COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 13, 2012 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
Good morning, everyone. The hour has come and a quorum of this Council has been established. I will ask that all members please take their seats, and the guests and visitors please retire behind the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Kevin Gillespie, President of St. Joseph University. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Jones. I would ask all members and guests to please stand. (Members and guests stand.)
City Council President Darrell Clarke; the Honorable Curtis Jones, Majority Leader and Councilman of the 4th District, my neighbor; my new neighbor, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown; Mayor Michael Nutter; members of the Philadelphia City Council; elected officials; citizens; friends and neighbors, I'm indeed honored to be here, to be home. As a native-born Philadelphian, it is good and a great grace to be back home. In my new position as President of St. Joseph University, I have come to appreciate more the challenges the citizens of Philadelphia and you, their leaders, face, the difficult and wise choices that must be made. Recently, we at St. Joseph's University have placed even greater emphasis upon choosing wisely. We call this educational emphasis to choose the magis. Many years ago, in 1540, St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, defined choosing the magis in a simple, yet profound statement, indeed a prayer. When choosing between two or options, all else being equal, choose the more universal good, that which has potential for the widest positive impact. So it is in this spirit of the magis of seeking the wisdom and the courage to choose the more universal good we pray. Lord, almighty God, constant source of wisdom, truth and eternal goodness, bless this body and all of Philadelphia with the spirit of cooperation, with inspiration and motivation, and the resources to make this City of Philadelphia a shining example of brotherly love and sisterly affection. Help our elected officials, administrators, community leaders, and all citizens, all who play an important role in making our great city move forward, to find the wisdom, to choose the more universal good and so make decisions worthy of you, dear God. May as to aspire to lead this greater city to greater goodness. Bless and protect our first responders, any and all who constantly put themselves in harm's way for the protection of Philadelphia's citizens. Give all citizens of this great city the strength to lift each other up, to assist all who need help, especially our children. And loving and liberating God, may these officials and their families awaken to your embracing love and encouraging spirit of wisdom, today and every day of their lives. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Thursday, June 28, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 28, 2012 be approved.
It's been moved and seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 28, 2012 stand approved. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill on behalf of the minority.
Mr. President, on behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you, Councilman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome everyone. We are extremely happy that you have chosen to take time out of your day to come down and witness your deliberative body in action. We hope you find it an enjoyable one so you will feel like coming back. So, again, thank you, and we will do the people's business as we move ahead. So thank you and please come back. This morning I would like -- in the Chambers, we actually had a recognition in the Caucus Room, but I would like to acknowledge the Consul General of Israel and the Mid-Atlantic region, Mr. Yaron Sideman, and the Deputy Consul General, Mr. Elad Strohmayer. Again, I'd like to welcome you, gentlemen. Please stand up. (Applause.)
Thank you so much again for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh, who will present a resolution on our behalf recognizing and honoring Corporal Michael Crescenz as the only Philadelphian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War. Would Joseph Crescenz and those accompanying him please join the And I would also like to recognize Councilman Jones.
Before we begin, I would like to clearly state that I'm just the mouthpiece for the Council President who came up with this resolution in recognition of Michael Crescenz, our only Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam War. And joining me are Councilwoman Marian Tasco in whom her district he was born and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., who chaired Tuesday's hearings co-chaired with Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, co-chaired the hearings on Philadelphia's preparedness to receive returning veterans. And I did want to just state that 40 years after the Vietnam -- the end of the Vietnam War, almost 40 years, each other with the words "welcome home." So thank you for being here. Thank you for your service, and welcome home. (Applause.)
Military service is a service to the nation, as are many types of service, and it's wonderful that so many people who serve our communities, our country recognize the service of veterans, but I want you to think for a second that for 40 years, Vietnam veterans continue to welcome each other home, the welcome they did not receive when they came home. And this resolution that we're going to read, I want you to keep in mind, is about a young man from Philadelphia who was 19 years old. We got some tough guys in this room, and I'm going to say this, that when I was a young man, I took great pride in the fact that I did not shed a tear, but as I get older, I get weepy. a father, as many fathers and mothers will know, you think of Michael Crescenz now as a 19-year-old son. Well, I very much appreciate Council President Clarke for introducing this resolution.
Thank you very much, and good morning. It really gives me great honor to participate in sharing this resolution with you recognizing and honoring Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz as the only Philadelphian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War. Whereas, Michael Joseph Crescenz was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 14, 1949 in the West Oak Lane section of the City and graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1966; and Whereas, Michael Joseph Crescenz enlisted in the United States Army in February 1968 and was sent to 1968; and Whereas, Michael Joseph Crescenz earned the rank of Corporal, serving in the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regimen, 196th Infantry Brigade; and Whereas, Michael Joseph Crescenz was one of 646 Philadelphians who served in the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, Corporal Crescenz distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a rifleman with Company A. In the morning his unit engaged a large, well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army whose initial burst of fire pinned down the lead squad and killed the two point men, halting the advance of Company A. Immediately, Corporal Crescenz left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his own safety, charged 100 meters up a slope towards the enemy's bunker, and he effectively silenced -which he effectively silenced, killing the two occupants of each. Undaunted by the withering machine gun fire around him, Corporal Crescenz courageously moved forward towards a third bunker, which he also succeeded in silencing, killing two more of the enemy and momentarily clearing the route of advance for his comrades. Suddenly, intense machine gun fire erupted from an unseen, camouflaged bunker. Realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, Corporal Crescenz disregarded the barrage of hostile fire directed at him and daringly advanced towards the position. Assaulting with his machine gun, Corporal Crescenz was within five meters of the bunker when he was mortally wounded by the fire from the enemy machine gun. As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger to complete its mission, defeating the and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life earned the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and his unit and the U.S. Army; and Whereas, on November 20, 1968, Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz was killed in action near Hiep Duc, Vietnam; and
Whereas, on April 7th, 1970, Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon, making him the only Philadelphian to receive this honor for his service during the Vietnam War; and Whereas, Michael Joseph Crescenz has his name inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 38W, Line 016; now therefore Be it, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz as the only Philadelphian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Submitted by Councilman David Oh, Councilman at-large, September 13th, 2012. (Standing ovation.)
On behalf of the City Council of Philadelphia and all of our Philadelphians, and especially on behalf of City Council President, I'd like to present this resolution to the brother of Michael Crescenz. (Applause.)
Just bear with me. I need my peepers. This will be short and sweet, Doc Stafford. Mr. President and members of City Council, my family and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for honoring our brother Michael. Our brother touched many people in his short life. Even now, almost 44 years after his death, he continues to touch people's lives. My parents and my brothers and I never sought any special recognition for what Michael did. He did what he was told: Save his fellow brothers. We know he was a hero, and that was enough. In the last few years, we have met many people who felt that his courage and sacrifice should be recognized. We've had the good fortune to meet the medic who was with him when he died and nominated him for the Medal of Honor. We have met so many Vietnam vets who feel honored to include Michael in their ranks. We know the City of Philadelphia is proud of Michael, and we hope that the City is just as proud of all its veterans. Please welcome your veterans home every gosh-damn day that they're out on these streets of Philadelphia. Please do not forget that. Because we do not have our freedom if we don't have our veterans, whether you like or not what the veterans do or what this military does. Don't you ever forget that we're here because of our military and for God's grace, what the good Lord gave us. (Applause.)
I just want to say one more thing. There's two special men. All you men and women that serve, you're special to me, but there's two that came, one from the East Hamptons, Island, Doc Stafford, the medic that was there the day of that battle, and Lieutenant John Dolan, who came out of near the Bethesda, Maryland area, whose son just recently came home from his fourth tour in Afghanistan. These two men, among many others, are my bigger brothers, and it's because of these men we have our freedom. Thank you so very much. (Standing ovation.)
Again, thank you so much to our vets. We really appreciate it more than you know. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the Parkside Saints Football Team. Would Head Coach Cliff Smith and those accompanying him please join podium. And we have Councilwoman Bass also joining Councilman Jones.
After the last presentation, it puts it in better perspective how we can do the following presentation, to be able to do the things we take for granted every day, the freedoms that we enjoy and the recreation that ensues from that, and we thank the veterans for allowing young men, who often go on to serve their countries, we thank them again for having that ability to do the little things that we tend to take for granted. And there are many lessons that you learn. The world is a classroom, and sometimes we learn things on the football field - fair play, honor, courage, and victory, the agony of defeat, but more victory, particularly for my Parkside Saints. So today we honor and are celebrating the Parkside Saints Football unlimited welterweight class Junior East Coast Football League by defeating the Mastadons from Vineland, New Jersey. Whereas, the Parkside Saints Football Team went on to have a spectacular season in 2012 consisting of an undefeated 7-0 and 1 season. Most importantly, on Saturday, May 12th, 2012, the Saints defeated the Mastadons of Vineland, New Jersey to win the Junior East Coast Football League Championship; and Whereas, led by Head Coach Clifford Smith and Defensive Coach Steven Perez, the 20-member football team closed out their final game of the season with an impressive victory; and
Whereas, the Parkside Saints embody the motto, quote, "the price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of at hand," end quote. Through this mindset, these young men, the Saints, have instilled pride, teamwork, sportsmanship, quality work ethic, discipline, which we know is vital for all things, and awareness in all their athletes; and
Whereas, through the foundation of these guiding principles, the Saints have been successful in developing the next generation of leaders through academic and athletic achievement. With winning several conference championships in different weight classes and demanding excellence in the classrooms, these coaches give our youth the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle on and off the field while preparing them for a productive future; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors and celebrates the on winning the Junior East Coast Football League defeating the Mastadons of Vineland, New Jersey 19 to 6. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to Head Coach Clifford Smith as evidence of our sincere admiration of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Good morning. I just want to thank Mr. Jones and his staff for the hard work and leadership that they have given to us over the past couple years. We've been in existence for three years now, and we are back-to-back champs, and we're seeking another one this year. So, again, I'd like to thank Mr. Jones and his staff for his support. Thank you.
Thank you, and congratulations again. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms please deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, will you please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bill: Bill No. 120635; and I am pleased to advise you that on July 17, August 20, August 27, and 11, 2012, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 21, 2012, except Bill No. 120395, which I am returning today without my signature, and Bill Nos. 120396 and 120489, which I am returning as disapproved; and that on June 29, June 30, July 10, and September 11, 2012, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 28, 2012; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Director of the Office of Supportive Housing, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file a proposal for 2012 Emergency Solutions Grant Program funding with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia relating to the financing of the repayment of a certain deferred funding obligation, the issuance by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, to finance repayment of such deferred funding obligation; and the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; and Also an ordinance constituting the Thirteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by making, revising, and consolidating certain regulations regarding flood protection, and by further repealing Chapter 10-1100A of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Development in Defined Flood Plain Areas"; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions and definitions, and making technical changes, all relating to stream buffers, waterfront setbacks, and certain overlay districts; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan the westerly ten feet wide portion of 21st Street from Race Street to Spring Garden Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 11-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Board of Surveyors," by adding a new section to revise and codify the notice requirements for public hearings held by the Board of Surveyors; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 9-S by striking from the Senate Street from a point approximately one-hundred six feet west of Rosewood Street to its terminus westwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 370 by striking from the City Plan Southampton Road from Bustleton Avenue from its terminus southeastwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by relocating the southeasterly curbline of Delaware Avenue, from Spring Garden Street to Ellen Street; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill 040511), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
55 in the area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, Frankford Creek, and Adams Avenue," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and therein; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Preston Street from Ludwig Street and Warren Streets to Lancaster Avenue to Wallace Street; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of University Avenue from Woodland Avenue and 39th Street to University Avenue Extension to Baltimore Avenue and the changing of the name of University Avenue Extension from University Avenue to Spruce Street to University Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing KHP II Chestnut, doing business as Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 433 through 41 Chestnut Street; and An ordinance authorizing Aquinas 2021 Chestnut Street to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City between 20th Street and 21st Street and on Ranstead Street between 20th Street and 21st Street; and An ordinance authorizing 2nd Street Brew House to construct, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 1700 South 2nd Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 224 by striking from the City Plan and vacating "A" Street from Erie Avenue to a cul-de-sac turnaround southwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, sir. Before we go to the next order of business, I'm going to ask that people please keep their voices to a minimum. This constant murmur, it's getting a little difficult to hear up here. Maybe that's my old age kicking in also, but if you could please keep your voices to a minimum. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, I'd like to recognize Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and three resolutions.
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 to establish the "Hero's Panel" to protect the dignity and legacy of fallen police officers, firefighters and paramedics for the purpose of responsibly determining whether a police officer, firefighter or paramedic has died in the line of duty.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide within civil service regulations for the establishment of the "Hero's Panel" to protect the dignity and legacy of fallen police officers, firefighters and paramedics.
That resolution will also be referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring the extraordinary, heroic efforts of Firefighter Francis Cheney of the Philadelphia Fire Department's Ladder 10.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold public hearings reviewing the positive economic impact of workplace non-discrimination and equal benefits policies, which protect all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one resolution co-sponsored by Councilmen Jones and Johnson.
A privileged resolution calling on the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) report to the School Reform Commission titled: Transforming Philadelphia's Public Schools: Key Findings and Recommendations.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill sponsored by some of my colleagues, Councilman Jones, Greenlee, Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilwoman Tasco, and Councilman Green, along with one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by repealing Subcode PM, entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," and adopting and incorporating, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings on the procedures that the City currently employs to collect delinquent taxes and the effectiveness or shortcomings of those procedures, and the additional measures and resources required to improve the system for collecting delinquent taxes.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Mr. President, I offer one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Director of the Office of Supportive Housing, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file a proposal for 2012 Emergency Solutions Grant Program funding with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? I'm sorry. That's later on. Does this go to committee? You want -this is for OHCD, an application?
The resolution for the Administration? No, it doesn't. It has to go -- I think it just goes -- it's for the Administration. No hearing.
Thank you. That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill, five resolutions, one privileged, and I would like to speak briefly on one of my resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 9-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Senate Street from a point approximately one-hundred feet west of Rosewood Street to its terminus westwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing and commending Mothers in Charge for its leadership in providing community advocacy and support in the fight to end violent crime.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to examine the effects of gun violence on Philadelphians and the City of Philadelphia's plan to reduce violent crime.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging Governor Corbett to take action to address Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs by implementing the cost-saving and revenue-producing provisions outlined by the Governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission report of 2011.
That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and two resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 224 by striking from the City Plan and vacating "A" Street from Erie Avenue to a cul-de-sac turnaround southwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing boxer Danny "Swift" Garcia on his unification of the World Light Welterweight title.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-Third, Thirty-Seventh and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills, and I'd like to speak on the second bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by authorizing the establishment of a Responsible Banking Review Committee.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by reducing the amount of real estate taxes to be exempted for certain improvements to, or construction of, certain residential, commercial, industrial or other business properties; and by reducing the duration of such exemptions.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me begin where I left off before recess talking about tax fairness. Today I introduced a bill that would dramatically modify the ten-year tax abatement. In fact, there would no longer be a ten-year tax abatement. Instead, it would be a five-year abatement. And it would no longer be a full 100 percent tax abatement. Instead, it would be a five-year abatement that decreases annually from 100 percent to 80 percent to 60 percent to 40 percent to 20 percent until that taxpayer pays their fair share. In 1997, Council authorized a ten-year abatement to support the conversion of commercial and industrial buildings into residential properties. The perceived success of that conversion and abatement then broadened the program in 2000 and 2003 to include the upgrading of rental housing, new residential construction, and improvements to owner-occupied properties. But because real estate investment decisions are influenced by multiple factors that can vary from case to case, it is not possible to determine how many of the property improvements that received abatements would have been completed anyway without the incentive. If it's assumed that the abatement decisively influenced all of the activities, then one could conclude that the City succeeded in leveraging new market value. If, however, it is assumed that the abatements decisively influenced none of these activities, then one could conclude that the City unnecessarily gave up tax revenue. The truth lies somewhere between these two extremes. A study by Penn's Fels Center of Government recommended a periodic evaluation of the abatement program and potential amendments such as limiting the maximum abatement amount, reducing the length of the abatement term or phasing out the abatement over a period of fewer than ten years. The Fels study also easily concluded that most of the direct beneficiaries of the ten-year residential abatements are private developers and investors and higher income residents. In other words, it's generally a tax break for the few, the new, and the well-to-do, not for most of Philadelphia. Attracting wealth to the City can be one public policy objective, but at what long-term cost to current taxpayers and what long-term cost to the public school system? Moreover, at what long-term cost to economic and tax fairness? Tax reform must also be about tax fairness. This bill would not be effective until 2014, around the time when business, wage, sales, and property tax reforms are already scheduled to take place. I'm requesting this bill be considered by the Committee of the Whole in the spring. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Good morning, Mr. President. Today I offer four resolutions, two to be assigned to a committee, one co-sponsored by my colleague Councilman Jones, and two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by colleagues Blackwell, Goode, Tasco, Johnson, and Quinones-Sanchez. Thank you, Mr. President.
A privileged resolution recognizing October as Parent and Family Appreciation Month.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating the Brandywine Workshop on its 40th anniversary and the Full Spectrum prints from the Brandywine Workshop exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
That will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to investigate how to properly mitigate the proliferation of street peddling by minor children under the age of 18 in the City of Philadelphia so as to promote a range of public objectives from traffic flow to business regulation and, most importantly of all, to ensure the safety and welfare of the children of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to investigate human trafficking in the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, seven bills, six on your behalf, and five privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of the repayment of a certain deferred funding obligation.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance constituting the Thirteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code to impose certain requirements on exterminators of honeybees, including certain training requirements.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by making, revising, and consolidating certain regulations regarding flood protection, and by further repealing Chapter 10-1100A of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Development in Defined Flood Plain Areas."
And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to increase the penalties due on certain delinquent taxes.
And an ordinance authorizing Aquinas 2021 Chestnut Street to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City right-of-way on Chestnut Street between 20th Street and 21st Street and on Ranstead Street between 20th Street and 21st Street.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions and definitions, and making technical changes, all relating to stream buffers, waterfront setbacks, and certain overlay districts.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2012 as Crime Prevention Month.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring Alaysha Claiborne, the youngest Pennsylvania delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention, for her faith and commitment in the political process.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the efforts of all our Philadelphia area Summer Olympic athletes for their positive contribution to national and local sports.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming September 2012 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and encouraging participation in promoting the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 1st through the 5th, 2012 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, which provides critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have -- I offer five bills today.
An ordinance authorizing PNC Bank to construct, use and maintain encroachments within the right-of-way on South Street between 10th Street and Alder Street and Alder Street between South Street and Bainbridge Street.
And an ordinance authorizing 2nd Street Brew House to construct, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 1700 South 2nd Street.
And an ordinance authorizing KHP II Chestnut, doing business as Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 433 through 41 Chestnut Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 040511), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by relocating the southeasterly curbline of Delaware Avenue, from Spring Garden Street to Ellen Street.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking Mr. Robert N.C. Nix, III, for more than 25 years of his dedicated service and leadership on the Fairmount Park Commission.
Thank you. That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Club Valiants Incorporated on their 50th anniversary and the premiere of their documentary Club Valiants Inc.: 50 Years of Keeping the Fire Burning for Justice.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Richard L. Wade on the occasion of his being honored with the Cliveden Heritage Award.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions to offer, one on your behalf.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Corporal Michael Joseph Crescenz as the only Philadelphian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Marvin Barrish for his inspirational life and longtime commitment to improving the lives of area.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction. The next order of business is the reports from committees. The Chair 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 with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, will you please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 120616, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1500 of The Code, entitled 'Annual Disparity Study and Participation Goals,' by requiring certain additional information to be included in the Finance Director's required annual report," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120616. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day to permit first reading today of Bill No. 120616. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now proceed under a special order of business, a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 120396 was passed. The bill was passed by the Council on its June 21st, 2012 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor at today's session of Council. Mr. Decker, will you please read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 120396, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Northern Liberties Auction, Inc. 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 Street.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill 120396, which was approved by City Council on June 21st, 2012. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill No. 120396 will be reconsidered at the end of today's Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I that the bills just reported from committee with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to introduce a bill on your behalf that I was going to hold until next week, but I understand there's a more urgent need to get it in this session.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising lot area and parking requirements in certain districts, and making technical changes.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you, 2ND READING Councilman. As I said, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar, and those bills reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar next week. As there are no additional bills on the Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second and Final Reading.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Bill No. 120485 and Bill No. 120562. All other resolutions and bills are being held.