Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 19, 2017 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
Good morning, everyone. I'd ask the members to take their seat, the visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Christian Pennachietti of the Third Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Squilla. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Gandhi said this, and I quote, The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others, end quote. Solomon, the wisest king in the Bible, said this in Ecclesiastes, Chapter 9: For whatsoever thy hand findeth to Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 do, do it with all thy might. And may you, as you serve others, find yourself and do it with all your might. Let's pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of health and life itself. Thank you for this day, another day that we have that you've given us to fulfill our duties. Lord, I ask you on behalf of this Council that you would graciously grant them the wisdom amid the conflicting problems in society; Father, that you would give them a true sense for the needs of the people; that you give them the strength and the courage to stand alone and to make these right decisions. Lord, I ask you that you'd give them harmony as they work together in times of disagreement. And, Lord, also that you would give them protection and safety from evil and protect their Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 families, give them prosperity and, Lord, may you bless this city. We thank you now in the most holy name, the name above all names, the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend, for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12th, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12th, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you coming down. We hope today is a pleasurable one, but so much more a knowledgeable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker, who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing the students, staff, and partners of Hill-Freedman World Academy High School. Would the students please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
And joining Councilwoman Parker, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Henon, Councilman Green, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Domb and Councilman Johnson and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President, and I'll take this opportunity while we are getting assembled here to say, one, I am excited about welcoming Hill-Freedman World Academy to the City Council of Philadelphia Chambers. I also want to note that everyone knows Hill-Freedman, but we were very fortunate in the Ninth Councilmanic District when in 2016, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Hite and the School District of Philadelphia and Principal Majewski, they made the former Leeds School their school here in the City of Philadelphia. And in 2016, the 10th Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 -- and they're now 11th graders -- they began learning computer-based music production and composition, and they did this in partnership with David Bradley and LiveConnections. David Bradley, raise your hand so the people watching know who you are. And I learned this: While I was proud as a District Councilperson to say that they have a music production studio, I was even more proud, Councilman Johnson, to learn that while we are not the only school with a music production studio, we are the only school that we are aware of which has produced and published its own CD and distribute it to the public. So that is huge for us. (Applause.)
And while the process will be normal and that we will go through our resolution presentation, it will be a little different in that in true leadership Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 style, the school has said, We do not want you to hear from the principal and the leadership of the school. We want to yield our time so you can hear 60 seconds from the young people of what is actually on their CD. So I want you to raise your hand, Principal Majewski, just so people will know who you are. Raise your hand, Principal. Raise your hand higher. The people are watching on television. And so, Principal Majewski, thank you so much for your leadership, a student-centered community onto principals. He doesn't sit in the office to govern like these other people in the school. So that's important. Ezechial Thurman. You'll remember him. Councilman Green, you had him when he was here at Houston. They produced actually some work there, but he led the music production program at Houston Elementary, the students CD production project of 2014-'15, and we Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 that supports Hill-Freedman students and community because of Zech Thurman. Zech, where are you? Because I don't think -- thank you so much. Recognition is important. When Houston was here, I don't know that people knew that we recognized some folks, but you were the man who made it happen. So we need to note that for the record. I'll talk about Bria later. Dana Hinkson, the Associate Student Producer, she spent hours supporting and encouraging her, crossed every T and dotted every I. David Bradley, where are you, the rock star? Raise your land. David of LiveConnections. Understands the importance of music and the arts and connected our young students to writing workshops. And Yolanda Wisher, who is the Poet Laureate for the City of Philadelphia. Sponsors are here. The guys who gave the money are extremely Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 know who they are. Stockton Rush Bartol, Patricia Kind, Wyncote. And, listen, you heard Ezechial Thurman. He was so vested that his family ended up being one of the sponsors, John and JoAnn Thurman, and the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts. So after we make the presentation, you will hear from Solomon Smith and Bria Jordan, and every Councilmember today will receive a copy of this, which is the official First Verse CD. The resolution reads as follows: A resolution honoring and recognizing the students, staff, and partners of Hill-Freedman World Academy High School, in collaboration with LiveConnections, on the release of FIRST VERSE, a student-led, original CD album of poetry set to music.
Whereas, in the fall of 2016, Hill-Freedman World Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 School, under the leadership of Principal Anthony Majewski, opened its new music studio, record label, and music technology program; and
Whereas, Music Technology Teacher Ezechial Thurman, who designed and implemented the new program and launched Hill-Freedman Records, taught all 11th graders as they immersed themselves in learning computer-based music production and composition as part of the school's International Baccalaureate Programme; and
Whereas, as students developed their music composition skills, Thurman reached out to LiveConnections, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring, learning, and building community through collaborative music-making, to partner together through an artist residency at the school, led by Founding Director, David Bradley; and
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Whereas, LiveConnections brought City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate, Yolanda Wisher, to the music studio to lead a poetry-writing program; and
It's good to be the first, but you can't be the only. We're putting 2.5 million in Overbrook High School to match what you're doing. And so competition is on. Whereas, students wrote about personal struggles and issues that they were dealing with at home, at school, and in the community. They wrote verses inspired by imagery of color and poems driven by what Ms. Wisher called "John Henry" level hyperbole; and
And whereas, working in the recording studio, the students performed and recorded their poems and joined their writing with their music compositions, with additional support from LiveConnections Artist Andrew Lipke;
I'm Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 ask Councilman Oh to let them open up in next year's competition, right? There we go. Whereas, in the final phase of the project, producers Thurman and Bradley worked with student producers to create the original CD album; and
Whereas, student leadership led to the project expanding from a planned 15-track album to one comprising 29 tracks, entitled FIRST VERSE. In total the project involved 88 students, including two student producers;
As a parent of a Hill-Freedman World Academy student, I'm incredibly proud to be here to see all the phenomenal work that Hill-Freedman has been doing, and it's a pleasure that this is a school that combined an international baccalaureate program but also a program where children have learning differences and challenges. Whereas, the debut from Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Records, FIRST VERSE announces the school's ambition for what's ahead: distinctive student voices, rigorous process, and collaboration with top artists and arts organizations in the City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors and recognizes the students, staff, and partners of Hill-Freedman World Academy High School, in collaboration with LiveConnections, on the release of FIRST VERSE, a student-led, original CD album of poetry set to music.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the students and staff of Hill-Freedman World Academy High School as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council's recognition. And now Council will hear Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 and Bria Jordan since we just read the resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
I would like to give thanks to Council President Clarke and Councilwoman Parker for allowing us the opportunity to showcase our skills. Thank you. Roots. Far back as the king himself, David, versus poetry detailed as the songs. Not as wise as the Proverbs, but I'm getting there. I'm heavenly. You know it. I have Gabriel behind me in case anybody want to try. Never smoked, but I'm still, I feel high as a kite. Ignore fools. I'm Beethoven. Deaf to stupidity. Infinity is where I'm headed off to. My words move like an African dance. Never considered myself a poet or a rapper, but you have to give me a Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 you is finished. My time is now diminished. Or is it? Egotistical, an understatement. It's blatant that my ciphers are vipers. King cobras. You see how I inject myself. Philosophical toxins, they enter the bloodstream. Don't scream. It seems you see my love, my pain, my joy, my dreams. (Applause.)
My poem is named Gold Bills On Top. My melanin is so potent that even black coffee gets jealous. My butter toffee cocoa-filled pigment, those who lack thinks my brown is overzealous. My hair is so thick and voluminous that even Pocahontas gets upset. My density versus her length overpowers, that even the peas on the Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 is a threat. The way I walk is so infused with confidence and it feels like my head goes through the ceiling lights. I'm always looking up, never slouching with my head down, so much that I tend to forget what my shoes look like. My rhymes flow together like rose water in the fountain of youth. By the way I mesh this trio called pen, paper, and words, they thought I meshed Hera and Zeus. I file my nails with the bezels of the ice that rappers rock. I eat my ice cream as a snack with gold bills on top. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much and congratulations. At this time, the Chair Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we have a special guest, Mary Gill. She's Assemblywoman, our counterpart, in Pakistan. She'll be visiting until November 10th. She's from the largest providence, Punjab, in Pakistan, and we certainly are very, very glad to have her.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you so much for being here. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 blessed today with a number of special guests, and I'd like to include among our special guests a welcome and that our office is hosting Marianne Fray. She's the very first Vice President of External Affairs for the Maternity Care Coalition, that agency recognizing more and more how important it is to be closely aligned with government. Marianne is responsible for the strategy and management of new business development, fund development, also known as fundraising, marketing and communications, research, public policy and government relations, along with strategic partnerships and consulting here in the City of Philadelphia. So we want to welcome her to this legislative body, Marianne Fray. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Welcome, and thank you for being here today. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read those 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 October 18, 2017, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 5, 2017: Bill No. 170519-A. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Director of the Office of Homeless Services, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file a proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 Emergency Solutions Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2610 Frankford Avenue; and An ordinance amending A-301 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Application for Permit," and Section 9-1008, entitled "Demolition Contractor License," by adding and amending certain provisions related to permits for demolition and the licensing of demolition contractors; and An ordinance amending Section B-3303 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Demolition," by amending requirements regarding site grading and use of mechanical equipment; and adding Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 requirements regarding materials chutes, dust control fencing and storage of demolition debris; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I'm pleased to offer two resolutions co-sponsored by all members of Philadelphia City Council.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Women Organized Against Rape and Its Newest Prevention Education Initiative, "Safe Bars Philly" in the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Trump administration to rescind its decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills and two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution authorizing the Director of the Office of Homeless Services to file a proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 Emergency Solutions Grant funding.
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Thank you, Councilwoman.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations on: the 4700 block of Locust Street; the 4700 block of Spruce Street; and the 200 block of South 47th Street.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations on: the 300 block of North 36th Street; the 300 block of North 35th; and the 3500 block of Powelton Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming 1300 South 46th Street "Ruby Knight Way."
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Director of the Office of Homeless Services, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file a proposal for Fiscal Year 2018 Emergency Solutions Grant Program funding with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that this resolution be on today's Final Passage Calendar based on the suspension of the rules. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and this will be on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and also on your behalf I offer one resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous Standards and Requirements," to add warning sign requirements for public bathing establishments.
And a Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating Comcast NBCUniversal for being honored as a 2017 Employer Support Freedom Award recipient, presented by the Secretary of Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Defense for their commitment to members of the military, veterans, and their families.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, today I offer one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance amending A-301 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Cide, entitled "Application for Permit," and Section 9-1008, entitled "Demolition Contractor License," by adding and amending certain provisions related to permits for demolition and the licensing of demolition contractors.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Johnson.
An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away zone regulations on the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Point Breeze Avenue, both sides; 1700, 1800, and 1900 blocks of Vare Avenue, both sides; and the 3000 block of Reed Street, both sides; and An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on South 61st Street, both sides, from Harley Avenue to a point 350 feet southeast; the 2900 block of Island Avenue, both sides; the 2700, 2800 and 2900 blocks of South 84th Street, both sides; and the 7200 and 7300 blocks of Dicks Avenue; and An ordinance amending Chapter Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," to extend the availability of exemptions and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings regarding Philadelphia's Amazon HQ2 proposal.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution affirming the right of people with disabilities to technology and information access.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
An ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Zoning Code, entitled "/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District," by creating the East Mount Airy /NCA Overlay District and making Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Taubenberger, Henon, O'Neill, Parker, Reynolds Brown, Bass, and Oh.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Bernard "Bud" Newman, immediate past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, for his stewardship to the organization and his service to the Jewish Community of Greater Philadelphia.
And Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section B-3303 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Demolition," by amending requirements regarding site grading and use of mechanical equipment; and adding requirements regarding materials chutes, dust control fencing and storage of demolition debris.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for maintenance of a shared use trail located at the Girard Avenue Interchange and Interstate Route 95. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2610 Frankford Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Street Vendors," by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Olney Avenue and creating a special street vending district on North Twentieth Street between West Clarkson Avenue and Belfield Avenue.
And a privileged resolution commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Million Women March Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 which inspired African American women across the nation to work for their own improvement as well as that of their communities.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 170724, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parks and Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Recreation,' by requiring the public posting of hours of operations for libraries and recreation centers," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170724. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170724. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. This bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and we will now have the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 2ND READING Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170641, 170880, 170882, 170883, 170884, 170887, 170890, 170891, 170892, 170792, and 170674. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have not already done so, if you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution today, 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. When that light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Commenting on 170892, in this order, Maggie Groff, Jovida Hill, Monique Howard, and Melissa Robbins. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to take a stand today against the Trump Administration's recent attack on basic healthcare that almost every woman in America will rely on at some point in her life, birth control. Birth control is not controversial. It's basic healthcare. The Trump Administration's recently issued rule that means essentially any employer can decide that a woman can no Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 longer have birth control covered by her insurance is a direct attack on the 2.5 million women in Pennsylvania alone who are currently benefiting from the mandate under the Affordable Care Act. In fact, polls show that before the Affordable Care Act birth control provision went into effect, one in three women struggled to afford prescription birth control. Let's be clear. This has nothing to do with religion as claimed. Under the Affordable Care Act, religious organizations already have an accommodation. This rule is about taking away women's fundamental healthcare, plain and simple. And it won't stop here. This Administration is carrying out a full-scale attack to dismantle birth control access, and they're doing it in many ways. They're trying to end health insurance coverage for birth control with this rule. They want to eliminate programs that help lower-income women access birth control, including the Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 federal family planning program known as Title X. They're planning on prohibiting healthcare providers from giving women information about birth control and abortion, and they're determined to also deny Medicaid reimbursement to Planned Parenthood. A woman's reproductive healthcare should not be at the discretion of her boss or the President, but between herself and her healthcare provider. We will not be fooled. This is just an attempt by the Trump Administration to chip away at access through the back door since they have been unsuccessful in repealing the Affordable Care Act. We cannot go back on the progress that we have made. According to polls, 86 percent, 86 percent of Americans, including 83 percent of republicans, support policies that make it easier to get a full range of birth control. It took us eight years to make sure that 62 million women across Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 the country have access to birth control, and we're not going to give that up. Because of this increased access, we're presently at a 40-year low for rates of unintended pregnancy, teenage pregnancy, and abortion. This means that more women have access to opportunities and they're better able to plan their families and their lives. We applaud City Council for taking a stand against this outrageous rule.
Thank you. Clerk, would you please read the name of our next speaker, please.
Yes. Good morning. My name is Jovida Hill. I am the Director of the Office of Engagement for Women and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission for Women. I would like to thank the Councilmembers who introduced this resolution. It is Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 very much appreciated. We oppose the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' new rules that would deny contraception coverage to women, coverage that was mandated under the Affordable Care Act. The continuous assault on the Affordable Care Act has been particularly mean-spirited and discriminatory and has posed tremendous health risks to women, particularly minority women and poor women and their families. I appreciate this body is considering this resolution today, and I urge its passage. The Office of Engagement for Women stands with women's health organizations across the City and this nation, and we are appalled by the discriminatory consequences of the new rules that limit women's access to reproductive healthcare. Nearly 50 years ago I stood with women locally and nationally as we chanted together "My body, my choice," Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 and it saddens me that my granddaughter will still have to lift up her voice for her body and her choice. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, would you please read the name of our next speaker.
Good morning. My name is Dr. Monique Howard and I'm the Executive Director of Women Organized Against Rape and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter. I respectfully submit the following testimony in support of Resolution 170892 introduced by Councilmembers which opposes the decision by the Trump Administration to roll back access to contraceptive coverage for female employees under the Affordable Care Act. Women Organized Against Rape is Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 the only rape crisis center in the City of Philadelphia, its mission to eliminate rape and sexual assault. In 2017, we provided services to 88,000 individuals; 93 percent of them were females. Under the Affordable Care Act, more than 55 million women have access to birth control without co-payments because of the contraceptive coverage mandate. Under the new regulation, hundreds of thousands of women could lose their birth control benefits. This mandate crosses socioeconomic status lines, education level, literacy level, and geographic location. All women who utilize contraceptives will be negatively impacted when they are denied control over their reproductive function and their decisions. Some women are more likely to be doomed to poverty, low level work, poor educational attainment, higher risks of illness, and diminished opportunities for themselves, their children, and their family. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 The new Trump Administration mandate means that affordable contraceptive, which saves lives, prevents unintended pregnancies, and improves maternal mortality, will no longer be available to many women and many families. This may not affect the thousands of women who are able to report their rape or sexual assault and receive immediate medical attention and emergency contraceptives. However, this new mandate will negatively impact the hundreds of thousands of women who do not report their rape and who are not using consistent contraceptives because of cost. These women may end up pregnant, carrying a child linked to the most horrific event in their lives. It is sad that we are still struggling over the issue of contraception, a basic right for women and couples to plan a family, basic insurance coverage, and federal funding for reproductive health. This fight Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 started in the '60s and through the Affordable Care Act was finally resolved. Fundamental women's health rights are continually under attack and being taken away. When will there be consistent investment in the lives of women? Again, thank you for supporting the passage of this resolution.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, would you please read name of our next speaker.
Good morning, everyone, City Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Melissa Robbins and I'm here to speak on behalf of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Women in support of Resolution No. 170892, which was introduced on October 12th by Councilmembers Bass, Reynolds Brown, Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Greenlee, Green, Parker, and Gym. As we've all heard, the current Commander-in-Chief and his Administration has recently made it easier for employers to opt out of the ACA mandate. The Health and Human Services Division issued a new rule that broadens exemption to the ACA requirement that employers' health plans cover no-cost birth control. It is now easier for employers to opt out of covering contraception on religious and moral ground. These exemptions previously applied to places of worship, religiously affiliated non-profits, and closely held private companies. These rules changes in the Administration show complete disregard to women's health and rights, while opening the gates of employer discrimination against women. Millions of women will now face costly out-of-pocket birth control coverage. These changes were made effective immediately and put nationwide women at risk of losing their Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 benefits. Having access to no-cost birth control means avoiding an unwanted pregnancy by an area teen. It also means irregular and heavy, painful menstrual cycles can be regulated of the 62 million females ages between 15 and 44. Sixty-two percent of them will use a contraceptive method. I can give you my own personal account of why having access to no-cost birth control is detrimental to women's health. For about three years, I was what society would have called an at-risk youth. I had a very religious mother and I had no access to birth control. So at the age of 16 in the 11th grade, not only was I junior class president, but I was also a pregnant teen in high school. I had a cesarean section and gave birth to my son at the age of 17, went on to serve in the United States Army at age 19, and found myself working on a GYN ward, a female surgery ward, labor/delivery, Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 anti-partum and post-partum. Many of the women that came into the GYN clinic, of course they were spouses of current serving soldiers, as myself, and these women were soldiers themselves serving in the United States Army and the Marine Corps on our base. These women had painful tissue removed that grows on the outside of the uterus called endometriosis. The tissue attaches itself to the ovary, the fallopian tubes, and as well as the abdominal walls. It's extremely painful and creates heavy bleeding for women. There is no cure, and it creates a continuum of visits to the GYN care for relief. However, birth control does relieve women of this pain. Five million women are affected by this, and birth control is a solution. As you leave here today, I want you to consider how this will impact the women and the children in your lives. Thank you very much.
Thank you Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 for your testimony. Clerk, would you please read the name of our next speaker.
Commenting, in this order, on 170890, Yoline Scutt. (No response.)
Thank you, Mr. President Pro Tem. I would like to be excused for the rest of the session and be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
It will be recorded aye on all bills and resolutions, and you are excused. Thank you.
Good morning, Council. My name is Josephys Dafils. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 I'm a part of Haitian American and I'm in support of the resolution that will be passed to ensure that Haitians have TPS. TPS stand for Temporary Protection Status, and it was given to Haitians after the earthquake to come here and be able to work, and our President give them only six months, and now November 23rd they're going to have a decision to be made to know if they're going to give them 18 months. Normally they give them 18 months, not six months, but they was only given six months. As of right now, as I'm talking to you right now, there are protests in Haiti. The economy is still not well, and those people here, they have jobs. They support their family in Haiti, and we need that support. It was given to other people. Why not given to us also? Our roots with Philadelphia go way, way, way back, 1824. We had black Philadelphian on leaving Haiti after the 1804 independence. So we have Haitians Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 right now, Philadelphian right now, they have Haitian last name. They don't even know why they have French last name, but 1824 they leaving Haiti because Haiti was free at that time. So we need your support. We need you to help us ensure that those people have 18 months, not six months, because going back right now to Haiti is not a good thing for them. The UN is still in Haiti. The UN is still in Haiti and they providing security, because the country is not safe yet. Yes, we have made some stride. We working on getting things better. We had an election. We have a new president, but things are still not the way they're supposed to be. Some Haitians that I contacted, part of my non-profit that I have, Haitian American United for Change, they are afraid to come here. So that's why I come here and speak, because they're like, I don't want my name out there. I Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 don't want people to know who I am, so when things doesn't go right, they don't get deported. That's why they didn't come here. Thank you for the support of Council Parker, Council Gym. Thank you for your support, Council Bass, Council Green. Thank you for your support of the Haitian people.
Thank you for your testimony. Is there anyone else here who signed up to provide public comment on today's agenda?
Thank you. My name is Eric Edi. I am the CEO of the Coalition of African Community and I'm also a lecturer at Jefferson University, which has recently merged with Philadelphia University, and I am here to support the Haitian community and also support Resolution 170890 introduced by Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 Councilmen and women Gym, Parker, Green, and Jannie Blackwell. The simple act of our support in here as immigrants from Africa is to support our brothers and sisters from Haiti who are facing also the end of TSP for Haiti. It is similar. We have to support that. We are here because many other African countries also have seen the TPS status terminated; for instance, Sudan, and this is putting quite a lot of these immigrants at risk of deportation. Whereas TPS is not a -- is just a temporary solution for the problem, it does provide quite much relief of those immigrants. And we are, therefore, here to support our brothers and sisters again from Haiti and support the Councilmen and women who have introduced this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, could you please read Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 the name of our next speaker.
Hello. My name is Michael Anderson and I'm a representative and advocate for the Arc of Philadelphia, and I would like to thank Councilman Green for putting this resolution up for a vote next week. It's important for technology for people with disabilities, because without technology, people couldn't work at these jobs or get how much money they have in their bank account and do fun things to do, like recreational activities. So I again thank Councilman Green for putting this up for a vote next week. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, anyone else signed up for public comment?
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170641, 170882, 170891, and Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 170883. (Witness approached podium.)
This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week this Council, Mayor, and others transfer private properties to the government, probably illegally. Last week Council addressed the crime with if you see something, say something. What law allows taking property without compensation? Britannica Legal defines theft as removal of property without the consent of the lawful owner. Should the people allow the government to become the legalized version of the criminals? Did the U.S. Congress, Senate, and General Accounting Office issue documents directing the amounts of just compensation owed to Logan property owners? Was federal tax money -- taxpayer money used as lawfully Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 directed? What good is saying something if government fails to prosecute law violations? If violating one law one time would land people in jail, why hasn't the Commonwealth or federal governments investigated and prosecuted as Constitution and laws require? Are elected monarchs above the law? Can Philadelphia and Pennsylvania government treat its people any more egregiously? Is this how a sanctuary city acts against its own sovereign people? Why has there been no prosecution by federal or Commonwealth attorney generals? The Constitution and laws require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appeared violated. I call for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 23 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require Constitution and laws be enforced. Jail is required for Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING all who violate law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, any other speakers signed up for public comment?
Seeing none, that concludes today's public comment period.
Thank you very much. We will now go to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 170641.
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 numbers Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING and street addresses as 1029 through 1031 Mount Vernon Street, 1026 Lemon Street and 1028 Lemon Street.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move that Resolution No. 170641 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 170641 is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, 170880.
A resolution Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Congress of the United States to protect access to preventive health services at Planned Parenthood Health Centers in Pennsylvania.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170880 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170882.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 170883.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting October 19, 2017 10/19/17 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 170883 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170884.
A resolution also naming the 8100 block of Fairfield Street as "Dr. Angelo DiBello Place" in honor of Dr. Angelo DiBello, and to commemorate his more than sixty years of medical service to the people of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)