Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 14, 2017 10:40 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 September 14, 2017
Thank you. We're going to start now. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seat, we'll get started. I would like to say before we start if you have a cell phone or any other electronic device that makes noise, will you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Sister Ann Provost of the Sisters of Mercy. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Greenlee. I would ask all guests, members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.) SISTER PROVOST: God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 spirit of counsel and fortitude our Mayor and City Council members and other government leaders of these United States. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protection to lead our city and country with honesty and integrity. God of all life and creation, guide their work today that they may see the story of humanity in a new way, that they may understand our world and its possibilities, and that they may choose life for themselves and for all whom they serve. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 22nd, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We hope that your stay here today is a pleasurable one but, more importantly, a knowledgeable one. Again, thank you so much for your Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 presentations today. I know that my colleagues are not excited about that, but we will have a relatively short session. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, 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 No. 170512 and 170675. And I am pleased to advise you that on June 22, June 27, July 11, and September 12, 2017, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 15, 2017, except Bill No. 170519; and that on June 27, June 28, July 5, July 11, August 1, August 29, and September 12, 2017, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 22nd, 2017, except Bill No --
Mr. Decker, hold on. Folks, can I ask you all to keep your voices down, please.
Which were passed by Council at its session on June 22, 2017, except Bill No. 170595. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 5820 through 5824 Germantown Avenue; and Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the City for the PRA to act as the City's agent for the redevelopment of 400 North Broad Street and 1501 North Callowhill Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution approving the reappointment of Rasheia Johnson to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution appointing Drew Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 of Directors of the Center City District; and An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 146 and 271 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and the striking from said City Plans and abandoning of all or portions of four other rights-of-way for various utility purposes, all lying within the area southeast of Delaware Avenue and northeast of Ellen Street; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Convention Avenue from Health Sciences Drive to South Street to Health Sciences Drive, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. Good morning, Mr. President. I offer today one bill and two resolutions, one of which was co-signed by all members of Philadelphia City Council, and I'll be specific to say the Amazon resolution was co-sponsored by all members of Philadelphia City Council.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter 21-3000, entitled "Environmental Justice Reporting," to establish standards for studying and reporting on environmental justice.
And a privileged Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 resolution recognizing National Drive Electric Week 2017 in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution encouraging Amazon to choose the City of Philadelphia as the future home of HQ2.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce seven resolutions, six non-privileged and one privileged.
A privileged resolution calling for the City Council Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings investigating the feasibility of opening the outer lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to install more flags and increase the number of countries that are represented.
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-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to Stated Meeting September 14, 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 Twenty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution expressing support for House Bill 922 and Senate Bill 1156 currently pending in the United States Congress, with the hope that such legislation will be able to increase private investment in the rehabilitation of public school buildings for the benefit of Philadelphia children.
And a Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 non-privileged resolution calling on the United States Congress to fight hunger in Philadelphia by opposing any efforts to block grants, reduce funding, or structurally change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and oppose efforts to cut other federally funded nutrition programs.
Next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and four resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue Condo Association to install, own and maintain a sign encroachment at 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
And an ordinance amending Chapter 16-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Redevelopment Proposals and Contracts," by further providing with respect to requirements for Council's approval of redevelopment proposals and redevelopment contracts submitted to Council for approval under the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Law.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Councilmanic District.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing an agreement between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the City for the PRA to act as the City's agent for the redevelopment of 400 North Broad Street and 1501 North Callowhill Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have one bill and Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by further amending Section 10-719, entitled "Penalties," to conform with legislation recently enacted by the General Assembly.
And a privileged resolution Honoring the 230th Anniversary of the Signing of United States Constitution and Recognizing September 17th as Constitution Day in the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Mr. President, and welcome back. Two privileged resolutions, one non-privileged resolution, one bill on your behalf co-sponsored by myself. One of those resolutions honoring the Soul is signed by all members of Council.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum annual appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Soul Football Team for Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 winning their third Arena Bowl Championship title over the Tampa Bay Storm on August 26, 2017.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum annual appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies.
And that will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have three non-privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Tasker Street, between 20th Street and South 21st Street "James A. Lovett II Way."
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Rasheia Johnson to the Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Good morning. I have two privileged resolutions, two non-privileged resolutions, and a bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "New Sustainable Businesses," to expand the tax relief offered to such businesses, and to make technical corrections.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the 207th Anniversary of Mexico's Independence Day. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution declaring September 15, 2017 through October 15, 2017 as Hispanic Heritage Month here in the City of Philadelphia to honor the role that Hispanics have played and continue to play in the economic, cultural and social development of our city and nation.
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 Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 170595, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Westmoreland Street between Lawrence Street to 5th Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
And that will be on this week's Calendar -sorry. A little rusty. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution calling Bill No. 170595 once it's read into the record.
Thank Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
A privileged Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 resolution honoring and recognizing The Consortium, Inc. on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the non-privileged resolution is read for a motion.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Rising Sun Avenue and Levick Street. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
And a non-privileged resolution adding the Honorable Shirley M. Kitchen to the street signs on the block intersections of the 5000 block of North 13th Street between West Ruscomb Street and Lindley Avenue.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to move at this time to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have four privileged resolutions and one bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by changing the rules for requesting the preparation of Fiscal Impact Statements and final adoption of bills.
And a privileged resolution acknowledging and recognizing The Philadelphia Music & Arts Festival "Philly Music Fest," an event that Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 highlights the food, beer and arts of Philadelphia, taking place September 22nd through September 23rd at World Cafe Live Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring and remembering the late Darren "Dutch" Daulton, catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who passed away Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the age of 55 after a four-year battle with brain cancer.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the winners of the Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly 2017.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Steve Goodman, known as the "fairy godfather of Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Philadelphia startups" for his hard work and dedication to countless Philadelphia startups and to the Philadelphia tech community.
Today's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by yourself, Councilmembers Green, Reynolds Brown, Henon, Domb, and Gym. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Art-Reach for the Premiere of Their Original Documentary Film, I Am Which Highlights the Groundbreaking Partnership Between the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Students of Saint Katherine Day School.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills and two non-privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 146 and 271 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and the striking from said City Plans and abandoning of all or portions of four other rights-of-way for various utility purposes, all lying within the area southeast of Delaware Avenue and northeast of Ellen Street.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising requirements for accessory signs, located within the area bounded by Juniper Street, East Passyunk Avenue and Mifflin Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center 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-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Drew Murray to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
And Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills, one privileged resolution, and three non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution calling Bill No. 170519 is read for a motion on the resolution. Thank you.
An ordinance authorizing Germantown Special Services District to install, own and maintain various bollard encroachments at 57 West Maplewood Mall.
And an ordinance amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Recreation," by requiring the public posting of hours of Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 operation for libraries and recreation centers.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 5820 through 5824 Germantown Avenue.
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, Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 situate in the Twelfth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twelfth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Department of Revenue for instituting new payment plan options for non-Real Estate Taxes.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 170519, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by creating a tax foreclosure diversion program that requires housing counseling assistance, updating tax installment payment agreements to help taxpayers with financial hardships, and other related items," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two bills, two non-privileged resolutions, and two privileged resolutions. The resolutions are co-sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Squilla, Green, Domb, Blackwell, Parker, Bass, Brown, and Greenlee, and in particular I'd like to note and thank Councilmember Helen Gym for all her work on DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and honestly she had prepared her own resolution with great effort. I kind of got in there first. So I just want to Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 recognize and appreciate the work we do together.
An ordinance adding a Chapter 19-4300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Benefits for New Megabusinesses," by providing an incentive for a new megabusiness that chooses to locate in the City of Philadelphia by reducing the business net income tax rate to zero.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by enacting a new Subsection 17-1605(3) to provide for additional oversight by the City Council of compliance with all Economic Opportunity Plans for the participation of minority and female workers, Minority-Owned Disadvantaged Business Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Enterprises, Female-Owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Disabled-Owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Class of 2017 Inductees to the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing September as National Recovery Month in Philadelphia and Celebrating the 16th Annual PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! to Promote Recovery and Work to End the Stigma Surrounding Drug and Alcohol Addiction.
And a non-privileged resolution Requesting the President of the United States and the United States Congress to Enact Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Legislation Allowing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program Recipients to Remain Permanently in the United States by March 2018.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution Recognizing September 2017 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia in Honor of Childhood Cancer Patients, Care Givers, Survivors, and Those Children Who Have Succumbed to the Disease; and Urging the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate to Pass House Resolution 820 and Senate Bill 292, Both Entitled, "Child Cancer Survivorship Treatment, Access, and Research Act of 2017 or the Childhood Cancer STAR Act."
And that will be on next's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Decker for one more resolution. And this will be for Councilman Jones.
A privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 2nd through October 6th, 2017 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the minority business community.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports one bill with no Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
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 Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 170675, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Woodbine Avenue, Upland Way, 59th Street, Lancaster Avenue and 62nd Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council without recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Bill No. 170675 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. Our next order of business is Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 2ND READING consideration of the Calendar. There being no 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.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170706, 170406, 170468, and 170623. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Our next order of business is public comment. Public comment will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, please sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 the Council Chambers. There's 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'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes. Mr. Decker, can you please call the name of the first witness.
Karen Melton, commenting on 170706. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Stated Meeting September 14, 2017
Good morning. My name is Karen Melton. I live in East Falls and I'm the education chair for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Sierra Club and a volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby and 350.org. I want to urge Council to vote in favor of Resolution 170706 committing Philadelphia to meet the targets of the Paris Climate Accord and urging other public agencies to do their part. The various target dates sound far away, but transitioning power systems and technologies takes time, and we don't have much left. SEPTA has ordered 25 electric buses and has contracted for several solar projects in the City, and these are good steps, but at the same time, it plans to buy 525 more diesel hybrids over the next five years and build a gas-fired power plant in Nicetown. Each bus will produce more than 221,000 pounds of greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 annually, according to SEPTA. They will still be in operation in the 2030's. The permit application for the gas-fired power plant emissions are all measured in tons per year, 20.7 nitrogen oxides, 27 carbon monoxide, and more than 16 tons of volatile organic compounds. These are pollutants known to contribute to the formation of smog which can cause or aggravate health problems, including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. The immediately adjacent zip code to the proposed power plant has a 31 percent childhood asthma rate and the highest rate of childhood visits to the emergency room per asthma attacks in the City. Burning fossil fuels doesn't just destabilize our climate; it makes us sick. Yesterday the world's largest auto market, China, announced it is working on a plan to ban gas and diesel automobiles, and it is not the first Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 country to make such an announcement. There are U.S. transit systems already transitioning to all electric bus fleets powered by renewable energy. While we discuss here how quickly we can get Philadelphia to 100 percent renewables to help stabilize the climate, SEPTA is down the street making plans that will add many thousands of tons of greenhouse gases and other pollutants to our air for many years to come. Council, please support this resolution and, more importantly, enact measures to ensure that other agencies such as SEPTA support these goals.
And, Councilwoman Bass, we look forward to the public hearing you plan to conduct on the gas plant. Thank you.
Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 Thank you for your testimony.
Pat Libbey, commenting on 170706. (Witness approached podium.)
I say this because I've sworn to do everything I can to protect our children and our grandchildren. This was originally a poem sent to Tom Wolf about fracking's effects on children. It has been hand-delivered by me to all of you Councilpeople's offices. It's gone to the Mayor, to Tom Wolf, Pam DeLissio, Vincent Hughes, the DEP, DRBC, Office of Sustainability, the Air Management Council. I am the voice of the stillborn who cannot speak. I am the voice for the disabled in pain. I am the voice of the asthmatics who cannot breathe. I am the Stated Meeting September 14, 2017 voice for those we have slain. They breathe the air that's polluted by toxins. They drink the water that's darkened by grime. They scratch their skin raw on all the red rashes. They go to school on roads covered in slime. We are the cause of their sufferings and agonies. We are the cause of their writhing in pain. Fracking is killing our totally defenseless. It has no sympathy for those it has slain. Originally I thought that Tom Wolf was the only one who could help us with this. I now realize we are all responsible every time we turn on a gas appliance or the electricity that is made by burning gas. Thank you for supporting this bill.