extremely wrongheaded. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

Reginald Carter, commenting on 150406. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, Councilmembers and citizens of Philadelphia and whomever else. I wrote something that I'll read to you. It's pretty brief. Good afternoon, everyone here. I thank City Council for allowing us to speak on this issue. The continued building of prisons across America is a clear indication of the desire to maintain a deadly status quo that is based on race and class struggle. A few months ago I Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 became involved with the Philadelphia Black Political Summit Coalition. I suggested that we adopted -- I suggested and we adopted to do a workshop on criminal justice. As a young man growing up in Philadelphia, I knew what the school-to-prison pipeline meant on a personal basis. I will say that the social, economic, political, and racial injustices that caused me to fail in public school and be sent to Glen Mills, which was a youth penitentiary in the late '60s, propelled me into the deeper level of gang activity upon my release, which led to almost 11 years of incarceration. The same type of authority that led to my being incarcerated is built into a thinking process of anyone who wants to build a prison to address derivative acts of self-destruction and planned injustices while not considering viable alternatives even as we dismantle the current system. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 I read in the newspaper that Judge Kevin Dougherty recently asked for additional funding to purchase over 300 GPS devices that could be used in place of imprisoning people. Why would he want such a small amount of devices when the same could be used as one alternative to a burdensome taxpayer expense of locking someone up? Racial profiling and massive arrests, along with overcharging, leads to overcrowded prisons. Now add poor legal defense and Draconian judicial policy and we get what we have today, a frenzy of exploitation controlled by corporate and union interests. Recently, the Philadelphia Prison System received a MacArthur Grant to look at ways to reduce prison population and recidivism. Imagine that. A union corporate-controlled entity cutting its own throat. We cannot allow those who have gotten fat pockets to continue to dictate policy and shape an Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 oppressive narrative that does not transform us out of our current dilemma. With a new Mayor and new faces coming to City Council, we have an opportunity to reshape the reality of mass incarceration in Philadelphia by setting forth a new wave of policies that are achieved by hard work and cooperation that will make accountability a reality rather than a continued exercise in rhetoric. Do not build that prison. When the media policy change can see the release of thousands of people back into our communities with a new view of oversight and accountability, we cannot create more criminal justice -- hold up a second here. We can create a more just criminal justice system and safer streets. Reggie Abdullah. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony.

Karen Lee, Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 commenting on 150406. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, everyone.

Good afternoon.

My name is Karen Lee. I'm a member of the Human Rights Coalition and I'm also a member of Decarcerate PA. An active member of Decarcerate PA and a relentless resolve to not have any new jails built, I'd like to read the following: On May 11th, City Council's Committee on Public Property voted to approve $7.2 million to purchase land for the construction of a new county jail. Decarcerate PA opposes this proposed expansion of the Philadelphia Prison System. We believe City Council should work aggressively to decrease the number of people held in Philadelphia's county jail and invest in our underfunded school system instead of spending millions of Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 dollars to build new jail cells. We are calling on you to vote no on Bill No. 150406 and take a stand against mass incarceration. We believe the House of Correction can and should be closed, but instead of building a replacement jail, the City must address the massive number of people currently incarcerated in the Philadelphia Prison System. About 80 percent of the 8,000-plus adults and children currently held in Philadelphia prisons are being held pretrial. The overwhelming majority of people are there simply because they cannot afford to post bail while they await trial. If City Council truly cares about the well-being of people in the House of Correction, you should reform Philadelphia's broken bail process. Challenge rapid overcharging in the DA's office. Address the excruciatingly slow pace of a court system that allows people to sit for years awaiting trial, and end Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 the policies of racial profiling, brutality, and stop and frisk that disproportionately funnels poor people and people of color into the City's jails. Decarcerate PA and our partner organizations would be happy to meet with you to discuss how City Council can help make these reforms a reality. Former Councilman Jim Kenney, who won the Mayoral primary and will likely be our next Mayor, has said publicly that he will not move forward with the construction of a new jail. It does not make sense for City Council to spend over $7 million to buy land for a jail that likely will not and should not be built. Philadelphians, we don't want this. We can't afford a new jail. Make investment in our schools, housing, jobs, reentry resources, and other institutions that make our communities healthier, safer, and stronger. We call on City Council to vote no on this bill and to Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 take real action to reduce our City's jail population and close down the House of Correction without devoting hundreds of millions more to expand and perpetuate a failed system. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)

Faye Anderson. (Witness approached podium.)

Commenting on 150406.

Good afternoon. I'm Faye Anderson -

Good afternoon.

-- founder of Tracking Change, an online platform to promote data-driven models of accountability and transparency. I came prepared today to speak about Bill No. 150406, but in the interest of time, I'll post my comments Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 to Twitter. I want to thank President Clarke for making it clear that the property at 7777 State Road would be acquired, quote, for the purpose of building a prison, end quote. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony.

The following individuals will be called and permitted to speak in this order, beginning with Ann Schwartzman, Deborah Torey Moore, Peter McDermott, Toni Damon, Octavius Barnes, Daniel Kurtz. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning -- I'm sorry; good afternoon.

Good afternoon. For the record, my name is Deborah Toni Moore and I'm a parent here in the City of Philadelphia in the public and the charter schools. I'm here today because I need you to vote no to this bill to purchase land for a prison. Even though Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 this bill is being cleverly disguised, not to mention that it's being used for prisons, it has been publicly stated and we are fully aware of what its use is intended for. As I looked at what was transpiring, there's a few things that really stood out to me. The fact that this land had been put up for a sale, a one-time bid of $100 secured the bid. It then paid taxes of 208,000 on an assessed value of 7 million and then it went to public -- the Public Property to be approved to purchase for this prison. That's very disturbing to me. Because that is -- if you look into that, I would really like to have more information about how all this stuff transpired and who is going to stand to profit from this sale. The second thing that really stood out for me as I looked at this bill being offered is that there are so many people who are every day going into Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 schools that represent our young people, our young children and their hard-working teachers and their volunteer parents, going into schools that have deplorable conditions. They cannot -- our young people cannot even sanitize their hands because the plumbing is inadequate to turn on hot water. Day cares, licensed day cares, would be shut down if they didn't meet the requirement. Why aren't we doing more to look into securing the facilities that our young people are being educated in? The other thing that really stuck out in my mind is that we're using this money to project 1,500 prisoners that are in prison. You're going to look at spending $7 million. Take another, at the top end, 500 million to build and make this beautiful state-of-the-art prison for 1,500 prisoners who are there for pretrial. The majority are there for pretrial. They haven't even been convicted. Why would you invest $338,000 Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 per person for this prison? It is ridiculous. And, lastly, as I see I have 30 seconds left, I need to tell you that this is impacting families dramatically. How I know that number is true, because my own young sons were picked up in front of our home because they were accused falsely. They end up being set up. And if I didn't have the support that I needed and if I didn't have to make the choice to take my mortgage money to pay for their bail and an attorney, they too would be incarcerated and my high school son would not be the D1 athlete, scholar athlete, that's being recruited by numerous colleges around this nation, not just for his athletic prowess but because he is prepared to be successful in these institutions. Vote no on this bill. It hurts too many families.

Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Applause.)

Good afternoon. I'm Dr. Toni Damon, proud principal at Murrell Dobbins CTE High School.

Good afternoon.

I was here last week and I also noted that also known to be the secretary, the social worker, the counselor, the janitor, the lunch aide, so many other things, and I was prepared to talk about the bill with the prison purchase, but I can link this also, my conversation, to cursive writing, because I am one who prepares students for college and career, and at the end of that journey, my young people need to know how to sign a check. So I do certainly believe that children need to learn cursive writing, but I also want you to know that as one who has to oversee curriculum, I have to make sure that my teachers are able to teach students in a building in which students Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 can learn. Last year alone, I had to relocate so many classrooms to the auditorium because the heat was just not working, students walking around in coats and still cold, teachers calling in the next day because their bones are cold. I myself, just cold and sick. It's just not an environment in which our students need to be educated in. I do ask you that you consider not only purchasing land for prison, but that you consider the schools in which our children are being educated in. If we're going to be the leaders of this nation, of this world, then our children need to have the latest technologies. I said last time I was here that we were slated for a renovation, and every year that passed, it appears that we're losing a million dollars to another building that may need money. Dobbins should not have to lose money when we are trying to prepare children for careers when other schools are getting it and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 we're thinking about building prisons. I brought with me the young man that I spoke about last time, Octavius, but because he's not allowed to speak about what he wanted to speak about, he chose not to speak. But I did want to recognize Octavius and thank him for taking time out of his schedule to come here while he was home on summer break from Howard University. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.) MR. McDERMOTT: Good morning.

Good afternoon. MR. McDERMOTT: I'm here to talk about --

State your name for the record. MR. McDERMOTT: Peter McDermott. I was here on May 21st and Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 I'm back again. Since that time, I've had a discussion with my Councilman, Robert Henon, and I actually want to recognize him and commend him for holding the bill again and also for scheduling a telephone town hall, which I hope will also be followed up with other town halls. I want to recognize him and I want to applaud his efforts for that. Today I want to talk about specifically 7777-R State Road, the actual site. Last time I was here I talked about 19136 and all the prisons we have in that neighborhood. 7777-R State Road we talk about as a land purchase. It's also a waterfront property. This waterfront property has waterfront structures. There are 17 steel sheet pile cellular structures along the out-shore face, formerly known as Berth 1 and Berth 2. They're approximately 60 and a half feet in diameter. Down river corner, you have Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 another cell, Cell 18, and then along the basin, formerly known as Berth 3 and Berth 4, you have 17 more cellular structures. We do not know the conditions of these, but should we? On May 18th in the year 2000, a disaster happened on the Delaware River. Pier 34 South, three young women were killed. Since that and because of that, Council and the City of Philadelphia enacted Title 4, Building Construction and Occupancy Code, Subsection PM-304, Exterior Structures, specifically Subsection 304.9, which is known as Piers and Other Waterfront Structures. There was a responsibility of property owners to make sure these structures are safe and maintained and that the public is safe. That did not happen in 2010 when a young man was killed at this facility. He drowned. Do we know the integrity of these structures? I don't know that. But what I do know is that some of the acreage of this plot are actually in the Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 Delaware River. And we're not going to build in the Delaware River if we're going to build a prison. In addition to that, you have a bulkhead line which is set by the Secretary of War, lands out-shore that need a submerged lands license, which was issued in 2007, which since went into sunset because that development didn't happen. Pennsylvania also has a code, Title 25, Environmental Protection. What they state is that when you want to do something in those lands, 105.32, Projects - Proper Purpose. I'm going to list some of these proper purposes. Improving navigation or public transportation. Not there. I'm going to be cut off here, so what I'm going to tell you is, a correctional facility is not listed under Proper Purpose.

Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, President Clarke and esteemed members of Council. My name is Daniel Kurtz. I am the proud principal of the Kearny School at 6th and Fairmount. I'd like to speak briefly about the impact of mandating cursive writing in the true landscape of my school as it stands. Every morning a 2nd grader meets me in the schoolyard five minutes early. When he arrives, he reminds me that, I am going to be a doctor and I must get my good education. He offers to share his breakfast because, as he says, In nutrition class I learned that the brain needs food to be its best and we need our best brain every day. When the bell rings, he gives me a fist bump and says thank you and then hurries to class. He trusts us to deliver on the promise of his good Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 education. He believes in the adults at Kearny, that we will provide what he needs to achieve his hopes and dreams and the future he deserves. At the same time, the Kearny team arrives, determined to do what is ever in our possible control not to betray his trust, and yet despite all best efforts, the reality of this ongoing budget crisis is that we betray his trust every day. When a school is only staffed with enough teachers to stand in front of a crowded class and does not have the resources to allow time for collaboration, focus conversation about individual students and their needs, we abuse his trust. When basic materials and resources are not available to support daily instruction, not to mention enrichment or important safety nets, we abuse his trust. When 25 percent of a student Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 population demonstrates serious concerns associated with poverty and a life of trauma, when dozens of children under the age of 8 require partial hospitalization for behavioral and mental health issues during the course of a school year, but a counselor is only available two days a week, barely enough time to manage the process of coordinating with behavioral and mental health agencies for these students and not nearly enough to provide any other critical counseling support to the remainder of the students, we abuse his trust. When the principal cannot provide instruction leadership to ensure teachers continue to grow and improve because he has to leave an observation to check on a student having an asthma attack or a diabetic issue or just to administer daily medication because the nurse is only in the building two days a week, we abuse his trust. This is a conversation about Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 numbers, billion dollar budgets, hundreds of millions of dollars asked. But those numbers have a reality in my school. I am provided ultimately $35 per day per child, less than the cost of tutoring for one hour in an outside source and as much as many people spend for lunch and parking to work daily in Center City. It is not enough to honor the trust of an 8-year-old determined despite all odds to be a doctor. I am here today to ask City Council to live up to a child's trust. I ask the City of Philadelphia and the people to support City Council in making this hard choice and all our children. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

David Lauer, Jessica Brown, Lisa Kaplan, Paul Spina, and Marvin Robinson. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. My name is David Laver and I'm the proud principal of Bayard Taylor Elementary School in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia and I'm here today to ask for City Council's support to meet the needs of the students of Philadelphia, to meet the requests from Superintendent Dr. Hite for $105 million.

Sir, what bill are you speaking on?

I'm sorry. Excuse me?

What bill are you speaking on?

On the bill for cursive writing.

Cursive writing, okay.

So I want to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for bringing that issue to the table for City Council. Any Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 time that we're speaking about education with our students, it's very important. I do agree with Councilor Blackwell about the importance of cursive education. You need to be able to sign your own name. And I just want to be able to put that in the context of the greater academic program at our schools for reading, writing, math, arts, the sciences, athletics, and in order for our students to truly be ready to take on the world in college and career, they need to be able to write in cursive writing and they need to be able to have all those other skills that I just mentioned. My colleague right before me talked about all the needs at his schools. I won't repeat everything he said, but trust me when I tell you that all of the schools in Philadelphia share the same issues that he's working so hard to overcome. So I just, again, I ask City Council to take the time to have very Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 difficult conversations, to have the courage to make some very difficult decisions in the weeks ahead, and to do what's right for the children of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. My name is Jessica Brown. I'm the principal of Masterman and I'm here to speak about 150518, cursive writing. First of all, I want to thank Council for last year for supporting the funding and passing taxes. We really do appreciate that. However, we still do not have the full complement of teachers, nurses, counselors, support staff, resources that we need. We need sustainable funding, and $105 million Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 would allow for one extra teacher in each building. One hundred and fifty students take art at my school out of 1,200. It would allow for math --

Ma'am, are you speaking about cursive writing?

I am, because without the complement -

Just stick to the subject matter.

-- of staff, it's a challenge to have a discussion about cursive writing when we don't have the appropriate amount of people in our schools. (Applause.)

We need City and State funding. At the end of the day, we need safe schools and we need quality education. Every minute that is spent on coping with school funding is time that we could spend talking and doing and implementing great instructional Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 practices. We have to advocate for 105 million. If we had quality schools, we wouldn't need to build prisons. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. Hi. My name is Lisa Kaplan, the proud principal of Andrew Jackson School in South Philly. I am here with several of my principal colleagues today to speak on the cursive writing bill. I forget the number. I apologize. I want to thank, first of all, all members of Council and you, Chairman, on supporting the schools. We have had several conversations with members this morning, and we are talking today about mandating curriculum in schools. Well, as educators we are all for mandating all types of curriculum, but we must fund those mandates and fund Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 them fully so that our children are -(Applause.)

-- able to access cursive writing and other services that right now we're just getting by. So I got an A in penmanship. I'm going to say cursive writing is something I love. So thank you, Councilwoman, for reminding us that these skills are important, but there's so many other things that are important for kids. I tell my students every day that education is the only thing that someone cannot take away from you, that it is a great equalizer, and that it is also the most powerful tool in the tool shed. So we must educate our students, and we appreciate and want to thank Council for at least keeping an open mind to when we put funding for mandates for curriculum into our schools and we have great ideas, we need to come up with the capital to make sure that our Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 students are doing better than just status quo, that we are all proud and happy to say that our students attend Philadelphia public schools and that it is something that is important to this City. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, Council President.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Paul Spina and I am the proud principal of the Ziegler Elementary School located in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, and I come here on -- and I'm speaking on behalf of the bill which identifies cursive writing in schools, and I am grateful and I appreciate your support Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 with that bill, and once that bill is passed, we'll do our best to make sure that it happens. But I'm here on behalf of not just the teachers of the Ziegler School, on behalf of the students and the Ziegler School community, because while I'm not at the school today, there's a big part of that school missing, and that's because I incorporate most of happens in that school. I am the school nurse, I am the school counselor, I am the dean of students. So I have to go back today and I have to let my school community know where I was and what I was doing on their behalf. I need you guys to help me. I need you guys to help me to go back there today and give them positive news, give them something to be happy about over the summer break. I need your support. I need you to keep Philadelphia schools and the students of the Philadelphia School District as a top priority in your mind Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 and get us that $105 million that we need to support that community, to support all the communities in the Philadelphia School District, and certainly all the kids in the Philadelphia School District. I appreciate your time. Thank you very much, Council President.

Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, Council President.

Good afternoon.

My name is Marvin Robinson. I'm only speaking on this real short because I just want to let everybody know, especially those that's watching TV, those on the radio, this is very unacceptable, one, to bring a prison where we know the schools is failing and closing. And all y'all Councils, I know, y'all know and can see Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 from Washington to Harrisburg, they know that when you build a prison, that's the biggest industry making money in America. Listen to these words: That's the biggest making money in America is building prisons. So I'm asking all these Councils right here, don't even think about bringing this to the table. Let's think about bringing books back to schools. Let's think about bringing the teachers back to schools. Let's think about bringing the nurses to schools. Let's think about bringing these things that we really need in the City of Philadelphia for our students and for our kids. This is very unacceptable, because I know that prisons ain't nothing but a trillion -- not a billion-dollar industry, but a trillion-dollar industry that America makes money off of, and a lot of the legislators are part of that. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. We will now move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 150517.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 150517 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150518.

A resolution calling for the School District of Philadelphia to mandate cursive writing in the Philadelphia School District Curriculum.

The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 150518 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150519.

A resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara Adams as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2020.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 150519 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150266.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," by adding definitions and providing for the transition from housing inspection licenses to rental licenses in 2015.

The Chair recognizes Councilman -- I'm sorry. This is a bill. This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Neilson.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla. (No response.)

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 150275.

An ordinance amending Subcode "A" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Administrative Code," by Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING amending Chapter 3 entitled "Permits"; amending Chapter 6 entitled "Fines"; and amending Chapter 9 entitled "Fees."

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 150275 be removed from the Calendar and recommitted to the Committee of Licenses and Inspections. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 150275 be removed from the Calendar, that it be recommitted to the Committee of License and Inspection. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and Bill No. 150275 will be recommitted to the Committee on License and Inspection. Mr. Decker, 150276.

An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by amending Section 10-701 entitled "Definitions," amending the definition of debris, and by amending Section 10-710, entitled "Dumping of Debris and Short Dumping," by providing that debris generated from construction activity be placed in construction dumpsters.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 150276 be removed from the Calendar and recommitted to the Committee of Licenses and Inspections. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 150276 be removed from the Calendar and that it be recommitted to the Committee of License Inspection. All those in favor of the motion say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Bill No. 150276 will be recommitted to the Committee of License and Inspection. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?

A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 566 and House Bill 792 and for the Governor to sign the final legislation to expand the Pennsylvania Housing and Affordability Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program to all counties in Pennsylvania, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution Recognizing and Congratulating the Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women on their 40th Anniversary, introduced by Councilman Greenlee on Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution honoring and recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition for their dedication to improving the quality of life in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Greenlee on Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING behalf of Council President Clarke.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution recognizing June 2015 as Re-Entry Month in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to conduct joint public hearings to investigate funding opportunities for the research towards the cure of Sickle Cell disease underway at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Jones.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting June 4, 2015 6/4/15 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution Designating and Recognizing June 20th as Community Garden Day in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)