Stated Meeting, June 2, 2011

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 2, 2011 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,

Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Glenn Shepherd, Pastor of Campbell AME Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Sanchez. At this time, I would ask all guests and members to please rise. (Guests and members rise.)

Good morning. (Good morning.)

Let us pray. All thou in whose presence our soul takes the light, on whom an affliction we call. Our comfort by day, night. Our hope, our salvation are on. We thank you, Almighty God, for allowing us to be here at this opening session of the week of City Council. We ask that you bless each and every representative of the Council. Father, we also ask you to continue to bless those that are here under the sound of our voice. Oh Lord, as they strive to serve this great city during these difficult times of limited financial resources, let them remember the poor, the downtrodden, the marginalized. Assist them in coming together for the common good. Even though they are given a difficult task, they're making brick without straw. Your empowerment is needed and desired as Council pours over these many issues facing this great city. We understand that prayer changes things, and because we understand that prayer things, we lift up and praise your holy and righteous name. It is in your master's name that we pray. Amen, amen and amen. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Thank you so much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 26th, 2011, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Madam President, I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 26th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 26th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, for leave of absence.

Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring Charlie Mack. Would Mr. Mack and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Blackwell has been joined by Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Madam President. This gives me great pleasure. Although we are noting what Charlie Mack and his foundation have done for West Philadelphia High School today, we have followed him around the City as he and Will and Jada Smith and Queen Latifah and others have spoken at the Youth Study Center to help youngsters and have done marches to end crime, as well as many, many other events in our city. With him is his family: His mother, Evangeline Ramy (ph); his daughter Dorian Watkins; his daughter Karima Alston; his daughter Charlie Alston; and Jhuvencio Gonzalez (ph), his friend and stepfather. Resolution recognizing "Charlie Mack" Alston for his generosity towards West Philadelphia High School and the surrounding community. Whereas, on March 18th, 2011, Charlie Mack's foundation, Charlie Mack Cares, in partnership with the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, donated 30 new Apple computers to the West Philadelphia High School; and Whereas, on February 21st, 60 computers were stolen worth approximately $80,000 from West Philadelphia High School; and Whereas, the donation made in partnership with both foundations helped recover almost $40,000 in loss; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Police recovered 30 of the stolen computers, so with the donation, the school again has 60 computers; and Whereas, with access to technology for our students is of extreme importance to ensure a positive and competitive environment; and Whereas, the students at West Philadelphia High School are deeply grateful for the new computers and feel special as a result of the Charlie Mack Cares and Will and Jada Smith efforts; and My colleague will finish this and add some other biographical information on Charlie Mack.

Whereas, Charlie Mack and Will Smith are Philadelphia natives who are known for giving back to their community and believe in being positive role models for youth and adults alike; and Whereas, Charlie Mack is the founder of Party 4 Peace Celebrity Weekend, established in July 7th, 1990 with a celebrity basketball game. And for those of you who remember, there was a 10,000 man meeting at Temple University where we met and we met and we met, but after we got done meeting, Charlie Mack went to work and created an environment where people that used to claim Philly started coming back to Philly and doing positive things for the City that gave them so much. Whereas, the impact of giving is invaluable for the generations of youth that will become the future leaders; now therefore be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes Charlie Mack Alston for his generosity towards the West Philadelphia High School and surrounding community, that this certificate serves as a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 7th of April 2011. And I'm going to add more? Okay. I listen to my esteemed senior colleague. I want to add more by saying that names like MC Breeze and Doug E. Fresh, names like Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince, names like discovering Boyz II Men that have become Philadelphia icons is responsible for the gentleman, statuesque gentleman, behind us and his lovely family. He is, in my mind, just pretzels, cheese steaks, water ice, then comes Charlie Mack. And that's my big brother, and we're glad to have him home. He travels back and forth to the East Coast, but he never forgets the City of Brotherly Love and, with that lovely family, sisterly affection. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Mack for remarks.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. First I want to thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. I love this woman. I absolutely love this woman. I'm very, very passionate about people that do the work when the lights are off, and she's one of them. So I want to give Jannie Blackwell -- please give her a hand. (Applause.)

First and foremost, I want to thank the Council. I want to thank my mother. I want to thank my children. I want to thank you all for humbled. Again, I'm more of a doer. I don't do too much talking. For people that know me, been knowing me for the last 20 years of my life, I've been very dedicated to righting all the wrongs, anything that I've dirtied up, because I was once in the streets hustling, and everything that I put my hands on that I dirtied up, I'm trying to clean up at the state. So I'm actually in the process of purchasing infrastructure on 57th and Woodland called the Charlie Mack Cares Center. I used to use this building to do my parties when I was in the streets. So now I'm able to purchase this building, and it's going to be educational, physical fitness and arts for the kids, all free of charge. (Applause.)

I'm also launching this year, I'm launching a Charlie Mack Talented Teens competition starting June 18th in South Philadelphia at 23rd and Snyder, 2301 Snyder Avenue at Yesha Fellowship Hall. This will be -essentially this will be Star Search meets American Idol, and for me, I think it was important that kids have the outlet and resources -

I want to be on Star Search.

You want to be on Star Search? All right. Well, the great thing about it is, you got to be between 13 and 19. So you're about 12, so next year you can come. All right? So anyway, what I'm excited about is that I have all these wonderful resources, and I always talk about that I've been able to travel all over the world with Will Smith, everybody from Nelson Mandela to Flavor Flav, and it's like, okay, what does it matter if I'm not giving back? So for me, I'm very passionate about the children, because somebody stood there -- Kenny Gamble was the first man that I seen. I was a part the Ghetto. For ones that knew about that, in 1976 he had this initiative called Clean Up the Ghetto. That's what inspired me, and lo and behold, 30 years later, I'm doing 10,000 men with him. So, again, I feel like it's my responsibility. It's my duty to do everything in my powers to support our children, support our youth. So, again, we're launching the Charlie Mack Talented Teens June 18th. The registration is free. The audition is free. And I'm very excited about the next 20 years with, God willing, I'll be able to do much more. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Good morning and thank you, Madam President. introduce the sixth, seventh and eighth grade Student Council members from Wagner Middle School. They're here over to my left with the blue shirts on.

If they would stand. Welcome. (Applause.)

Thank you.

You're welcome. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring Black Women's Health Alliance. Would Brenda Dunston and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilwoman Brown. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Thank you, me pleasure this morning to present this resolution declaring June 2nd as Creating a Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit Day in Philadelphia. Whereas, on June 2nd, the Black Women's Health Alliance, BWHA, will launch the "Creating a Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit" Campaign in Philadelphia with keynote speakers Dr. Marilyn Hughes-Gaston and Dr. Gayle Porter, international experts in the areas of evidence-based strategies and interventions for health disparities in minority communities; and

Whereas, the goals of the Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit Campaign are as follows: Increase the awareness and knowledge of effective strategies that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities of African American women, women of color, their families and the large; unite and mobilize minority leaders to develop, integrate, and expand health awareness activities and/or policy changes within their organizations to benefit employees, constituents, clients, patients, congregational members, and the community at large; increase the knowledge and awareness of heart health, obesity, stress, depression, and mental health of 1,000 women and their family members to encourage and influence healthy lifestyle changes; leverage existing and establish new relationships and collaborations with health and human service providers, research and educational institutions, organizations and governmental entities at the local, state, and federal levels, community-based organizations, and faith-based institutions; and

Whereas, BWHA, formerly known as the Philadelphia Black Women's Health Project, is a non-profit, community-based organization approximately 100 women who attended the First National Conference on Black Women's Health Issues in Atlanta, Georgia in 1983. The ladies recognized that the "voices" of African American women were largely unheard in the Philadelphia health community and mobilized their efforts to establish the Philadelphia Black Women's Health Project as this needed "voice." In 2004, the name of the Philadelphia Black Women's Health Project was changed to "Black Women's Health Alliance," and BWHA continues the legacy as the "voice" of African American women in the Philadelphia health community; and

Whereas, the mission of BWHA is to improve health outcomes and eliminate and/or reduce health disparities experienced by women of African ancestry, other women of color, and their families through education, advocacy, community programs, services, and research; Whereas, since its inception, BWHA has provided services to approximately 2,000 women and their family members, on an annual basis, resulting in 56,000 service encounters, and BWHA has now a reputation of integrity in providing residents, service providers, community groups, and clergy with supportive, non-judgmental, and resourceful health promotion activities and services, including health education workshops, health awareness through information technology, and one-on-one counseling focused on diabetes, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and domestic violence; now, therefore

Be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and recognizes June 2nd as Creating a Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit Day in Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be the Black Women's Health Alliance as a sincere expression of City Council's gratitude and appreciation for raising the public's awareness regarding minority health disparities in Philadelphia. This is a certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 26th day of May 2011. Signed by President Verna, introduced by Tasco and sponsored by all members of City Council. And I'd just like to say Brenda Dunston, who is a young lady in Philadelphia who has always worked in the field of health, is the Executive Director, and we certainly appreciate her leadership in keeping this organization alive. We were around when it was first founded in 1983 in Atlanta, and so we appreciate that the organization has remained in business in the City of Philadelphia - (Applause.)

-- as well as other cities throughout the United States.

The Chair recognizes Ms. Dunston for remarks.

Good morning. Thank you so, so very much, City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and all of the esteemed other members of City Council. We are very, very excited and very appreciative of the support that you're giving us as we're launching the Creating a Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit Campaign. There is an urgency, an urgency for us to join together to address and turn the tide, shift the paradigm from disparate conditions associated with obesity, heart attack, diabetes, et cetera. We have to shift that to one of prevention to a way of life. So we're asking that you join this legacy of wellness. We're going to be creating a coalition. We're asking minority leaders to join, join with us. We want to mobilize the leaders, and also the leaders not in community -- in the community, the block captains, et cetera. Join us as we shift this paradigm. We can do it. Thank you so very much. I'd like to also introduce some of our Board members, and this is a new, energized and expanded Board of Directors, and our Chair here, Chairperson, is Valerie Moore. She's our Chair. (Applause.)

Reverend Geraldine Pemberton is a member as well of our Board. (Applause. )

Jeanice Salter is the Treasurer of the Board, Pat Stewart is our Secretary, Alisesha Vaughn is one of our Board members, and I want these two ladies, Dr. Porter and Dr. Gaston to like to extend an invitation for you to join us as well in Conversation Hall at 12:00 noon. We are going to launch the Creating a Legacy of Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit Campaign, and Drs. Porter and Gaston are our keynote speakers. I'm not going to repeat it because the resolution was wonderful and it was very comprehensive and they talked a little bit about their extensive background and their expertise. They are nationally recognized, and they have a message. They have a message. They are going to help us and propel us to move forward in establishing this coalition and developing and implementing programs in communities in partnership with churches, other organizations, businesses, et cetera, to shift the paradigm. Thank you so very much. (Applause.)

ease. (Council at ease.)

The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution honoring Uniquely You Summit for Girls. Will Ms. Sutton and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilman Jones is joining Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Madam President. Locally, we have Girl Scouts and we have Girls Incorporated, and today we are recognizing and congratulating the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls for its work to enrich the civic values and leadership skills of young women in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, hundreds of thousands of young women call Philadelphia their home and will play a crucial role in the future of this city as business, government, community and family leaders; and Whereas, adolescent girls in Philadelphia and across the nation wrestle with distinct challenges during their formative years, including preoccupation with their physical growth and sexuality, difficulty perceiving long-range consequences of their actions, and diminished self-esteem, that negatively affect their mental, intellectual and emotional health; and

Whereas, education experts around the country have begun to focus on character education as the best method to instill leadership values among young women and men, with particular attention to values such as responsibility, trustworthiness, respect, fairness, caring, and citizenship; and Whereas, the President Shaleah L. Sutton, founder of the Uniquely You Summit for Girls, in order to create an experimental dialogue that unites women backgrounds in order to eliminate the perception of isolation and meet self-esteem needs not addressed by conventional outreach and instruction; and Whereas, President Sutton's organization will provide an extraordinary experience for 500 women from the area at the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls held June 4th and June 5th at the campus of Villanova University under the 2011 theme "Live in 3B - Beautiful, Brilliant and Brave"; Whereas, the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls would not be able to occur without the tireless efforts of its 2011 official partner, the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College - Delaware Valley; and Whereas, Uniquely You Summit for Girls event has given young Philadelphians access to the region's most inspirational role models, including our First Lady of Philadelphia, Lisa Nutter; humanitarian Pauletta Washington; actress Sheryl Lee Ralph; Black Girls Rock Incorporated founder Beverly Bond; school principal Salome Thomas-El; and actress Kim Coles; and

Whereas, the City of Philadelphia benefits tremendously from the collective efforts like the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls that invest in the City's most valuable resource, young people; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize, congratulate the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls in its path-breaking work to enrich the civic values and build leadership skills of young women in the Philadelphia region. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership and membership of the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls as evidence of the legislative body. Introduced by myself, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. We congratulate the leadership of the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls. (Applause.)

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Sutton for remarks.

Thank you, everybody. First I want to say thank you to God for this amazing and incredible opportunity, not only to stand before you but to create a vision for the Uniquely You Summit for Girls. As most of you know, just recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention identified Philadelphia as the most promiscuous city among teens in the entire nation. It's important that we as Philadelphians, we beings, we as African Americans, as Caucasians, that we make sure that we are helping, inspiring, encouraging and empowering our girls especially to make positive and healthy life choices. It is imperative that we do so for their futures. If they don't end up being doctors and lawyers, one thing we can definitely know that they will become is mothers, and they are the mothers of our future. So it is important that we help them understand the enormity of positive and healthy decision-making. I want to thank the City Council. I would like to thank Councilwoman Blondell. I would like to my family, my six-year-old twins, Island and Brandon, in addition to my Advisory Board Chair, Robin Maddox, and our official Uniquely You Summit teen representative, Braeden Maddox. I thank you so much, and I hope that you will support this program. Again, this is the 2nd Annual Uniquely year we had a tremendous amount of women come out to support. We host 500 middle and high school girls a year throughout the Delaware Valley. When they leave the summit, they are empowered to make positive and healthy life choices. We ask that you join this fight this year, not only this year but in years to come. You can visit us on the website at uniquelyyousummit.org. Please come out and support this weekend at Villanova University June 4th through 5th. We look forward to your support. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. please read the messages from the Mayor.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 1, 2011, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on May 26, 2011: Bill No. 110294, 110295 and 110296; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Renewal Area, Unit No. 2, designated as a portion of Parcel No. 4 also sometimes identified by house number and street address as Unit No. 5, Walnut Towers Condominium, 800 through 834 Walnut Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by adding a new Section 19-1807, entitled "Authorization of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax," all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.

I have none, Madam President.

Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Sixtieth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a resolution honoring the Math, Civics and Sciences Charter School Basketball Team for winning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class A State Championship on March 25, 2011.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Madam President, I offer three bills on behalf of the Administration and two on your behalf.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by adding a new Section 19-1807, entitled "Authorization of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax."

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes.

This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two bills.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.

An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on North Lambert Street, from 65th Avenue to Chelten Avenue, southbound.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Marion Street, from West Ashmead Street to Hansberry Street, northbound.

This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have one resolution.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 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, Twenty-Third and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills today.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Madam President. One resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you.

And Councilman Green. I'm sorry.

The Chief Clerk will please read the title.

A resolution urging the Free Library of Philadelphia to reconsider its proposed policy on "floating collections," in order to ensure the preservation and continuing enhancement of the unique and historical collections of the local neighborhood libraries.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Washington Square West Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2, designated as Parcel No. 4 also sometimes identified by house number and street address as Unit No. 5, Walnut Towers Condominium, 800 through 834 Walnut Street.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Madam President, I have one bill and two resolutions.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by revising the real estate tax rate.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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-Eighth and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a resolution recognizing the accomplishments of Ollie Johnson, Director of Athletics at since 1991.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.

Madam President, no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.

Madam President, no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.

Thank you, President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 110372, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel with an address of 1814 through 28 West Cheltenham Avenue"; and Bill No. 110383, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease Authority for Industrial Development, for certain land and improvements located at 3449 Scotts Lane"; and Bill No. 110384, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, on behalf of the City, 405 Manton Street, 407 Manton Street, 409 Manton Street, 411 Manton Street, 413 Manton Street, 2042 Martha Street, 2457 through 59 Martha Street, 2105 East Hagert Street, 2106 East Cumberland Street, 2107 East Hagert Street, 2109 East Hagert Street, 2223 Blair Street, 2345 East Cumberland Street for fair market value"; and Bill No. 110441, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land located at 1628 Fitzwater Street, for further conveyance, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee, with the exception of Bill No. 110383. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee, with the exception of Bill No. 110383. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 110383 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.

The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 110370, entitled "An ordinance adopting an Amendment to Section V of the Articles of Authority for Industrial Development by increasing the Authority's term of existence to a date fifty years from the date of approval of Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of the Commonwealth," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Madam President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110370. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.

Madam Chair, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports three bills with favorable recommendations.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.

The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100755, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by creating a new Chapter 21-1800, entitled 'Foster Care,' to provide for standards and procedures for approving foster parents and the placement of children in foster care"; and Bill No. 110304, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by adding a new Chapter requiring the Department of Human Services to report on its compliance with a policy that requires that a summary of children's rights to be free from abuse be communicated to all children who are the subject of an investigation into a credible report of child abuse or who are being placed in another home, foster home, group home, or other facility"; and Bill No. 110374, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' to require tobacco for the retail sale of tobacco products and certain other products containing nicotine," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100755, 110304 and 110374. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions to be considered today.

Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 110450, 110451, 110454, 110455, 110456, 110457, 110459, 2ND READING 110460, 110461, 110462, 110403, 110404, 110405, 110406, 110407, 110408, 110409, 110410, 110231, 110181, 100754, 110206, 110244, 110342 and 110343. Bill No. 110453 will have a motion to return to committee. No. 110458 is being withdrawn. No. 080474 is being amended. All other bills and resolutions are being held.

Thank you. Councilwoman, did you call Resolution 110400, the first one on the first page?

110440?

400, the very first resolution.

No. That's being held.

That's being held?

Yes.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table to my left, to my extreme left. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have three minutes to speak. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

John Thompson, commenting on Bill No. 080474.

Good morning. My name is John Thompson, Director of Employee Benefits for FMC Corporation, 17th and Market. We're a global diversified chemical company. I'm here again to represent FMC Corporation and our opposition to the mandatory paid sick leave bill. It is difficult for us to fathom in today's business environment the business justification for this government overreach into how companies run their business. While we understand the need for sick personal time, a blanket mandate is not an appropriate approach because it overrides the provisions of what many employers have already put in place in their businesses today to meet their specific business requirements, as well as to address the needs of their people. Further, we believe that the publicity of this bill will not serve to further encourage employers to move into the area and, in fact, will do just the opposite. So it is for these reasons that we vehemently oppose this bill and ask for your reconsideration. Thank you.

Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our next speaker.

Mary Faustino.

Is Ms. Faustino here? Oh, she's coming up to the microphone now.

Commenting on 080474.

Good morning. Welcome.

Thank you. My name is Mary Faustino. I'm the interim Executive Director of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, and we support the Greater Chamber of Commerce in opposing this bill. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next witness?

Kevin Cattie, commenting on 080474.

I'd like to thank Council for the opportunity to speak today. I'd also like to thank Councilman Jim Kenney for actually responding to my e-mail that I sent to the entire Council earlier this week. I just want to say I own two small businesses in Center City. Right now we are in the middle of a recession. Both of my businesses are struggling to stay above water. Okay? And now you want to give all of my employees seven paid sick days. One of my businesses has four employees; one has 15. Yet they're considered large businesses because I'm an independently owned franchise. That part I don't understand. I read the bill where it started. It started out that any business ten and below is considered a small business. Now somebody changed it to say if you're a franchise, whether you're independently owned or not, you're considered a large business. That part I don't understand. As an independently owned franchise, I have higher standards than the City of Philadelphia; for example, the Health Department gives. I have to pay a royalty fee to my franchisor. So my costs are actually higher. Okay? So that's one thing that I don't understand, and it needs to go back to -- if you're going to do this, it needs to go back to the original, because it's way -- that part, I just don't understand the difference between a franchise and -what's the difference between my four-person franchise and a four-person pizza place? I pay more and I have higher standards. That's what it is. I'm one of -- I'm the one who is taking the risk. I have risked my house and my home and my savings to open these businesses. I pay taxes in the form of multiple licenses and permits, the gross receipts tax, City wage taxes. I employ over 20 Philadelphia citizens. And I mentioned before, I have two stores, one with four and one with 15. The one with four hasn't had turnover in employees in two years. The one with 15 had two last year. Look at that in fast food. Why has that happened? Because I treat my employees well. I used union labor when I bid out both of my stores. I have paid my dues. I have one child in college, I have one headed to college in two years, and I have one behind her who is going to be there as well. This will cost my business $13,000. That's $13,000 off the bottom line. I'm struggling to stay above water, and you're going to do this. And that's just for the payroll part. It has absolutely nothing to do with worker productivity, if I'm short in a four-person place with one other person. If one of your Councilmen were going to put a bill together and say take a $13,000 pay cut for every one of you, how are you going to vote on it? Okay? Think about that. This is a slippery slope we're getting into. There are thousands of cities in the United States. Three have done this. What makes us so smart? This isn't a civil rights issue. This isn't the child labor law. This isn't a 40-hour work week. This isn't minimum wage. This is paid vacation. Okay? Because if you give paid sick days, they become vacation days. I give vacation days to my employees. I don't have to, but I do. Make sure you have that in the law then. This is an unearned entitlement. The interesting thing is, there was a study that said that 70 percent of voters voted against -- 70 percent are in favor of it. Sure, who is not in favor of giving somebody a week's free vacation/paid sick day? The interesting thing is 30 percent actually thought it was wrong. They understood it as why do I deserve that? They really don't deserve it. They think it's wrong. Economists, I've been reading about it from economists, academics and politicians about with these studies, that everything -- this is the way to go. Well, everybody that I just talked about, the economists, academics and the politicians, have the same thing in common. They don't own a small business. I do.

When you own a small business, you're the last one to get paid. That's the number one rule. You're getting paid whether the City is broke or not. I treat my employees -- I don't -- I treat them well and I don't need Council really to tell me how to treat my employees. And regarding the name calling of calling me "Chicken Little" just because I oppose your bill, I expect more from a Councilman, especially one who is taught to be a man for others. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Robin Hynicka, commenting on 080474.

Council President Verna, members of City Council, thank you for this opportunity to speak in favor of City Council Bill 080474, Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces. My remarks will be framed by three words: Empathy, equality and economy. On moral grounds and in the context of what is decent human behavior, there is little pushback or disagreement with the proposal to provide an earned sick time provision for the 40 percent of Philadelphia's workers who at this point do not have such a benefit. Empathy abounds for those who become suddenly sick or are pressed into service caring for a suddenly sick child, spouse, partner or parent. Empathy is a high human emotion that deserves more weight in the calculus that determines the efficacy of an earned sick time ordinance. Privilege and power allows some of us to take off with pay a reasonable amount of time to care for loved ones. Yet those we employ and direct have no such option and, in fact, are punished with the loss of pay if they take off to nurse an illness or to care for a sick child or relative. Typically those working in jobs with high public exposure and trust, such as food servers, grocery store cashiers, nursing assistants and security guards, are the ones without an earned sick time benefit. An earned sick time benefit would provide a modest measure of equality when it comes to personnel practice, thus enhancing workplace relationships and resulting in increased productivity. In addition, the earned sick time would provide a monumental measure of disease prevention as a direct public health benefit. It is my prayer that on the basis of empathy and equality alone, earned sick time would carry the day, but the effect earned sick time has had on the economy of a place like San Francisco provides empirical evidence that earned sick time makes good business sense by contributing to greater employee commitment, reduced turnover, avoidance of lower productivity due to the spread of sickness among the employees, prevention of workplace conditions due to employee illness that might expose the company to litigation, and above all else, enhancing the City's image as a healthy and innovative place to work and do business. The social creed of the United Methodist Church, of which I am a member, states, We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in doing so. In keeping with this 100-year tradition, together with empathy, equality and economy, the economy of earned sick time, make passage of City Council Bill 080474 good for Philadelphia's workers and Philadelphia's businesses. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Our next witness?

Judy Merkowsky, commenting on 080474.

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of this earned sick leave bill. My name is Judy Merkowsky. I am a registered nurse. I work at the American Red Cross, and I'm representing the health employees -- health professionals and allied employees, Local 5103. We are the American Red Cross. We are the Blood Services Division. We are not Disaster. And I need to make that clear, so you know where we're coming from. We're not the people with the coffee and the blanket after your house burns down. We're the smiling people with a big needle, and we collect your blood. You donate the blood, we collect it, and Red Cross sells it. As you may have heard, we are on strike currently. One of the major sticking points is that the Red Cross wants us to give up our collective bargaining rights over healthcare coverage. We don't have sick days at the Red Cross. We have something called PTO, which is paid time off for whatever you need it. Sounds good, until you realize that we're penalized if we take it with less than three weeks notice. So if we don't give three weeks notice, we enter the discipline process because we're unable to schedule the fact that we were going to be sick or one of our children was going to be sick. Passage of this bill would help keep the workplace safe. We interact with extremely healthy people. You have to be very healthy to donate blood. And if we're not healthy, that puts our donors at risk, which ultimately will put the blood supply at risk. It would also make our employer acknowledge that we are people who have lives and situations outside of the Red Cross, and it would help us because when you're sick, it's very hard to think clearly and assess the donor and make sure that that person is eligible to donate that life-giving substance. So, again, we are in favor of this bill and hope it to be passed. Thank you. (Applause.)

Sulaiman Rahman, commenting on 080474.

Good afternoon. My name is Sulaiman Rahman. I'm Chairman of the Board for the African American Chamber of Commerce, and at the African American Chamber of Commerce, we do technical assistance and support and train our businesses on best practices to attract and retain good employees, and we promote to do good business and to offer benefits that continue to promote healthy living and healthy lifestyle. However, we do oppose this bill, and the reason why we oppose the bill is for the businesses that we deal with are small businesses. Although we promote the opportunity for them to have benefits for their members, many of our businesses do have a challenge, many times to meet the profit margins and to even many times pay themselves in situations and to even take off themselves. As a self-employed businessowner myself, as well as understanding the needs of our members and serving our members, their concern is to have a mandatory sick pay, unplanned sick pay, one, requires them to pay for employees when they're off. They could have a contract that's due, and for them to not have that planned time as well as be able to replace that employee and pay someone else to fill in on those contracts, it causes a major challenge for those businesses and to create an environment in a city that does not -that further discourages businesses to come into the inner city will also affect our businesses. So although well-intended bill, the African American Chamber of Commerce does support the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in opposing this bill. Thank you.

Thank you.

Eric Cheung, commenting on 110456.

Thank you. Sorry to break up the party about 080474. So you guys can actually rest your arms, hopefully support my resolution. Resolution -- I'm sorry. Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Madam President and Councilmembers. My name is Eric Cheung. I'm with the Clean Air Council. I'm senior attorney there, and our organization works on air quality issues in Pennsylvania, and we've worked with several Councilmembers in the past. Anyway, this resolution is in support, 110456, which Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Kenney have introduced for us -- thank you very much -- is in support of the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulation to reduce air toxics from coal-fired power plants. So this is a rule that's been a long time coming. I feel like it should have been passed ten years ago. Everyone is aware -- or most people should be aware of the impacts that air toxics have from coal-fired power plants; in particular, mercury, which has been shown to have a connection with development disabilities -- sorry; developmental disorders in children. So this regulation is really about children's health. And we are glad that the City of Philadelphia is considering supporting this resolution. We actually had hearings last week and we had hundreds of people come out in support of EPA's regulation. We actually formed stroller brigades with mothers and their children to try to, again, bring attention to the impact that this is going to have on children's health. So, again, I want to thank you all for considering this. I hope you pass this resolution in support of the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to reduce air toxic to mercury. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Robert Taylor, commenting on 110181.

Good morning, Madam President.

Good morning.

Members of Council, ladies and gentlemen. I am commenting on Ordinance 110181, the parking tax. I wish to give special thanks to Councilmen Kenney, DiCicco and Jones for sponsoring this bill. I support this proposed ordinance. It will reduce the burden on many parking businesses. This will permit the businesses to hire more workers and/or pass savings on to the public in the form of lower parking rates, thus encouraging more people to come into Philadelphia. As one owner told me, "Bob, this tax takes the fun out of doing business in Philadelphia." He constantly had to get loans just to cover his costs of doing business. A significant part of that cost was paying this parking tax, which is a tax upon revenue, not merely profits. As you know, the power to tax involves the power to destroy. The power to destroy may defeat and render useless the power to create. Eventually this owner sold his business. Quote, When it shall be said in any country in the world, My poor are happy; neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them; my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars; the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive; the rational world is my friend, because I am a friend of its happiness: When these things can be said, then may that country boast of its Constitution and its Government," Rights of Man, Thomas Paine. There should be equality under the law, and the parking business should not be taxed any more than any other business. It is time to put the fun back into doing business in Philadelphia, and this ordinance is a step in the right direction. Thank you for your time.

Wesley Gadsden, commenting on 080474.

Good morning, Councilmembers. Good morning, everyone. I just want to talk about the earned sick time bill and just bring awareness and build a common understanding of why I support the earned sick time bill and why I feel as if it's necessary for all of the people of Philadelphia to have this opportunity that is essential for businesses as well as for workers. Back in 2009, I was working for a company that did not provide earned sick time. At the time, it was during the swine flu epidemic that was going on. I actually contracted the virus, the H1N1, and instead of me being able to call off of work -- I felt a bug that was growing in my throat. I was getting sicker and sicker as the days were going on, and I wanted to call off of work. Unfortunately, I have children that I have -- not unfortunately. Fortunately, I have my children that I have to take care of, but unfortunately I wasn't provided with the opportunity to be able to take care of them, my bills and go to work at the same time. So I was forced to go to work sick. It was me and eight other employees who work there. My other co-workers were in fine health. What resulted was, I actually passed along this virus to eight of my co-workers, and instead of me just being able to take off one or two days of work to get better, I ended up having to take off three days of work, and so did the rest of my staff, which resulted in the company in -whatever eight times three is. I don't have it. Whatever. And that's what they lost in productivity over time. So for the businesses, they can benefit from this bill by giving somebody the time that they deserve to get better, so instead of them coming to work only giving 50 percent of the work while they're sick and then having to lose days, just give them a day or two off of work to get better. And it's not like these businesses are just giving the time away, giving vacation days away. You have to earn the sick days. And, yes, this is a moral issue. I mean, we're all people. We all bleed blood. We all deserve the same opportunities to be able to get better and take care of ourselves as well as our families, and anybody, anybody out there who would oppose such a bill that looks out for mankind, looks out for people, which we all are, must be greedy. I don't see any other reason why. And that's all I have to say here. I support the earned sick time bill, and all of you should support the earned sick time bill as well. I mean, today we just passed the healthy -somebody help me out. What was it? Healthcare day, health and wellness day. So in honor of that, in honor of people taking care of people, looking out for each other, our neighbors, let's pass this bill. Let's do it, people. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Is there anyone else here who has signed up to speak? (No response.)

6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Seeing no one, we will continue on with our Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read Resolution 110450.

Resolution recognizing and honoring Mister Mann Frisby for his accomplishments as a novelist and his commitment to helping young people particularly African-American males reach their full potential.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110451.

A resolution declaring May, 2011 as Neuro-fibroma-ptosis Awareness Month.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read Resolution 110453.

A resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that this resolution be reported to the -- referred to the Finance Committee. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that Resolution 110453 be referred to the Finance Committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. We will now consider Resolution 110454.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

I move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110455.

A resolution honoring Wendy "Lady-B" Clark, hip-hop pioneer and one of the first female radio personalities to introduce the musical genre of hip-hop, for thirty years of dedication to her art and more importantly, her community.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jones.

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110456.

A resolution supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed emission standards for mercury and other air toxins.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110457.

A resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to gather and investigate an inventory of all services rendered by institutions of higher education in Philadelphia to the School District of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110458.

A resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings to review the Zoning Code Proposals of the Zoning Code Commission.

The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I ask to withdraw that resolution. (Duly seconded.) 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and seconded that Resolution 110458 be withdrawn. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Resolution 110459.

A resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings to review the Zoning Code Proposals of the Zoning Code Commission.

The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110460.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read Resolution 110461.

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 699 and 702 and also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses for Parcel No. 699 as 1941 through 1945 Judson Street and for Parcel No. 702 as 1937 Judson Street.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

I move for the adoption, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110462. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution authorizing a request to the Law Department to represent City Council in a lawsuit or lawsuits against the Governor of Pennsylvania and any other appropriate State officials, challenging the legality of the funding for public education in the Commonwealth and particularly in Philadelphia, and seeking to compel the Commonwealth to carry out its constitutional duty to provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education; and, if the Law Department declines to render such service to City Council, authorizing the retention of outside counsel to provide such services.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed?

No.

The record will indicate a majority voted in favor of the adoption. Councilman Kelly voted in the negative. The resolution is adopted. Is there any way we can consider all of these appointments at one time? Councilman DiCicco, would you have any objection -COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No. I was actually going to make that suggestion, Madam President.

Thank you. Supposing we consider those on first, 110403, 110404, 110405.

A resolution 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING reappointing Allan Domb to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution appointing Linda Ann Galante to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution appointing Jerry Sweeney to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.

The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolutions that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolutions be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it and the resolutions are adopted. We will now consider Resolutions 110406, 110407, 110408, 110409, 110410. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. Oh, I'm sorry. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the titles of the resolutions.

A resolution appointing David Campoli to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution appointing Romona Riscoe Benson to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution reappointing Edward Goldberg to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution reappointing John Connors to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING A resolution reappointing Ronald Bowlan to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolutions that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolutions just read will be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolutions are adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080474. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to promote that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

No. I believe you have an amendment.

I'm sorry; for the amendment.

This is Bill No. 080474.

Yeah. I know. I thought you were doing the amendment. I'm sorry, Madam President.

Councilman Greenlee. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

Okay. Spirit of cooperation. Thank you, Madam President. I offer amendments to this bill. The amendments have been previously distributed. If I could just add, these amendments are all requested by the business community. There are nine separate amendments. That adds up to the nine amendments that were passed at the Committee. Eighteen amendments that we have passed in cooperation with the business community. Could I just add on the side, I wish that cooperation would be a two-way street. Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the amendments be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110231.

An ordinance authorizing Liberty/Parkway 8th & Walnut, or its designee, to construct, use and maintain a marquee attached to the proposed building to be located at the southwest corner of 8th and Walnut Streets and projecting over the footways of 8th and Walnut Streets.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Clarke.

Aye.

Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kelly.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilwoman Krajewski.

Aye.

Councilwoman Miller. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Rizzo.

Aye.

Councilwoman Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Verna.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110181. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Tax," by providing for scheduled reductions in the rate of the tax beginning in Fiscal Year 2012.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Madam President. I intend to amend this bill today. The amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and thus I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the amendment just proposed by Councilman Kenney be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 100754.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by providing for exclusions and certifications for hobbies and other not-for-profit activities.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Green. I'm sorry. It's a bill. Bill 100754 on . Oh, I'm sorry. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Clarke.

Aye.

Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kelly.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilwoman Krajewski.

Aye.

Councilwoman Miller. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Rizzo.

Aye.

Councilwoman Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Verna.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110206. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

An ordinance amending Section 10-1001 of The Philadelphia Code relating to fees charged by the Commissioner of Records by providing that certain fees imposed for the recording of deeds shall be waived with respect to a deed filed solely for the purpose of removing the name of a deceased spouse or life partner and re-titling the property in the name of the surviving spouse or life partner.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Clarke.

Aye.

Councilman 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kelly.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilwoman Krajewski.

Aye.

Councilwoman Miller.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill. 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Rizzo.

Aye.

Councilwoman Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Verna.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110244.

An ordinance amending Section 19-1705 of The Philadelphia Code to increase the amount 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING of interest and penalty on any unpaid money or claim collectible by the Department of Revenue that may be waived by the Revenue Commissioner.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Clarke.

Aye.

Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman 6/2/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Greenlee.

Aye.