COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 12, 2015 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK
It is a great day. I'd ask all visitors and guests to please retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seats, we'll get started. Thank you. Today to give our invocation, we have our own spiritual advisor, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. (Applause.)
Dr. Martin Luther King said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. During Black History Month, we are people that our country still doesn't fully recognize all citizens. It means that we have not arrived. Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless us here. We ask that you help us to realize and recommit ourselves to the challenge of public service. Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless those who are hungry; those who are ill, in nursing homes, hospitals, and boarding homes; those who are incarcerated; those who need jobs. We ask that you bless them especially during this time and we who commit ourselves to improve the quality of life for all. These blessings we ask in thy name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. You'd better be careful, Councilwoman, you might get invited to do Prayer Breakfast.
You said come on with it, right? Thank you again, Councilwoman. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 5th, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 5th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal be 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 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
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 recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there is no request for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome time out of their busy day to come down and witness their government in action. We hope that your stay here is both a pleasurable one and one that you gain significant knowledge as to the intricacies of our legislative body. So I want to really thank you for coming down, and I hope you come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution on my behalf to Siobhan Reardon. Would Ms. Reardon and those accompanying her please come up to the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
On your behalf, Mr. President. This isn't bad for a New Yorker to get this kind of recognition, but I will have to say, Mr. President, that I happen to have the libraries of any other Councilperson - Haddington, Roxborough, Haverford, East Falls, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, and Andorra in the 4th District. So I just want to share her with you.
Councilman, but we have the largest in the 5th District.
You're right. I'd like to present and I'm very proud of the fact that she's received this award. I remember her first year here and us asking about the closing of the libraries, and she took it on the chin and worked with us in spite of the budget to make our library system one of the best in the entire nation. So there are a lot of library advocates in to have one of those advocates add their opinion.
I thank the Majority Leader for allowing me to add my two cents. What I was struck most about our honoree this morning is that she listens carefully to members' concerns around the composition of her Board and the following year indicated to us in a tangible way that strategies were underway to make sure that her Board looks more like Philadelphia. And that matters to us on this side of the ledger when we see department heads hear what our concerns are, respond to what our legitimate observations are, and then ultimately makes a tangible difference in fixing that particular situation. So for that, we thank you, honoree. Thank you, Majority Leader.
So we are here to honor and recognize and on being named the 2015 Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal. Whereas -- that's right. (Applause.)
Whereas, Ms. Reardon was named the 2015 Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal, a well respected journal for the library community that has been in publication for over 100 years; Whereas, she was appointed President and Director of the Free Library system in Philadelphia 2008 and is the first woman to serve in that capacity. During that time of economic downturn, Ms. Reardon was forced to take a 20 percent budget cut and drastically reduced branch hours; and
Whereas, through the midst of budget cuts, Ms. Reardon streamlined and enhanced neighborhood library services, shared resources in a staff of 800 among with community leaders to develop programs and services most needed by Philadelphia residents. These efforts improved efficiencies, internal communications, and patron experience; and Whereas, using a cluster model, every neighborhood now has expert librarians on core focused areas such as health information, family literacy, services for New Americans, small businesses and entrepreneurs, job seekers and people with disabilities; and Whereas, Ms. Reardon has led the library's efforts to move beyond its walls by creating computer and Internet hotspots that offer free technology access and training in partnership with local organizations in underserved neighborhoods. In a city with more than 40 percent of the population lacks an Internet connection at the home, in a city where more than 40 percent of our Internet connection at home, Reardon's efforts helped bridge the City's digital divide. The Free Library of Philadelphia now boasts seven hotspots, 54 physical buildings and the University of Pennsylvania facility; and
Whereas, Ms. Reardon has improved fundraising efforts on behalf of the Free Library during its campaign to raise money for renovations to the central branch. By focusing on phased improvements to both the central branch and the neighborhood libraries, she revamped the approach and decided to do the project on a piecemeal basis making substantial improvements. This process helped engage a number of important foundations in the City that were willing to provide the necessary funding; and Whereas, previously, Ms. Reardon was Executive Director of the Westchester, New York Library System, a 38-member cooperative library system. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library, serving as Chief Operating Officer of the nation's fifth largest library system. She also served as Acting Executive Director and Director of Finance, responsible for the library's $85 million annual budget. And I'd just like to add I really felt her pain when she thought we might be selling libraries, and I can see it, but I knew she was -- did not like that, but we're glad we prevailed in not having to do that.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honor, recognize and congratulate Siobhan A. Reardon for being named the 2015 Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be as evidence of our sincere sentiment of this entire legislative body. Introduced by President Darrell Clarke, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Tasco, and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. (Applause.)
Well, good morning, everyone. I'm truly honored to be recognized in this way by this wonderful City Council, and it is because -- as I've often said, it's not just about me. It's about an entire city that gets behind a library system that's so desperately needed by its constituents. And so on behalf of the Free Library of Philadelphia, my Boards, the staff, and the City and the constituents, thank you very much for this recognition. I truly appreciate it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before we go on to our next presentation, I'd like to recognize one of our newest members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and a veteran of the City Council staff, Jason Dawkins. Representative, how are you? (Applause.)
Thank you for coming down today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh, who will present a resolution recognizing the 10th Anniversary of Philadelphia Fashion Week. Would Kevin Parker, Kerry Scott, and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Oh, we have Councilman Jones. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
While we are assembling, let me just say that one of the hallmarks of a great city, an urban city especially, a metropolitan city, is fashion. Looking at me, you can tell that I don't care much about fashion, but it is a very important part of any big city's economy. It makes a statement, certainly is cosmopolitan. And one of the things we've really been concerned about is our retail industry, especially in our affluent areas, and I say that because we need the money. We need visitors. We need people to spend money so that we can support our city. But more than that, the fashion industry is part of the creative economy, and that means jobs. And one of the things about it is, it provides jobs for creative/innovative people, many from our neighborhoods, and the folks that we are recognizing today really exemplifies have been doing this work on their own, and I was fortunate to come across them, and it is their 10th Anniversary. They've been doing this work for ten years, and I think it is very important that we elevate them, recognize them, and support them. And so today we have a resolution recognizing and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Fashion Week for its important enrichment to the City's fashion community and creative/innovative economy. Whereas, Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott produced and founded the first Philadelphia Fashion Week (PFW) in 2006 with the vision to provide exposure for local models, designers and other industry-related professionals; and
Whereas, Parker and Scott currently serve on the Advisory Board for the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator in Macy's Center City, and are involved in the Philadelphia Collection, which is a city initiative to support retail in Philadelphia; and Whereas, PFW is a nationally recognized and nationally respected event that provides a major platform for designers to succeed and showcase their work;
Whereas, PFW invites buyers and industry insiders who not only support the designers but who create revenues for local businesses; and Whereas, PFW has landed the producers many opportunities for international publications such as Harper's Bazaar, Vietnam, features on the Vietnam Style Network, Vietnam's Next Top Model, FashizBlack Magazine, Paris cover and inside spread with international super model Sessilee Lopez, Timodelle Paris Magazine, Runway Magazine, and a number of others, all while providing exposure for our local talent here in Philadelphia and featuring their works; and
Whereas, PFW has been featured on several television programs and major press outlets including WWD, Harper's Bazaar, O Magazine, Better Philly, Eye Opener, VH1, Bravo, PHL 17, Fox 29, 6ABC, NBC10, The Epoch Times, The Daily News, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and others; and Whereas, in honor of its 10th Anniversary which will be celebrated in February and September, PFW prepares to produce an eventful week Philadelphia has never experienced before, featuring national and international designers and models presenting garments, exhibits of luxury products and services and world-class entertainment; now, therefore, be it
I'm going to have to subscribe to O Magazine. Be it resolved, by the Council of this city, City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Philadelphia Fashion enrichment for the City's fashion community and the creative/innovative economy. And resolved further, that engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Parker and Mr. Scott for remarks.
Thank you, distinguished Council, Mr. President, special thanks to Councilman David Oh. Thank you, God. We thank you guys for recognizing Philadelphia Fashion Week in our ten-year celebration. We're really, really excited about it, and hope to see you guys there.
I want to take this time to thank everybody who supported us throughout the years. We want to thank designers that work with us and that trust us with their brands. We want to thank the City of Philadelphia for supporting us. We want to thank all of you. We appreciate it, and this means the world to me. If you guys only knew how I felt right now. For me to be 29 years old, this is amazing. And just thank you so much and thank God for what you've done in our lives. (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. Thank you so 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, I am pleased to advise you that on February 11, 2015, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on January 29, 2015: Bill No. 140831-A and Bill No. 140892-A. 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1227 North Leithgow Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and 1925 West Wilt Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Belmont No. 2 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 4050 through 66 Haverford Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal area, identified by house number and street address as 509 Wolf Street; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 120903) approved January 14, 2013, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 156 by striking from the City Plan Fourth Street from Allegheny Avenue to Lippincott Street, by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you so much. The next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. (Waiting for microphone to turn on.)
It's okay, Mr. President. Thank you. I have no bills or resolutions anyway. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on your behalf, three resolutions, two on your behalf and one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez.
An ordinance authorizing Guy Gindhart for 1700 Chestnut Street to construct, own, and maintain an exterior stairs at 1700 through 14 Chestnut Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio on its 15th Anniversary.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1227 North Leithgow Street.
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 Eighteenth, Twenty-Eighth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Mr. President, I offer one bill signed by all members of Council and a privileged resolution.
The resolution is signed by all members of Council, and one bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to modify certain exceptions from Subsection 10-602(3), entitled "Smoking Prohibited," and from Section 10-614, entitled "Electronic Smoking Devices."
And a privileged resolution honoring Teenshop, Inc. and Founder Elleanor Jean Hendley on its 30th Anniversary.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have three resolutions and two bills. One of my resolutions is for naming the 2200 block of Winton Street after "Wild Bill" Guarnere co-sponsored by Councilman David Oh, who led the charge, and all members of Council.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by creating an overlay district entitled "/WWA West Washington Avenue Overlay," to include certain areas of land within the vicinity of West Washington Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Lisa Lombardo to construct, own, and maintain an exterior metal staircase encroachment at 2400 South Woodstock Street.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding ending of child hunger in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the "Prince Hall Shrinedom" for embracing all of the basic fundamental concepts of the Masonic Order and for giving back to the Philadelphia Community.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 2200 block of Winton Street, between the intersections of Snyder Avenue and Jackson Street, as "Wild Bill Way" in recognition of Bill Guarnere's pure dedication to fellow man, love for the City of Philadelphia, and his heroism and willingness to sacrifice all for his Country.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three bills, one co-sponsored by my colleagues Johnson, Jones, and Goode.
An ordinance amending Chapter 18-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Airports," by requiring providers of ground-handling services at City airport facilities to obtain a license from the City before providing ground-handling services and providing for possible license revocation.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 120903) approved January 14, 2013, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 156 by striking from the City Plan Fourth Street from Allegheny Avenue to Lippincott Street," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5800 block of Cottage Street, between Harbison Avenue and Van Kirk Street, on both sides of the street.
And that will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Jones, Squilla, Tasco and signed by the other members of Council.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating Philadelphia University's Herb Magee on earning his 1,000th career win in college basketball and for his years of dedication and service to Philadelphia University's college basketball team.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Tasco, Jones, and Councilwoman Blackwell.
A privileged resolution celebrating the 2015 United Way's Women's Initiative by recognizing Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill, two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by -one by David Oh, Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Councilman Squilla; the other by Councilman Goode, Bass, Reynolds Brown, Tasco, and myself. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Section 9-703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Assembly Occupancies," to add additional requirements relating to surveillance cameras.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings to explore new methods to increase video surveillance cameras throughout the City that satisfy the guidelines of the Philadelphia Police Department's Safety Cam Program, such as a tax abatement to offset the cost for camera installation and mandatory camera installation for nuisance businesses, among other initiatives.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the legacy of Dr. George Beichl for his bravery as a prisoner of war, his work at Saint Joseph's University as a professor and chair of the chemistry department, and for his significant contributions to the Philadelphia German-American community.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And 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 have two resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilman Henon.
A privileged resolution congratulating and recognizing Jeff Kilpatrick and the students from the Memphis Street Academy's Artrepreneurs Program on winning a SEED (Supporting Entrepreneurship in Education) 4.0 grant which is presented by PhillyCORE Leaders, a group of education leaders that collaborates to come up with better education ideas in the City.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 509 Wolf Street.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilman Ed Neilson.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant - Rent Control," by requiring that tenants of certain multi-family buildings be provided with a written disclosure of the building policy on smoking in individual dwelling units.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing the Northwest Victim Services for Hosting the First One Step 5K Walk for Safer Neighborhoods.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer three privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by Maria Quinones-Sanchez and all three by Councilwoman Cindy Bass and two by Councilman Mark Squilla. Thank you.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Asian Americans United for its important enrichment to Philadelphia's Asian American community.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings regarding the state of the music industry in Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings on Philadelphia's movement towards a "smart city."
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions, and we will now have reports from committee. Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended -- thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Streets and Services reports six bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 140902, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 224 and 232 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cayuga Street from Whitaker Avenue to its terminus eastwardly therefrom"; and 140903, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 10, entitled 'Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,' of The Philadelphia Code, by adding rules regarding use of dumpsters"; and Bill No. 140971, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments within the public right-of-way at 2716 South Street"; and Bill No. 150003, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain a temporary pedestrian bridge right-of-way encroachment within the public right-of-way at 3400 Civic Center Boulevard and 1 Convention Avenue"; and Bill No. 150053, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing retaining wall encroaching on the public right-of-way at 1806 Emerson Street"; and 150054, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Thomas Jefferson University to construct, own and maintain lighted bollard right-of-way encroachments within the public right-of-way at 1008 Locust Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of the six bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit of Bills No. 140902, 140903, 140971, 150003, 150053, and 150054. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 140517, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the 'Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law,' by providing for a limited period of time during which certain Private Clubs may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section"; and Bill No. 140635, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the 'Clean Indoor Air Work Protection Law,' by providing a limited period of time during which certain Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section"; and Bill No. 140649, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, by providing a limited period of time during which certain Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provision of the Section"; and Bill No. 140886, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, by providing a limited period of time during which certain Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section prohibiting smoking in certain places," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140517, 140635, 140649, and 140886. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140517, 140635, 140649, and 140886. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Unfortunately, I have to leave and be excused for the rest of the session, but I want to go on the record as reporting aye on all bills and resolutions. But before I exit, I did want to take this chance to be one of many to congratulate Councilman Greenlee on earned sick pay, on sick leave. (Applause.)
Council President, Councilman Greenlee is a humble man and he doesn't grandstand on anything like this, but we all know that this issue has evolved nationally, and it's right here in the City of Philadelphia. Sick leave is a rooted fundamental fairness, fairness for our workplace, fairness for the customer, and fairness for the public at large and fairness for each other, recognizing at this time that it's earned, it is not just given, and in fairness to Councilman Greenlee and to all the stakeholders that he has heard and it's a witness to the amendments that he put in to his original bill. So I just want to congratulate him in this momentum and historic day. I think he probably brought the DNC right here to the City of Philadelphia. So I Congratulations. Congratulations to the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman Henon. I'm sure that it will be on the platform of the DNC as we move ahead. Thank you. Leave shall be granted. Your report is voting aye on all bills and resolutions; am I correct?
Thank you, Councilman. We will now have consideration of the Calendar. The next order of business -- I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional 2ND READING bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150022, 150081, 150083, 150087, 150010, and 141026. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you. Before considering the bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested today in testifying on a bill or a resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar, if you haven't 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. There's a light. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. And when the light turns red, we'd ask that you adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. Thank you very much for your compliance with those guidelines. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first individual on the list.
Mark Edwards, commenting on 150010. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President. I'm Mark Edwards, President and CEO of Philadelphia Works, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today to testify in support of Bill No. 150010, this legislation that requires Economic Opportunity Plans to include a statement acknowledging the receipt of First Source requirements for contracts that are expected to exceed $250,000. We thank Councilman Goode for including this amendment in the legislation and his leadership on this bill, on this legislation. As the workforce investment board for the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works invests in employment and training solutions that connect employers to a workforce and talent and career seekers to jobs while ensuring the highest standards and accountability for these investments. In this role that we play, we have been in continued support and commitment to the success of the City's First Source Job Policy. As we support the work of the City's Commerce Department and the City's implementation of this jobs creation policy, we conducted a comprehensive review of first source policies throughout the country by reaching out to eight other cities with similar types of legislation. Many of these cities have had first source legislation for quite some time, and as a result, we sought their input on ways that we could learn from the lessons that they would be willing to share. During our conversations, a common theme arose. Unless we could implement an effective mechanism by which we could, one, ensure that eligible projects are being captured and, two, an effective coordination between all parties involved, a first source policy cannot reach its fullest potential. So based on our conversations, this legislation is simply commonsense reform that offers an opportunity to interact with every qualifying contractor. The benefits from this are simply twofold. Not only are contractors more likely to become aware of the First Source requirements and more likely to adhere, but, secondly, through broader coordination of all of the parties involved, we can ensure that adherence occurs in accordance with the intent of the policy. We have spoken with Baltimore, for example. They have one staffer who was responsible for pulling together all city contracts. It took them a full day to do so. With this legislation, connecting it to the OEO plans, we can incorporate this process into the City's system without going through similar efforts ourselves.
Given the technology and interagency coordination that has occurred to date, this is an opportunity for us here in Philadelphia to make improvements informed by other places around the country and exhibit leadership in this area. Thank you very much.
Reverend Gregory Holston, commenting on 141026. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you for the opportunity to be here today, Councilman Clarke and all City Council members. Again, we also congratulate Councilman Greenlee for the consistency of the effort and moving this bill forward. My name is Reverend Gregory Holston. I am the Senior Pastor of New Vision United Methodist Church at Broad and Westmoreland Streets and I'm also the Co-Chair of POWER, Philadelphia Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild, Co-Chair of their Economic Dignity Team representing 40 houses of faith, over 30,000 individuals in the City of Philadelphia. We stand in support of this bill for earned paid sick leave and we do it with joy today. I pastored North Philadelphia where the poverty rate around my church is roughly 40 percent and a deep poverty rate of around 25 percent. Deep poverty is defined as less than $5,500 per year for an individual. Out of the many favorable statistics that support earned paid sick leave, the one that touched me the most was the statistics that 3.5 paid sick leave days equals one month's groceries. Just think about that. If I'm sick, then I got to choose between making a determination to pay for my groceries and go to work and go to work sick. And so these kinds of choices are being made every day by individuals, young family members choosing to go to work with a sick child at home or not having groceries for that sick child. That is simply morally reprehensible. So this bill is clearly a public health bill, but it's certainly more than that. It's an anti-poverty bill, because it puts more money in the hands of poor people. It's an economic stimulus bill, because it stimulates the economy in the poorest neighborhoods of our city. It's a pro employment bill, because it builds the businesses in our neighborhoods where the people shop and give their money to. It's a pro education bill, because so many children go to school hungry every day and because of this bill, their parents can have more dollars in their pocket. It is also an anti-hungry bill, because 40 percent of our children go to bed hungry every day. It is a pro Philadelphia bill, because it makes Philadelphia a better place to live, a better place to work, a better place to eat, and a better place to play. My faith informs my politics and my public policy, and my faith says we're called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit them in prison and minister to them that are sick. He says if we do this to the least of our brothers and sisters, today this bill does exactly that. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Marvin Robinson, commenting on 141026. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. First of all, I'd like to bring honor to God for this day. To the President, Darrell Clarke, to Greenlee, we really appreciate y'all effort to make this bill come forward. And to the rest of the City Council, those that are going to vote on this bill, we appreciate y'all leadership for us, we, the people. That's all I really have to say. It's been a nice battle, and I know how the democracy work. It just don't work over night, but we, the people, really stood for what was right for all the people of Philadelphia. So thank you. 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Is there anyone else here signed up to provide public comment on today's agenda? (No response.)
Seeing none, that concludes -- is there anybody else? (No response.)
Seeing none, that concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will please read the titles of the resolutions.
Resolution No. 150022, entitled "A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to make achieving clean water a greater priority in the year 2015 by increasing 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING state investments to be made by the General Assembly and the Governor with dedicated, sustainable and long-term funding sources," introduced by Councilman Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Resolution No. 150081, entitled "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 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second and Twenty-Ninth Wards of the City of Philadelphia," introduced by Councilman Greenlee on behalf of Council President Clarke.
Thank you. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Resolution 150083, entitled "A resolution 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia," introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
All those opposed? (No response.) 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
Resolution 150087, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, in partnership with City Council and the Veterans Advisory Commission, to conduct a comprehensive study on veteran employment in the City of Philadelphia and its impact on the local economy," introduced by Councilman Oh.
Before we recognize Councilman Oh, I'd like to recognize Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to go on the record as voting in favor of all the bills and resolutions today. Unfortunately I had something just come up and I have to leave the floor. I'd also like to congratulate Councilman Greenlee on his paid sick leave bill today, something that's going to help 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING many working families throughout the City of Philadelphia. Congratulate Action United and especially Marvin, who has been by my office about a hundred times. I think Marvin has a desk at my office he's been there so long, and you've done a wonderful, wonderful job and you need to be applauded on that. You did a great job. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Mr. Decker, I understand you read the title of 150087.
And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh for a motion.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150087 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 150010.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," to require that certain Economic Opportunity Plans incorporate the requirements of the First Source Jobs Policy contained in Chapter 17-2000 of The Philadelphia Code.
This bill has been read on two separate occasions. The question is shall the bill pass finally. 2/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, call the roll.