Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 2, 2017 10:47 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
We're going to get started. If the visitors will retire behind the rail and the members will take their seat, we're going to get started. And if we could have a little quiet. Thank you. Thank you very much. Before we start, I just want to say if anyone has a cell phone or any other electronic device that makes noise, I'd ask that you please turn it on silent or, better yet, if you can turn it off so we do not interrupt the proceedings. At this time, we'd like to give our invocation this morning. The Chair recognizes the Rabbi Daniel Grodnitzky of Chabad Center for Students of Philadelphia. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Domb. I would ask all guests, Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Hinei ma tov umanaim shevet achim gam yachad. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when people sit in the spirits of togetherness. God Almighty, please bless this gathering of civil servants to feel a true sense of fellowship and common purpose. In the City of Brotherly Love, may this body serve as an example of the power of the few joining together to serve the many. Let the spirit of brotherhood of this Council impute all the citizens of our city with a sense of responsibility, one for another. As the Labavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson, once commented, the word Philadelphia in ancient Greek also means the City of Wisdom. God Almighty, may you bless our City Councilmembers with the wisdom and foresight necessary to Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 beautification of the facades of our buildings and the hearts and lives of all those who reside within them. The sages explain that the hearts of rulers are in the hands of heaven. God Almighty, please bless our Councilmembers to manifest your guiding hand in every righteous law that they pass and every just ordinance that they enact. Next week we celebrate the New Year of Trees in the Jewish calendar. Deuteronomy tells us that a man is like a tree of the field. Just as one seed planted and nurtured with love and care can grow into an entire tree with many fruits, filled with many seeds that will lead to generations of fruit-bearing trees, so too one good deed planted in the soul of a friend or a stranger will ultimately lead to an incredible proliferation of goodliness and Godliness in this world. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 (ph) relates the story of an old man planting a fig tree on the side of a road in ancient Israel. When asked if he really expected to be able to live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor, he responded, I was born into a world flourishing with ready-made pleasures. My ancestors planted for me, and now I plant for my children. May God Almighty bless this Council to plant seeds that will positively affect generations upon generations of future Philadelphians. In conclusion, it is said that good leaders create followers, great leaders create leaders. God Almighty, please bless the leaders of Philadelphia to serve as a source of leadership for others, to empower the masses to collectively make our city a shining example of goodness, fairness, and equal opportunity for all. Amen. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 (Amen.)
Rabbi, thank you so much for those inspiring words. Appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 26, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 26, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 26, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 (Aye.)
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 Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmembers Jones and Johnson.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. On behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We hope that today is a knowledgeable one and we actually hope that it's a pleasurable one, so much that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for coming down. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring Dr. Arthur C. Evans. Would Dr. Evans and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Oh, and I believe Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 [sic] Domb and Councilwoman Parker. I'm sorry. Councilman Domb. I'm sorry. Sorry, Councilman. You do not look like a woman. And Councilman Taubenberger and we have Councilman Squilla. Doctor, you have to come up too. We kind of need you. Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is an extreme honor. When we heard that Dr. Evans was moving on, not only I said "oh, no," but all my staff said "oh, no." He's been so open and responsive to all of us. It doesn't matter who you are, what your title is. And so I start calling him not only for his department but for health and for anything I can think of, and he's always been there. So we certainly will miss him, and I don't know how we'll do to survive. I guess I have to learn who is supposed Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 do the right thing and refer to the right people, but we certainly appreciate him. We thank him. We see him at many affairs, because he's just that kind of person. And it is with great pleasure and honor that we present him this resolution. Resolution honoring and recognizing Dr. Arthur C. Evans for his accomplishments and numerous contributions to the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services and congratulating him on his appointment as CEO of the American Psychological Association.
Whereas, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., Ph.D. holds a doctorate in clinical/community psychology from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in experimental psychology from Florida Atlantic University, where he also Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 work;
Whereas, Dr. Evans is the Commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) - a $1 billion healthcare agency that is the behavioral health and intellectual disability safety net for more than 1.5 million Philadelphians; and
Whereas, the Department has undergone a system-wide transformation under the leadership of Dr. Evans. Improved outcomes for people accessing services has resulted in fewer inpatient admissions, visits to crisis centers, and significant cost savings that the City has reinvested in community-based services and supports; and
Whereas, prior to his work in Philadelphia, Dr. Evans was the Deputy Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where he Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 for the Connecticut behavioral healthcare system. He played a significant role in implementing a recovery-oriented policy framework, addressing healthcare disparities, and increasing the use of evidence-based practices, leading edge research, and community engagement; and
Whereas, Dr. Evans holds faculty appointments at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has held faculty appointments at the Yale University School of Medicine and Quinnipiac University; and
Whereas, Dr. Evans has been recognized nationally for his work in behavioral healthcare policy and the transformation of service delivery systems. In 2015, he was recognized by the White House as an "Advocate for Action" by the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
Whereas, in 2013, Dr. Evans received the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, the American Medical Association's top government service award in healthcare, for his leadership in transforming the Philadelphia behavioral health system, particularly around the adoption of a public health approach; and
Whereas, Dr. Evans has served in several national leadership roles, including: Chair of the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Partners for Recovery Initiative Steering Committee, Co-Chair of the National Action Group on Fostering System Reform for Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses, Member of SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory Committee, Chair of the National Advisory Committee for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Pathway to Recovery Project, and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 of Directors of the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, Board of Directors for the Melville Charitable Trust, the nation's largest philanthropy focused exclusively on ending homelessness; and
Whereas, with a proven track record of innovative and effective solutions to complex system changes, Dr. Evans brings diverse training and experience as a scientific practitioner and policymaker. He is in high demand as a resource for his fellow psychologists, healthcare administrators, and community, service, and government leaders. An adept and versatile public speaker, Dr. Evans speaks to behavioral health leaders and organizations across the country; and
Whereas, in January 2017, Dr. Evans was named chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Evans will assume the position there Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 20th. As CEO of the APA, Dr. Evans will head the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 117,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Philadelphia City Council hereby honors and recognizes Dr. Arthur C. Evans for his accomplishments and numerous contributions to the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability and congratulates him on his appointment as CEO of the American Psychological Association. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Evans as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council's gratitude and recognition. Thank you. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 (Applause.)
Thank you. And the Chair recognizes Dr. Evans for remarks.
First of all, I am so honored and I just can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you for standing here and recognizing me in this way. But I'm very clear that any success that we have had as a department depends on the people that I work with every day, and a few of them came today. We're about 700 strong, but I want all of them to stand up. Everyone from the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, could you all stand up. And could we give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
These folks do a tremendous job for the citizens of Philadelphia, and I'm forever indebted to them. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 testimony in City Council, and back then I went last after all of the human services organizations and right before lunch. And so by the time you all would get to me, I would be sitting there just crossing out my testimony, so by the time I got to the end, there was literally one person left and that was whoever was chairing, and I was standing between that person and lunch. And so I would do one paragraph and ask if there were any questions, and invariably the person would say no, we're good, and that was it. To today where I think my record is three and a half hour testimony, and that shows a remarkable change in understanding of the importance of behavioral health issues in the City. And so I am so grateful to you all. It sharpens us when you ask us tough questions, when you probe us, when you question us, and I want to thank you all for -- I know that sounds a little Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 sadistic, but I do want to -- or masochistic, I should say, but it does help us when we go back, because we take what you ask us about the issues that your constituents bring to you and we go back and we try to work on those problems. So I want to thank you for that. I have with me some of my family members. So I want my parent-in-laws to stand up. They're all the way from Grand Bahama, Freeport, Grand Bahama. (Applause.)
They said come on up for the picture. Come on up for the picture. I have one of my daughters, who is representing my three daughters, Akilah. Come on up. We call her the knee baby. (Applause.)
And I have my partner, life partner for 30 years, 32 Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 -- 31. I knew that. Word to the wise, never go to the numbers. But my wife, Claudine, who is also here with me as well. (Applause.)
Finally, I just want to thank all of the people that have supported our agency. We don't do this work in isolation. We have providers, and I think there's some providers here and people in the community, and one of the things that I am most proud of in my tenure -- there are a couple of things. One of them is that we have worked extremely hard to make sure that people who live in the margins get the best services that they possibly can. We go out and we get the best scientists in the world and we partner with them to make sure that people who have Medicaid and people who are uninsured get the best services, and I can tell you that people in Philadelphia get services that are comparable to what you could get and in Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 better, because we're working with the creators of some of those practices. But the other thing that I'm enormously proud of -- and I have many staff here who have done this -- is that we are reaching into the community and not just waiting for people to show up, but going into the communities and connecting with people. And I think that that makes a huge difference, particularly for issues that are as stigmatized as mental health and addiction and intellectual disability. So I want to thank all the people that partner with us, our sister agencies, this Council, and certainly the Mayor. I've worked for three mayors and I've had the opportunity to serve under three Administrations, and each one of them understands the importance of what we do and have supported us. So thank you all very much. I appreciate you. And you all can't get Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 still going to be connected to Philadelphia. So thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, who will present a resolution recognizing Battalion Chief Joaquin Enrique Colon, Jr. Would Battalion Chief Colon and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Squilla, Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning. (Good morning.) Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
Sorry. I'm trying to get these titles correct. I want to make sure I recognize everyone. I want to take a moment of personal privilege and speak to the high level of respect I have for our firefighters here in the City, having experienced my own personal fire in my home. We always talk about the high level of professionalism within our first responders, but when you see it in action, you gain a new appreciation for these brave women and men who as we are running from something, they're running to something. And it's not just the fire and the cleanup, it is how they treat you and your precious belongings and the empathy that they have throughout this, from the fire marshals to everyone else. You know, I've been in a position to see firsthand the valuable work that they have done, and I must say as I will be strongly advocating for this department's budget. The last eight years we have not Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Fire Department, and I want to make sure that the next eight -and I know the Mayor shares my concern -that we give these professional folks the tools that they need so that we can have a first-class Fire Department. And so within that, we have ranks, and in the Puerto Rican/Latino community, we are especially pleased today in recognizing what is a historic designation of our highest ranking Latino ever in the Department, in the Fire Department. So I want to thank Deputy Chief James Renninger for joining us here today and the other members here, who will get introduced later. Chief Colon had the opportunity to be the chief in my particular fire also, so I was reassured, because I knew the Fire Department was good, but I was even more reassured when I saw Chief Colon in charge of the scene, and he reassured me as they broke all my windows that everything was going to be okay. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 not only a high professional in the Fire Department, he's been involved in the community. He cares about the community, and I look forward to his next chapter in his life, him taking his expertise and what he's done and continuing to help us bring more diversity into the Fire Department, but also in helping us train further firefighters. I want to thank Noel Bermudez, who is the President of the Spanish American Professional Firefighters Association. Noel is my neighbor, but under his leadership and over the course of the last few years with Captain Caresco (ph) and others, they bought a headquarters in my district and so they're actively working with our Fire Commissioner and with Local 22 in recruiting and bringing more Hispanics into the Fire Department. And so this is personal for me, because these are my very, very good friends. And I want to Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Squilla for joining me this morning. So with that, recognizing and honoring Battalion Chief Joaquin Enrique Colon, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement following 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize and honor Battalion Chief Joaquin Enrique Colon, Jr., the first Latino Battalion Chief, on the occasion of his retirement following 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Battalion Chief Colon is the proud father of five wonderful children and a grandfather to twelve grandchildren who led a successful career while juggling his time as father, grandfather, and husband to his wife, who joins us this morning, Elizabeth Rodriguez-Colon, mother and father Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Alzheimer's, and Battalion Chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department; and
Whereas, after serving his country in the United States Air Force, Battalion Chief Colon began his lustrous career in the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1983 and was later promoted to Lieutenant in 1999 and Captain in 2006. He was again promoted to Battalion Chief in 2011, where he became the first Latino in PFD history to receive that ranking; and Whereas, Battalion Chief Colon is well respected by his superiors and colleagues, and his presence at the Philadelphia Fire Department will be sorely missed. His spirit and enthusiasm have been a permanent and positive influence, and he is held in high esteem by all. Joaquin has received numerous honors throughout his career for his definitive impact on the City and the citizens, including the 2006 Outstanding Fireman of the Year from the Commonwealth Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Pennsylvania, citations from City Council and Pennsylvania 3rd Senatorial District, and being named Uniformed Citizen of the Year by 6ABC News; and Whereas, Battalion Chief Colon, Jr. has been an active member of the Spanish American Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFA) where he has helped and mentored a number of Puerto Rican and Latino Fire Department recruits, as well as assisting his fellow members advance within the Fire Department; and
Whereas, on February 3rd, 2017, Battalion Chief Joaquin Enrique Colon, Jr. will be joined by the Spanish American Professional Firefighters Association, his loving friends, family, and fellow firefighters to commemorate his historic career at the Philadelphia Fire Department; Whereas, we in this Council join in wishing Battalion Chief Colon Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 his future endeavors and hope his retirement is filled with happiness, good health, and the joys of family and friends; and
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors the 34 years of loyal and outstanding service Battalion Chief Joaquin Enrique Colon has dedicated to the Philadelphia Fire Department. We commend Joaquin for his great work, and we extend our sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, we recognize Battalion Chief Colon for remarks.
I'm sorry. We're going to do Captain Perez first. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
Go ahead. Please, sir. CAPTAIN PEREZ: I have the honor of not only calling Joaquin my friend, but my brother for the better part of 25 years. We started our friendship and brotherhood in Engine 2, which is at Second and York, and we have served the community since then. He not only broke the glass ceiling, but kicked it in for the rest of us. He made captain and opened the door for the rest of us, and we now have five Latino captains. So it is my great, great honor and privilege to say thank you, and we will miss you, I guess. To my brother, my friend, and the leader of our organization for many, many years, Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 -- retired Battalion Chief Joaquin Colon, Jr. (Applause.) CHIEF COLON: Thank you. Thanks, George, for the kind remarks. I want to say standing up here, when you think about 34 years it seems like a long time, but whatever we did, whether it was in the community, fighting fires, partnership with civic organizations and church groups, we did it with great pride and appreciation. So standing up here, you know, with great humbleness and pride, I'm proud to represent the Latino community, the citizens of Philadelphia, and the accomplishments that I've made. I accept this resolution, this award, with great humbleness and great pride. I also want to thank my wife, Elizabeth, for being patient with me, and I'd also like to recognize my sister, Elena Colon from New York. Elena, you want to stand up. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 (Applause.) CHIEF COLON: She caught a lot of traffic getting down here yesterday, so thank you. But, again, I want to thank everyone here, all my friends and colleagues and so forth, for showing up today. I also want to thank Councilwoman Maria Quinones, the rest of the Councilmembers, and the Mayor. I appreciate this. Thank you for the acknowledgement and the accolades. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. And, again, congratulations, Chief. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Sgambati and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Green, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Next to saluting women who are doing extraordinary things and next to saluting anything arts and culture, for me my next favorite experience here in City Council is saluting authors of children's book. I have enormous respect and admiration for those who have the ability to take their creative energy and then the discipline to reduce that creative energy Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 frankly, I'd have to admit that I envy authors of children's books. So with that confession, Edward Albee once remarked, The act of writing is an act of optimism. You would not know the trouble to do it if you thought it did not matter. So if we accept that and if we embrace the notion that nothing we do for children is ever wasted, then we know that the worth of a book is to be measured by what children can carry away from it. With that, it's always a wonderful pleasure for me to honor and recognize and lift up and celebrate the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 25th Annual African American Children's Book Fair and that February 4th is the kick-off of the National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book. Whereas, in 1926, noted Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week"; and
Whereas, the second week in February was chosen because of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and Whereas, during early American history, African Americans were not allowed to learn to read and have books; in some states the penalty for this infraction was death; and Whereas, the importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for twenty four years the African American Children's Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and Whereas, Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati created the book fair because she believes books open up a world of opportunities for children, and after Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 years, the African American Children's Book Fair is the oldest and largest single day event for children's books in the country; and
Whereas, one of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the more our youth read, the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older. Literacy also makes our youth more productive global citizens; and Whereas, strictly judging by attendance, the fair is a tremendous success as well over 3,500 people attended the fair in the past years from across the nation; and Whereas, rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, bookmarkers, and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Whereas, the success of the event is reflected in four elements: the attendees (parents, children, caregivers, and educators), the authors and illustrators, the sponsors and the volunteers. Three of the esteemed participants will be Christine Kendall, Anzio Williams, and the volunteers. In October 2016, Scholastic Corp published Kendall's debut novel, Riding Chance. The novel is nominated for a 2016 NAACP Image Literary Award. Riding Chance is a coming-of-age story about Troy's, an urban teen, redemption through horses and the game of polo. The novel entails the story of Troy and his ability to summon the courage to determine his own identity; and
Whereas, Kendall's short fiction has also been published in Niche Literary Magazine and is forthcoming from the Kweli Journal. She also studied children's literature at the Southampton Writers' Conference and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 in the 2014 River Styx Micro-Fiction Contest; and Whereas, before becoming an author, Kendall held various recruitment and diversity positions at major law firms in Philadelphia and New York. In 2014, Kendall was honored to join the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to coordinate the 50th anniversary commemoration of the historic Brown versus Board of Education decision. She also served as Executive Assistant to LDF's Director-Counsel and President; and Whereas, in 2012, Anzio Williams joined the NBC10 Philadelphia and Telemundo62 families as the new Director and Vice President. Williams is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. He has served on many community boards and committees such as The American Diabetes Association, BloodSource and 100 Black Men of Sacramento; and
Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Whereas, as News Director and Vice President of NBC10 Philadelphia and Telemundo62, Williams has set an inclusive and diverse tone that serves the diverse needs of Philadelphia viewers. He has called diverse and inclusive news coverage as a, quote, "necessary and serious news undertaking," end of quote; and
Whereas, in 2015, Williams was honored with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalist Impact Award for his commitment to striving to build on the work of those who paved the way for him and acknowledging that race is still an issue to be tackled in the news room. He has led the charge to promote literacy in the region through the African American Children's Book Fair and serves as a steward and champion of the NBC10-TELEMUNDO62 Reading Circle; and Whereas, volunteers are the glue that keeps everything together Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 our nation. Since its inception, the African American Children's Book Project and its volunteers - Constance Ragsdale, Leslie Gaynus, Beverly Gaynus, Sheila Love, Barbara Tyree, Patrika Wellington, Debra Turner, Deborah Johnson, Michelle Lloyd and Jim Harris - that have so willingly given up their time to make sure that children in Philadelphia have access to books that empower, enrich and enlighten their lives. These are the literacy ambassadors that promote our mantra, "A Book Opens Up A World Of Opportunities"; and
Whereas, the 25th Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge -- ink that on your schedules -- this Saturday, February 4th, 2017, from one to four p.m. at the Community College of Philadelphia, who has been a steward and a sponsor and a help partner in this effort forever -thank you, Lynette Brown-Sow -- located Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 17th and Spring Garden Streets; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize, salute and congratulate the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 25th Annual African American Children's Book Fair and that February 4th is the kick-off of the National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book. Let's salute Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, Anzio Williams and all the others. (Applause. )
Thank you, Blondell. I call her the literary politician. And, of course, President Darrell Clarke. He has been an inspiration to many of us here in the City. We knew when he was just sitting on the sidelines, and he's gone on to lead this city in a very effective way. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 you Councilpeople who have not supported it by coming out to the event, I encourage you to show your face. You will be the next generation of Philadelphians who are going to be productive and make this city thrive. I want to acknowledge a couple of things before I pass the mic. I'm not going to take too much time here, because y'all know I love to talk about myself. You know, when I started this journey, I was told that you needed a couple of elements to make it a success a quarter of a century ago. You need a location, you need talent, you need sponsors and media. Thanks to Lynette Brown-Sow, I found a location, so that every year that's not one of the things I have to worry about. Talent, we have the best and the brightest, and when people hear me say that, they're like, yeah. These are all the people who win the American Library Association awards, all the mega Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 In fact, the person who won the best children's illustrated book out of 10,000 books is going to be here in Philadelphia, and we'll be giving away that person's book also at the event. Sponsors, Anzio Williams has been NBC10-Telemundo62, they came in. They said, What can we do to help. They used to give a Black History party. So now they give books to children. They will give away 500 brand new books. Each child that attends this event is going to have a book that's appropriate to their interest. And I can't forget Mellanie Lassiter, Sharon Powell. They work for companies that have supported this effort. And the media. Anzio wears two hats here. He's a part of the media who makes sure we get accurate coverage, and I believe Cherri Gregg and WURD is broadcasting and WDAS and WUSL. These are all people who have gotten the Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 community about this wonderful event. And if you want to do an event and you want to do it with class and style, you got to have great volunteers, and the people standing in back of me are people who come and selfishly give of their time. They don't get paid. And I am a diva. Well, I like to say I'm a princess in exile. Okay? I don't have a court, so I work with what I could work with. But before I pass on the mic, the people who are standing here, I've known them -- I won't say since I'm a child, because then somebody is going to pull me aside and say, We the same age. But Jannie Blackwell, who has been a friend and also a champion of literacy; Maria Quinones, who is also another champion; Cherelle, I really have known her since she was a kid; and Blondell Reynolds Brown, who has always made sure that we kick off Black History Month here Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 the appropriate way. No singing, no dancing. It is all about the books. So I encourage everyone to come out. People like Wells Fargo, PECO, Comcast, Health Partners Plan will be giving books to teachers to use in their classrooms, books of guests, award-winning authors and illustrators, as well as just lots of books and things to purchase. So I'm going to pass the mic over to Christine. Christine came to my book fair for three years in a row and she stood in line, because there is a line to get in, and three years later, she has a book published by one of the top publishers, Scholastic Books, as well as she got nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Then Anzio will step to the mic. He's like a homeboy now. We love him. He's always doing something to help the community.
Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 speak on behalf of the volunteers, and we'll let you get back to the business of running Philadelphia. )
Thank you. It's truly an honor to be here. On Saturday, thousands of kids and families will once again stand in long lines on Spring Garden Street in the winter's cold waiting for the doors to the African American Children's Book Fair to open, the doors to the world of books. If you stand in that line with your fellow Philadelphians, you too will feel the energy of young readers, hungry for more good books. It's an unforgettable experience. I have attended the book fair in the past as a consumer, and this year I'm honored to be a participating author with my debut novel Riding Chance. But, more importantly, I'm so very happy that this book fair is alive and well and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 25th year. I salute Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for her hard work and dedication, and I look forward to there being a book fair for many years to come. Thank you. (Applause.)
I just want to quickly acknowledge Kenyatta Johnson. He has been supporting the book fair also.
Mr. President and the Council, thank you. Thank you to Vanesse for having the vision to put together a book fair like this and continue to work. And if anybody knows Vanesse, when she calls and the second time she calls and the third time she calls, you know, she's not going to give up. But I thank her for allowing NBC10 and Telemundo62 to be a part of this. As the Vice President of News, I have a front row seat to what happens when kids go the wrong way. Most of the time when you're watching news, we are Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 of things. And so this is an opportunity for us to get out in front of this. This is an opportunity for us to have an impact on kids' lives in a positive way. I also say if you can read and you can write, you will have a job forever. If you can read and you can write, you'll have a job forever. So, again, I thank the Council and I thank Vanesse for the vision and this project. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Patrika Wellington and I'm a volunteer for the Children's Project, African American Children's Project. It's been a pleasure. For over 20-plus years, I've been coming from actually Wilmington, Delaware to come and volunteer at this fabulous affair that she gives, and every year I do look forward to it. I work with the volunteers. We come in early to get it Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 1 o'clock to see everybody come through those doors, and we work diligently. Thanks to Vanesse, who is something, somebody remarkable. I give all kudos to her for putting this together. I have not seen anything like this. I'm from Brooklyn, New York. I have not seen it. I live in Wilmington. I brought a bus up from Wilmington of students as a retired teacher. I went to Brooklyn, brought my nieces, nephews to this. It's a wonderful, wonderful -keep reading. That's all I can tell you. Thank you very much, Vanesse. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by J Street, East Tioga Street, and Kensington Avenue, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Leverington Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Avenue, Mitchell Street and Krams Avenue for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 136 acre property known as the Airport Business Center located in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, together with all improvements thereon, all under certain terms and conditions.
Do you have any additional communications, Mr. Decker?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
I offer one resolution co-sponsored by members Green, Gym, and Taubenberger.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings to investigate the current and future state of Philadelphia's environment.
This week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Behavior," by providing certain requirements for obtaining a permit to place street furniture, planters, benches and other fixtures in the public sidewalk.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
An ordinance amending Chapter 2-200, entitled "Recording of Deeds," to prohibit the recording of any deed or instrument transferring title to real estate if delinquent payments are owed to the City.
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 Forty-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Council President. Today I offer one bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I have one bill on your behalf, one bill for me, and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by J Street, East Tioga Street, and Kensington Avenue, for further conveyance.
And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "A" ("The Philadelphia Administrative Code") and Subcode "B" ("The Philadelphia Building Code") to add and revise certain provisions relating to the demolition of buildings and structures.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 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 Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Luisa Charriez de Morales for her dedication to the Latino community and renaming the 3700 block of North 7th Street between West Erie Avenue and West Butler Street "Luisa Charriez de Morales Paseo."
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
A privileged resolution recognizing Philadelphia CeaseFire for their ongoing violence-reduction efforts in the City of Philadelphia.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing Hy Goldberg to construct, own and maintain a bench encroachment at 701 Sansom Street.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
A non-privileged resolution condemning President Trump's Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 Executive Order banning people from Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States as unconstitutional, unlawful, and un-American.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution recognizing the victims of the mass shooting at the Quebec Islamic Center, condemning religious intolerance and Islamophobia, and affirming support for Philadelphia's Muslim Community.
And that will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. I offer two bills and one privileged resolution collectively co-sponsored by Councilman Mark Squilla, Councilman Green, Domb, Reynolds Brown, Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 and Bass. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Section 12-1131 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Electric Vehicle Parking," to impose a moratorium on new electric vehicle parking spaces.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding measures to bring greater transparency, equitability, and accessibility to the process of procurement of disadvantaged business enterprises while encouraging disadvantaged business enterprises to grow in size and capability.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2016 Winners of PHL LIVE Center Stage.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We will now have our reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 161058, Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 "An ordinance adopting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Philadelphia Energy Authority increasing the number of members on the Authority's Board from five to seven, as proposed by the Board in a Resolution adopted November 30, 2016," 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 Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 161058. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 of Bill No. 161058. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our committee report, and the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2ND READING today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 161114, 170028, 170029, 170032, 170033, 170034, 170035, 170036, 170037, 170041, 170044, 170045, 170049, 170050, 170051, 170055, 170058, 170063, 160007, 160248, 160808, 160999, 160720. All other bills and resolutions are being held. Correction on the bills on Final Passage today. My mistake. 160248 is being held and it is not on today's Final Passage. (Pause.)
Council President and colleagues, I apologize for the corrections that I will now read off for the following resolutions and bills that are being held in today's final Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 reading. So the corrections are 161114, 170041, 170044, 170051, 160007, 160248, 160808, 160999, and 160720 are not on today's Final Passage and today's Calendar. They are all being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. If you had an interest in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a device on that podium. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we would ask that you please adhere to the guidelines Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170028, 170029, 170045, 170044, 170037, 170032, 170036, 170035, and 170034. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. This is yet another decree from the people and, as such, must be acted upon immediately. The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, nor shall any state deprive any people of life, liberty or property. Property ownership is hard. You have to struggle to save money to Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 purchase. Property ownership by sovereign people is a goal of a just government. John Adams is quoted, The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God and that there is no force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If thou shall not covet, if thou shall not steal were not commandments of heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society, before it can be civilized or made free. Founding fathers wrote extensively about the absolute sovereignty of people's property rights. Laws with strict and absolute penalties for government officials who violate the rights were passed. Is this elected monarchy above the law? I call again for federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate, prosecute all involved in Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 the theft, illegal deed transfer, and deprivation of property rights for 23 years of my home, 1038 West Wyoming. Immediate remedy is required by the Constitution. A just government must comply with the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter revoked and made constitutionally compliant. The rule of law demands it. It takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption. Civil servants cannot refuse their sworn duty any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING comment. We will now move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170028.
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 Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. Resolution 170028 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170029.
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-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170029 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170032.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170032 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170033.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. 170033 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170034.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 170034 is adopted. Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 170035.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Actually, it will be a few more times. Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
A resolution Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 170036 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170037.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank Stated Meeting February 2, 2017 2/2/17 - STATED - 2ND READING deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)