Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 9, 2015 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 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 April 9, 2015
I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail, and if the members will take their seat, we'll get started. Before we start, I'd ask that anyone who has a device that makes any sort of sound to please turn it off or turn it on vibrate. Thank you very much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, we have a very special guest, and the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. Wilson Goode, also our first African American Mayor, First Baptist Church of Paschall. He is here today as the guest of Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Almighty, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 eternal, and all wise God, we come remembering to whom it is we pray. You are the creator of heaven and earth, and you're not far away when we call. You are the source of all goodness, mercy, and truth, and you are also the great comforter and intimate friends of those who believe you. Your purposes are eternal and all-reaching, but you have called us your children in spite of our sin and imperfection. You know the beginnings and endings of all of our stories, but you've given us freedom and responsibilities as we live our lives. We thank you for your presence and for your provisions and for your promises. We thank you for your grace, your mercy, and your redemption and your love. We come today to pray for this Council and to thank you for the lives touched by those you have placed here to do the business of government. There are Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 - too much poverty, too many homeless men and women and children, too many children dropping out of high school, too many hooked on drugs, too many men and women in prison and too few in college, too many guns on our streets, too much bigotry, too much inequality, too much injustice, but the very length of this list drives us to you, first to thank you for the successes as we celebrate today the legacy and life of Cecil B. Moore. You've known us since we were in our mother's womb, and you know the words we now pray before we even speak them. We, therefore, pray with confidence in your guidance of this Council. May each who speak be guided by your spirit, and may the work that comes out of this Council produce a more loving and caring city. We pray for a level playing field for all of your children. We pray for equality of all people regardless of Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 We pray for justice for all. You've taught us how to do this by your examples, that no one is considered worthless or not worth the effort or disposable or dispensable or forgettable. Our children will not be called collateral damage because they are poor or defenseless or different. You've taught us that those in power should not exploit those who are powerless or manipulate those who are weak or feed on their fears for political gain. Finally, we recognize that we are nothing without you. So keep us close to you and remind us of our obligation to do justice, to love mercifully, and walk humbly before you. We ask this in your name and for your sake. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. If I can have your attention, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 26th, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 26th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 26th, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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 Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 of business to welcome and thank everyone who has come down today. We really appreciate the fact that you have taken time out of your busy day to come and witness your government in action. We hope that your experience today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for attending today's Council session. At this time, the Chair will recognize Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution on my behalf recognizing April 2nd, 2015 as Cecil B. Moore Day in Philadelphia. Would Karen Asper-Jordan and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, we have Councilman Bill Greenlee, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilman Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Goode, Jr.
Thank you very, very much, Mr. President. This is a real honor for me, as I had the good fortune to attend school, Philadelphia High School for Girls, with Cecil B. Moore's daughter. So it's real special for me as well. Recognizing April 2nd, 2015 as Cecil B. Moore Day in the City of Philadelphia as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Cecil B. Moore. Whereas, Cecil B. Moore was born in Dry Fork Hollow, West Virginia to a prominent physician and school teacher. He was a fourth generation Black professional; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore attended Bluefield State College, West Virginia College and in 1953 graduated from Temple University College; and Whereas, on April 6th, 1946, he married Theresa Lee, a high school biology teacher and daughter of a Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 three daughters; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore was employed as an Atlantic Life Insurance agent in Georgia, which honed his skills for judicial settlements in later years. In the 1950's, in Philadelphia, he was a liquor salesman, who formed friendships with those who later became his supporters. He demonstrated against additional bars in the neighborhood; and
Whereas, with Reverend Leon Sullivan he founded the "Committee Against Juvenile Delinquency and It's Causes"; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, training at Montford Point, the "Negro Boot Camp," at segregated Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. He served as 1st Sergeant of the 19th Depot, the first Black Marines to engage in actual combat during World War II, and also fought for the rights and justice for his fellow soldiers, by Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 of their plight; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore served loyally for 9 years, earning the highest rank an African American could attain, Sergeant Major. In 1965, as a founding member, the Montford Point Marine Association was formed. These brave men were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to our country in 2011. This effort was spearheaded by Congresswoman Corrine Brown of Florida; and
Whereas, Attorney Cecil B. Moore said, quote, "I was determined that what rights I didn't have I was going to take, using every weapon in the arsenal of democracy," end of quote. He felt every person had the right to equal justice and a superior defense, whether you could pay or not. We know that. His success as a winning Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 across the country. He handled cases in civil rights, landlord tenants, and employment discrimination; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore led the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP from an elite, non-confrontational organization to a formidable force of, quote/unquote, "direct action" of the people. NAACP membership grew from 6,000 to 32,000 his first year; and Whereas, Cecil B. Moore had a formidable group of men and women from all walks of life, who worked tirelessly to achieve equal rights, education, employment and justice; and
Whereas, he registered 70,000 new voters, relentlessly fought against police brutality, discrimination in the building trades, railroad, post office, Greyhound, Trail Ways, and the airline; and Whereas, his longest lived demonstration began May 1st, 1965, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 College, which at the time excluded African American children from admission, lasting 7 months and 17 days. Girard College was desegregated in 1968; and Whereas, Councilman of the 5th District, Cecil B. Moore continued to fight for the rights and services, of which his North Philadelphia constituency was entitled under the City of Philadelphia and the Constitution of the United States; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that today, April 2nd, 2015 be recognized as Cecil B. Moore Day in the City of Philadelphia. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be delivered to the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters as evidence of the sincere appreciation of this legislative body. This is introduced by our President, Darrell L. Clarke, and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 supported, of course, by all the members of Philadelphia City Council. We salute and say thank you to the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Jordan for remarks.
I would like to say thank you to President Councilman Clarke and to all of our Councilpeople here, all of our supporters. The fight for freedom is not over. The fight for rights for women, for gays, for everybody, for our children, the fight continues. And if Cecil was here today, I'm quite certain he would say -- he would fuss at some of you, lay you out, and praise some of you. Don't give up the power that you have, and whatever law there is or every proposition, make sure you keep the little man in sight and remember that Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 take advantage of the poor, the people that don't have people to speak for them. And Cecil was that man that stood up for the poor, the disenfranchised, and that person without a vote. And I want to thank all of the Philadelphia Freedom Fighters here. I don't remember everybody's name, but there's Vivian and, of course, Cecil's daughter, Freedom Smitty, Brother Butch, Dr. Walt Palmer, Bernyce Mills-DeVaughn, Richard Watson. And I just had a mental breakdown being an older person. Because we were teenagers. It's been 50 years. So I have the right to forget something. And anybody else that I forgot to mention up here, Kenneth's wife. All of us believed in Cecil and -- I'm sorry; Mr. Muhammad, Mr. Rodney Muhammad, President of the NAACP, which made us laugh. I thought the Mayor made a mistake on the radio when I heard that. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 say also that we will follow Cecil to hell. It didn't mean we would stay there, but we'd follow Cecil to hell, because he cared for us. He used us; he didn't abuse us. We were his children, and he knew we would fight injustice anywhere in the City, outside of the City. And I implore you to keep the little man in your sight, and I thank you all. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. Thank you. Council will be at ease.
Something very important I forgot. Melbourne Sherman from North Philadelphia kept the legacy of Cecil B. Moore alive in Philadelphia, and it's because of him that we are here today. It was his dream, and his dream was to make April the 2nd Cecil B. Moore Day every day, every year. So I just wanted to say that. Thank you. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you so much for that presentation, and I can honestly say if it were not for Cecil, there's no way I'd be standing here. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing the Northwest Victim Services. Would Melany Nelson and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Bass, we have Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Jones.
Well, a lot Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 happens, not just in our city but elsewhere, there's a lot of focus on how do we prevent it from happening again. There's a lot of shifting towards making sure that we apprehend who may have committed a crime, and we don't always get the attention that we need, the support, the service towards those who have been the victims of crime. And so we're here today to recognize Northwest Victim Services for the wonderful work they do in rushing in when so many other people rush in another direction to work on the very important side of crime prevention, but also for the support side of things. This is also a first responder of sorts. And so we wanted to take a moment today and just recognize them and their upcoming 5K Walk for Safer Neighborhoods. And so we have a resolution here, which reads: Whereas, the non-profit, Northwest Victim Services, will host Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 5K walk on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event will help raise money and bring awareness and support for safer neighborhoods and victims' rights; and Whereas, founded in 1981 by the Community Safety Partnership program, NVS was the first community-based victim services program in Philadelphia. Since then, six additional community-based victim service agencies in Philadelphia have been modeled after Northwest Victim Services; and
Whereas, over the past 30 years, NVS has provided free support services to thousands of crime victims and served as a leading example for non-profits and City agencies; and Whereas, NVS aims to meet the emotional and financial needs of crime victims while serving as a liaison between community members and law enforcement; and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
Whereas, in fiscal year 2013, NVS served 3,179 crime victims in the 5th, 14th, 35th, and 39th police districts at no cost; and Whereas, NVS worked closely with the District Attorney's office, the Police Department and area community groups to increase safety in our neighborhoods and spread awareness of their services; and Whereas, the first annual One Step Walk, hosted by NVS, will raise much-needed funds to support victims of crime in North and Northwest Philadelphia; now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors the Northwest Victim Services for hosting the One Step 5K Walk. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy be presented to Northwest Victim Services and Executive Director, Melany Nelson, as evidence of the sincere Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 body. Congratulations, and I'll be there walking on that -- the day of the 5K One Walk, and I look forward to seeing you all there as well. Congratulations. (Applause.)
We thank you very, very much, and please know we will do everything that we can to serve all the crime victims in Northwest Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution recognizing Stand Up for Transportation Day in the City of Philadelphia. Would Frances Jones and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, and Councilman O'Neill. And also Councilman Squilla is also joining, along with Councilman Jones. Folks, can we have a little quiet, please.
Today I am pleased and proud and honored to have this opportunity to present this resolution recognizing Stand Up for Transportation Day. Oftentimes when we talk about Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 and our economy, people really pay attention to the significance that it plays in serving as the economic engine in moving our country forward. During the Great Depression, it was Franklin D. Roosevelt who decided to invest in the infrastructure of our bridges, our roads, our railways as a means of putting people back to work. And so today we will acknowledge the significance of Stand Up for Transportation Day having SEPTA, which is the number one, most outstanding transportation agency in the country. It was recognized last year. Give them a round of applause for being here today as well. (Applause.)
But also it's important to recognize when we invest in our infrastructure, repaving our bridges, our roads, investing in surface transportation, it's also a Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 but, most importantly, jobs and putting people back to work. And so I want to thank all my colleagues for standing with me today, members of the Transportation and Public Utilities Commission as we present this resolution. And the resolution reads: Urging the United States Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fund critical transportation infrastructure, and recognizing April the 9th, 2015 as Stand Up for Transportation Day in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, April the 9th, 2015 has been designated National Transportation Infrastructure Day to highlight the tremendous economic impact of the nation's transportation network and urge investment in its critical infrastructure; and
Whereas, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 economies rely on a safe, efficient, interdependent and multimodal network of roadways, bridges, transit, freight rail, aviation, ports and inner city passenger rail; and
Whereas, the nation's roads and transit systems received a grade of "D" from the American Society of Civil Engineers in their 2013 Report for America's Infrastructure, which noted that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has the highest number of structurally deficient bridges in the nation and experiences traffic fatalities at a rate 18 percent higher than the national average; and
Whereas, the nation's highway and bridge rehabilitation needs now exceed 500 billion dollars and the state of good repair backlog of public transportation systems has grown to 86 billion dollars. Every American bears the burden of our nation's deteriorating infrastructure, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 hours in traffic and billions of dollars more for fuel, repair and operating expenses, and consumer goods as a result of the nation's congested and deficient roads; and
Whereas, investing in the restoration of the infrastructure that supports our transportation network not only enhances the mobility and quality of life for all Americans, it creates and preserves millions of family-sustaining jobs critical to the nation's economic competitiveness; and
Whereas, the federal government has an inherent responsibility it shares with state and local governments to build and preserve the transportation infrastructure that ensures the nation's prosperity and security; and
Whereas, the Highway Trust Fund that supports the Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 programs will become insolvent on May 31st, 2015, and a succession of costly annual short-term patches fail to meet the nation's basic transportation needs; and
Whereas, on National Transportation Infrastructure Day, Philadelphia's Dilworth is hosting citizens, businesses, labor organizations and community groups for one of the country's largest Stand Up for Transportation rallies, which took place this morning, to raise awareness of the federal government's essential role in providing the infrastructure that maintains America's efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness; now, therefore Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby urge the United States Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fund critical transportation infrastructure, and recognize April the 9th of 2015 as Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Day in the City of Philadelphia. And at this particular time, I want to officially present this citation to you and say thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Johnson, members of City Council. A full 40 percent of the transportation budget spent in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania comes from the federal government, and last year, a year and a half ago, the members of the State Representatives and the Senate passed an historic transportation bill, Act 89, provided needed money for transportation. Those efforts will go in vein if we do not get a federal transportation bill this May. We need to improve our ports. We need to improve the airport in Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 improve the main roads coming to Philadelphia, the Schuylkill and I-95, and we need to modernize and expand public transportation in the City. It will create jobs and improve the economy of this city. So I urge everyone to contact their Congressperson to support the transportation bill in Washington, DC. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
I would like to acknowledge our good friend and colleague from the State House of Representatives, Representative Dwight Evans, who has been a strong advocate in transportation in the state. (Applause.)
And with that, Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before we proceed with Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 business, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. With your permission and the unanimous consent of my colleagues in City Council, I would request that we stand for a moment of silence as a sign of respect for the ultimate sacrifice that was given three years ago today by Lieutenant Neary and Firefighter Sweeney.
Thank you. All please stand. (Councilmembers and audience standing.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 26 and April 7, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 26, 2015, except Bill Nos. 140906-A and 140907, which I am returning without my signature. And I am pleased to advise you that on April 7, 2015, I signed Bill No. 150144, which was passed by Council at its session on March 26, 2015. Since this bill passed, the Law Department has advised that the Office of Property Assessment's powers and duties are established by state statute as well as the Pennsylvania Constitution. OPA will retain full discretion in performing its duty to grant and review tax-exempt status, and to impose requirements in connection with that duty. Let me be clear, however. com) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 bill, and it is my understanding that the appropriate adjustments are being made by OPA. My Administration remains ready and willing to review any issues that arise. Respectfully submitted, Michael Nutter. com) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Addimando, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution reappointing Harvey Spear, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution reappointing Sheryl Bar, to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution reappointing Peter C. com) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 practice; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 140145-A, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2015 Capital Budget," as amended by Bill No. 140748, by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 140144-A, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2015 through 2020 inclusive," as amended by Bill No. com) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications, Mr. Decker?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introductions of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration and two resolutions on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes.
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, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1733 North Thirty-First Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I offer two bills, one resolution, one bill on your behalf along with myself and Councilman Squilla, and one resolution co-introduced with Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Squilla.
Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by authorizing, for the benefit of the School District of Philadelphia, the assignment or transfer of real estate tax liens on commercial property either absolutely or as collateral security, for an amount to be determined by the Department.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," by adding definitions and providing for the transition from housing inspection licenses to rental licenses in 2015.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee of Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 the Whole to hold hearings to investigate the City of Philadelphia's ability to provide animal care and control services through Animal Care and Control Philadelphia.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Street Vendors," by permitting street vending on the 5500 block of North 13th Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Pradeep Kuthiala, owner and operator of the newsstand located at 908 East Levick Street, to construct, use, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 and maintain conduits in, under, and across 908 East Levick Street.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I have three bills, three non-privileged resolutions, and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Catharine Street and 16th Street; Broad Street and Reed Street; Dickinson Street and 18th Street; Carlisle Street and Reed Street; 15th Street and Tasker Street; Carpenter Street and 21st Street; Smedley Street and Bainbridge Street; and An ordinance establishing Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 parking regulations in the vicinity of: 18th Street and Bainbridge Street; Bainbridge Street and 17th Street; Carlisle Street and Porter Street; and Carpenter Street and 20th Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: St. Albans Street and 21st Street; Packer Avenue and 15th Street; Emily Street and 16th Street; Hicks Street and Shunk Street; Carlisle Street and Wolf Street.
Those three bills will be referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Odunde festival.
And that 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 Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 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 a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1002 through 6 South Seventeenth Street, 1008, 1010 through 14, and 1016 South Seventeenth Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1642 Point Breeze Avenue.
And that will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
A non-privileged resolution calling on the Council of the City of Philadelphia to condemn the actions of Crown Holdings and to call upon the company to drop its anti-union demands and negotiate a fair contract that gives all of the employees of the United Steel Workers a fair opportunity to return to work.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of that motion? (Aye.) Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
The ayes have it, and that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March 13 through April 15, 2015 as National Deaf History Month in honor of contributions by the deaf and hard of hearing community.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 from the General Fund, the Sheriff and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for other Grants to the General Fund, the Department of Streets, the Department of Public Property, the Director of Commerce, the Sheriff and the Water Residual Fund, the Water Department; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 140145-A, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2015 Capital Budget," as amended by Bill No. 140748, by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources; and An ordinance amending Bill No 140144-A, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Years 2015 through 2020 inclusive," as amended by Bill No. 140749, by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer this morning one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution proclaiming April 2015 as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
And a non-privileged resolution urging President Barack Obama to issue an Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Executive Order to the United States Treasury to put a woman on the twenty dollar bill by 2020, marking the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have seven bills, two on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Chapter 3 entitled "Permits"; amending Chapter 6 entitled "Fines"; and amending Chapter 9 entitled "Fees"; and An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by amending Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Section 10-701, entitled "Definitions," by amending the definition of debris, and by amending Section 10-710, entitled "Dumping of Debris and Short Dumping," by providing for debris generated from construction activity to be placed in construction dumpsters; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue; and An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Belmont and Parkside Avenues; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Smick Street and Fountain Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Parkside Avenue and 52nd Street; and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Rexford Road and 52nd Street.
Those seven bills will be referred to the appropriate committees. 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 have eight bills and 16 resolutions.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 12th Street, west side, Tasker Street to Morris Street; and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 6th Street, both sides, Christian Street to Carpenter Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tulip Street, Tucker Street, Memphis Street, and Albert Street; and An ordinance amending Section 14-517 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/UED Urban Experiential Display Overlay Control District," to provide for further regulations regarding urban experiential displays; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Mifflin Street, 8th Street, Dudley Street, and 9th Street; and An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 "Traffic Code," to provide for the removal of inoperable abandoned bicycles located within the public right-of-way; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Mifflin Street, 8th Street, Dudley Street, and 9th Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, Amber Street, Hagert Street, Frankford Avenue, York Street, Aramingo Avenue, Cumberland Street (extended), the Delaware River, Shackamaxon Street (extended), Delaware Avenue, Frankford Avenue, and Laurel Street.
The eight bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 committees.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team for winning the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship, the PIAA District 12 AA City Championship and the PIAA AA State Championship game while finishing the season undefeated with an overall perfect record of 30 and 0.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Congratulating The Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team, The Generals, on winning the 2015 PIAA A State Championship and The District 12 City Title for the AA Classification.
That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
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-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next 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 First Ward of the City of Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 529 Winton Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2550 Emerald Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015
And four non-privileged resolutions reappointing Peter C. Rothberg, Sheryl Bar, Harvey Spear, and Leo Addimando to the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
And six resolutions appointing to the Center City District Chris Terlizzi, Ernest Jones, Harold Epps, Larry Howard, Peter Soens, and Julie Coker.
And those resolutions will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
A privileged Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 resolution proclaiming and celebrating May 2015 as "Older Americans Month" to recognize the diversity and contributions that older Philadelphians have made and congratulating Ralston My Way for promoting long term strategies for safe, healthy living for older citizens in Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Curtis Institute of Music on 90 years of music education and commending their directors, officers, faculty, staff and students, both past and present, for making it an institution known nationwide for its excellence.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is report from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports ten bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 140751, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by reducing the number of vendor locations permitted on the east side of 5th Street, from Arch Street to Market Street"; and Bill No. 141029, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East River Road, from Midvale Avenue to Calumet Street, northbound"; and Bill No. 150012, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan the southeasterly half of Krams Avenue from Silverwood Street to a point approximately sixty-five feet southwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 150013, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12 of The Philadelphia Code regarding towing and immobilization of a vehicle for which registration information cannot be obtained"; and Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 150092, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Lisa Lombardo to construct, own, and maintain an exterior metal staircase encroachment at 2400 South Woodstock Street"; and Bill No. 150094, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 120903) approved January 14, 2013, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 156 by striking from the City Plan Fourth Street from Allegheny Avenue to Lippincott Street,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 150095, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5800 block of Cottage Street, between Harbison Avenue and Van Kirk Street, on both sides of the street"; and Bill No. 150148, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center City"; and Bill No. 150171, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Curb Markets,' by adding and clarifying the special provisions for the South 9th Street Curb Markets"; and Bill No. 150172, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-217 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Valet Parking Zones,' by revising the boundaries of the Center City valet parking zone," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the ten bills that were just read into the record. (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 Bills No. 140751, 141029, 150012, 150013, 150092, 150094, 150095, 150148, 150171, and 150172. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our committee report, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 2ND READING I note that the bills just reported from committee have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second and Final Passage Reading.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150242, 150244, 150245, 150056, 150091, 150124, 150168, 150170, 150161, and 150169. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you. Before we vote on these bills and resolutions, we will have our public Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar today, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left, if you have not already done so. When your name is called, we would ask that you come and talk at the podium in the middle of the Council. There's a device on the podium. There's a light. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, we'd ask that you please conclude your remarks in adherence to the guidelines established by the City Council of Philadelphia. It is my understanding today that we will have an interpreter on two of the witnesses today. So we will grant more time to allow for the ability to interpret the language, the testimony. Mr. Decker, please call the Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 name of the first individual who is here to testify.
Clemente Rodriguez Moreno. (Witnesses approached podium.) THE INTERPRETER: Thank you for having me here. We're testifying on behalf of Bill 150245. My name is Clemente. My son is Christian Rodriguez. He's one of 43 students who was disappeared in September. We've come here to ask for your support to demand an independent investigation. We have scientific proof that's been verified by forensic evidence that our sons were not -- that they were not killed, as the government tells us, but instead they've been disappeared. And so we are seeking your support so that there is an independent investigation in Mexico. So thank you. We've traveled here from Mexico where we've been on a tour throughout the U.S. to tell our Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 story on behalf of the 43 families whose sons were disappeared. We want the truth to come forward. We're not being financed by any political party or government. We're being financed by people of good faith around the country who have helped bring us here today. And so we thank you for your support.
Anayeli Guerrero de la Cruz, commenting on 150245. (Witnesses approached podium.) THE INTERPRETER: My name is Anayeli and I'm sister of Jhosivani Guerrero de la Cruz, who is one of the 43 students who was disappeared last September 2014 in Iguala, Mexico in the state of Guerrero. And we know that while they were taken after a demonstration, they were taken captive by the police, by the local police, and then disappeared. And so we're here to demand Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 justice and an end to the impunity and an end to the violation of our rights by the Mexican government. And so we're demanding that our family members, our 43 family members, be presented with life the way they were taken from us. And we want justice. We want the people held responsible. We hold the Governor responsible as well as the Mayor and his wife in Iguala, Mexico. And so we're here asking you as representatives of Philadelphia to support us in this call. We're seeking to have an independent investigation to find out what happened to our family members and so that they be brought back and that they no longer be forcibly kidnapped. Thank you. (Applause.)
Lindsay Datterson, commenting on Councilman Neilson's resolution introduced today calling on the Council of the City of Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Philadelphia to condemn the actions of Crown Holdings and to call upon the company to drop its anti-union demands. (Witness approached podium.)
Crown moved its headquarters to Philadelphia in 1958. Today Crown Holdings ranks among the top ten Fortune 500 companies in the Philadelphia area. The members of the United Steel Workers Local 9176 were forced on strike September 6th, 2013. Crown demanded major concessions from the workers that included hiring new workers at wages 42 percent lower than the existing ones and rolled back to levels of 1987. And with our economy today and with Toronto's economy today, there's no way that people can live and feed their families. The United Steel Workers filed a complaint with the Ontario Labor Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 Relations Board as well. And so I'm here today to ask Council to support the resolution. I want to thank Councilman Neilson for introducing the resolution, and we want to thank the members of Philadelphia City Council for supporting the resolution against Crown Cork and Seal. These members just want to get back to work. They haven't asked for anything extravagant. They just want their jobs back. So on behalf of United Steel Workers Local 9176, we want to thank you very much, and thank you and have a good day.
Judith Robinson, commenting on 150161. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Judith Robinson here to comment on Bill 150161 regarding the Land Bank. I just would like to make sure Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 4/9/15 - STATED - 2ND READING that when property is transferred, that in the legislation at Chief Clerk's office that you have exact addresses, even if it's parcels. We in our community really would like to know how land is moving. So we would really appreciate if we could get that, exact addresses. So that's my brief comment on this bill. Thank you very much.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now consider bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 150242.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 4/9/15 - STATED - 2ND READING the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1531 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
I put forth a motion, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 4/9/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and Resolution 150242 is approved. Mr. Decker, 150244.
A resolution urging the United States Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fund critical transportation infrastructure, and recognizing April 9, 2015 as Stand Up for Transportation Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 4/9/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and Resolution 150244 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150245.
A resolution expressing sympathy for the missing students and their relatives and calling for further investigation into the disappearance, and alleged killing, of forty-three students in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico and for holding those responsible for their crimes in accordance with the Mexican and international standards of justice, introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Before I call for a motion, I want to thank and ask my Council colleagues for support of this. In the birthplace of liberty and as Martin Luther King would say, an injustice to one is an injustice to all. I thank the families, and I ask Stated Meeting April 9, 2015 4/9/15 - STATED - 2ND READING that we all stand with them as they believe and they have faith that their families and siblings are still alive, and we call on the international community to lend their support to their plight. So with that, I move the motion on this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 150245 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 150056.