Stated Meeting, December 11, 2014

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 11, 2014 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

We've established a quorum. I'd ask that all guests and visitors please retire behind the rail. The members will take their seat. We will get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Elder Gregory Johnson Sr. of Metropolitan Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. Accompanying Elder Johnson is Bishop Raymond Sutton, Pastor of Zoe Bible Fellowship Baptist Church and President-elect of the Baptist Pastor and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.) ELDER JOHNSON: President Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 entire body, thank you for the opportunity to come and to stand and to offer God's blessings upon our decisions before they are made, offer God's blessings upon and ask God for wisdom as we continue to look forward to serving those whom we have been called to serve. Certainly to Councilwoman Blackwell, thank you for this opportunity, and I am grateful for the partnership that we have and I look forward with continued work and continued work in the community. Now, I have been told that the invocation sometimes can be very lengthy. I want to promise you, that's not going to happen today. I understand that you have a large number of bills and work that you need to do, and I want to assure you that our schedule today is just as tight as yours. So I'm going to pray, and after I pray, you can get on with your Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 right? Now, I should warn you, though, it is dangerous to give a preacher a microphone and people. That's okay. Never mind. I'll do that next time I come. All right. Let's pray. Bow your heads with me, if you don't mind. Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, Lord, in the name of Jesus, God, we come today to say to you, first of all, before we ask of anything, we want to say to you thank you. Thank you for your continued love. Thank you for your continued mercy. Thank you for your continued grace that you have given to us in spite of us. Even though we have not done all that we're supposed to do, you continue to put your hands upon us and, God, we say to you thank you. Now, God, we would ask now that you would send your wisdom to all that is in this room today, to all that have the task of making decisions that affect the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 So we ask for wisdom, not just for today but we ask for wisdom as we continue to serve. And I pray, God, that all that is said and done in this building today will be pleasing in your sight. God, we need your help. We have a tremendous work that is laid before all of us. These Councilpersons, God, have a tremendous work that has been laid before them. They need wisdom and, God, I'm asking that you send it in this place today. Thank you for all things. Bless your holy and righteous name. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)

Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you very much. We're going to move on. Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4th, 2014. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4th, 2014 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Mr. President, on behalf of the democrats, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. Excuse me, folks. Could we ask you to please keep your voices down. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 you for coming down today to witness your government in action. We hope that your experience here today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you all very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill, who will present a resolution honoring June Spring. Would Ms. Spring and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium.

Mr. President, if you'll indulge me, we don't usually bring our coffee up with us today, but I thought today would be a good time for an exception.

Proceed, Councilman.

Thank you, Mr. President. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 siting a store in your community. They treat everyone with respect and they listen and they actually respond, and usually it's an improvement to the neighborhood when they're finished rather than something that people have to just live with. And this lady has been responsible for that for a long time and has done an outstanding job. So this is a resolution honoring and congratulating June Spring on the occasion of her retirement from Wawa Incorporated. The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors, congratulates, commends and thanks June Spring on the occasion of her retirement after 29 years of dedicated and excellent service to the City of Philadelphia. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Philadelphia; Whereas, June Spring will serve as a lifetime example of what it means to support others, as evidenced through her longstanding commitment and support of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce where she served as a Board member since 2002 and has been instrumental in building strong relationships between small and large businesses - the collaboration that has strengthened the Northeast business community; Whereas, June Spring has played a vital role in supporting the Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments in their efforts to serve Philadelphia neighborhoods and keep them safe through her work with programs such as the Police District Advisory Councils. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Philadelphia at every Wawa grand opening, Wawa's annual Wawa Welcome -- that's a lot of Wawa's -America July 4th events and through ongoing departmental recognition programs; Whereas, the history of Wawa's success and store expansion in the City of Philadelphia and June Spring's career with Wawa are inextricably linked, as June has been instrumental in opening dozens of stores throughout her 30-year career in the Philadelphia area; Whereas, June Spring played a vital role in blazing new trails for Wawa in Philadelphia with the successful development and opening of 11 new fuel prototype stores resulting -- as we call, Wawa with gas -- prototype stores resulting in more than 500 jobs, helping to successfully transform Wawa's business to larger stores selling fuel, adding value and convenience to residents of Philadelphia far and wide. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 on the grounds of both Philadelphia Airports - the Northeast and International Airports; Whereas, June Spring played a key role in inspiring associates to celebrate the Wawa values and share them throughout the City by volunteering in local community events including Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the annual Red Cross events; Whereas, June Spring was and is hereunto a Wawa Values Champion and six-time inductee into Wawa's President's Club, making her a Wawa brand ambassador; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, congratulate, commend and thank June Spring on the occasion of her retirement after 29 years of dedicated and excellent service to the City of Philadelphia. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. That is signed by the Council President and co-sponsored by all members of Council. Thank you. )

Now, this is the second time I've thought it was somebody who deserved a framed copy. So you'll see a big frame around June's resolution. You meant a lot to us, June, over the years. Thank you. So we'll take this downstairs. And if you want to say something.

Thank you, Brian. Thank you, members of Council. I'm humbled and honored. I'm lost for words too. But all what I've done is merely an example of the team behind me and the values that you are presented with every day as you go into our stores. It's just Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Wawa. It is the values that have set us aside and made a difference, because we take them seriously. And it goes beyond just the coffee and the hoagies and so forth. It goes deep into the community, and usually very, very quietly we just do it because it's the right thing to do. So, again, thank you very much, but it's not me. It takes a village, and there is -- we are 23,000 strong now, but again focused on the task of doing things right, do the right thing, and be involved to help in the community. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

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

Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 colleges, universities and academic institutions participating in higher education partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia. Would Mr. Wadell Ridley please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Bass, and Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilman Johnson. Pretty much the entire lineup.

And it is truly appropriate that this many Councilpeople are up here today, because there is not one section of our city that is not positively impacted by higher education. And we could talk about all of the people that they employ and all of the impact that they have on the physical skyline of the City of Philadelphia, but today I'd like to talk about their Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 When we start looking at all of the universities and roles that they play and pay particular attention when members of this body read about the universities' programs, you'll see that they have, in tough, real tough budgetary times, stepped up in a big way to do things like art, to provide music, to be a constant presence in hallways, to student teach, to have homework clubs, to be a part of the future of education in the City of Philadelphia, for which this body is truly, truly grateful. So we are honoring and recognizing colleges and universities, academic institutions participating in higher education partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia. Whereas, the School District of Philadelphia has been severely inhibited by budget cuts, layoffs and school closings in recent years, leading to struggles for education and students Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 of higher education with the School District have helped numerous students, hundreds of students further their academic careers by pursuing higher education;

Whereas, Arcadia University has established a partnership with the Black Male Development Symposium. Arcadia staff members have also worked closely with the Philadelphia Bar Association's Advancing Civic Education, known as ACE, program to provide administrative and technical support to the many judges and attorneys who teach civics to students in the Philadelphia public high schools and elementary schools;

And whereas, Bryn Mawr College student volunteers provide art instruction to students at Overbrook Elementary School in grades kindergarten, first, second and fourth; and Whereas, Cheyney University's Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 ME MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Towards Effective Role Model) program helps to increase the number of African American young men in the field of education;

And whereas, Community College of Philadelphia has enacted numerous partnerships and programs with children of all ages with the School District of Philadelphia, including but not limited to: Advance College Experience wherein high school students earn college credit; the Olney High School College Readiness Partnership Program which aims to foster equity for underrepresented students in higher education; and the Conveyor Belt College Readiness Partnership Initiative where students from alternative schools and GED programs in Philadelphia enroll in summer courses to gain early exposure to the academic and social experience of a college education;

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Whereas, Drexel University serves as a co-chair on the Empowerment Zone Education Committee and lead partner organization for McMichael School, Powel School, and Martha Washington Elementary School. It also provides investments in the areas of academic support as well as safety;

Whereas, Harcum College provides the iLEAD program which supports accelerated school students seamlessly transitioning into an associate's degree program;

Whereas, Harrisburg University is currently exploring implementation of the STEM program co-located at Overbrook High School; Whereas, Pierce College offers support for the YouthBuild Charter School and the GEAR-UP Program;

Whereas, Temple University provides coordination of the MESA STEM Program out of the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Engineering, as well as the coordination of the Let's Get Ready SAT prep program and various other leadership and workforce development programs. In addition, Temple University provides support for programmatic implementation at Duckery Elementary and Dunbar Promise Academy;

Whereas, the Teacher Education Alliance is a collaborative of universities who work to improve teacher effectiveness and includes: Temple University, LaSalle University, West Chester University, Arcadia University, Penn State University, Holy Family University, Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania;

Whereas, the University of Pennsylvania supports the Penn Alexander School and the Lea School via the Graduate School of Education to provide after-school programs, behavioral and social supports Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 University of Pennsylvania also offers support for workforce development out of the Netter Center for Community Engagement;

Whereas, West Chester University has been exploring programming to support a revised teacher preparatory program to support the two new high schools to be located in North Philadelphia;

Whereas, the following universities offer college preparatory services to high school students: Arcadia University, Bryn Mawr College, the Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware Valley College, Dickinson College, Drexel University, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro University, Elizabethtown College, Harcum College, Harrisburg University, Holy Family University, LaSalle University, Millersville University, Montgomery Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 College, Moore College of Art, Penn State University, St. Joseph's University, Rutgers University-Camden, Temple University, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania; therefore, be it resolved

Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors and recognizes the dedicated efforts of these institutions of higher education to improve their local communities by making higher education more accessible for all. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as evidence of our sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body. (Applause.)

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Mr. Ridley for remarks. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Good morning. (Good morning.)

Councilman, President Clarke, Majority Leader and 4th District Councilman Jones, my Councilman, and members of City Council, colleagues, neighbors, and friends, thank you for allowing me a moment to express appreciation on behalf of the colleges and universities from Philadelphia and the region on being recognized for the higher education partnerships that our collective institutions have established with the School District of Philadelphia. It's no secret that the School District has lost resources over the years and that our Philadelphia children struggle because of it, but many academic institutions of higher learning have provided programs and resources in the past, make resources available now, and will continue to do so. These partnerships are necessary and expected. As mentioned in the resolution, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 importance of the K through 12 pipeline. We are providing resources to children of all ages. We must continue to do our best to prepare our young people for the future, and the best way to do that is to develop and nurture homegrown talent academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A child in elementary school today will quite possibly enter the workforce in high school. These young people are future college students, future business owners, future healthcare professionals and, of course, future legislators, and our institutions are committed to helping our children in the Philadelphia School District reach their full potential. Thank you. (Applause.)

I understand that there are a number of individuals here who are also with the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 to come up and be a part of the picture, please come up at this time. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring the memory of Dr. Joseph Ginyard. Would Philip Ginyard and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Jones and also Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Mr. President, members of Council, I will in no way try to introduce all these esteemed guests. We're going to leave that to the family to do. I don't want to leave anyone out. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you, Councilwoman.

It's an extreme honor and pleasure for me to be part of this wonderful presentation. Pastor Ginyard was not only my friend and a friend to all those or he who are here and all those in West Philadelphia and beyond, but he was a friend to the late and great Lucien Blackwell, who loved him and who was certainly part of all that happened. So it gives me extra special pride to be part of this wonderful resolution. Resolution also naming Leidy Avenue between Girard Avenue and 42nd Street "Dr. Joseph Ginyard Way" to honor the memory of Dr. Joseph Ginyard and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy.

Whereas, Joseph Ginyard was born September 18th, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the third of six children of Mortie Ginyard Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Ginyard; and Whereas, after graduating from Northeast High School, Dr. Ginyard joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably in World War II and continued to serve until after the Korean Conflict began; and Whereas in 1948, Joseph Ginyard was united in marriage with Cecila M. Jackson, and through this union, four children were brought into the world: Dr. Jo-Ann Hayward, Martin Ginyard, Elaine Barkley and Reverend Philip Ginyard; and

Whereas, Dr. Ginyard was a faithful and committed pastor, husband, father, grandfather, mentor and civic leader; and Whereas, affectionately known as "Bro Joe" and often considered the "Pride of East Parkside," Dr. Ginyard created Calvary Gospel Chapel at 4128 West Girard Avenue with fellow Elder Dr. B. Sam Hart and Danny Stone; and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Whereas, Dr. Ginyard's greatest concern was for helping young people overcome their personal obstacles by challenging them to become role models within their family, church, school, neighborhood and the world. Further, Dr. Ginyard always exuded a positive attitude and was a firm believer that something positive could result from even the most dire dismal of situations; and Whereas, over the course of his life, Dr. Ginyard received many awards in his lifetime dedication to service, including the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Award, the Urban Hero Award, the Ed Rendell Doer Award, the Youth Services Incorporated Award and President Barack Obama's Lifetime Achievement for Community Service Award; and

Whereas, in 2012, Dr. Ginyard and the surviving Montford Point Marines were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal; and Whereas, according to his Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 family, his greatest achievement was in guiding and instructing young people to be godly, responsible and productive human beings; therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Leidy Avenue between Girard Avenue and 42nd Street is also known "Dr. Joseph Ginyard Way" to honor the memory of Dr. Joseph Ginyard and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to his family as well as the congregation of Calvary Gospel Chapel as evidence of the sincere respect of this legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Ginyard for remarks.

We're so grateful to Councilwoman Blackwell, to the members of the Council, to the President of the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Council, our family, our church family, the extended community of East Parkside and Mantua for this tremendous honor and blessing. My dad, his theme and his overriding thesis for a lot of what he did stemmed from a simple verse in Micah, which says what does God require of man, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. And so his idea was to do justice, his relationship with mankind, with humanity, with the community, with children, boys and girls throughout East Parkside and Mantua, to provide mercy, to show God's love in all that he did, and to also walk humbly in relationship with the Lord. So we just thank you. We're so blessed today. Indeed we ask to continue his legacy for those who are working in the communities, wherever they are, that even at 87 years old where he walked the streets of East Parkside and Mantua working with the schools and the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 community, with those who are endeavoring to make life better, we want to encourage all of you who are engrossed in that endeavor today. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease.

At this time, we want to introduce the Elder in the church who is now standing in, Danny Sawyer.

Hello. On behalf of the leadership of Calvary Gospel Chapel and the members, we would like to thank the President of the Council, the Councilmembers for honoring today the life, the labor of love, the legacy, and the awesome leadership of Pastor Dr. Joseph Ginyard. He had served faithfully, diligently, and he was committed to making a difference in the East Parkside/Mantua area. Not only did he work in the heart of the community tirelessly, but he also had the community at heart, and for that, we're most Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 to personally also thank Councilwoman Blackwell for her relationship with our pastor over the years as well as our church family, our ministries and all that we've done at Calvary Gospel Chapel. Thank you so much. God bless you. (Applause.)

Mr. Chairman, members of Council, I am here this morning representing the Martin Luther King Association for Non-Violence, of which Dr. Ginyard was a Board member for over 16 years. I further want to applaud you for your efforts, your visionary efforts this morning, in recognizing his contributions to the City of Philadelphia. His contributions to the City of Philadelphia will always remain monumental in the area where he served, because he was truly a dedicated, committed person. Although he was small Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 stature, he was always a giant of a man in his actions and in his deeds. He was a great citizen. He put his life on the line just to serve his country, because when he enlisted in the Marines, one of the first black battalions to be trained by the United States in World War II, he was trained in a snake pit of poisonous snakes. He had to go through that to serve his country. He had to go through trials and tribulations to serve his community, but he did it with a smile. He did it with dedication. He did it with devotion. And I can see him now. A couple years ago he told me he was going skiing with a group of young people up in the Adirondack Mountains at Word of Life where he used to take a group every winter, and he was still skiing just before he took ill. And let us all use him as a symbol and as an example of what's needed in this city and our communities that they may be Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 terms of the holiday season we are about to experience. Thank you. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: What more can be said that has not already been said? Our beloved Brother Joe, our pastor, our teacher, our counselor, our mentor and, most of all, he was our friend. I can truly say I walked with a giant, from the hills of Kenya in Africa to the valley, the valley of valleys and to the streets of East Parkside. He was a man among men, and most of all, for 55 years our quality of life in East Parkside was made better because he stood by the stuff. And we're just truly grateful for his life and to this legislative body for allowing us to commemorate his life. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution declaring 2015 the YEAR OF THE PHILLY FLAG. Would Brenda Exon on those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Councilman Kenney and Councilman O'Neill. Can I have quiet please, folks.

Good morning. And as you see today, we have an additional flag next to our American flag added to our desks in preparation for this resolution, the Philly flag and what it means to our city. And we have a great leader in Brenda Exon, who is a tenacious proponent of the Philadelphia flag. And so today we want to recognize her and the Philly Flag and for what it Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Declaring 2015 the YEAR OF THE PHILLY FLAG in honor of the flag's 120th anniversary on March 27th, 2015 Philadelphia Flag Day. Beginning on January 1 through December 31st, 2015, the City will engage in a year-long celebration of our hometown flag resulting in the City fully flagged. Whereas, Philadelphia Civic Flag was conceived and designed by the Reverend Dr. Henry C. McCook, esteemed entomologist and Vice President of the Academy of Natural Sciences Drexel University (1882); and Whereas, the Philadelphia Civic Flag was the first adopted City flag in the nation on March 27th, 1895 and the only American city flag never to be altered. These facts are verified in a letter from the PA Historical Museum Commission dated February 21st, 2014;

Whereas, we recognize the meaningful message Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 flag: PHILADELPHIA MANETO - "Let Brotherly Love Continue" through peace, hope, justice, and prosperity for all citizens; Whereas, what William Penn began by naming his City for Love, our Philadelphia Civic Flag asks us to continue. The Philadelphia Flag connects all of us to our city's founding mission - to let love be the guiding force; and

Whereas, we hope that all members of Council will get their districts flagged by taking the Philly Flag's unifying message to their constituents as part of the Citywide effort to connect all citizens to their hometown flag. We ask our citizens to show support for the flag's unifying message by: wearing the City colors and flying the Philly Flag every March 27th, and for all special Philly occasions; attending the annual "gathering of citizens" at the Philly Flag Day event, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 27th, which includes the presentation of the inspiring Philadelphia Maneto Awards; nominating someone to receive a Philadelphia Maneto Award at Partners for Civic Pride PFCP.org; and learning the Pledge of Philadelphia PFCP.org; and Whereas, we honor the 10th Anniversary of Partners for Civic Pride, working to pursue, promote and celebrate our City flag in an effort to connect/unite citizenry to their hometown flag and its message of Brotherly Love. We give special appreciation to Will Smith Sr. who laid the first brick in the PFCP foundation. Will's steadfast support and leadership, for over a decade, has inspired PFCP to move forward with its mission to unite Philadelphians via their Philly Flag; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we declare 2015 the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 FLAG in honor of the flag's 120th Anniversary on March 27th, 2015 - the Philadelphia Flag Day. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Ms. Exon for remarks.

Woo-hoo. You know, the most beautiful thing today is, today all of the resolutions have represented what your Philly Flag is about. Reverend Joseph Ginyard, he should have that Philly Flag flying right over him right now. He lived the message Philadelphia Maneto, let brotherly love continue. Philadelphia is Greek for brotherly love. Maneto, for it to continue, in Latin. Together, let brotherly love continue. We put an extra large desk flag on your desk today to show that City seal that is a part of this important flag. Yeah, wave it back there. Woo-hoo. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 is that it's taken us a while to get this story straight, and the story is amazing, because we've just learned this year that this is the first city flag to be adopted officially in America. And that's in this book. The packet that is on your desk has that title -- this cover and those facts for you to take a look where it states it is indeed the first official adopted flag. You have remarkable documentation that we just discovered in the Journal of Common Councils, March 1894, and that paperwork is in your packet, because it has the original letters that Reverend Dr. Henry C. McCook, esteemed entomologist and also astute at observing social phenomena, presented to the Mayor back in 1894, Edwin S. Stuart, asking that there be a city flag to unite our beautiful diverse city as a universal symbol. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 song connecting the community -- oh, I'm sorry; Kenney. Sorry. No. You're great about getting payment for worker sick leave. Letting that work continue, all of you. But this little -- this scientist, he studied ants, and I got to tell you this, because he wrote this book. Listen to this. Ant communities and how they are governed, a study in natural civics, a study in natural civics. So from nature, the lowly little ant, scientists came up with the concept of this flag. The way the ant unifies, a city can unify. Your seal from 1874 that's on it, that is Reverend McCook's design that was adopted. He made use of the City seal of 1874 and put it with the Philly colors as your blue and gold and yellow. Also in your packet is the official first ordinance for a city flag. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 that? I know you're going to all run home tonight and read Reverend McCook's letter. It's so inspiring. You're going to read that first ordinance that was written for this flag. And, once again, a first for Philly. Also -- okay. I'm getting excited, yeah. So I know. You think the Reverend had a hard time not talking, you know. But, finally, your flag today, you've got your own flag. You've got a briefcase flag in here to take wherever you go. Let people know there's a city flag. And these flags you may take back to your office, the large one and the desk flag. We're going to replace those flags with little smaller flags. Okay? But I am so honored to stand with these Board members. I got to say that, because they also represent what that flag is about. We are a mixture, a real sample of what Philly is about. We've got celebrity here. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 got every religion, culture, socioeconomic status, and level of education represented in the Board that volunteers their time completely over the past decade to help get the word out about this flag. So please use your social media, use whatever, spread the word, we got a Philly flag. And now, Will, will you step forward to lead them. Will Smith Sr. is being honored because it was him, he made our 501(c)(3) happen. He gave us the lawyers. We didn't have money. He gave us the lawyers to get this 501(c)(3) started, and he joined our Board. He's given us his home to meet in and help us spread the word.

And so I need help to write this pledge, my pledge of Philadelphia, which he would like to lead all of you in. )

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

This is my pledge to Philadelphia. I hope it will be yours and all Philadelphians. My City of Brotherly Love, to you I pledge my pride. To peace, hope, justice, and prosperity, by these principles I will abide. Let them be my guide. I love you, Philadelphia. You are my home. Let us live together and grow. Philadelphia Maneto. (Applause.)

And an amazing young man, sixth grader from KIPP. He'll introduce himself actually, but a charter school, West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, is here, and he is the reason we're all here, because he has the flag and he shows what the flag can mean to a young person learning that they have a Philly Flag and colors. (Applause.)

I am Elijah Pompey, a sixth grader formerly from Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Heston, K to 8. My former teacher was Ms. Elliot, but I was recently transferred to KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School. I am proud to be a Philadelphian. Atop of this building is the tallest freestanding statue atop a building in the world. It is William Penn. These are the famous words of our first founding father: I expect to pass through life but once. Therefore, if there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now, as I shall not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. What William Penn began naming our city for love, our Philadelphia Civic Flag reminds us to continue. I, Elijah Pompey, challenge all of City Council to take this meaningful message back to your districts, especially you, President Clarke. Philadelphia Maneto. Let Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Peace, hope, justice, and prosperity for all. (Standing ovation.)

Now that's the way to start the holidays. (Council at ease.)

Thank you very much. Before we proceed with the Council session, what I'd like to ask all our guests and visitors -- this is somewhat of a somber note, but to please rise. We'd like to have a moment of silence for our fallen hero, Firefighter Joyce Craig. If we could just stand for just a moment, please. (Moment of silence.)

Thank you. She was a true Philadelphian. Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages to the Chief Clerk. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Decker, will you please read those messages.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 140831, 140857, 140885, 140887, 140888, 140889, 140895, 140896, 140899, 140900, 140901, 140905, 140906, 140940, 140945, 140946, 140948, and 140949. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the issuance from time to time of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell the bonds at public or private negotiated Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 sale; and setting forth the purposes for which the proceeds of the bonds will be expended; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending various provisions to provide for provisions for participants performing qualified military service, to allow certain transfer payments for purchase of service and for purchase of service by certain classes of employees, to allow for non-spouse beneficiary rollover rights, to provide certain retroactive effective dates, and otherwise provide language required by the Internal Revenue Code, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?

I have none, Mr. President.

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and two privileged resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending various provisions to provide for provisions for participants performing qualified military service, to allow certain transfer payments for purchase of service and for purchase of service by certain classes of employees.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Code, entitled "Public Property," by amending Chapter 16-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Maintenance and Supervision," prohibiting the parking of certain vehicles on certain sections of City owned property.

The bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Property and Public Works to conduct hearings on the current status, existing plans, and timeline for the redesign of underutilized public spaces in Center City Philadelphia, including but not limited to: the apron surrounding City Hall; Thomas Paine Plaza; the courtyard of City Hall; and the ground floor of City Hall.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring the life and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 achievements of Joseph E. Montgomery, a longtime president of Division 65 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a passionate advocate for Philadelphia's Irish-American community.

And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Thanks.

A privileged resolution Honoring, Recognizing and Commending Philadelphia's Young Entrepreneurs Salim Weldon, Tonae Simon, Andre Dominique Landry, and Amurri Kinsey for Their Creative Spirit, Success in Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Business, and Commitment to Service.

That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

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 Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill that is co-sponsored by you and many other members of City Council, and on Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 your behalf I offer two resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-4100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid and unpaid leave.

That bill will be referred to committee.

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 Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

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 Fifteenth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

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

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Mr. President, I offer a resolution honoring the life of Joyce Craig, the young lady, firefighter, who lost her life the other day. She was a resident of the 9th Councilmanic District. All members of Council are sponsoring this, and you have asked for a moment of silence in her honor.

Thank you. We will have a standing vote at the time.

Thank you.

A privileged resolution honoring the life of Joyce Craig.

And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I have two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

You're welcome.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And let me go -- I'll come back to you, Councilwoman, after we finish the next resolution.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding the Pathways to Job Growth Report by the Central Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Development Corporation and the Center City District.

And that resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the Task Force on 21st Century Policing created by President Barack Obama to examine, in his report on promoting effective crime reduction, the importance of community policing, race relations, and diversity training in policing practices as well as a review of racial disparities in the Criminal Justice System.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

I'm sorry, Mr. President.

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Sorry. Next Council session, not next week's. It will be on the next Council session.

I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance from time to time of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale.

And that bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you, Councilwoman.

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 Seventh, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 resolution recognizing and honoring the long tradition of the Mummer's Parade and the many Mummer's organizations and participants, past and present, for their immeasurable contribution to the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.

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

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Subsection 19-2604(6) of The Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Philadelphia Code, under which businesses that enter into agreements to make contributions to community development corporations and certain other organizations receive credits against business income and receipts taxes, by changing the annual contribution amount required to receive the credit and the annual amount of the credit.

That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Good morning, Mr. President. I offer three resolutions this morning.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

You're welcome.

A privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 23rd Annual African American Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Children's Book Fair and that February 7th is the Kick-Off of the National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book.

This week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Education to hold public hearings regarding Philadelphia's institutions of higher education's policies on sexual assault and the national movement towards the adoption of an Affirmative Consent "Yes Means Yes" policy.

And this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Joseph Neubauer On The Occasion of His Retirement as Chairman of Aramark.

And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Two bills and one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Blackwell, Brown, Goode, and Johnson.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East River Road, from Midvale Avenue to Calumet Street, northbound.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by providing for spraygrounds and adding definitions.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Ready, Willing and Able for helping Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 hundreds of men overcome poverty, addiction, and crime to become productive, contributing members of our community and responsible fathers to their children in the City of Brotherly Love by providing resources to men such as transitional housing, recovery services, life skills and living wage employment that promotes healthy households and responsible fatherhood.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

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

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 resolution on your behalf.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 6th Street, Wood Street, 2nd Street, Benjamin Franklin Bridge Access Road, and Vine Street Expressway Ramp.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services of the Philadelphia City Council to hold hearings to explore best practices within the mobile food truck industry.

And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Streets and Services and Public Safety to hold hearings on strategies and methods to reduce speeding, such as traffic calming, to make city streets, especially those in neighborhoods, safer for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and investigating how all traffic injuries and fatalities can be significantly reduced leading to the eventual goal of zero deaths, also known as a "Vision Zero" policy.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.

Thank you very much, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports three resolutions with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 140998, entitled "A resolution appointing Daniel Christiansen to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 140999, entitled "A resolution reappointing Howard Lander to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 141000, entitled "A resolution appointing Doug Hager to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of Resolutions No. 140998, 140999, 141000 on today's Final Passage Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 (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 Resolutions No. 140998, 140999, and 141000 on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and it will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports one bill and one resolution with a favorable Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 140721, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of a new Department of Planning and Development"; and Resolution No. 140732, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of a new Department of Planning and Development, headed by a Cabinet-level Director, to oversee the City's planning, zoning, licensing, inspection, enforcement, and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 functions; continuing the existence of the City Planning Commission, Philadelphia Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Board of Building Standards, and Board of License and Inspection Review as boards or commissions in such new Department, with certain changes to the powers and duties of such boards and commissions; creating a new Intergovernmental Housing Commission in such new Department; and conforming other provisions of the Charter to such reorganization; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of the City of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. Bill No. 140721 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council and Resolution No. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 1ST READING 140732 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. We will now consider the Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.

Bill No. 140895, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tacony Street, Bridge Street, Frankford Creek, Delaware River, and Walbach Street."

Thank you. The Chair agrees, and this bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 2ND READING the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you.

Resolutions No. -- no, no. Wait a minute. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of consideration of a Consent Agenda for the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar: Resolutions No. 130541, 140911, 140974, 140976, 140977, 140978, 140982, 140983, 140989, 140990, 140991, 140992, 140995, 141001, 141002, 141003, 141004, 141005, 140951.

Thank you. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 2ND READING

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries, and we will consider the resolutions on the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now again recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda for the following bills on Second Reading and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 2ND READING Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 140829, 140860, 140861, 140862, 140863, 140864, 140859, 140864, 140887, 140888, 140889, 140901, 140209, 140884, 140942, 140943, 140229, 140275, 140800, 140885, 140940, 140946, 140949, 140606, 140890, 140891, 140899, 140900, 140905, 140937, 140945, 140947, 130628, 140142, 140750, 140856, 140892, 140894, 140939, 140853, 140854, and 140948. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Jones. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 2ND READING ayes have it. The motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions and bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: No. 140997, 140638-A, 140831, 140857, 140828, 140782-A, 140897, and 140898. All other bills and resolutions are being held.

Thank you. Sorry. I just saw the list of public comment. Thank you, Councilman Jones. Before considering the resolutions and bills, we will consider Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 our public comment session. I'm sorry. Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Council President. Before we start public opinion, I just wanted to go on the record and say I have to -- I'm asking for an excuse for the rest of Council session, as I have Council business in the district, and wanted to go on the record voting aye on all bills and resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. Before we consider our public comment session, I just would like to give you the guidelines. If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar at today's session, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 will come to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium and a device on the podium. There's a light on that podium. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds remaining on your time, and when it turns red, we ask that you please conclude your remarks. Thank you very much in advance for you adhering to these guidelines.

Mr. President.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Mr. President, I'd like to be excused for Council business. I want to be reported voting aye on all bills and resolutions.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted. Mr. Decker, call the first panel.

William Stock, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Vanessa Stine, Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, and Maria Sotomayor, commenting on 140142. (Witnesses approached podium.)

So for your information, we're doing it a little differently today because of the extensive list. So we're calling groups up so we don't have to take time for the walk up to the podium, if that's okay with everyone. Thank you. Please proceed, sir.

Thank you. Members of City Council, My name is William Stock. I'm the First Vice President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. On behalf of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Philadelphia Chapter, which is 280 lawyers who provide immigration legal services in and around the City of Philadelphia, I would like to thank Councilman O'Brien and the Council for undertaking this regulation of Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 immigration legal services in the City of Philadelphia. Members of Council, immigration is regulated by federal law, but its impacts are local. When a family member comes to join someone who lives here in the City, when a student graduates from one of our schools or is sponsored by an employer, that has an impact in our city. And in the same way the regulation of the immigration services that can be provided is defined by federal law, but states and localities have a critical role in ensuring that the immigrant communities within their bounds are protected from the unlawful practice of immigration law. This ordinance does an essential tool by defining the scope of immigration services that can be provided by those who are not lawyers or authorized by non-profits by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide immigration legal services using a Philadelphia business license. And so it Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 provides a critical tool for members of the community who have been harmed by service providers who are not licensed to be able to remedy that harm. I'll defer to my colleagues to explain some of the details. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony.

Good morning, members of City Council. Good afternoon. My name is Vanessa Stine and I'm an attorney and Equal Justice Works fellow with Friends of Farmworkers. I have a two-year legal fellowship focused on issues combatting immigration services fraud, and a critical component of my project is strengthening protections for immigrant consumers, which is why I fully support and advocate for the passage of this bill today. I'd like to thank Councilman O'Brien for introducing this bill and for his continued commitment to protecting Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 immigrant consumers in our city, and I'd also like to thank and applaud the collaboration between City Council, the Mayor's Office, and Licensing and Inspection. This bill is desperately needed. Regulating businesses that provide immigration assistance will provide standards to a currently unregulated sector and provide better protections for immigrant consumers who live and seek assistance in our great city. I want to refer back to previous testimony from last spring where members of City Council heard testimony from a client of Friends of Farmworkers. He wasn't able to provide the testimony in person because after being defrauded more than $15,000, he was deported to his home country. When he described the impact that the fraud had and being deported, he's testified that he felt like his life was over. He asked City Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Councilmembers to do something so that others would not suffer the same harm that he suffered, and I'm here today to ask City Council to do just that. I'm here today to ask City Council to pass this bill. It's incredibly important for immigrant consumers. It's also important for advocates like myself who can use this as an additional tool when we're helping vulnerable immigrants to fight back against this type of fraud. Thank you for your time, and I hope that we see a yes vote today. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony.

Good morning, Councilmembers. I'm Amanda Bergson-Shilcock from the non-profit Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians. We are strongly in support of this proposed ordinance. The most powerful tool that a person has to protect themselves is Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 information about how the world is supposed to work. But when you're transplanted into a new culture, you don't necessarily have the tools to assess that. For example, those of us who grew up here in the United States, we may take for granted that we know that just because a person purchased an advertisement doesn't mean that they are qualified or eligible to provide a professional service. But newcomers to this country are looking for cues and clues about what a legitimate business is and what a reputable business is that can help them. Too often people are confused, misled, and defrauded by bad actors who exploit their lack of detailed knowledge about American processes. This ordinance would establish clear standards for acceptable behavior and an enforcement process. We support it, and we strongly hope that Council moves forward on this bill. Thank you. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Good afternoon, City Councilmembers. My name is Maria Sotomayor and I'm a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition. We're a non-profit organization. PICC is a diverse coalition of over 50 member organizations and hundreds of individual members. Our membership includes community groups, mutual assistance associations, non-profits, social and legal service providers, advocacy organizations, labor unions, faith communities and community leaders, and concerned individuals. Our mission is to advance immigrant rights and promote immigrants' full integration into society by advocating with a unified voice for the greater public understanding and welcoming public policies through Pennsylvania. First of all, we would like to thank Friends of Farmworkers, Councilman O'Brien, and the Mayor's Office for the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 tremendous work to get this important legislation to City Council. The issue of notario or immigration fraud is a widespread, but under-addressed problem in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. It impacts immigrants of all immigration statuses, in all ethnic communities. With those who are most marginalized due to lack of immigration status, limited English proficiency, low income, and lack of social connections are those who are most significantly impacted. Immigration fraud is rampant not only in our Latina communities but in Chinese, Indonesian, African, and all immigrant communities in our city. Nothing stops these people from making fake promises and taking advantage of people's only hope. Some of the ways immigrants are being taken advantage by fraudulent notarios acting as immigration experts are often by giving out immigration advice, charging for Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 consultations, representation, even printing and filling of forms. They are making expensive, impossible promises that put many individuals and families at risk. The proposed legislation is comprehensive and addresses the many ways in which immigration fraudsters prey on vulnerable individuals. As with other City policies and immigration issues such as language access, no inquiry of immigration status, the key to success for this important legislation will be the implementation within the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Passing this legislation at this time is very important given the recent executive action by President Obama. This moment in time, when an announcement has been made but before details have been released, is a typical window of opportunity for immigration fraudsters to prey on vulnerable communities and make false promises. This is why PA is Ready Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Coalition was created. Pennsylvania is Ready is a coalition through PICC with more than 25 organizations who are organizing together to inform our immigrant communities in Pennsylvania. Our sessions provide location to immigrant community about this program and how to protect themselves from fraud. As we expect, fragile individuals have already begun to reach out to different communities to advertise our services and assist them with applications or to ask people to pay money to hold their place in line before something has already happened. As an immigrant community member, I have seen close family members, friends and other members of my community being taken advantage by these people. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, will you please read the next panel to testify.

Joe Piette, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Estina Baker, June Cohen, and Cindy Hayward, commenting on 140990. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon, House. My name is Cindy Hayward. I'm from the American Postal Workers Union. I'm the Philadelphia lead organizer for the Stop Staples Campaign. Staples and the U.S. Postal Service has cut a deal that jeopardizes your mail service in your local post office. In fact, post offices across the country are at risk, along with thousands of good jobs. The Staples deal will replace full-service U.S. post offices or knock-off post offices in Staple stores that are not staffed with U.S. Postal Service employees. You have a right to a post office staffed by workers who are accountable to you and the American people. You have a right to postal services provided by highly trained, uniform Postal Service employees who are Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 sworn to safeguard your mail, whether it's at the post office or Staples. The Staples deal is bad for consumers like you, who will pay the same for less service, and if Staples and the USPS moves forward with the deal, it could lead to the end of the Postal Service as we know it. In the meantime, the Staples deal is replacing living-wage jobs that our community depends on for low-wage jobs that hurt our economy. On November the 14th, the Board of Governors met in Washington and because we believe of our boycotts and petitions, Pat Donahoe had announced that he was stepping down, but he's stepping down not before January the 5th when they are going to delay your first-class mail and practically eliminate overnight delivery. What he's planning on doing is at 7600 Lindbergh and throughout the country, our plants are going to abolish the current jobs and they're going to post new jobs. They're going to Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 eliminate overnight. The overnight jobs are when the trucks come in from picking up the mail at the post offices. It's the night tour that works that mail so they can be delivered that next day. Now what they're going to do is just have a tour two. That's day work. So that mail is going to sit all day. This is because in order for Staples privatization to work, they have to allow that mail to sit inside a Staples store. When we close, the mail will not be picked up. The mail is going to sit there until it's picked up by a letter carrier. If it's left there on a Saturday, it will not be picked up for Monday. So in order to go through with the plan of privatization, they have to change the standard of mail. So we're saying don't delay Americans' mail. We're against privatization, and we believe that it's the people's mail and the U.S. mail is not for sale. And on behalf of our national President, Mark Dimondstein, we Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 hope that you will support and pass the bill. And once again we're saying the U.S. mail is not for sale. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

Good afternoon. I'm Estina Baker. I'm the Senior State Director for Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO. We stand in support of Resolution 140990 and we urge this to be passed. We stand in support of the American Postal Workers Union, and we realize that we are going down this road too often of sitting back while living-wage jobs are eliminated and the unions are under attack and services are diminished, and we say no more. (Applause.)

We stand in support of this resolution. We hope that all within the sound of my voice will continue to do so. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 We are not weak. We are not going anywhere. Working America has a membership of over 534,000 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with 274,000 members within the region of the City of Philadelphia. We are here. We're getting louder, we're getting stronger, and we're asking you today to pass this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. I'm June Cohen with the American Postal Workers Union. First of all, thank you very much, Councilwoman, for introducing this resolution. I just want to read one thing. Title 39, U.S. Code, Paragraph 101, Postal Policy. United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 people by the government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by act of Congress, and supported by the people. The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind this nation together through the personal, education, literary, and business correspondence of the people. We need the Postal Service. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good afternoon. I'm a retired letter carrier. My name is Joe Piette. Black and brown lives matter. The communities protesting the plague of police brutality in this country are the same communities who suffer from mass poverty, hunger, and low wages. If our communities of color need $15 -- sorry. Our communities of color need wages at least $15 an hour in order to provide -- Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 (Applause.)

-- in order to provide their families with the most basic necessities. But to provide a comfortable life in which paying for college for our kids is possible, wages like those at the Post Office are a necessity. The Post Office is the second largest employer of African American workers in the country, behind Walmart. Veterans and women are also a large percentage of postal employees. But hundreds of thousands of these jobs, these living-wage jobs, are being eliminated to privatization such as at Staples. Supporting the boycott of Staples will, in the long run, support living-wage jobs in our communities instead of pushing down wages to levels that only increase poverty. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you for your testimony.

Patrick Duff, Alford Williams, Anthony Reynolds, commenting on 140829. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon, Council.

Good afternoon.

So when I read this bill -- and this is the entire bill -it's funny, because they give you a Twitter blurb at the front there. You see the Twitter blurb of what the bill says. Here's the bill, and I'm going to read a little bit of the bill, because it's offensive to me. It says, "Whereas, the poor working conditions of contractor employees who perform Ground Handling Services at the Airport has an elevated risk of strikes, boycotts or other forms of service disruptions due to labor disputes among these employees, which Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 directly threatens the volume-based revenues the City receives." Now, when you start to read that, you think, hey, poor working conditions, maybe this bill is going to address the poor working conditions. Maybe it's going to address the pay. Maybe it's going to address certain conditions. But, no, this is an absolutely pro business bill that takes the rights of people away to boycott, to protest, and to be an American. As I read the bill, I'm shocked that it says down here basically you're going to be signing a non-binding -- or a binding arbitration agreement. It doesn't give them the rights to go to a court. It gives them the rights to go to an arbitrator, which let's be honest, the people who go to the arbitration the most usually win. It's not the citizens that win in arbitration. Never has been. Never will. So to address the poor working Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 conditions in this bill, I mean, that would have been a good start, but it's not addressed. Now, $15 an hour is something that -- guarantee you if any folks in this room, especially in this side, tried to live on just $15 an hour and do it for one month, you couldn't do it. You would be calling your lawyer, you'd be calling your Congressperson, you'd say, I cannot live on this wage. And that's the wage that we're asking for, not the wage that they're already getting. If you tried to live on the minimum wage, you would probably be hungry. Your kids wouldn't have education. They wouldn't have schools. There's a problem in this country, and it's the taking of wealth and the transfer of wealth, but there's no trickle down. The old trickle-down economics, it's not trickling down. So it has to come from the legislation where the legislation says we're going to stop Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 for a second and we're going to see if we can live on what the people live on, because if it's a true democracy, the people who are speaking -- you see all the red shirts here. These people need a living wage, these people need good working conditions, and these people need good legislation. (Applause.)

Secondly, I wanted to say -- because you know who I am, I have come to the Council before -- I'm suing the Council to get open public comment back in Philadelphia where it belongs, where the First Amendment was signed, and the great thing is, Monday morning I had a meeting with the ACLU, and the ACLU has joined the fight and they will be contacting the City Council in hopes that you capitulate to bring open public comment back to the Council so people can bring their problems and their issues and their concerns to you directly and don't have to go through an Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 arbitrator. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

Mr. President?

Hold on, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

I'll be speaking on that bill later, but I wanted to make some quick remarks. The gentleman who just spoke has often talked about public comment and what it means, and I believe in free speech, but clearly he read the bill wrong. So just to inform him, the bill was supported by SEIU, Unite Here, AFL-CIO, AFSCME District Council 47, and District Council 1199C. So I don't think it's a pro business bill. Thank you. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you, Councilman. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, Council and observers. My name is Anthony Reynolds. Until a couple of days ago, I was a cabin cleaner employed by Prospect at the Airport. I was abruptly fired on Sunday. Many of you have seen me testify here before. I appeared before you to raise concerns about my co-workers, Airport workers, receiving little or no training or protection in dealing with infectious diseases. And I appeared before you to talk about why my co-workers and I need a living wage and an end to unfair treatment of contract workers at the Airport. I have been speaking out for better wages and conditions because I believe if we fight, we can improve things at the Airport. However, the more I've spoken out, the more Prospect has come down on me. In fact, Prospect's Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 actions against me have been predictable, almost like clockwork. I spoke out in late October about infectious disease concerns, and a few weeks later I was suspended for a minor infraction. I spoke out in late November about the need for the labor peace bill, and like clockwork, a few weeks later I was fired. I was terminated on December 5th. The reason Prospect provided was tardiness. However, according to my termination notice, the most recent incident of tardiness occurred on July 8th, over five months before my termination. I keep hearing that we need Airport contractors to be consistent and stable for the Airport to run smoothly and bring money into the City. The problem is, the only thing that's consistent right now is their mistreatment of their employees. I am not alone in experiencing mistreatment at the Airport. Just this Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 week, two of my co-workers were fired for reasons that make no sense. Since we started organizing for better treatment and speaking out about our poor working conditions, me and my co-workers are suddenly getting fired and punished for the most minor of infractions or, in my case, being tardy five months ago. These are also the men and women fighting for a union at the Airport. I simply do not see this happening to the workers who are not speaking out for better wages and treatment. The company has not been firing the workers who keep quiet and do not demand change. The only workers I've seen terminated lately are those that support the union. What Prospect is doing is messing with people's lives. Prospect ruined my Thanksgiving by suspending me and now they're ruining my Christmas by firing me. Right before the holidays, I Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 am left without a wage to support my family. While I am scared about the future, I don't regret speaking out, because I have hope that you, City Council, will do the right thing and make things better for the workers who come after me. I am 51 years old and most of my kids are grown. Don't get me wrong, I still need to earn a living wage, but it's so much worse for many of my young co-workers who are trying to raise a family on $8 an hour, with the constant threat of being fired. This is no way to live, and this is definitely no way to run a world-class airport. Please support the labor peace bill and help get my former co-workers and myself a better future by making our Airport and our City stronger.

Thank you. (Standing ovation.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. My name is Alford Williams and I work at the Philadelphia International Airport for PrimeFlight. I make 7.25 an hour. A few weeks ago, me and some of my co-workers from PrimeFlight, we went on strike, and the reason we did that was for unfair labor practices and disrespect and mistreatment at our job. This is something that goes on at the Airport every day, and I spoke out publicly to the media about the poor treatment and the working condition that we receive at PrimeFlight. I spoke out because we're not getting paid and we're getting mistreated and disrespected at our workplace on a regular basis. And, yes, this goes to at the Airport, something that the City controls and that they do nothing about. We deserve better working conditions and better pay. Like my Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 former co-workers here said, 7.25 is not enough, and why should it be enough. We deserve the pay that you promised us, and we're not getting it, and PrimeFlight should be held responsible for their actions. I feel good about joining my co-workers out on that picket line because I knew that I wasn't the only one who feels this way. There are people here today and people who was there that support us, and they're going to continue to support us in our endeavors. The day after the strike, I went back to work and my manager threatened my job. Not only my job, but my life. He confronted me and several co-workers about speaking out to the media and started spreading lies and allegations that none of my co-workers did during that time. He even asked me to take a walk with him outside. I wish I could say this is the only incident where this has happened, but it's not. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Months before, I went through the same incident and filed a complaint with PrimeFlight and nothing was done. I urge -- this is just one example that we deal with at the Airport, the City's airport, that you own and that you have control of. We speak for better wages and we experience intimidation and termination. We strike for better treatment and we get threatened. This should not go on anywhere, especially in an airport that's controlled by the City. We deserve better than poverty wages and poor treatment, and I urge you, City Council, everybody here today, to please support the labor peace bill so that we can make the Airport better and that we can support ourselves and our families. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)

Richard Gliniak and Alan Taylor, commenting on 140638-A. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Council President Clarke -

Good afternoon.

Or good afternoon. Thank you. And members of Council. I'm actually here again to speak about the LOOP bill, Bill 140638. And this was the LOOP bill that would extend LOOP to people that bought their houses from the City and who also are classified as having an abatement. So I'm here with some of my good neighbors who are also here in the same situation, and we need your help by passage of this bill. Again, I'm a low/moderate income homeowner on a fixed income living in the Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City area. I'm also a homeowner who was denied LOOP. In 2002, I bought my house from the City in a HUD-funded program that was run by the Office of Housing and Community Development. Part of the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 guidelines with this program was that you had to be low and moderate income. Also you needed to live in the house for 15 years. And in addition to that, the homeowners were given a small tax reduction, which is now being classified as an abatement, of a few hundred dollars per year. Today, however, under the new AVI system, my 2014 property taxes have increased from $782 to $4,119, even with the homestead exemption. On my fixed Social Security income, I simply cannot afford this 427 percent increase. And because my property is classified as having received an abatement, I have also been denied LOOP. Moreover, and not because I would want to, I am not allowed to sell, rent or refinance for approximately another two and a half years because of the imposed housing guidelines. I ask for your support and passage of this Ordinance 140638 Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 extending LOOP to abated low/moderate income subsidized affordable homes purchased from the City and/or other non-profit agencies. Passage of this bill will allow me to remain in my home where I have lived for the past 12 and a half years, without the threat of tax delinquency and/or foreclosure. Again, I want to say thank you very much to my Councilman, Councilman Johnson. He listened to our concerns and submitted this bill on our behalf. And, you know, this is a matter of people who were given the opportunity of purchasing a home and being part of the American dream, and we want that dream to continue and for us to remain in our home. And I thank you, and I ask again for your passage of this bill. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

Good morning, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 everybody. I'm basically in the same situation as Richard with the 400-plus increase in my property taxes. I'm here today to ask you to support 140638-A. Basically that bill will give us the option to stay in our house a little bit longer. That's what it's going to do. Eventually we're going to be taxed out of these houses anyway. I heard that the Real Estate Association is against this bill. And I looked for a mission statement for these people, and basically the mission statement is, it's a good time to buy and sell properties in the City of Philadelphia. It's nothing there about people, nothing about neighborhoods, nothing about the opposition to the ten-year tax abatement, nothing about tax breaks for Comcast, universities, and stadiums. Basically the alignment of a Point Breeze realtor who has stepped into the political arena and a politically defeated realtor, basically what they're Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 doing is they're joining together, in my opinion, to oppose this bill. I don't think it's the whole association. I just think it's these two individuals. Basically I don't see what their platform could be other than they want to buy and sell and build real estate. What you won't hear anything in there is about the treasure of every neighborhood, which is the people. Opposition to this bill will hasten the demise of our neighborhood. South Philadelphia currently is looked at as a modern-day gold rush town. The treasure of a city, City of Philadelphia, is the people, not bricks and mortars. (Applause.)

I'm here today to ask Council to invest in people and support this bill. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Laverne Johnson. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon to one and all. I'm here to just speak here from the heart, from heart to heart and breast to breast. We went to a hearing regarding this Bill 140638-A, and my brother-in-law and myself and on his behalf as well as the others that's going through this circumstance -- this, oh my God, ungodly circumstance -- we just found out through the hearing that he was unable to receive the LOOP just on Monday, this past Monday, because we tried to figure out over and over if he qualified for the three qualifications. One was to be in your home for ten years, which he was there -- they were there 15 years. Also to -- taxes have gone up three times as higher. Of course, that was happening in the Graduate Hospital area. And also the third thing was to not make over $83,000, in their case $90,000, $91,000. So they qualified, and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 we were busting our heads. So when we went to the hearing, this is what we found out, that when he purchased his home from the City, the PHDC, I believe it is, he found out that day that he had an abatement on his property. And when they called the judge, told him to come over to the side or whatever and they were going to deal with the numbers, and we just found out that on Monday that instead of his home under the LOOP being $1,483, it will now be $4,100-some-odd dollars. That is a humongous ungodly jump in one year. It's just unreasonable. So I'm here just to not only just City Council, everybody to get involved in this, because if you're not involved yet, you will be. And in my heart, I do see, as I understand it, seven areas that's been affected. And, you know, I personally think it's going to be the whole City once they get finished perking these seven, and as you Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 go further, you're going to find other issues where people are going to be trapped. He's absolutely trapped. So what the man said to us on Monday, he said, Well, is he a senior citizen? He hesitated, my brother-in-law did. He's sitting right here. He said, Well, I'll be 65 in September. And so he went on -- and I know which way they were going, about low income. He is not low income. Everybody is not low income, and he's not. And then so he said, Well, maybe we can try to -- the home -- what's the other thing? Renter rebate thing. And I don't think -- he's not going to be able to qualify for that, because he will be getting his Social Security next year, 2015. So I urge City Council, I urge anybody that has a heart, do something about this matter. Other things are going to come up. Other issues is going Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 to come up. You watch and see what you're trying to do. I personally think y'all went at it the wrong way. I don't know who was totally in charge, but I, an undereducated person in the City of Philadelphia that brought my home -- and I'm involved in this because I started to do the abatement myself in the private, buying my own home. I was one of the first people back in the early '90s, I think it was later '80s, early '90s, to get that application. And my brother-in-law looked at me and he asked me, Why are you crying? I said, Because I thank God I didn't do the abatement. I would not be able to afford my home had I did that abatement. I said, These are tears of joy, because my taxes will be $2,500 after these ten years, and I cannot afford to pay that. Thank you. Thank you. (Witness in tears.)

Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

Alison McDowell and Lisa Haver, commenting on 140997. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon. MS. McDOWELL: Yes. Good afternoon. My name is Alison McDowell and I'm the parent of an 8th grader at Masterman School and a member of the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools and the Caucus of Working Educators. I appreciate having this opportunity to discuss briefly the harm being caused by standardized testing in our schools, and I would like to thank Councilman Squilla and members of the Education Committee and their staff for all the care and attention they have given to this issue in recent months. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 also have this information so that we can make some plans for what to do for our children. In 2017 -- so starting with this year's high school sophomores -students will have to pass three Keystone Exams in algebra, English, and biology in order to receive a diploma. Even if they have passed all of their classes and completed all requirements, they cannot graduate if they do not pass all three exams. If the requirement had been in place this spring, I heard from a superintendent of schools in West Chester, Pennsylvania he had a student ranked 15th in her class accepted at Johns Hopkins who would not have been able to go because she could not graduate high school. Currently, 55 to 60 percent of students in the State of Pennsylvania are failing these Keystone Exams. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 second time do not pass. Students who fail twice must do an online project that takes 14 or more hours to complete. No one knows how many students are passing these project-based assessments, and it is unclear how such projects could even be administered in schools in Philadelphia where hundreds of students may be forced to take them and our computer facilities are woefully inadequate. In Philadelphia's neighborhood high schools, only about maybe 5 percent of students are passing the biology Keystone. So as a result, in two years, thousands of students in Philadelphia and statewide will not be able to graduate if we do not act now. School districts in the suburbs are organizing politically around this issue, and we must do the same. Over the past decade, standardized testing has grown to be a multi-billion-dollar industry. 3 million to administer in grade PSSA and Keystone Exams, and students will lose hundreds of hours of meaningful instruction preparing for and taking standardized tests. In addition to selling tests, companies like Pearson profit from the sale of textbooks aligned to the tests they sell, books, and online test prep material and materials to provide remediation when students don't pass their tests. And when students fail, there are consequences. A school may be closed. A teacher may be laid off. A child may not be allowed to advance or even graduate. These are high-stakes tests. Testing companies profit by developing products that label our children failures. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 emergent bilingual students, and students living in poverty. In Pennsylvania, parents can refuse to have their children take standardized tests. We want you to know your rights. Starve the data. Refuse the test. Reclaim our schools. As a parent of a Philadelphia public school student and a citizen who is very concerned about the Keystone Exams and their place in the school-to-prison pipeline, I encourage you to vote in favor of Resolution 140997. Thank you. )

Good afternoon. My name is Lisa Haver. I'm a retired Philadelphia school teacher and a member of the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools. I speak on behalf of the members of the Alliance in favor of passage of Resolution 140997, which calls on the School District of Philadelphia to Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 examine the financial, academic, and emotional costs which standardized tests exact on our students and our schools. High-stakes standardized testing has become a plague on education. These tests cost a great deal, not just money, which should be spent on librarians, which we now have eight of in our Philadelphia school system, on counselors, teachers, and nurses. They waste valuable instruction time. Once again, we thank Councilman Squilla for sponsoring the November 17th hearings on this subject, and we thank the Education Committee for their attention to this crucial issue. We'd like to thank Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for sponsoring today's resolution. All of the students and the schools in every district are facing a new crisis, the requirement that all high school students pass the Keystone Exams in order to graduate. This is what we Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 tell our children: The only thing that matters is what you do on one day on one test. You may be sick. Your grandmother may have died the night before. You may have just arrived in our country a few months ago and are not fluent yet in English. Too bad. Your work in the classroom for four years and the grades that you earned there don't really matter. This is unfair and sends the wrong message to our students. Again, we urge the members of Council to pass Resolution 140997. May I say briefly we also support passage of Resolution 140974, which Councilman Kenney has introduced, which addresses the crisis of the growth of charters, which have no oversight from the School District, and that is addressed in today's Daily News editorial page. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Thank you for your testimony.

Xu Lin and Helen Gym, also commenting on 140997. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Xu Lin and I am the Youth Program Director from Asian Americans United. I'm here to support the resolution introduced by Councilman Squilla, the high-stakes standardized testing. I was here three weeks ago to support the youth from AAU who testified on the experience with the Keystone test. I guess that our leaders in City Council took this matter seriously and responded with a resolution in a timely manner. As someone who works with immigrant youth on a daily basis, I witness firsthand the anxiety and stress these young people have to go through before, doing, and after the Keystone tests. These young people from AAU interviewed 110 Chinese immigrant Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 students in their public schools about their experiences with the Keystone test and wrote a report based on their findings. In their report they state clearly that the School District of Philadelphia did not provide appropriate language assistance to immigrant students. When we look at the District's current financial situation, it's hard to believe that they could come up with sufficient resources to deliver the kind of language assistance required by the state. Clearly, resource is an issue, but I am more concerned that the Keystone test itself is a barrier for students to graduate from high school. According to the District's own data, 80 percent of all students in the District failed biology in the Keystone test last year. I am not sure if our School District or any school district could come up with a level of resource to help our students pass the test. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 I urge the District to adopt City Council's resolution, high-stake testing, quickly and seek a waiver of the Keystone test from the state before the next round of Keystone tests, which starts in January. It is unnecessary to put thousands of young people under the tremendous stress of long hours of testing and under the threat of not graduating from high school. AAU and young people we work with will continue to work on this issue and be vocal. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hi. Good afternoon. I'm Helen Gym. I'm with Parents United for Public Education and Asian Americans United, and we're here specifically to thank City Council and especially Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Mark Squilla, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and others who hosted the hearing on high-stakes testing. One of the most important Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 things to remember is that in January there will be eight full days of Keystone testing that begins, and the School District of Philadelphia is now embarking on a program of testing called benchmarks, which has been banned or I guess you could say boycotted in places like Seattle, Washington, where they successfully ended sort of irrelevant testing measures. But as the District struggles with finances this year, it seems inconceivable that they're spending so much money on testing that has both low-level impact, which means it doesn't have any impact on students' lives or the way they change things, but costs a ton of money, and then secondarily at the extreme level that we're forced into a state situation where we're potentially denying thousands of students in the School District of Philadelphia a diploma. The fact that the City Council has found a way to kind of make the first Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 steps by demanding an assessment about the financial and personal impact on students is a great way to demonstrate that there are creative ways in which City Council can have an influence on what happens in the School District of Philadelphia. It matters a lot to parents. It matters a lot of students. It matters a lot to teachers and principals who have to deal with the situation of high-stakes testing. It will also ultimately matter a lot to our City finances if we don't spend millions on testing, if we don't hurt our children in ways that are not necessary, if we don't continually force them into a remedialized situation and start focusing back on fundamental education needs. I want to thank Council for thinking creatively. I also want to hope that as we move into January, that City Council takes a very creative approach to school funding. We definitely need it. We want to see a culture of investment Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 around our School District. We want to see a culture of financial investment in the School District of Philadelphia. I think we have the opportunity to do that together. I think that there's clear indication that the State of Pennsylvania and if the City of Philadelphia were to also work with parents and teachers and students, we have an amazing opportunity this year to, for the first time in a while, see this District really turn around and get us back on the right track. Thank you. (Applause.)

Marvin Robinson, commenting on 140853. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, President of the Council. To all the Councils, I just want to actually really say about this bill -- I really don't have much comment on this bill. I have something that I really want to say to Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 all my Councils. It's from my heart and from my constituents back in my neighborhood. We thank y'all for all the hard work y'all do. I know we come here pounding on y'all, but I know a lot of people say what they want to say, but I'm here constantly and I see the hard work that all y'all doing here. So on behalf of myself and my constituents back in West Philly -- as my Council Curtis Jones call me, the Mayor of West Philly -- we say thank you.

You're welcome. (Applause.)

Al Brown, commenting on 140897. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Council President and Councilmembers and everyone in attendance. My name is Alburn Brown. I'm the contractor of Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 manufacturing of steel, structural steel, and miscellaneous metals and I'm also a union contractor, the only African American union contractor for erection of structural steel in the tri-state area. I'm one of two manufacturing companies that are African American in Philadelphia that does manufacturing of metal products. Basically I'm here to speak on this bill, because in it it had for procurement of and commission of a certain product and the terms -- it had terms and conditions attached to it. I'm just asking City Council when they go to approve this bill, if they approve it, that part of the terms and conditions, that it's going to be fair and equitable and also that it's going to be local. I'm a local fabricator of steel products and I'm also a local erector. For the street furniture project, it's going to require fabrication of metal products and it's also going to require Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 the erection and the placement of the bus shelters. I can't understand if companies that are coming in that are not local, how they can compete and do work when you have a local company here. Just as the Reverend said earlier this morning, he's asking for wisdom, and I think it would make good sense and good wisdom to have local companies do work here in Philadelphia. I also would like to invoke the spirit of Ferguson. I'd like to put my hands up, and those hands are up for making sure that we get fair -- we're asking for help, and I represent black contractors and also specifically black businesses here in Philadelphia. So we need help, and that's why we have our hands up. For Staten Island, in that spirit, it's not that I can't breathe, but I can't eat if I don't get the local and equitable opportunities to do work here. I can't employ here and I can't put people to work. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 I have 30 seconds. And then, lastly, just to give homage to speak about a great person that believed in community and local work is the passing of Marion Barry. He made sure that things were local and that African Americans in his city got work. And that's all I have to say.

Thank you, Al. (Applause.)

Rosslyn Wuchinich, commenting on 140860; Hanford Jones, commenting on 140275; Sarah Giskin, commenting on Councilman Johnson's minimum wage resolution introduced today; Justin Murden, also commenting on Councilman Johnson's minimum wage resolution introduced today; and David Feldman, commenting on 140915. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Rosslyn Wuchinich. I am the President of Unite Here Local 274. Unite Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Here in Philadelphia is over 5,000 food service, hotel, and casino workers. I'm here today to comment on two bills. The first is 140860, hotel labor peace. We feel very strongly that this bill will protect the City's investment in hotels. The Philadelphia Inquirer report in 2010 that Philadelphia is losing out on up to $30 million in union convention business and, therefore, union hotel stays, in words of AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka, labor peace enhances the marketability of Philadelphia as a meetings destination, especially for progressive groups such as ours. By passing this bill, Philadelphia will join many other U.S. cities such as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Miami, Miami Dade County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as well as the states of New York, Maryland, and Minnesota, and we urge Council to pass this bill. I had also signed up to comment in support of Bill No. 140898 on the Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 lease between Philadelphia International Airport and MarketPlace Development. On behalf of the members of our union, we support the direction the Airport is heading in. We look forward to working with MarketPlace and with the City to create an unparalleled concession program with great jobs. Unite Here Local 274 endorses the proposed lease between Philadelphia International Airport and MarketPlace Development for the management of PHL's concession program. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, Honorable President and members of this City Council. I'm commenting on Bill No. 897, the Titan 360 contract. Please, if you are really serious about inclusion, this is not an inclusion contract. Four of the firms that are listed as minority and female Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 firms aren't from Philadelphia. So for 20 years, this Council is going to give somebody a contract with minority and female firms that aren't from Philly. Two of the people who are going to do what Mr. Brown can do are from Ohio. Ain't certified in Ohio. And a lot of them from New York. The certifications are suspect, and as I testified last week in Mr. Henon's subcommittee on this bill, please don't pass it until the investigation by the City Controller's Office that I've asked for five months ago that only began to two days ago is complete. Now, I don't know what is all behind the scenes. I used to work for the City government, so I do know what goes on behind the scenes contractually, trust me. This is not the contract to pass. It is absolutely exclusive of local participation. Not one black firm is on this company's contract. Last night they put a little thing together Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 with a firm that they listed, but have given no work to the last three years. This is bad. Please don't pass it. On 898 for MarketPlace, when that contract went out, I was with the City. We had an equity ownership requirement when Woodward Advisory, the black firm, equity partner, to MarketPlace fell out. So what MarketPlace did was took the black and female employees and hired them and didn't replace the deep disadvantaged business equity owner. So black businesses lost on this contract an equity owner. MarketPlace gained black employees, which they supposed to have had all along anyway. That's a bad deal. Please don't pass it until someone looks into why the Mayor's Office of Transportation allowed the disadvantaged business enterprise equity owner not to be replaced. The 860 hotel bill, you know, this City Council here is in cahoots with Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 the unions. Outside of the laborers, there's not one black signator on any private labor agreement either with PHA, City Mayor's union, and the School Board, the union agreements. Not one black signator is on that project labor agreement if you take out the Laborers Union. And, finally, on 265, on 4601 Market, I've been asking for the minority and female business reports for over five months. Yesterday we reported later on what OEO does there reporting during that quarterly period, but in the interim, I would hope that this Council will make available the black and minority and female firms that are working on the new Police Headquarters building prior to any contracts being awarded. And please don't let my light be in vein, because I've been doing this for my entire life, and if you pass 897 in particular...

Hi, everybody. My Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 name is Sarah Giskin. I'm a senior at Temple University and I currently work two different part-time jobs right now. At one I make 8.35 an hour and at the other I make $10 an hour. And I want to encourage all the City Councilpeople to support the resolution that Councilman Johnson has introduced to have a hearing about raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, because this would have a huge economic benefit to our city. The working-class people spend a much higher percentage of their income than upper-class people do. So if the 50 percent of workers in our city that currently make under $15 an hour all got a significant raise, they would spend that money on hair cuts, on clothes, on toys, on textbooks, and everything else that they need for their life. Not only would this help to lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, but it would also create an economic boom that would directly affect small and Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 local businesses. This would create more demand, which would create jobs to fill that demand. Additionally, if the majority of workers and families in our city had higher income, they would be able to contribute much more to taxes, which go towards things like funding our public education, which we all know is direly needed. Additionally, these families would also be able to get off of welfare and food stamps and other forms of public assistance, which they currently require because their wages are so low. Instead, companies would have to pay their workers a living wage in the first place rather than relying on the government and government money to subsidize the poverty of their workers. So I just want to end by saying that nearly 30 percent of Philadelphians live under the poverty line and are struggling to get by, but it doesn't have to be this way. I was inspired by Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Elijah, the 6th grader who spoke earlier. So when we say justice and prosperity for all, let's make that a reality. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good afternoon. My name is Justin Murden. I'm a low-wage worker and I support $15 minimum wage in Philadelphia. I was born and raised in North Philadelphia. Then I went to high school at John Bartram in Southwest, and my hope is to attend CCP, Community College of Philadelphia, in the spring semester. I work two jobs. One of them is the service industry. The other one is security guard. One day I want to own my own home and buy my own car. Just like me, there are tens of thousands of families here in Philadelphia with these same dreams. Moms, dads, grand-moms, grand-pops, cousins, sisters, brothers, all working one job will soon find that they have to work two jobs or three just Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 to make a living. Yes, we're struggling. I know. I'm struggling too, families struggling. And right now my dream seems too far for me to reach. I can't save money for school. I can't plan the future. It's just not physically possible for me or any other family in the Philadelphia region. Many people have families now. How can we think about tomorrow with poverty wages today? Corporations, big businesses here in Philadelphia make billions of profits. Low-wage employers like McDonald's, Walmart, Amtrak can afford to pay us more. Did you know that the CEO of McDonald's makes over 9,000 an hour? Every hour, 9,000. That's more than I would make in an entire life of my job, which can't be on the year. It's not right. I believe I'm worth fighting for -- I mean, I believe that $15 is worth fighting for, and I would like to Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 thank Councilman Johnson for advertising a hearing on $15 an hour, $15 an hour in wages. I urge all City Council men and women to approve the request to attend this hearing. Thank you. Have a nice day. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, Councilman Clarke, members of Council. I'm here to speak on Bill 140915, the Land Bank Strategic Plan. My name is David Feldman. I'm the President of Right-Sized Homes, a local development and community development consulting company located at 1315 Walnut Street specializing in providing affordable homes and consulting non-profit organizations on affordable rental and homeownership projects, housing preservation, commercial corridors, and neighborhood revitalization. I'm also the author of a handbook issued to help municipalities and counties understand Pennsylvania's Land Bank law, an Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 executive summary of which was submitted a copy for each member of Council, and I'm also an instructor in housing and community development at Temple University. The process City Council set in place for enactment of Philadelphia's Land Bank with a thorough, data-based Strategic Plan preceding the start of operations is sound and represents best practices. The Strategic Plan that is being presented today for approval is thorough, rich in data, and skilled in its description of how reuse of vacant property will be evaluated. Using this guideline, District Councilmembers will receive strongly supported requests for property acquisition and disposition developed with community support and reflecting neighborhood directions laid out in established community plans that were enacted through an intensive community involvement process. The Strategic Plan itself was Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 developed with extensive community feedback and notification, with all materials provided online in a timely manner, allowing detailed and substantive feedback to the team developing the Strategic Plan, who responded with changes and further information along the way as the plan was finalized. The plan that Council is voting on today is not only a strong framework for the Land Bank, but is a model being viewed favorably by experts nationally who have been involved in the evolution of land banks in states throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States. Thank you for this opportunity to include my strong support for approval of the Land Bank Strategic Plan presented today and for the Land Bank of Philadelphia to begin acquiring properties and moving them towards productive reuse following the guidelines of the Strategic Plan. Thank you. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 (Applause.)

Stephanie Singer. (Witness approached podium.)

I'm Stephanie Singer, City Commissioner for elections. I'm here to testify in favor of 140990. Any attack on the U.S. Post Office is an attack on American elections. (Applause.)

We depend on the Post Office and its commitment to serve every single resident of the United States in order to have free and fair elections. Privatizing the U.S. Post Office would lead inevitably to some people being served worse or served not at all by the Post Office. That would put us at the Board of Elections in a real bind, as we would have to find another way to make sure people could vote absentee ballots or even just to maintain our voter registration lists. So I speak in support of 140990. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 (Applause.)

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. So at this time, I would like to ask Mr. Decker to read the titles of all of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.

Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 140911, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 how new charter schools would impact the performance of existing nearby schools, and to give preference to new charter schools planning to locate in neighborhoods with the fewest high-quality education choices"; and Resolution No. 140976, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Third and Sixth Wards of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 as 3109 Morse Street"; and Resolution No. 140978, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 140982, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 "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-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 140989, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Union in its efforts to protect living-wage jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer services, opposing efforts to privatize postal operations, and calling upon Philadelphians to consider this issue when deciding whether to patronize Staples"; and Resolution No. 140991, entitled "A resolution appointing Jennifer Kates, Courtney Voss, Herb Wetzel, Anjali Chainani, and Angel Rodriquez to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank"; and Resolution No.

com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 No. 140995, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 141001, entitled "A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Franklin Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1001 through 05 Vine Street, 1007 through 1011 Vine Street and 314 North Tenth Street"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 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 Twenty-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 141003, entitled "A resolution approving the assignment agreement 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 2414 East Gordon Street"; and Resolution No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 house number and street address as 2039 East York Street"; and Resolution No. 141005, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. "

Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.

Thank you, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 I move for the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and each of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize. I have to leave the Chamber. I would like to be recorded aye on all votes on the Consent Agenda and all votes individually and all resolutions at the end of today's Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Council, voting aye. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. Sorry, Mr. Decker. We will now consider today's Bill Consent Agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker, please read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will immediately be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.

Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 service contracts with air carriers, including subcontractors providing such services, who are operating at Philadelphia International Airport to secure labor peace agreements to minimize the risk of service disruptions and lost revenue to the City generated by enplanements"; and Bill No. 140860, entitled "An ordinance establishing a new Chapter 17-2200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Labor Peace Agreements For Hotels Where The City Has a Financial Interest,' by requiring a labor agreement to protect the City's proprietary interest in hotel operations which lease property from the City or are financed with City assistance"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 140862, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 140863, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the Police Department and the Director of Finance - Fringe Benefits"; and Bill No. 140804, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, by revising the Center City East Overlay use regulations for Personal Credit Establishments"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by South Street, Schuylkill Avenue, Christian Street (Extended), and the Schuylkill River"; and Bill No. 140864, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, by creating a new Central Roxborough /NCO for the area generally bounded by Henry Avenue, Acorn Street, Ridge Avenue, Hermitage Street, Silverwood Street, Leverington Avenue, Fleming Street, Monastery Avenue, Dexter Street, Roxborough Avenue, Manayunk Avenue, Rector Street, Mitchell Street, Roxborough Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Green Lane, Jannette Street, Monastery Avenue, and Henry Avenue"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 an area bounded by 33rd Street, Cumberland Street, 22nd Street, Glenwood Avenue, Dauphin Street, Sedgley Avenue, 25th Street, Dauphin Street, 29th Street, and Diamond Street"; and Bill No. 140888, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 33rd Street, Lehigh Avenue, 18th Street, Glenwood Avenue, 22nd Street, and Cumberland Avenue"; and Bill No. 140889, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 33rd Street, Diamond Street, 29th Street, Dauphin Street, 25th Street, Diamond Street, Glenwood Avenue, Oxford Street, and Railroad Right-of-Way"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Adams Avenue, Castor Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Cheltenham Avenue, Harbison Avenue, Aramingo Avenue, the Northeast Corridor Railroad Right-of Way, Orthodox Street, Torresdale Avenue, and Ruan Street"; and Bill No. 140209, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Taxes,' by providing for certain exclusions and deferrals relating to businesses distressed as a result of nearby public works projects"; and Bill No.

com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 140942, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund and the Aviation Fund to the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 140943, entitled "An ordinance authorizing an increase in authorizations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the Municipal Pension Fund"; and Bill No. 140229, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones,' by designating the Allegheny Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard and Erie Avenue Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Bill No. 130946, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain tract of land together with the improvements thereon known as 1601 Market Street,' to include an Economic Opportunity Plan"; and Bill No. 81 acre parcel of land known as 3600 North 11th Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 sublease"; and Bill No. 140940, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located at 2600 through 26 North 3rd Street"; and Bill No. 140946, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Wildey Street, Leopard Street, Richmond Street, and North Front Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 140606, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Cira South to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 2930 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 140890, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Saint Vincent Street, from Brous Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard"; and Bill No. 140891, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Princeton Avenue, from Cottage Street to Walker Street"; and Bill No. 140899, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing external steel stairs to the second and third floors encroaching on the public right-of-way at 1900 East Somerset Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 on the public right-of-way at 4632 North 5th Street"; and Bill No. 140905, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Frank LaRosa to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 829 Christian Street"; and Bill No. 140937, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Mt. Vernon Street and 17th Street; Thompson Street and Frankford Avenue; Wallace Street and 22nd Street"; and Bill No. 140945, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Charles Weiner to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 601 Jamestown Avenue"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Street; Ellsworth Street and 9th Street; Mercy Street and 11th Street"; and Bill No. 130628, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Posting of Signs,' by revising enforcement and penalty provisions relating to posting and advertising upon signs on utility poles, street lights, and other structures"; and Bill No.

140142, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code by adding definitions, duties, penalties, exceptions, prohibited acts, licensing requirements and other related items regarding provision of immigration services"; and Bill No. 140750, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-613 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Junk Dealers,' to establish additional requirements in connection with engaging in the business of a junk dealer"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 various provisions of Subcode PM of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' as it will take effect January 1, 2015 pursuant to Bill No. 120647; and further amending The Philadelphia Code by updating cross-references to Subcode PM to now appear in other Subcodes of Title 4 and in other titles of The Philadelphia Code"; and Bill No. 140892, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' by reorganizing the provisions of that Chapter into separate provisions for Rental Licenses; Vacant Lot Licenses; Vacant Structure Licenses; and Vacant Waterfront Structure Licenses"; and Bill No. 140894, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 Construction and Occupancy Code,' by repealing Subcode PM, entitled 'The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' and adopting and incorporating, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code as the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' by delaying the effective date of the Bill"; and Bill No. 140939, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' as it is amended by Bill No. 140892, by requiring the seller of a property that must be licensed under that Chapter to provide written notice to the buyer concerning the property license and other requirements of that Chapter and the property maintenance requirements of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 the Commissioner of Public Property to lease from the Philadelphia Housing Authority a parcel of land bounded by a portion of Brown Street, a portion of 47th Street, Aspen Street and Markoe Street, along with the improvements thereon, to be known upon the completion of its construction as the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center"; and Bill No. 140854, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to accept from The School District of Philadelphia title to certain parcels of land located within an area bounded by Media Street to the North, North 52nd Street to the East, Master Street to the South, and North Peach Street to the West"; and Bill No. "

Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today we will consider two bills on the Consent Agenda that deal with labor peace. The Nutter Administration has testified that labor peace requirements could have unintended consequences, although the Mayor himself signed Executive Order No. 15-11 on project labor agreements for the same reason expressed in these two bills. The difference is that the Executive Order covers only construction jobs but not service-industry jobs. But not also Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 peace for the service industry, this Administration has created its own set of unfair consequences. It has established two different classes of workers, first class and coach. It has been suggested by some that also requiring labor peace within the service industry is not big business friendly. Once again, some people dare us to choose between big business and low-wage workers. That's a false choice. But if I have to choose, I choose the people who really need representation the most, those who don't own airplanes and hotels, but some clean airplanes and hotels where they can't even afford to stay sometimes. The issue of income inequality, the issue of the have's and the have not's, the issue of the wealthy 1 percent versus the other 99 percent is a growing issue that breeds economic resentment and is not going away. Therefore, we must aim for labor peace and economic justice, Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 in the best interest of the City. So my vote will be yes on labor peace for all industries in the pursuit of economic justice. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)

Thank you, Councilman. Thank you so much. We will now consider -- I'm sorry. I lost my place. These bills have been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker shall call the roll and... Thank you. It's great to have a great parliamentarian. These bills have been read on two separate days. The question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker will call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Goode.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Henon is voting aye on all bills. Councilman Johnson. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Jones.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Kenney is voting aye on all bills. Councilman Neilson.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Oh.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye on Stated Meeting December 11, 2014

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye on all bills. Council President Clarke.

Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. (Standing ovation.)

Thank you. Councilman Squilla, on 997 you did not have that on the Consent Agenda; am I correct? Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Yes.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 140997.

A resolution calling upon the School District of Philadelphia and the School Reform Commission to analyze the financial and human impact of standardized testing, to identify strategies to minimize its use, and to request a waiver of the Keystone Exams from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to adopt assessments that better serve local needs and priorities.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. Also co-sponsor of this is Councilwoman Sanchez, Blackwell, and Neilson, and I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 140997 is adopted. (Applause.)

Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 140782-A.

An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising the size requirements for accessory structures for residential uses.

This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon is voting aye. Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilman Neilson.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140638-A. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," by amending the eligibility requirements to make eligible properties owned by certain individuals who received assistance in the acquisition of the property as part of a government or non-profit housing program.

This bill has been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon is voting aye. Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilman Neilson.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye. Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)

Mr. Decker, let me recognize Councilman O'Neill. I believe we had requested an amendment for 140831. Councilman O'Neill, you just want to make note that you want to -

I want to hold that. Thank you.

Due Stated Meeting December 11, 2014 12/11/14 - STATED - 2ND READING to the request of the sponsor, 140831 is being held. Mr. Decker, 140857.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by South Street, 15th Street, Kater Street, and 16th Street.

This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.