Good morning. I am speaking on Resolution 140318. We are commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Brown versus Board of Education, but we are here to say that inequality and racism still exists in our education system. I am speaking on behalf of Julien Edwards. I am a graduate of OIC CADI and a representative of the Pushout Chapter of Youth United for Change. Today I am here to discuss the matter concerning the School District of Philadelphia school budget cuts. YUC stands against all budget cuts and believes that all schools deserve full and fair funding, but today I will speak on alternative education. From a personal view, I have -I know that alternative schools are one of the greatest gifts to young adults who were unable to graduate from traditional public schools. I believe I represent all students in these accelerated and alternative programs when I say we wouldn't be here. Where will we be without them? Alternative education is already underfunded, so I find it insane that it is even possible that $2.3 million could be cut from these programs. In 2011, my parents fought to keep all accelerated schools open. City Council helped to make that happen -make that a reality. Today, Pushout youth continues to be among first on the chopping block every time the School District is trying to balance the budget. This is unfair and unreasonable. Meanwhile, students continue to be pushed out. Youth United for Change recently launched a missing person campaign to represent the students who have gone unaccounted for as a result of 24 schools being shut down last year. We will be circulating a community letter about this and hope that you will sign and support our efforts. City Council, I believe that you should join us in taking action to keep these budget cuts from happening and making a bad decision even worse. You should represent us. Education should be our first and most important investment. We are asking you to give the School District the $216 million that is needed, because Pushout youth deserve a quality education too. City Council, we are asking two things of you. Approve the funds for the School District, ensure that the money for alternative education does not get cut this year, and sign on to the community letter about missing persons. That is all.
I'm here to support the Councilmember Johnson Resolution 140318 commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education. As you know, we are still struggling with issues of education equality. Philadelphia schools get fewer dollars than the suburban schools. Last year I attended CHAD, the Charter School of Architecture and Design. It was my first year at a new school, new faces. It wasn't long after the school year started I had made some toxic friends, followed by bad decisions, which ended up with me getting put out of the school. During the summer me and my mom went to the School District of Philadelphia to enroll me in another school. There were many options put on the table that day. I have read about West Philly has a media arts program. I always loved art, but my love for music was greater than drawing. My first day at West Philly I was going through the same thing I had gone through last year, a new place with new faces. At first I was a little hesitant about coming to a new school. The staff made it clear that the school year will be a fresh start and a new beginning. They made it known that they wouldn't let us slip through the cracks. I felt like there was hope. With schools being shut down every year, I think that more students have to go through the same process of going to a new school and having to make new friends. It's hard to adjust to change and not make mistakes. This is the first year at West Philly School. We are still in the becoming a great school. I think shutting down alternative schools would be a big mistake. We, the people, have come so far and are close to getting their high school diploma. We have one more year left. Please don't shut down our schools. That's all.
Thank you so much for your testimony. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker to please read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 130948, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail"; and Bill No. 130878, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the Office of Sustainability"; and Bill No. 140014, entitled "An 2 of The Philadelphia Code to provide for the powers and duties of the Department of Prisons created under Section 3-100 of the Home Rule Charter; and further amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code to provide for the salary of the Commissioner of Prisons"; and Bill No. 140015, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to penal, reformatory and correctional institutions to a newly-created Department of Prisons and Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Prisons"; and Bill No. 140236, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 5 of an ordinance (Bill No. 130463), approved 11, 2013, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing Fond Bistro doing business as Fond Restaurant to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1537 South 11th Street,' by extending the time for compliance with the authorization conditions therein"; and Bill No. 140237, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Eleanor Street and Old York Road; and 13th Street and Wyoming Avenue"; and Bill No. 140276, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Greeby Street, from Walker Street to Erdrick Street, westbound"; and Bill No. 140280, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Hope Street from Laurel Street to Pollard Street"; and Bill No. 140281, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing hot air the public right-of-way at 522 Washington Avenue"; and Bill No. 140282, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on West Logan Street, from Germantown Avenue to Greene Street, eastbound"; and Bill No. 140093, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by adding a new Chapter 21-2800, entitled 'Fire Service Paramedic Safety and Health,' by adopting minimum standards to protect the health, safety and dignity of uniformed Philadelphia Fire Department personnel"; and Bill No. 140094, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by amending Subcode F (The Philadelphia Fire Code), by delineating the process to be utilized by the Philadelphia Fire consideration of temporary or permanent reductions or eliminations of fire companies"; and Bill No. 140312, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Annual Disparity Study and Participation Goals,' by specifying the principal formulas to be used in calculating (1) the percentage of contracts awarded to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disabled Business Enterprises (DSBEs) (collectively known as M/W/DSBEs); and (2) participation goals for future contracts to be awarded to M/W/DSBEs; all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Decker. These bills have been read on two different days. The question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye or those bills for which the member is voting nay.
Aye on all bills. The majority of all members present voting in the affirmative for each of these bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution 140318.
A resolution commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision Brown versus Board of Education, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140318 is adopted. 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 140392.
A resolution approving the Agreement of Agency Designation pursuant to the Redevelopment Cooperation Law between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Housing Authority for the purpose of considering the acquisition of property by the Philadelphia Housing Authority to support its Blumberg Project.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140392 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140393.
A resolution honoring the memory of Samara Salina Banks, and renaming the crosswalk at Second Street and Roosevelt Boulevard to memorialize her spirit and character and serve as a reminder to cars and pedestrians to always travel safely.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Mr. President, may I speak on this before we take a vote?
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Councilwoman Tasco and Bass for joining me in co-sponsoring this resolution honoring Samara Salina Banks and her 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING three sons, Saa'sean, Saa'deem, and Saa'mir, who were tragically killed in the accident on Roosevelt Boulevard last July. Ms. Banks and her sons were crossing the Boulevard near Second Street when they were struck by a speeding vehicle that, according to police, had been drag racing. This resolution names the crosswalk at this intersection that is being redesigned on Second Street and Roosevelt Boulevard in honor of Samara Salina Banks to both memorialize her spirit and character and serve as a reminder to drivers and pedestrians to travel safely. The death of Ms. Banks and her three sons highlight the need to take action to make this street a safer place for all travelers. Since 2001, there have been 150 people killed on Roosevelt Boulevard. Four of those deaths occurred in this year alone. For decades, this road has 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been recognized one of the most dangerous in this country and it's time for that to change. The City of Philadelphia under the leadership of Commissioner David Perri have made great strides in informing and looking at best practices on this crosswalk. Renaming this crosswalk for Samara Salina Banks and her three sons both memorializes them and reminds drivers that ignoring the rules can come with grave tragic cost. I also want to recognize Senator Mike Stack that on April 21st held a hearing on Senate Bill 1211, which would give the City the authority to use automated cameras to enforce speed lights at the Boulevard. Her family is joining us here today represented by Charles Moulton, if he could stand up. And I want to thank all my Council colleagues and ask for their support in this resolution. 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Councilwoman. You want to make a motion.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded several times. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 140393 is approved. Mr. Decker, 130884.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Sustainability, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, and to otherwise provide for incorporation of 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING the Office into the City government.
Thank you. Because Resolution 130884 is a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. Mr. Decker, would you please call the roll.
Mr. President, I wanted to make a few remarks on this matter before we vote.
And I would be remiss always to not give credit where it's due. It was Councilman James Kenney who more than five years ago thought it appropriate and smart to institute this office. Over 120 cities and counties across the country have now 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING established sustainability offices. On this measure, Philadelphia will join cities like New York, Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco which have moved to make these offices a permanent function of government. And with that, Mr. President, I ask for favorable consideration by my colleagues. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And can you make the motion?
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
I'm sorry. We have to roll call vote. I'm sorry. Roll call vote. Mr. Decker, call the roll. 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the resolution has been 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140035.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Prisons, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to penal, reformatory and correctional institutions to a newly-created Department of Prisons and Board of Trustees of Philadelphia Prisons, and to provide for additional duties of the Department.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Again, because Resolution No. 140035 is a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A two-thirds majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the resolution passes. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 130694. 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding provisions permitting and regulating the erection of non-accessory advertising on School District of Philadelphia property.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 130694 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that Bill No. 130694 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 130694 will be placed on the Suspension Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140205.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to expand the scope of "Plan '10" and "DC Plan" to cover additional employees, including employees represented by AFSCME, District Council 47.
Thank you. This bill has been read on two different days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140206.
An ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The 5/8/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan," by revising and clarifying requirements relating to separation from employment.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.