Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 31, 2019 10:44 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Morning, everyone. We are going to start. Thank you. Members will take their seat. If all visitors and guests will retire behind the rail, we can get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Bonnie Camarda of the Salvation Army. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. I would ask all guests, visitors and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
Today I want to just read some scripture. It says: "God Knows Your Name." In Isaiah 49:16 say: I have written your name on my hand. What a thought. Isn't it your name -- each one of you name is in God's hands. Your name is in God's lips. Maybe you see your name in some special places, on an award or a diploma. But to see that your name Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 is in God's hand and God's lips, my, could it be? Or perhaps you have never seen your name honored and you can't remember when you had it spoken with kindness. If so, it may be more difficult for you to believe that God knows your name. But he does. Written on his hand, spoken by his mouth, whispered by his lips, your name. "Father, we just thank you because you know our name. You know each of us from the inside out. You form us in our mother's womb and you know who we are and what we do. "Lord, I pray that you will continue blessing every member of this assembly. That you will give them wisdom as they make decision. That there will be transparency and integrity as never before. We thank you for the life and the commitment to serve you in the City of Philadelphia. "God knows you by name. Amen."
Amen. Thank you so much, Reverend. Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 And our next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 24, 2019. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Hold on, Councilman. Folks, going to ask you all to please keep it down. Or better yet, keep quiet. Thank you. Councilman.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 24, 2019 be approved.
It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor? (Ayes.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 (No opposition.)
Ayes have it. Journal is approved. And our next order of business is the request for Leave of Absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, leave is requested for Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair thanks the gentleman. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Chair thanks the gentleman. (Momentary pause in proceedings.) Thank you. At this time, I would like to take -- I'm, sorry. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Council President. I just wanted to take a moment to welcome a hero here who is joining us today in City Council. Kenyette Burnes is one of the founders of the "Mute R. Kelly Movement." She is visiting us here from Atlanta, Georgia. Will be speaking a little bit later, and will be doing a luncheon with her later this afternoon. But I'd just like to have her stand up and be recognized here in Philadelphia where we welcome her. (Applause.)
Thank you. Now I will give my welcome. I would like to welcome everyone who has come down today, particularly given the fact that it's around, what, 7, 8 degrees outside? You are truly committed to experiencing what it's like to have government in the City of Philadelphia. So, I really appreciate you being here. And I hope you enjoy your day here, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much. Chair recognizing Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 President. On behalf of Councilwoman Blackwell and myself, we would like to welcome the Student Council Officers of the Belmont Charter High School. If they can stand and be recognized. (Students rise.)
They are here to learn about the civic process. My understanding, that they as a body meet on a weekly basis, engage in different issues that impact not only the students at the school but also surrounding community. They have been engaged with Councilwoman Blackwell on a number of issues. And they are located in her Council district. And it's a pleasure on her behalf and myself to welcome them to City Council. They are truly the future political leaders of our City.
Thank you, Councilman. I was -- they are on the case. I was -- I was asked a question by one of the students in the Caucus Room about our process as Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 it relates to "hold/okay" on the calendar. So, they are on the case and doing their job. Thank you. Welcome you guys. Appreciate you being here today. At this time, Chair recognizing Councilman Jones who will present a resolution recognizing the Please Touch Museum. Would Trish Wellenbach and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining the Councilman we have Councilman Oh, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilman Taubenbeger and Councilwoman Gym and Councilwoman Blackwell. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)
Much better. Councilman Johnson wakes us up with his morning greetings in Caucus. So, I figured I would add Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 that component today. It is my privilege and honor to welcome from the Fourth District the Please Touch Museum. But they are a regional asset. So every Councilperson in every district in every county surrounding Philadelphia is a part of this particular presentation. And the reason we are honoring them today is that they are opening up an exhibit, an art exhibit, which I think has more relevance today than in recent history in our country considering the leadership in the White House. I'm just going to -- I'm just going to say that. It's "America to Zanzibar." And it chronicles the historical art exhibits and art pictures that particularly illustrate Muslims in America. And when I thought about this presentation, I quickly went to two pieces of art that mean something to me. One of them, and I put it on all my colleague's desk, is Yaro Muhammad. And he is, if you follow his story, a former slave. And as history predicts, he was from a wealthy family in the west coast of Africa. Because -- they believed that because he knew how to read and Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 write in Arabic with -- but also some English. That made him valuable when he was enslaved in Annapolis. He eventually, good news was, he bought his freedom. But I would have never known this had it not been chronicled in a piece of art. I would have never known that contribution and that struggle, that sojourn in the diaspora of slavery that included many tens of thousands of Muslims who came from countries in Africa who celebrated and were religious in that regard. Second one, and this is the Moor. And this was particularly important to me. When I decided to run for office, I worked for a corporation called the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation. And I have done a fairly good job. And the Board of Director said, well, if this doesn't work out for you Jones, you can come back and work for us. So, I told them no. Fill the position. The reason I did that was because of his inspiration. When the Moors went into Spain, the chieftain immediately said burn the ships. And his followers said, well, wait a minute, how are we getting home? So, he pointed at Madrid Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 and said, that is your new home. And that exhibited a certain degree of commitment to the task at hand. And so, those were two pieces of art. And they are hundreds and hundreds of illustrations in our American history that shows the contributions in trials and tribulations of Muslims in America. And again, I will end on what I said in the beginning. More than ever, it is important to recognize that contribution. Jewish Americans and Muslim Americans are the most persecuted religions in the world. And that is a fact. And so, when we learn to -- quickly at childhood learn to understand each other not demonize each other, learn to play things like games together like at the Please Touch, it creates a lifetime of understanding that serves us throughout our adulthood. And that's why this is important. And therefore, it is my pleasure recognizing and congratulating Trish Willinboro -- Wellenbach, sorry. She's going to get me -- and the Please Touch Museum on opening their exhibit, American to Zanzibar, a vibrant Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 exhibition celebrating the diversity of modern and historic Muslim communities across Philadelphia and the world through art, technology and interactive programming which will be opened to the public from February 2 to September 19, 2019.
Thank you. Whereas, the American to Zanzibar exhibit is the first project under the Please Touch Museum's new initiative to address relevant social issues and represent Philadelphia's culturally diverse populations; and
Whereas, the purpose of the exhibit is to counter the prejudice American Muslims increasingly face, open broader dialogue for families around diversity, promote understanding and acceptance and serve as the basis for future exhibition development around other contemporary social issues; and
Whereas, Philadelphia has one of the largest Muslim populations per capita of any other city in the United States as there are an estimated 200,000 Muslim residents Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 and over 50 mosques throughout the City. African-American Muslims constitute roughly a third of American Muslim population and 85 percent of Philadelphia's Muslim population; and
Whereas, the exhibit will highlight the uniqueness of these populations through voices from the community and of humor from Philadelphia's Muslim households as well as artwork, performances, collaboration with Muslim leaders and partnerships with local museums; and
Whereas, the goals of the exhibit are to introduce children and their families to diversity and commonalities in contemporary Muslim communities in Philadelphia and across the country and the world, provide a safe and positive space for children and their families to discuss Islam, demonstrate how cultures have peacefully coexisted for centuries and prepare children to become global citizens; and
Whereas, the Please Touch Museum will partner with research labs and academic institutions to develop a research Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 component to the exhibition that will measure its impact in areas including empathy, prejudice and respect for diversity in young children as well as the impact of parent engagement in helping children understand and deal with contemporary social issues; now therefore be it
Resolved for the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby recognizes and congratulates Trish Wellenbach and the Please Touch Museum for opening of their America to Zanzibar exhibit which will run from February 2, 2019 to September 19, 2019.
Further resolve that in gross, copy of this resolution be presented to Trish Wellenbach and Please Touch Museum as further evidence of the sincere appreciation and admiration of this legislative body. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Wellenbach for remarks.
Thank you. Good morning. In case you didn't know, I am Trish Wellenbach. And thank you. And I want to invite all the students Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 from Belmont Charter School to come and experience this exhibit. I will personally give you the tour. You call my office, and we will walk you through. So on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff of our beloved Please Touch Museum, it is my honor to accept this resolution acknowledging America to Zanzibar, Muslim Cultures Near and Far. A groundbreaking exhibition that, as you heard, celebrates the contribution of Muslim communities from ancient times to present day from around the globe to the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Councilman Curtis Jones, our dear friend and advocate for introducing this resolution to City Council and for your tireless support of our Please Touch Museum. You are a steadfast champion for children. You believe in the importance of early childhood learning, and you inspire us to continue in our mission to be a leading 21st Century children's museum that prepares children for success in the classroom and in life. Please Touch Museum is the fabric of our entire -- is part of the fabric of our entire Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 City. We value your connection to all the communities of Philadelphia and commit to continue to hold ourselves accountable to one of our guiding principles. To be responsible stewards of Memorial Hall and to be good neighbors to the Bark Side Community. Thank you to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for joining Councilman Jones on the drafting of this resolution and for your endless, never waiving advocacy for Philadelphia's children and their families including your staunch advocacy for early childhood education as well as arts and culture, and house those connected can create more and vibrant and engaged children. Council President Darrell Clarke and all the Members of Council, thank you for sharing in our belief that experience and understanding other cultures is a way to promote acceptance and help prepare children to be global citizens who work, play and live in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent 21st century world. We are grateful to our visionary sponsors for encouraging us to think boldly and consider the infinite possibilities that could Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 be created through America to Zanzibar, the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, PECO, the Epsilon Foundation, Bank of America, the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission, the Connelly Foundation, the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, and most especially the Mayor's Fund for Philadelphia. Through this process, we engaged over two dozen scholars, artists, community religious leaders with deep ties to the Muslim community to join us in this work, some of whom are here bearing witness to this moment. They were a critical part of the team that worked on the programming, audience development, community engagement and outreach. We invited community in to teach us how to do this. The exhibit is a joy to experience. We are grateful to the Rosenbach at the Free Library and the Penn Museum who loaned us objects such as tiles and ceramic and water colors and a Koran that dates back to 1852, 24 years older than the museum that we reside in. We engaged artists who created magnificent pieces of art that were inspired by children in communities who did work around art together and Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 taught adult artists how to make art. And possibly most importantly, out of respect to the Muslim community and their faith practice, we have created a prayer room, a safe space where Muslim children and their families can see their faith reflected with joy and respect, and where all visitors, regardless of their faith, can explore and learn about the Muslim faith in a joyful way without fear. As you heard, America to Zanzibar will be at our museum for seven months.
We expect tens of thousands of people will experience the exhibition and programming and leave with a new appreciation for how diversity brings opportunity, and how embracing difference helps us all become better citizens. How proud we are as a museum to have our work recognized by City Council in this way. From the beginning, we believed that America to Zanzibar would have deep impact on the Please Touch Museum. What we believe now, two years later, is that it has the potential to be transformative, not just for our museum but for our City and beyond. Thank you for this honor. Have a lovely Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 day. )
Mr. President, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the fact that Councilwoman Parker has a mosque that she visits all the time, Councilman Johnson has one that he visits, Councilwoman Bass has one or two actually in her district, and Maria Sanchez has several, as well. In recognizing that, I should have probably had everybody up here reading this. But I wanted to put that on the record. Thank you.
Thank you. Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown who will present a resolution honoring the African-American Children's Book Project. Would Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati and those accompanying her, please, join the Councilwoman at the podium. And we have Councilman Derek Green, Councilman Jones, Councilman Johnson and Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Councilwoman Parker and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman Blackwell. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. The children's -- children's book industry is one that is huge, has an international footprint and makes a difference we know every day in the lives of children. For the last five years, I have gone to the International Book Fair at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. And more than two-thirds of that space there is devoted to agents and publishers and illustrators who care about children's books. So for Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati to embrace this world 27 years ago is remarkable and simply speaks to the unwavering commitment to literacy when it comes to children. In that spirit, this morning we are honoring the African-American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 27th Annual African-American Children's Book Fair. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Whereas, Philadelphia struggles with a double digit illiteracy rate among those 16 and under, underscoring the extreme importance of providing children with early opportunities to learn to read and, beyond that, to develop a love for reading. And whereas, studies show that children who read outside of core schoolwork tend to excel in other aspects of their lives. Book fairs provide children with a venue to explore their curiosity and interest, and motivates children to read and read and read by offering them a wide selection of different books to browse; and
Whereas, Philadelphia's home to a diverse community of writers, representing varying cultures, background and experiences that match those of the City residents. And whereas, the African-American Children's Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest single day events for African-American children's books in the country with an average annual attendance of over 3,500 children, parents and friends. Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as the books themselves are Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, book and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attend these; and
Whereas, the Book Fair highlights books and enlighten and empower children and feature some of the most exciting children's authors from the multicultural literary community. Its goal is not merely to get children reading but to foster in them a life long passion for the activity that enriches their lives. The event is a product of the African-American Children's Book project. And whereas, Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati is the founder and CEO of the African-American Children's Book Project. As a literary consultant, she is a much sought after expert on trends in diverse books and how to incorporate these books into homes, schools and libraries. She created the Book Fair because she believed that all children should have access to books that reflect their images. With the Book Fair in its 27th year, it is clear that Ms. Sgambati's vision has resonated within the Philadelphia community; and
Whereas, this Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 year's Book Fair will have over 36 authors and illustrators in attendance and will especially feature two celebrated authors, Susan Robeson and T.R. Simon. And whereas, one of this year's two featured authors is Susan Robeson who will highlight her new book, "Grandpa Stops a War." Robeson, the great -- excuse me. Robeson, the granddaughter of renowned American musician, actor and activist Paul Robeson is an award winning documentary film and television producer, an adjunct professor in film and communications and the executive director of the Paul Robeson Foundation; and
Grandpa Stops a War is based on a true story of Paul Robeson's visit to the front lines in the Spanish Civil War to sing to soldiers, illustrated by Rod Brown. Grandpa Stops a War is Susan Robeson's first picture book for a young -- for young readers. And living in London with his family during that time of the Spanish Civil War, Paul Robeson became disturbed by the reports of the struggles suffered by those affected by the conflict. And collected Monday, food and clothing for Spanish Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 children. Robeson eventually decided to visit the front where he sang African-American spirituals and songs of freedom with such feeling that soldiers on both sides were moved. As Susan Robeson writes, in Grandpa Stops a War, while grandpa sang, there was peace; and
Whereas, renowned children's author T.R. Simon will be featured at the Book Fair. Most recently, Simon authored Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, which has received star reviews from numerous publications and is a junior library guild selection. And whereas, Zora and Me: The cursed Ground continues the fictionalized account of Zora Neale Hurston childhood adventure that Simon began in her first book, Zora and Me. Co-authored with Victoria Bond, Zora and Me won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for new talent, and was nominated for an Edgar Award for the best mystery in the category of Juvenile Fiction. And whereas, in Zora and Me: The Cursed Ground, young Zora and her friend Carrie Brown come across their friend Mr. Polk injured Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 outside his cabin. Zora and Carrie soon find themselves embroiled in a decades old mystery involving an enslaved girl named Lucia. In the words of Kirkus Reviews, Zora and Me: The Curse Ground is an extraordinary, richly imagined coming of age story about a young Zora Neale Hurston, the long cruel reach of slavery and the power of community; and
Whereas, two additional individuals will be honored for their extraordinary support of children's literacy in Philadelphia, they are Angela Foreshaw-Rouse and Grace Rustia of the AARP Pennsylvania office. And whereas, Angela Foreshaw-Rouse is the manager of state operations and community outreach for AARP Pennsylvania. There she oversees the implementation of state and national campaigns, volunteer and member engagement and community outreach throughout Pennsylvania. Her work in communications outreach has been recognized by elected officials and community leaders while educating the 50-plus population in AARP's 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. And whereas, Grace Rustia is the Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 associate state director for multicultural outreach for AARP Pennsylvania. She is an accomplished advocate for multicultural and diverse communities with years of experience and public affairs, community development and management. Grace also holds an appointed seat as the Vice Chair of the Mayor's Commission on Asian-American Affairs for which she serves as an adviser on issues and policies pertinent to Asian communities in the City of Philadelphia; and
The 2019 African-American Children's Book Fair will take place this Saturday, February 2 at Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This year's event is produced by Literary Media and Publishing Consultants. And whereas, Council has no doubt that this year's iteration of the Book Fair will meet all of the goals and expectations inspired by its history of excellence. We encourage all of the City's residents, young and not so young, to discover for the first time or once again the wonders to be found in the pages of a good back. And must I say, this is one of the best Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 organized events that I attend. Very, very worthwhile. So please, please let's support. Therefore be it resolved, that by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African-American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 27th Annual African-American Children's Book Fair. Congratulations to sponsors, volunteers and everyone. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. It is with great joy that I kick off -- it is January 31. But if you see me, you know that Black History Month is upon us. And it is with great joy that I kick off this month to celebrate 27 years. We make it happen on a wing and a prayer. But it is with much sadness because Blondell Reynolds Brown came to me. And I know -- I don't like people to keep acknowledging me when I'm doing the Book Fair because we do these things because this is what we supposed to do. But Blondell came to me and Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 said, what can I do. And she recognized that having these people over the past 15 years acknowledged in City Council was important to the City. Because you know what, we have some of the best and the brightest not only locally, but nationally. And we needed to introduce these people to you so that you can take that information back to your community. I always come with some free books. These are truly the best and the brightest. This is the 27th year. And I keep say on a wing and a prayer. We don't have any real government funding. But through the support of Cherelle Parker -- and if I say familiar, I know them, okay? We practically grew up with each other. Cherelle is probably saying, I'm not that old. Cherelle Parker, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jannie Blackwell, Kenyatta Johnson, Derek Green and Councilman Allan Domb -- and I hope I am pronouncing his name correctly -- have all supported this effort. Children come not only from the greater Philadelphia region but from around the country. We have 36 African-American children's authors and illustrators. These are the people winning Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 the awards. These are people who are being read by not only African-American children but all children, making the New York Times Best Sellers List. So, I am excited to present them. I am not going to take up a lot of time. Because you know, I'm fabulous. I can start talking about me and all my great accomplishments. But I am not going to do that this morning. You have to come to the Book Fair to hear the footnotes. You know, because I am on my way to Bologna. I'll be making presentations about African-American children's book not only in London but Paris and London, also. I am pretty global. But the four people behind me have made this event and a success. And I am going to give their name. And they'll come up and make brief remarks. And I hope that you will take the time, and especially if you are running for an elected office, you will take the time on Saturday to sashay over to Community College. Because if you have any doubts about the possibilities of the children in this City, come to that event. The possibilities, I am hopeful, they come from all corners of the City. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 So without further ado, I am going to introduce Ms. R. Simon who is a/k/a Tanya McKinnon whose mother Hildegard is with her, they came in from New York this morning. And by the way, Tanya McKinnon is one of the top literary agents in the country. Her books always land on the New York Times Best Sellers List. And I'm on bended knees trying to do an Aretha Franklin. Hope she won't call me back on that one. And then we also have Angela Foreshaw-Rouse who is with AARP, and Grace Rustia who've been very helpful. And finally -- I said I was going to take my seat. I just wanted to acknowledge a couple of people: Wells Fargo, PECO, Senior -Always Best Care Senior Services, PECO -- I mentioned that -- AARP, Independence First and especially NBC10, Telemundo 62 and the Comcast family. Now here is something else if you want to come on Saturday. The first 500 children will get a brand new book, not some throwaway book. There will be a book of the guest authors and illustrators. And if you have educators in Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 your loop, all those sponsors will be giving away brand new books of our guest authors and illustrators.
Thank you for the time, because I can't be fabulous without y'all. )
Thank you so much for your leadership and this honor. I really, I'm deeply moved. I'm sure my grandfather is smiling down on us wherever he is. What you are doing is helping to keep his legacy alive. He's a beacon in these times, a beacon and a standard bearer. I think particularly for two things, speaking truth to power and what it means to be a really -- a truly engaged citizen of the world or global citizen. So, thank you again for this honor. And I hope to see all of you on Saturday. And peace and blessings. (Applause.)
Hi. I'm T.R. Simon. I am deeply honored to be here. Thank you Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. Thank you so much. And Vanesse Lloyds Sgambati, thank you so much for the Book Fair. I write for children because when I was Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 young, I came alive through literature. And it shaped who I am today, and it shaped the way in which I thought about the world. And when I was young, we didn't have as many books by young people -- about young people of color that we do today. And I think it's a blessing that today we can have an entire fair with 36 prominent authors who are writing about the experience of children of all ethnicities and walks of life. I think that's a great blessing and a great opportunity for young people. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. I am Grace Rustia. I am the Multicultural Director of the State of Pennsylvania from AARP. Thank you so much on behalf of AARP and our 38 million members, thank you so much Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and, of course, Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for this honor and for the collaboration and partnership that we do with AARP. And for highlighting the -- and celebrating the Black History Month. Thank you for this honor. (Applause.) Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Good morning, everyone. I'm Angela Foreshaw-Rouse. And I am the State Operations and Community Outreach Director for AARP in Pennsylvania. On behalf of our 1.8 million members across Pennsylvania, we are honored. And we thank humbly to our Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and all members of City Council for their support over the years for AARP Pennsylvania right here in Philadelphia as we work really hard to advocate on behalf of people 50 and older and their families to make sure people have affordable healthcare, access to wealth and living their best life in this society. We thank Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for her commitment to education, intergenerational education, that it's not just commemorating Black History Month but the work continues 365 days of the year. So we just, again, encourage everyone to come out and participate, education for all ages. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 (Council at ease.)
And again, congratulations. Our next order of business is Communications. And the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President, the Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter and today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills. Bill Nos. 181010 and 181064. And I am submit -- transmitting here with for the consideration of your honorable body. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land together with the improvements thereon in and about the area bounded by Trenton Avenue, East Auburn Street, Tulip Street and East Rush Street, all Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 under certain terms and conditions.
Mr. Decker, do you have any additional communications?
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in today's journal. And our next order of business is Introduction of Bills and Resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. Good morning, Mr. President. I offer up two resolutions this morning.
A non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania State legislature to pass Governor Wolf's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour with a pathway to $15.00 an hour for all workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
That will be on next week's calendar. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Trump Administration to maintain federal mercury and air toxic standards.
Also, next week's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one privileged resolution cosponsored by all Members of Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing Dr. Taliba Foster in honor of National Women's Physicians Day for her accomplishments and all of the magnificent work she has done in the medical community.
Today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution. And on behalf of Councilman Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Henon, two bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Berks Street, Memphis Street, Wilt Street and Tulip street.
And 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 operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum staffing level for building and code inspectors within the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
And 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 Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the Department of Licenses and Inspections and providing for the creation of a Contractor Review Board within the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
And a privileged resolution calling for the City Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold public hearings on the Administration's plan to expand the use of the Girard Medical Center Drug Treatment Facility.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for a mandatory minimum staffing level for building and code inspectors within the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of a Contractor Review Board within the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Refer to committee. Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, today I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia's living legends Joan Myers Brown, Stanley Clarke, Bill Jolly, and Solomon Jones who are remarkable figures in the areas of dance, music, literature and journalism in the Philadelphia area as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
That will be on today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, one privileged resolution and one bill.
An ordinance authorizing Timothy Lidiak, doing business as The Thirsty Soul, to install, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 1551 West Passyunk Avenue.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Anti-drug, Anti-violence Network on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary, in honoring the organization's commitment to eliminating violence and drug abuse among Philadelphia's youth.
And that will be on today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. No bills or resolutions today. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Thank you, Councilwoman. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution honoring and remembering the late David B. Glancey, former Democratic party chairman and liaison to the City for the University of Pennsylvania who passed away Monday, January 28, 2019 at the age of 74.
And that will be on today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 today.
A privileged resolution declaring February 4 through 8, 2019 as National School Counseling week in the City of Philadelphia. Recognizing the critical role that school counselors play in meeting students' academic, social, emotional and post-secondary planning needs. And calling on the School District of Philadelphia to institute the American Counselors Association recommended student counselor ratio of 250 to 1.
And that will be on today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution sponsored by nearly all members of Council. Thank you.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Boy Scouts of Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 America's 109th Anniversary in celebrating the expansion of Cub Scouts and BSA, formerly Boy Scouts, to welcome girls into its iconic programs.
And that will be on today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
And ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land, together with the improvements thereon, in and about the areas bounded by Trenton Avenue, East Auburn Street, Tulip Street and East Rush Street. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
And an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes' to authorize bicycle lanes on North 10th Street and North 13th Street, each from Spring Garden Street to Buttonwood Street; and establishing no stopping regulations within the same limits.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Port Authority Transit Corporation, PATCO, on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.
Today's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Bank to dispose of 5323 through 27 Lena Street located in the 8th Councilmanic district.
And that will be on next week's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution co-introduced by Councilman Blackwell and cosponsored by Councilman Domb, Parker, Green, Bass and Reynolds Brown. And may I be heard after the reading of the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Finance and the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative innovative Economy to hold hearings regarding the development of a responsible financial plan to meet the City's requirement to adequately fund the Community College of Philadelphia as required by state law.
Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Thank you very much, Council President. There are many things this body deals with many times reactively to problems that come before us, but also proactively. I think we can all agree that one of the ways that we can deal with many of the problems we face -- violence, homelessness, addiction -- is by providing people the opportunity to become the kind of people that they would like to be. Public education, critically important. And part of that is the wonderful institution that we have Community College of Philadelphia. There are 27,000 students who attend Community College. And there they can get a two-year degree. They can take additional courses. They can get a four-year degree. In its inception, Community College under state law is to be funded one-third by the students, one-third by the City and one-third by the State. In fact, the students are bearing 55 percent of the cost, the State only provides 24 percent and the City only 19 percent. Of all the things the City should be providing money for, Community College is one that it really Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 should be providing in terms of our obligations as legislators and representatives of this City. With that, I thank Councilman -Councilwoman Blackwell for working together with me in this body to investigate how we will be able to establish a more responsible plan for stabilizing the funding of Community College so that people in our City can get a good education. With today's cost of tuition, Community College is excellent for education, job training and other great opportunities. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on today's calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is Reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Thank you. (Brief pause.) Mr. Decker, please read the report. I'm sorry.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to which is averred Bill No. 180993, entitled: "An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and Commissioner of Parks and Recreation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant to PECO Energy Company an easement for the purpose of installing transmission lines across a portion of parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Grays Avenue, Woodland Avenue, 56th Street and 57th Street, commonly known as Deritis Playground," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 day of Bill No. 180993. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly second that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 180993. All those in favor say aye? (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report on Committee of Legislative Oversight.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Legislative Oversight reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Mr. Decker, read that report. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
The Committee on Legislative Oversight, to which is referred Bill No. 170467, entitled: "An Ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City-County Consolidation,' by amending the Chief Assessment Officer's authorization to set standards for the valuation of properties for taxation purposes," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170467. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 170467. All those in favor, say aye? (Ayes.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 (No opposition.)
Ayes have it. And this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had the first reading. They will be placed on our second reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of the Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for the purposes of the calling up resolutions and bills that are on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 190021, 190022, 190036, 190037 and 180888. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar today, we Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 will have our Public Comment Session. It will go as follows. If you have not already done so, and you are in interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go into the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a podium. There is a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we would ask that you please adhere to our guidelines an conclude your remarks. Want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please, call the first name on the list.
Dr. Monique Howard commenting on 190037. (Approaches podium.)
Good morning. Good morning, City Council President and Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 City Council Members. My name is Dr. Monique Howard. I'm the Executive Director of the Women Organized Against Rape, WOAR, the only rape crisis center in the City of Philadelphia. I want to thank Councilmembers Helen Gym, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Derek Green and Cherelle Parker for their introduction of the resolution that declares solidarity and support for the Mute R. Kelly campaign. As a nation, we were witness to the narratives of the many survivors of sexual assault and abuse that were depicted in the Lifetime Docu Series, Surviving R. Kelly. For three consecutive nights, we heard and saw six hours of the horror stories of rape, child sexual abuse, sexual grooming and his sex cult. R. Kelly is the true definition of a sexual predator. He pries on mostly young girls, those who are vulnerable, easy to manipulation and most likely star struck. Some of his victims may have experienced abuse in previous relationships. His story is not a new story. We have heard about his crimes for decades. His crimes are outlined in his music and his moniker as the Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Pied Piper, clearly explains what he does and how he operates. How did this happen for decades? The answer is twofold: Race and money. Robert Kelly's victims were young Black girls, under valued and under cared for. According to a report from the Center on Poverty and Inequality at Georgetown Law, adults view Black girls as less innocent and more adult like than their White peers, especially in the age range of 5 to 14. Survey participants perceive that Black girls need less nurturing, less protection, to be supported less, comforted less and are more independent, know more about adult topic and know more about sex. These results apply that even if these girl's told the truth, no one would believe them. Chance the rapper, a musician who has worked with R. Kelly was quoted as saying: "I didn't value the accuser's stories because they were Black women." These are the beliefs of R. Kelly relied upon to protect his behavior. We must believe survivors. We must make sure that Black girls know that they matter and that they will be believed. And let us not forget money. Again, Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 decades of allegations and crimes, yet he still sells out venues and makes money for critics, for cities and for other musicians. WOAR has been providing services since 1971. In 2018, we received 5,019 telephone calls to the hotline. We have provided counseling service to 439 children who were victims of child sexual abuse. These children will suffer post traumatic stress disorder, drug abuse and other major depressive opportunities. Thank you very much for introducing the resolution. Again, WOAR supports Mute R. Kelly we believe survivors. We believe in support Black girls. We work hard to make sure Philadelphia is a safe City. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. Good morning, City Council and all that Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 are present today. Thank you specifically to Councilmembers Helen Gym, Cherelle Parker, Blondell Reynolds and Derek Green for standing in solidarity for support from the Mute R. Kelly Campaign. My name is LaQuisha Anthony. And I'm a local organizer, the Founder of Voice Victory Over Inconceivable Cowardly Experiences, a sexual abuse survivor network and the education and training specialist at Woman Organized Against Rape. But most of all, I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and campus assault. Although my story isn't one where the villain is a famous person, but it is someone who leveraged their influence over my impressionable mind. It's a privilege to be here today and to stand firmly with this resolution sending the message to predators everywhere that our City will not tolerate this behavior. But more importantly, that the voice of survivors and children matter. Banning R. Kelly sends the message that revenue is not more important than the safety and care of our women and girls. More specifically, that Black women and girls matter. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Malcolm X said this, that the most disrespected women in America -- person in America is a Black woman. The most unprotected women in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black women. But yet today as a Black woman and a survivor, this is a great step in making me feel protected, respected, cared for and supported. Banning R. Kelly would offer similar sentiments of others. It takes more than just this though. The efforts of groups like WOAR and Voice and other community partners to end sexual violence in our community, it takes dismantling systematic protections and allowances that allow predators to remain in their positions of power and influence. Today is the day we shatter those systems, making a declaration to all predators that they are not allowed in this City. And I thank you all today.
Kenyette Barnes commenting on 190036. (Approaches podium.) Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Good morning. My name is Kenyette Barnes. And I am the National Co-Founder of Mute R. Kelly. I just want to say thank you to the ladies who speak before me. Thank you to Councilwoman Gym, Mr. Chairman. I flew all the way here in 6 degree weather from Atlanta Georgia to stand in this space today to say thank you. Thank you as political body for taking a stance and saying without a doubt that Black girls matter. When may cofounder Oronike Odeleye and I decided over coffee and mutual outrage in Atlanta, Georgia to launch the Mute R. Kelly movement, it was a modest venture. We simply wanted to stop the concert in Atlanta. At that point, we gained the unanimous approval and support of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the outrage and the activism of Mute R. Kelly began around the country. While we were focused on our concert, five concerts around the country canceled. Survivors began to come forward. Our phone lines were inundated. Help us. Help us. How can we do this? In 15 months, the Mute R. Kelly Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 movement has 12 chapters including two chapters internationally in Amsterdam and Germany. We have had eight active protests and concerts -we have canceled 12 concerts in an estimated $1.75 million in lost revenue. What we are clear is that this movement is about accountability. This movement is about acknowledging that Black girls matter. This movement is about saying enough is enough, and no longer can we allow people to rest on hero worship and have the capital to buy themselves out of accountability. A very quick story before my time is up. I do have a Philadelphia connection. I am an alumni of Temple University and I worked at CHOP. Yes. I'm an Owl. In 2002 I worked at CHOP and founded a program through the Youth Study Center that looked at high risk behaviors among sexual active youth. And my original, I don't know my friend is with me. I'm out of time. I know. But it was at that point that I started to educate people about R. Kelly. 2002, I was muting R. Kelly then. 2019, I am on that mission. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our movement. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 (Applause.)
I'm Pastor Keon Gerow of the Catalyst Church. It was, in fact, Edmund Burke who put pen to paper and scribed the words: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. I am a father. I am a father of a daughter. I refuse to do nothing. Having viewed "Dream Hampton: Surviving R. Kelly," I was inexplicably disgusted. I took pause at how such a troubled person could get away with such alleged repetitive atrocities. I shutter to imagine how the lives of those young girls would be forever altered, never to be the same again. The brilliant Black sister Dream Hampton produced a documentary as a tool to systematically dismantle gender violence and give voice to the vulnerable. However, long before the documentary, a plethora of courageous women, one who just spoke right before me, were speaking truth about the Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 atrocities of R. Kelly who built an ecosystem around his predation. Much like most movements, the supports of oppressed people groups, the ground swell of supportive voices often moves at horse-and-buggy pace before justice is won due to often overwhelmingly tremendous opposition. In this case, insert fame and fortune and power, victim blaming and our desire to reimagine and reappropriate the demons of many of our "heroes" at the expense of their gift, and you have a recipe for decades long depravity. With bated breath I watched the documentary. Afterwards, I merely contacted the point person, filed trip to sexual assault ministry. Within 24 hours, a panel discussion was planned to address the issues. Panelists included Movita Johnson-Harrell, Director of Victim Services for the DA's Office; State Rep Morgan Cephas was doing great work around the subject on the state level; Teresa White-Walston from Women Organized Against Rape; LaQuisha Anthony, Founder of Voice, an incredible organization that offers resources and support for victims of sexual violence. We were intentional about hosting Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 discussion during the time of our usual midweek worship Bible study hour because it was just that important. Therapists were on standby, resources were shared, conversation was had, hearts were healed, lives were changed. Today's resolution does not directly ban R. Kelly from Philadelphia obviously as a citizen. However, it is a strong statement of support and solidarity with a plethora of voices across the country who have done with pedophiles parading on platforms for praise. Enough is enough. This is a strong statement of support for young girls who have felt disrespected, disgraced and disgusted, made to feel ignored, unrepresented, uncared for, unprotected, unwanted and less than human. Lastly, let's be clear. No one is beating up on Black men. This has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with rape. The truth be told, R. Kelly and Harvey Weinstein should be cell mates. This is not an attack on Black men, it is an attack on rape culture that mutes victims but gives voices to perpetrators. Let's believe and support Black women. Let's believe and support Black women, Brown women, Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 White women. Let's believe and support women. Let's stop muting victims. It's time to, #MuteRKelly.
Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela commenting on 170408. (Approaches podium.)
Good afternoon. Sorry I wasn't ready. Hi. My name is Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela. And I'm a full-time faculty member at Community College of Philadelphia. I'm going to try to do this pivot thing I was told to do. As a professor of English at CCP, to often I have to navigate the combative relationship to education that too many of our students arrive with. While I appreciate that they know how, that they are advocating for themselves, I'd rather spend our time together on their education instead of having to overcome Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 their previous negative experiences with education. So, I support this bill in that spirit. The criminalization of our youth in their school system is -- what's the word? There are so many words for it -- a travesty. We are -- I'm also here today with colleagues of mine to urge you to help CCP faculty and staff who have been working without a contract for over two years. This week we continue to negotiate. Finally, the Mayor's Office has gotten involved. But we need help from City Council to pressure them to first off keep CCP's Administration from illegally imposing the worst contract in the history of the college, which they have told the Mayor and many administrators they want to do. They even sent an email to all employees that alluded to this. Two, advocate for three fair contracts. We don't work at CCP to get rich. I promise you. My bank account attests to that. But we simply can't afford to go backwards. The proposed cuts and pay raises are an insult to our labor and to our students. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Three, already CCP faculty teach more students in more classes than Suburban Philly Community Colleges teach in five classes. They have smaller class sizes. And our students who are almost all Philadelphia Public School graduates looking to succeed and participate in a changing economy deserve the best we can give them. Also, please support Councilman Oh's resolution to support CCP. Our students should not pay more for their education. Our faculty and staff should not be short changed. The money is there. Clearly, our Administration needs help finding it. It's not in our low paychecks. Don't force more great faculty and staff to leave. You have folders with stars on your tables that go into more detail about the facts and what we are asking you to do. Thank you for your time. And again, I do support this bill. Thank you. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel commenting on 190022, 18105A, 181044. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019
Good afternoon. This is official decree of the people and writ of mandamus pro rata; as such, requires immediate action remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, Governor and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. News reporters fail to report this. Journalists and the Walt Disney Company tell many amusing fictitious stories. Unfortunately, the news is required to keep the people factually informed according to the founding fathers. Global and national news fails to inform the Governor that their government steals peoples homes. Choosing instead to cover a light news story from Florida. And government handing out Joseph Gerber Awards should not make a reporter of facts proud. To instruct our representatives, people require facts, not opinions. Oath violators that would use their office to plunder the people must be held accountable. While my home and my just Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 compensation were stolen and several trials by jury were denied. Twenty-five years of non-reporting this have left the governed uninformed of those constitutional law violations. The Constitution require immediate remedy of this breach of all, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381 and 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28, 26 PA CSAs 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902 and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call on the federal and commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations, to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home 1038 West Wyoming Avenue, the denial of God given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 25 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath violating and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color-of-law government must have its Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath constitution law be enforced; and jail is required for all who violate oath, constitution or law. I remind Council it takes a lot of cooperation to create an allow this monumental corruption.
Good afternoon. My name is Nyambi Royster. I didn't actually plan to speak, but when I saw the agenda, I felt compelled to. And so, I would just like to ask that Council would support the resolution for the -- to stop suspending children from grades one through five. Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 Recently, I experienced the death of my husband of 22 years, which we have four children. And he passed two years ago. And our youngest child was in kindergarten going into first grade. And I was working for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. It was devastating. I took time away from work so that I can be full time for my children. I let the school know what was going on immediately and to let them know that I was there at their disposal. If I needed to cut out pictures, take the children to the bathroom or whatever, I wanted to be available, to be of support for my child. And instead, I was kept out of the classroom. I was told that maybe I could volunteer in a computer lab. But my son was experiencing trauma as a result of that. And I was very present from the time that it began all the way until I needed to remove my son from the school because it became very punitive. He was -- everything that you can imagine happened, including them wanting to test him for mental health. However, his academic record did not support their request for wanting Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 to do so. There were many times that I felt bullied into almost allowing them to run the type of testing on him that they wanted to. In which if they did do an emotional disturbance test, it would come back positive because the entire household was emotionally disturbed following the death of Daniel. And so, what I would like to say in addition to that is when I refused to have them to test my son, DHS was called to my home within two to three days for neglect. And that's very problematic. If I wasn't able to advocate for myself and for my children, they would be in the hands of the State because I'm trying to protect them. So, there was no support that was there for me at the time they wanted me to sign the document so they could test him. The document stated that there should be advocacy list or something there to help me navigate through that system, and that was not included. So, I was in a room with professionals telling me that there was something wrong with my son, telling me that there was something wrong with me, shoving papers for me to sign. And it was very Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 emotional. And then I get a visit from DHS at nine o'clock in the evening that I needed to let in. Because if I had chose, I don't know why you're here, then that would have started another, you know, snowball effect. So, I just want to support that. And I also want to say I'm going to continue to be very active. From that, I have chose to remove my children from the school system and home school them myself with no actual plan in place. But I knew that that was not a place that my children were going to thrive and flourish. Thank you for your time.
There are no speakers in the Public Comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. And with that, we will continue with our calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190021.
A resolution calling on the United States Congress and the President of the United States to protect vulnerable citizens Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 by funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other food -- federal food assistance programs as soon as possible.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. Resolution 190021 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 190022.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Chair Stated Meeting January 31, 2019 recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly secondes. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. Resolution 190022 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 190036.
A resolution declaring solidarity with and support for the #MuteRKelly Campaign, a grassroots movement that seeks to remedy decades of silence surrounding the sexual abuse of young Black women and girls by denying R. Kelly a public platform within the City of Philadelphia and nationwide.