Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 25, 2016 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
Thank you. It is a good day. We have established a quorum. I'd ask the visitors to please retire behind the rails and ask the members to take their seats. We're going to get started. We will have our invocation, and to give that invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Callahan of St. Paul's Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Gym. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Creator and sustainer of all, we invoke your presence and guidance as we gather in this place, remembering our Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 intellectual, political, and literal. We gather this morning as citizens of this city, the Cradle of Liberty, which was conceived itself in the shadow and supported by the systems of slavery. We gather this morning in City Hall. We lift up our Mayor, Mayor Kenney, Council President Clarke, the members of the City Council, both recently seated and long serving. We pray, oh God, that as they consider the actions this morning, that they would remember that while they gather in this place, there are other places. There are streets and schools and homes and neighborhoods. There are churches and mosques and synagogues. There are recreation centers and banks and parks. There are prisons and hospitals and nursing homes and offices. We pray that you would offer to them wisdom and insight in the conduct of Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 that affects all these other places. We pray that you would endow them with humility and curiosity, and knowing that inevitably they will make mistakes, we pray that you would give them courage and integrity to right the wrongs that they do as well as past wrongs. Because at the end of the day, Philadelphia is not filled with just places but with people, young and old, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, married and single, women and men, gay, straight, cis and transgender, poor and rich and middle class, documented and undocumented. Help us all to remember in the midst of deliberation that there is more than just politics; there are real people, all made in your image, all with worth and purpose, all your people, all our people. We pray in the name of all that is holy, with memory and hope. Amen. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you all very much. Can I have a little quiet, please. We're going to proceed. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 18, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 18th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 18, 2016 Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. This is truly the people's house, and we welcome you today. We hope that your stay here today is not only a pleasurable one but one that you walk away with significant knowledge about what transpires in your city on a daily basis. So, again, thank you so much for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution recognizing career and technical education students and programs in Philadelphia. Would David Kipphut and those accompanying him please join Councilman Henon at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
And joining the Councilman, we have Councilman Domb and Councilman Johnson and Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilwoman Blackwell.
As the students are assembling behind us, I want to take a moment to thank Cheryl Logan, Chief Academic Support, and David Kipphut, Deputy Chief of Career and Technology Education, for being here and receiving the resolution on behalf of the Philadelphia School District and all the students that are enrolled in our city's CTE program. We are also joined by the students, as you can see behind us, from Randolph Technical High School, Edison High School, South Philly High School, Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, Kensington Business and Technology High School, and Philadelphia Promise Academy High School, joined by Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 here up on the dais. So too often we discuss and talk about education, and conversation in our city on education revolve around negatives, insufficient funding and resources, poor test scores and school performances, unsafe conditions and bad and insufficient school climate. We rarely take the time to celebrate what is working in our schools for students. With this resolution, we are doing just that, praising the career and technical education programs and students, those who are here today and those who are gaining practical knowledge in specialized skills for them. Let's be clear that CTE is a learning for the real world. It addresses skills and it addresses the skills gap between our workforce and the jobs that we need to fill Philadelphia and across this country. So the studies have shown Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 The skill sets and life skills are more competent and adjusted with life and the higher wages, between 4,000 and 19,000 on an annual, of graduates from its CTE programs. So I want to thank all the teachers and all the students especially who are enrolled and taking the time to join 6,000 other students in the City of Philadelphia to be in the programs here with our School District. So I want to thank them all. With that...
Thank you, Mr. Leader. Recognizing career and technical education students and programs in Philadelphia in recognition of Career and Technical Education Month in Pennsylvania. Whereas, House Resolution Number 662, introduced January the 28th, 2016 and adopted February the 10th, 2016 Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 of Pennsylvania designated February 2016 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials can pave pathways to skilled trades jobs with national and hard to fill, with over one million open jobs in the trades, transportation, utilities and manufacturing combined; Whereas, the School District of the City of Philadelphia has one hundred twenty three CTE Programs in twenty nine different high schools. Almost six thousand Philadelphia School District students are currently enrolled in CTE programs; and
Whereas, in school year 2014 to 2015 over eighteen hundred students enrolled in these CTE Programs earned industry-certified credentials; and Whereas, the average daily Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 High Schools is over ninety percent; and Whereas, the graduation rate in 2014 for students in CTE High Schools was ninety percent; Whereas, for September 2016, the Philadelphia School District received over sixteen thousand applications for admission to its CTE Programs; now, therefore
Resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, we hereby honor and recognize February 2016 as Career and Technical Education Month in the City of Philadelphia and celebrate the month by recognizing and honoring all Philadelphia students who are enrolled in CTE programs. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the Philadelphia School District and the students in the CTE Program, further evidencing the sincere respect and Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 body. And I also want to thank Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez as well as Councilwoman Blackwell for their involvement with the CTE programs in their schools that were represented here today in their district. So congratulations, and thank you all. (Applause.)
Councilman and Councilmembers, Council President, on behalf of the Superintendent, Dr. William Hite, I'd like to thank you for recognizing our students in career and technical education across the City. We're very proud of all of our students, as you can see. These are the students who are going to be the teacher leaders here in the City of Philadelphia, and as they learn in their classrooms, they realize that they are actually an Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 for the City of Philadelphia. And so it's just not learning something in high school, but they're actually going to be the leaders of this great city in the future. So thank you very much for recognizing them. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Oh, I'm sorry. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning. I also want to recognize wonderful and bright teachers. Two of them are in the audience today. Well, there are several, but two I'm just going to call out. Jessica McAtamney, who is at Saul High School, and also Denise Magasich, who is at Kensington Business and Kensington Urban High Schools. I really wanted to call them out. I've seen their great work in action, and to recognize all of the teachers who support these students in a most wonderful and authentic way. Thank you very much for Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 (Applause.)
Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much, and congratulations to those wonderful students. Before we proceed with the next presentation, I would ask if anyone has a cell phone or any other type of device that makes noise, I'd ask you to please turn it off or turn it on airplane mode. Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution on the naming of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Way. Would Mr. Al Simpkins and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Councilman Johnson.
You're welcome, Councilwoman. You want to hold on.
Councilwoman, hold on one second. Folks, can you be a little quiet as you leave. Thank you. Proceed, Councilwoman.
Thank you. Resolution naming the unit block of 48th Street between Baltimore and Kingsessing Avenue, 3rd District, to have "Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Way" added to the street signs in recognition of Judge Leon Higginbotham's Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 to the African American community and of course our whole nation throughout his life. Whereas, Judge Higginbotham grew up during the Great Depression and the era of Jim Crow laws. He overcame a childhood marked by economic hardship and segregation to attend Yale Law School where he graduated with honors; and
Whereas, he sought an education and career in law where he fought institutionalized racism in the American judicial system. He became the first African American District Attorney in the City of Philadelphia and in 1954 he became the founding partner of the first African American law firm in Philadelphia, Norris, Schmidt, Green, Harris and Higginbotham; and Whereas, in 1962 President Kennedy appointed Higginbotham to the Federal Trade Commission, making him the Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 American to ever serve on a federal regulatory commission; and
Whereas, Judge Higginbotham played an extraordinary role in the civil rights movement as an advisor to President Johnson after the assassination of Martin Luther King and as a member of the National Commission on Causes and Prevention of Violence. President Lyndon Johnson nominated him as a federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania where he became one of the youngest people ever appointed to a federal bench at the age of 35; and
Whereas, in 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit where he remained for 16 years until his retirement in 1993; and Whereas, he served as a consultant to President Nelson Mandela on Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Constitution of South Africa, and he continued his commitment to public service when he was appointed by President Clinton to the United States Commission on Civil Rights; and
Whereas, he was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and numerous other honors and awards including honorary degrees from more than 60 universities. Sadly, he passed in 1998.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Philadelphia City Council hereby names the unit block of 48th Street between Baltimore and Kingsessing Avenues to have "Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Way" added to the street signs in recognition of Judge Higginbotham's tremendous service and contributions to the African American community throughout his life. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council's gratitude and recognition. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, City Council, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, for this wonderful honor given to A. Leon Higginbotham. This is a special day because this is his birthday, and his wife, Evelyn B. Higginbotham, wanted us to tell City Council that she is honored and appreciates the efforts of the block of 48th Street in working to get this done. So we'd like to again thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 160006, 160014, 160017, 160071, and 160073. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 44 by placing on the City Plan Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Street to Filbert Street and from Filbert Street to Warren Street, Cuthbert Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, north of Filbert Street, and Warren Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Thirty-Seventh Street from Market Street to Filbert Street and from Filbert Street to Warren Street, Cuthbert Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, and Warren Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications?
Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one resolution this morning.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to conduct public hearings to investigate the sale of liquor in corner stores throughout Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce four bills. Thanks. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 44 by placing on the City Plan Thirty-Seventh Street from Market Street to Filbert Street and from Filbert Street to Warren Street, Cuthbert Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, north of Filbert Street, and Warren Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Thirty-Seventh Street from Market Street to Filbert Street and from Filbert Street to Warren Street, Cuthbert Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, and Warren Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Pine Street and 45th Street; Melville Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Street and Locust Street; and An ordinance authorizing Rachel Miller of Best Partners to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4301 Baltimore Avenue.
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Buttonwood Street, Broad Street, Callowhill Street, and 15th Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twentieth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution, one non-privileged resolution, and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
A privileged resolution honoring Paul Doris as Grand Marshal of the 246th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint Committee on Public Property and Public Works and Technology and Information Services to hold public hearings to review the status of the City of Philadelphia's franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania, particularly on Verizon's progress in making cable television service available across the City.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution expressing Council's support for an amendment to the Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Pennsylvania Constitution that would authorize different real estate tax rates in Cities and School Districts of the First Class for residential property, commercial property, and such other classes of property that the City may establish; and conveying City Council's opposition to a provision that would mandate a reduction in other business or wage taxes as a condition of implementing different real estate tax rates for different classes of property.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, I offer one privileged resolution co-signed by you and Councilman Johnson.
A privileged Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 resolution honoring and recognizing Wayne Jacobs, Scott P. Charles and Dr. Robert Timothy Bryan for their role as co-founders of "Fighting Chance," the extraordinary new community trauma treatment training program at Temple University.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill on your behalf and one bill that I'd like Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 to be heard on after the introduction of the title.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 within the General Fund relating to the Council.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code by adding a new provision authorizing the City of Philadelphia to issue municipal identification cards to City residents, establishing standards, confidentiality provisions, and other related items regarding the cards.
That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 you, Council President. I really would like to highlight the co-sponsorship of this of Councilwoman Gym and Councilman Jones. Former Councilman Kenney was a lead sponsor in this legislation and Mayor Kenney now has embraced it. His transition report of last week highlighted the needs and the best practices around public safety and really unlocking government in what we consider to be a robust municipal ID program. We're talking about leveraging our partners, our City services, our libraries, our museums, our entertainment venue, and that's what we foresee as we work through with the Kenney Administration and implementation of Philadelphia Pride in putting together a robust municipal ID program. I think that the Mayor has been steadfast in his commitment for us to unlock the challenges that our returning citizens and undocumented communities face in the City of Philadelphia. So I Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 want to thank the Mayor for embracing this. I look forward to working with his Administration on the implementation of it. Even as far away as Mayor de Blasio in New York has recognized that Philadelphia will be leading the charge around municipal ID's and a very good, fulfilling, best practices municipal ID program in the City of Philadelphia. So thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Good morning, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions. One of those privileged resolutions is co-sponsored by Councilman Taubenberger, and I would like to speak on the resolution, along with Councilman Taubenberger.
That's fine. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the outstanding contributions and achievements of Julian Abele, an accomplished architect and Philadelphia resident.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution in recognition of National Developmental Disability Awareness Month, honoring the Philadelphia Intellectual disABILITY Services on the occasion of the 24th Annual My City, My Place Brighter Futures Awards.
Thank you. That will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions today, one of which is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Parker. I'd like to speak about it afterwards.
A privileged resolution recognizing and acknowledging Jason Pinardo and his company Primary Pictures for the creation of #PopUpPhilly, a pop-up restaurant, organized for the purpose of providing approximately 200 members of Philadelphia's homeless community with a fine dining experience, a selection of donated goods and clothing and access to representatives from a variety of local Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 shelters and organizations, to help them take the first steps towards getting back on their feet.
Thank you. That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and acknowledging the #Philly1st campaign, the Advocacy Institute and Real Talk Tobacco's youth-led media campaign, for their efforts and initiative which calls for the whole of Philadelphia to work towards becoming the first city with a zero percent youth smoking rate.
Thank you. Councilman, you want to speak at the time of the passage?
Thank you. That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills nor resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions, one co-sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to investigate and hold hearings on the preservation and expansion of the City's public art, including its voluminous collection of outdoor murals, mosaics, and sculptures.
Thank you. That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes -- I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. I didn't want to leave you out, sir. Sorry.
Thank you, Council President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Curtis Jones, Jr., Derek Green, and Blondell Reynolds Brown and one bill. And may I be heard on the bill after the title is read? Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new category of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and of City contracts entitled "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons," that must be considered separately by the Finance Director in conducting the Annual Disparity Study and devising the Annual Participation Goals as required by Section 6-109 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter; and also adding a rebuttable presumption that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons are Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals.
That bill will be referred to committee, and Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. That actually has a quite lengthy title because -there's actually more in the back, I'm sorry, but I just wanted to add that the reason that I introduced the bill is because we're about to go into budget hearings and there's always talks about minority participation goals, things like that, and it concerned me that we basically do not have a system within our city, whether it be the City or a third party, that is actually responsible to the City for the certification of minority or disadvantaged, women-owned or persons with disabilities in any type of these businesses. And so I wanted to write a resolution for a hearing, but when I looked at the bill, I saw that the definition of those who are subject to prejudice or differential treatment which results in impaired ability to compete because of diminished capital or credit Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 opportunities were Asian American, African American, Hispanic, female, and persons with disabilities. What I felt was missing was it did not include LGBT, as this body has done a lot of work in that area and led by other persons, not me. It was led by others, but that is now the state of the law in Philadelphia. Secondly, we have done also a lot of work, once again others leading the way, notably Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. for religious minorities, and they're not included either. So I've introduced the bill to, I believe, try to upgrade the definition of "minorities" as relates to contracting goals with the City. There's required a disparity study on an annual basis, and if the categories are not included, those groups do not get looked at in terms of whether or not there is disparity and whether or not goals should be created. So that's the reason I did it. Thank you very much. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 1ST READING
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold public hearings to determine whether the City of Philadelphia should provide its own certification process for Minority, Women, or Disabled Owned Enterprises.
Thank you. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. There are no reports from committee today. We will have consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 160007, entitled "An ordinance repealing an ordinance (Bill No. 150894) entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 119 and abandoning of a Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2ND READING certain pedestrian walkway reserved within the bed of former Thompson Street, from Watts Street to Thirteenth Street, and the modifying of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, gas main purposes, and public utility purposes, also reserved within the bed of said former Thompson Street.'"
The Chair agrees. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 160140, 160008, 160011, 160014, 160017, 160071, Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 160092, 160093, and 160009. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we'll have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or a resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium, along with a microphone. When that 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'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 minutes to testify. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160140. (Witness approached podium.)
Again we're giving stuff to the Redevelopment Authority. At this time, I am without my home at 1038 West Wyoming due to the egregious actions and inactions of this legislative body. How many decades does it take for a speedy trial? In my case, it's almost two. In 1991, I purchased a home that's referred to later in an article as even the federal government is suckering Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 buyers. Then came 18 years of waiting for this city to act while the state received federal funds. I have read several articles and communications from U.S. HUD, HUD, Housing and Urban Development, that have alluded to the City receiving up to 40 million or more extra dollars per year for over a decade. The newspapers reports only 32 million was spent on Logan. I guess that's where the extra funds in the 10/15 article that quotes Abernathy from the RDA that upwards of 100 million taxpayer dollars may be given to a developer to build a mall on my home that was taken from me without payment to me for my fully remodeled, three-apartment, two-storefront building that was sold to me as a shell by HUD for $6,000. I was offered the ridiculously outrageous amounts from a City agency under Council's control of $100. Then they offered me $800. Then they just changed the title without informing me. I was Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 required to pay the mortgage, taxes, and water bills for over 18 years. I received nothing. Federal officials told me they gave the City plenty of funds to solve this matter. If we, the people, have to solve this problem ourselves, why do we hire all you, the agents and agencies solely designed to serve the people and conduct our business? You, the agents and agencies, are bound by an oath to support, obey, and defend the Constitution and laws. Like in Flint, Michigan, this government stalls while the people suffer. Paul Robeson is quoted, The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic, me, but to end the injustice, which is looking to the RDA. These articles and previous submissions require immediate de-funding and investigation of the Redevelopment Authority before more laws as in the above and previously mentioned are violated by you, the agents and agencies of this government, and duly Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 notified since December 3rd, 2015. You are, in this member of the people's opinion, accessories after the fact. Now let's solve this problem.
Thank you very much for your testimony. (Applause.)
Jason Pinardo, commenting on Councilman Domb's #PopUpPhilly resolution. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'd like to start by thanking both Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Parker. For those of you who don't know, #PopUpPhilly started four weeks ago as an idea on Facebook to host a pop-up restaurant for 150 homeless citizens in the City of Philadelphia. It will be an opportunity for citizens to give back, and give back they did. The goal was to raise $20,000 in 20 days. We raised Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 $20,000 in 96 hours with the help of businesses in the City such as Pat's Steaks, Geno's Steaks, Cescaphe, Talluto's, Termini Brothers Pastries. We are going to have an event this Sunday at the Armory. We're going to feed 200 homeless people. We've partnered with Saint John's Hospice, with Project HOME, with the Veterans Administration's homeless shelter in University City. We will be giving out over 100 new coats, 250 backpacks filled with toiletry bags. They will get Visa gift cards in the amount of $20. And it's not about the meal; it's about the experience. We're trying to give our guests the sense of hope. I know this event isn't going to solve the homelessness that the guests are dealing with, but I want them to walk away and know that when they make their next decision about their life, that somebody cares, and we hope that that sense of hope affects that decision and Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 allows them to make the first step to getting back on their feet. Thank you. (Applause.)
Warda Abdeiazz, commenting on Councilman Domb's Philly1st campaign resolution. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. Firstly, we want to thank Councilman Domb for sponsoring this resolution and all of City Council for recognizing the hard work behind the Philly1st campaign. Philly1st is an advocacy institute and Real Talk Tobacco's youth-led media campaign calls for all of Philadelphia to join us in the fight to make our city the first to have a zero percent youth smoking rate. Our media campaign, which includes public service announcements on Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 our Philly1st YouTube page, social media posts, and bus shelter and newsstands ads, proves Philadelphia youth are ready and able to advocate for a smoke-free city. One in ten percent of -- one in ten of Philadelphia's teens use tobacco. One in 13 teens currently smoke cigarettes. We as the City's youth believe that while the youth smoking rate used to be much higher, 7 percent is still not good enough. Every Philadelphian, young and old, smoking a cigarette represents a life cut short. I'm standing up so that no more fall to big tobacco. We need to make Philly first. (Applause.)
Philadelphia City Council is our best hope for making Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 Philly first. You all have had and will continue to have the legislative power to make big tobacco take a step backwards. We need you all to join and support us as we call for new policies like tobacco-free pharmacies and more fair and aggressive enforcement work from License and Inspections. Tobacco is a crime against humanity, and if I'm not trying to stop it and you're not trying to stop it, who will. Philadelphia will not become the first city with a zero percent youth smoking rate without your help. Please join us to make Philly first. Thank you. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 2ND READING And thank you all for your testimony today. We will now move towards the Calendar, and Mr. Decker, I would ask for you to please read the title of 160140.
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-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160140 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 160008.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to provide requirements regarding the safe operation of self-propelled mobility devices.
Thank you. This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 160011.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Torresdale Avenue, from Linden Avenue to Ashburner Stated Meeting Invocation February 25, 2016 2/25/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Street and both sides of Megargee Street, from Torresdale Avenue to Frankford Avenue.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.