Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 10, 2018 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. We'll get started if the members will take their seat and visitors retire behind the rail. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Clarence Hester, a very good friend of mine. Pastor Hester used to drive me around on my first election, had some very, very spiritual conversations, and I want to thank you so much, Pastor, for making sure that you kept me in check during that particular time. The Pastor is here today from Erie Avenue Baptist Church. Would all members and guests and visitors please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Giving honor to God, to you, Mr. President, and to the members of this Council. We thank God and President Clarke for this august Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 stand before this prestigious body of servants and lift you up to an almighty God. Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, we come pausing in this moment to reverence your name and lift you up in the spirit of prayer that these deliberations may be consumed by your love. We pray that your countenance may shine upon this Council and bless them with guidance. We implore you to look down on this City and this Council with mercy and that their understanding may be enlightened by your wisdom. We pray that you sanctify their thoughts, their attentions, even their words and their actions, that all that they speak and do will bound to the honor and glory of you and the well-being of our great city. Look down on our Mayor, Managing Director, and this Council and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 together to face the serious facts of our times and to find the courage to meet them justly with wisdom, discipline, and resourcefulness. Grant to all of us an unwavering faith and the absolute necessity of an inward life and the efficacy of the dedicated intelligence and the power of an active, even sanctified goodwill. Even now, Lord, help them to seek guidance in all their worthy pursuits and ever-widened opportunities for continuing services to you and the people of Philadelphia. Grant unto this Council the victory of faith on the ideals to which we are committed to as a city. Grant our city peace, resources, and provisions as you provide this body with strength and spiritual substance, performing with great might the tasks with which our common lives yet confront us with. Meet the deeper Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 faith, service, courage, and sacrifice. Be a power within us to do the things we ought to and extend the boundaries of a full and enlightened life for all. Even now, Lord, use this body as an instrument of your glory to enhance the services and the quality of life for all the residents of this great city. This we pray, as you bless this assembly, in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, so much for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 3rd, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. On behalf of the minority, there's no request for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope your stay here is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. And, again, thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb, who will present a resolution acknowledging and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Mr. Dave Silver and those accompanying him please join Councilman Domb at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Councilman Jones, Councilman Green, Councilman Oh, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Gym.
Today we're recognizing Amplify Philly but, more importantly, we're recognizing the tech community in Philadelphia, which is our future. Everyone knows that the economic job multiplier of tech is five to one, meaning for every job in tech, we create five more jobs. Behind me today are the future of our city, the people who create jobs in our city. We need to support them. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 job, and they're making us proud of Philadelphia. And so in that light, we recently had an unbelievable event in Austin, Texas at South by Southwest, and they had their own house there, and that's a lot of what this resolution is about, but also to recognize the great work of the people in technology, many of whom are way younger than me, but that's a good thing. And, by the way, just for those of you who haven't heard me say this, one out of three jobs in tech do not require a college degree. The average income of tech is $39,000 higher. And we need to start teaching coding and technology pre-K to 12th grade in our public schools and charter schools. So having said, acknowledging and recognizing Amplify Philly, a partnership of public and private organizations, that joined together to highlight Philadelphia's startup and tech Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 as a hub for startups at the 2018 South by Southwest Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas.
Whereas, South by Southwest is a conference and festival that offers the unique convergence of independent films, original music and emerging technologies while fostering creative and personal growth; and
Whereas, South by Southwest is the launchpad for new creative content, media presentations, music showcases and films and screenings and also provides conference panel discussions, which present a forum for learning, business activities and global networking opportunities; and
Whereas, South by Southwest also provides intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders which helps spark Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, even after the festival is over; and
Whereas, Amplify Philly's initiative is the result of a grassroots community-driven effort which organizes exhibitors and attendees for a larger Philadelphia impact at what is considered one of the most influential technology conferences in the world; and
Whereas, Amplify Philly, organized by REC Philly, Witty Gritty and Philly Startup Leaders, transformed a two-story bar in Austin, Texas into the "Amplify Philly House," with two days of Philly-centric programming; and
Whereas, attending South by Southwest in a coordinated effort reflects the growing tech scene in Philadelphia and showcases our City's dynamic environment for entrepreneurialism, innovation and collaboration; and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Whereas, we in this Council are very proud of this collaboration of innovators who formed to bring Greater Philadelphia's story to South by Southwest which speaks to what a unique, vibrant, living and breathing technology community we have; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby acknowledges and recognizes Amplify Philly, a partnership of public and private organizations, that joined together to highlight Philadelphia's startup and tech community and promote Philadelphia as a hub for startups at the 2018 South by Southwest Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas.
That's it? Oh, I'm sorry. Let's give a hand. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Silver for remarks. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Thank you. Appreciate it. I just want to thank the Council for having us today and Allan Domb for putting this together. I really appreciate that. I just want to reiterate just something very special that happens when you bring in the City, Startup PHL, and corporations, Comcast and Lift Labs, but then you bring together entrepreneurs and a diverse startup community and then our music community and our artists and watch what happens when we bring all those people together to say -- to really have one mission, which is to talk about Philadelphia and the beautiful growing communities that are here, and this is what it's all about right here. So I just want to thank everyone that's on the stage and the City's support, and we're going to continue doing this and continue growing this Amplify Philly initiative to continue talking about Philadelphia's Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 communities across the country and across the globe. So thank you for everyone here and thank you for having us today. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the State of Israel. Would Ms. Robin Schatz and those accompanying her please join Councilman Johnson at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Oh, Councilman Jones, Councilman Taubenberger, and Councilman Domb, Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Squilla, and Councilman Henon.
Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
Today we have the privilege of honoring the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel, who I've had the opportunity to visit several summers ago and it was an eye-opening and life-changing experience. Being a christian, I had an opportunity to visit a variety of sites and several sites that I learned about as a young man going to Sunday school, and as a man of faith, it just encouraged me to, as my grandmother would say, keep on keeping on. And so it's an honor to have with us today Naomi Adler, who is the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and Mr. Amir Sagie, who is the Deputy Consul General of Israel in Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 York, and hopefully in the near future we'll advocate and bring back a consulate here to the City of Philadelphia. And so I want to thank all my colleagues for being up on the stage with me today. And I also want to make mention of Councilman Allan Domb, who is working with my staff as it relates to the 70th Anniversary and the variety of different activities that are going to be taking place throughout the City of Philadelphia throughout the rest of this year. And so the resolution reads: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel.
Whereas, on the 14th of May, 1948, in Tel Aviv, David Ben-Gurion declared "the establishment of the Jewish state and Palestine, to be called Israel." Ben-Gurion would serve as the nation's first and longest-serving prime minister; and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Whereas, Israel's scientific, economic, and cultural achievements are testament to the dynamism of the young nation. In only 70 years, the Israeli economy has become a leader in technology, medicine, and agriculture and the nation has developed a lasting friendship with the United States based upon shared values and mutual admiration; and
Whereas, Philadelphia has been home to a thriving Jewish community since the late 17th Century. The community is represented, in all its diversity, by an array of organizations including the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey, the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia, and the Israeli-American Council of Philadelphia; and Whereas, Philadelphia also has the distinction of being home to the Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 American History, which sits on Philadelphia's historic Independence Mall. The museum was founded in 1976 by members of Congregation Mikveh Israel, which was founded in 1740 and is the oldest continuous formal Jewish congregation in the United States; and
Whereas, since 1966, Tel Aviv and Philadelphia have been sister cities. They have since built long-lasting ties to cultural, political, and educational exchanges. The cities have come to share international status as hubs for tourism, culture, and innovation; and
Whereas, Mayor Michael Nutter traveled with a Philadelphia delegation to Tel Aviv in 2013, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, to foster positive relationships with leadership in Israel and encourage Israeli investment in Philadelphia. On Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 trip, Philadelphia's representatives met with Israeli President Shimon Peres; and
Whereas, Israel's anniversary celebration began with a torch-lighting ceremony on the evening of Wednesday, April the 18th, and culminated with a public Shabbat service, altogether comprising 70 total hours of celebration and festivities. These included an all-night beach party along a 70-kilometer stretch of coastline, as well as festivals in homage to spontaneous hora dances that filled the streets after Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the state; and
If New York and Miami had a baby, it would be Tel Aviv. Whereas, those celebrations will also include the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, which will travel to Israel in June and play concerts in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. The only Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 participate in the anniversary celebrations, the Orchestra will be accompanied by acclaimed Israel-born and Philadelphia-based chef Michael Solomonov; and
Whereas, over 200,000 people who identify as Jewish live in the Greater Philadelphia region and that community will celebrate the Jewish state's 70th Anniversary with cultural and philanthropic events throughout 2018; and
Whereas, the City of Philadelphia will formally celebrate Israel's anniversary with a series of events, including a ceremonial flag raising on May the 14th, 2018, outside of City Hall. Consul General Dani Dayan, Mayor Jim Kenney, members of Council, and other City officials will join Naomi Adler, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and Philadelphia's Jewish Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Israel's foundation in 1948; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that this body hereby acknowledges and celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel. We say congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Adler for remarks.
Thank you. It is such an honor to be with you today to celebrate this special relationship between Philadelphia and Israel. I'd personally like to thank resolution sponsors Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Councilman Allan Domb, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, Councilman Brian O'Neill, Councilman David Oh, and of course all members of City Council for adding their signatures. I am so proud to have the Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 the strong bonds Philadelphia shares with Israel. Business-to-business partnerships are flourishing, and we continue to work together to share best practices on security, technology, and of course infrastructure. How wonderful it is to have a high tech day and have the discussion about Israel today. Philadelphia's sister city relationship with Tel Aviv unites two cities that are both emerging as global hubs of leadership and innovation and education, and both cities share an allegiance to the principles of brotherly and sisterly love, a heartfelt commitment to celebrating diversity, to upholding LGBTQ and gender equality, and protecting and empowering our communities' most vulnerable neighbors. This resolution means so much to us at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. At the Jewish Federation we serve vulnerable populations here in Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 world. We inspire community engagement and to support Jewish life and learning. We are so grateful that the City of Philadelphia has always shown tremendous support for our priorities as well as our local Jewish communities. That's why it's so wonderful to be here today to join together in celebration of Philadelphia's Jewish population and those who are with them and share in our mutual love and dedication to the Jewish homeland of Israel. If you are looking for more ways to celebrate Israel, we have plenty of local opportunities coming up. Next Monday please all join us on May 14 as we once again come together at City Hall with Mayor Kenney for the City of Philadelphia's first-ever raising of the Israeli flag over Philadelphia. This is a historic moment. I hope all of you will join us for this special ceremony, which will start at 1:00 p.m. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 with the Citizens Diplomacy International to celebrate our sister city relationship with Tel Aviv at, where else, Sister Cities Park. From June 5th to June 28th the park will feature Humans of Tel Aviv, a public art exhibition that celebrates Tel Aviv's diversity and vitality. Thank you again for joining Philadelphia's Jewish community to celebrate this momentous moment of Israel's 70th anniversary. We hope you will help us keep the celebration going at many of the events to come. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning all, your Honorable President Clarke, members of Council Johnson and all members of Council that co-sponsored this amazing resolution. I'm extremely honored and privileged to be here and bring greetings from the eternal capital of the Jewish people, Jerusalem, our capital, and also Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Aviv, a very nice city as well. And it really gives me a great honor to be here and represent the State of Israel on this very, very festivity day and to thank all of you for bringing this today and hosting us today here at this Chambers. I just want to share a small story with you. In the heart of Jerusalem, in the heart of our capital, there's a very interesting park called the Liberty Bell Park, and I grew up in that city knowing that there is a Liberty Park in the center of Jerusalem, and I never dreamt that those days when I was playing at that park that I would be standing here in the actual place where the Liberty Bell is and bring greetings from the people of Israel. So thank you all. Israel is extremely proud to be 70 years old. We've done a lot. We've achieved a lot, but this has not been possible without the amazing help of the Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 United States, the people of the United States, and the people of Philadelphia as well. So thank you all for everything you've done and you will do for us. And we are there to -- as we heard in the resolution, we are protecting the same values. We are sharing the same ideologies and ideas, and we'll continue this amazing relationship for another 70 years. So thank you all, and have a great day. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Stephen S. Tang. Would Dr. Tang and those accompanying him Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Green, Councilman Oh, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Taubenberger, and Councilwoman Parker and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to all of those who co-sponsored it who are here with me --
Councilwoman, hold on a second. Folks, could we have a little quiet, please. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. We thank all those who co-sponsored it, and of course all members signed it. A special thanks to Councilman Oh, who agreed to yield to me Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 this, because he wanted to stand where I am standing. Thank you, Councilman. Resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Stephen S. Tang for his work at the University City Science Center and his leadership in technology and innovation in the City of Philadelphia. Let me say we're extremely grateful for all that he has done. We were only sorry to hear that he had moved on.
Whereas, Dr. Stephen S. Tang became President and CEO of the University City Science Center, the nation's oldest and largest urban research park, in 2008. After ten years as University City Science Center President and CEO, Dr. Stephen Tang will move to become the leader of the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based medical device company OraSure Technologies as President and CEO; and
Whereas, a Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Tang's legacy at the Science Center is the physical expansion of the Science Center Campus. Under his leadership, the Science Center partnered with Wexford Science and Technology and grew from 17 acres to 27 acres, rebranding the campus area in uCity Square; and
Whereas, Tang's leadership positioned the Science Center as a leading tech-based economic development organization in the Greater Philadelphia region. Tang transformed the Science Center from a traditional real estate focused research park to an innovation hub, connecting innovators from across the Greater Philadelphia region. He oversaw the creation of Quorum, which in almost seven years has welcomed over 70,000 entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and others to over 1,000 programs and events, and the Science Center has consistently opened up its doors to the community. I have Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 various college workshop fairs with Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown on Saturday mornings. And so we thank the Science Center for opening up its doors for the surrounding community; and
Whereas, Dr. Tang's work at the Science Center has advanced Philadelphia as an incubator of innovative ideas and companies. The QED Proof-of-Concept funding program for university technologies with market potential began in 2009. It has helped 10 technologies obtain licenses, 8 startups form, and 13 projects leverage $22 million in additional funding; and
Whereas, in addition to his good work at the Science Center, Dr. Tang also serves on several statewide, regional and local Boards of Directors. Along with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, he co-chairs the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, which bridges the gap between Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 sector; and
Whereas, in September of 2016, Dr. Tang was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) and now serves as its co-chair through 2018. NACIE members offer recommendations to the United States Secretary of Commerce for policies and programs designed to make U.S. communities, businesses, and the workforce more globally competitive. Previously, Dr. Tang served on the United States Department of Commerce's Innovation Advisory Board; and
Whereas, Dr. Tang has been a strong voice in support of immigrant entrepreneurs. When programs like the country's H1-B visa came under threat, Tang stood by his conviction that the region should do more to protect immigrants; and Whereas, Dr. Tang has used his time at the Science Center to make a Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 community. He has perhaps been the most transformational leader in the Science Center's history and leaves it extremely well-positioned for decades of successful growth. We thank him for his service and wish him luck in his future endeavors.
And I'd like to say with the permission of Councilwoman Blackwell that it's been my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Tang, definitely one of the most innovative and capable leaders here in Philadelphia. He has been so impactful in so many ways. Sorry to see him leave our city, but I'm sure he will continue to interact with us. He is very strongly tied in. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors Dr. Stephen S. Tang for his work at the University City Science Center and his leadership in technology and innovation Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Tang as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration, and recognition. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman Blackwell. Thank you, Councilman Oh. Thank you, Councilwoman Parker, and thank you for all here present, City Council President Clarke and all the members of City Council. It's really truly an honor to be here to receive this proclamation, and I'm deeply, deeply humbled. I have only one regret about being here today, and that is because the first time I was scheduled to be here, it was postponed because of the Eagles Championship Parade. And the second time Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 be here was cancelled because of Villanova's Championship Parade. So I think I'm safe in saying I'm the only person in history to ever have a resolution cancelled twice by a championship parade. And with all due respect to Council President and your capable scheduling staff, I have to wonder if you had scheduled this for mid to late June, would the result of the 76ers game be different last night? I guess we'll never know. We'll never know. So as many of you know and it's just been expressed, I'm the son of immigrants, who like so many before and after them came to this country in search of a better life. And I must admit that like children of immigrants and children of many first-generation families, I was raised to seek opportunities to belong, to stand out, and lift up others in our community. I owe that to the support and encouragement and, to be perfectly Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 honest, the prodding of my parents. So I'm so happy that my mother, 82 years young, Helen Tang Yates, is here today. (Applause.)
Immigrant from China. And my darling, darling wife, Jill Chernekoff, the granddaughter of Russian immigrants, native of Philadelphia, pioneer of Philadelphia television, who once covered the events here at City Council, and now an excellent executive coach to many senior executives in Philadelphia, including the great pro bono work she does every night for me to make me a better person. I also want to thank my colleagues in the Science Center, Matt Goldfine and Nadja Bush, for being here today as well. The poet John Donne famously said, No man is an island, and it's true. It would be impossible for one person alone to achieve all that you outline in Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 to give credit to the talented team of the Science Center. Thank you for shining a bright light on their hard work and their achievements. It's been a singular honor to leave this effective organization that's helping Philadelphia invent the future. This proclamation truly belongs to the Science Center team. Now, one of the fringe benefits of the job has been the opportunity to work with and get to know Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Parker, and so many members of Council as well. Since we're now going to celebrate our rookie of the year, Ben Simmons from the Sixers, I have to say a special shout-out to the rookie class of 2015 that included Councilman Domb, Councilman Green, and Councilwoman Gym. So your dedication to Philadelphia and support of the Science Center is one of the key ingredients for our recipe for success. I'm now more confident than ever that Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 achieve great things and get the recognition it deserves in the global innovation hub. Organizations like the Science Center will play an important impactful role in the City's future success. Leaving the Science Center has been bittersweet. I leave a capable staff and Board of Directors in place that has defined a clear path forward. And while I'll no longer be working in the City anymore, I will be watching with keen interest, and Jill and I will remain nearby in our home and experience all of it. In closing, recently a reporter asked me the advice I'd have for the next CEO of the Science Center, and I'd like to share that response with you. I think it pertains not only to the next CEO of the Science Center, but all leaders of Philadelphia. And because I was past Chairman of the Committee of Seventy, the City's long-serving advocate for better Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 government, and one that I'd like to say elected officials in Philadelphia love to hate and hate to love, and in fact, I was honored to be the first person of color to chair the Committee of Seventy's Board of Directors in its 111-year history before I was elected as chairman. And I was also happy to turn the chair mantle over to Bret Perkins, who became the first African American Chairman of that very esteemed organization. So here's my advice to you and the next CEO of the Science Center: You will accomplish much if you believe our Greater Philadelphia community will be better and stronger with innovation and entrepreneurship as one of our core missions. You can also affect the lives of those who are impoverished in our neighborhoods if we include them in our mission and embrace them. I encourage you to put the community's interests first, link those interests to the interest of the Science Center's Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 stakeholders, and then leverage the capabilities of our talented team at the Science Center. If you do all that, what you will discover and understand is why we are truly the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
To Councilmembers, I encourage you to advocate for the community's interests, link though interests of those of the Science Center's shareholders and stakeholders and leverage those capabilities of our talented team at the Science Center. Thank you so much for this very, very high honor. It's been a pleasure serving you. )
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations again. Our next order of business is Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 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 and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 9, 2018, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on April 26, 2018: Bill No. 180264. And I am pleased to advise you that on May 9, 2018, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on May 3, 2018: Bill No. 180010. And I am hereby returning without my signature the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on April 26, 2018: Bill No. 170956. And I am submitting herewith Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 your honorable body a resolution confirming the appointment of Barbara Moore as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2019; and A resolution confirming the reappointment of Christopher Lewis as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2023; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Free Library of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement to lease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority personal commuters and associated equipment, and receive related maintenance and other services, for the use of the Free Library of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
222 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 from Adams Avenue to the Frankford Creek channel, striking from the City Plan and vacating Leiper Street from Adams Avenue to the Frankford Creek channel, striking from the City Plan Deal Street from Leiper Street to a point northeastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to receive an easement from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use of a portion of 3025 Meetinghouse Road; and to grant to the owners of property on the 3000 block of Meetinghouse Road an easement for stormwater drainage purposes across a portion of Poquessing Creek Park; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 in connection therewith); and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Subcode "F" (The Philadelphia Fire Code) and Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), to add sections requiring hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms in boarding homes; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of parcels of land, together with the improvements thereon, located in and about the area bounded by West Huntingdon Street, North 31st Street, West York Street and North Napa Street; and An 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 Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 thereon, located in and about the area bounded by the Schuylkill River, Schuylkill River Trail, Hagys Mill Road and Port Royal Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the use by the City of premises located at 1101 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with Why Partners, Limited Partnership, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1425 Arch Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner, the Revenue Commissioner and the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority pursuant to which the City will assume Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 contract the Authority will enter into with Census USA, Incorporated, to provide, maintain and operate facilities and equipment for the automated collection and delivery of water usage data to the Revenue Department or other designated City department, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have to leave Chambers on Council business. In my absence if I'm not back in time for bills and resolutions, I want to be recorded voting Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 aye on all bills and resolutions, with the exception of Resolution No. 180409, which may be held by the sponsor. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. The record shall reflect that. I'm sorry. I was going to ask somebody to give somebody a Halls or something. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I too want to echo the sentiments that were just expressed by Councilman Henon. I do have to leave the Chambers, but would also like the record to reflect that I am responding accordingly.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted and the record shall reflect your vote. Thank you. Thank you. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania, and to approve the proposed addition to 3900 Walnut Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 160145) approved April 19, 2016, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 44 by placing on the City Plan Thirty-Seventh Street from Market Street to Filbert Street and from Filbert Street to Warren Street, Cuthbert Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street, north of Filbert Street, and Warren Street from Thirty-Seventh Street to Thirty-Eighth Street.
And a privileged resolution hereby recognizing May 18, 2018 as Haitian Flag Day in Philadelphia.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and one resolution, and on Councilman Henon's behalf, I offer two bills. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Free Library of Philadelphia, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement to lease from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development personal computers and associated equipment, and receive maintenance and other services.
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 Grant Avenue, Academy Road, Convent Avenue, Willits Road, and Ashton Road.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Property to enter into a lease agreement with Why Partners, Limited Partnership, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1425 Arch Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of parcels of land, together with the improvements thereon, located in and about the area bounded by West Huntingdon Street, North 31st Street, West York Street and North Napa Street.
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 Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Brown, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Green, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Parker, which represents a super majority.
Thank you, Councilman. Trying to send a signal.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Other Businesses," to add a new Section 9-637, entitled "Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products," prohibiting offering for sale and selling certain tobacco products other than cigarettes with characterizing flavors and fixing penalties.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have four non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2022 Kimball Street located in the Second Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution also naming South 13th Street, between Fitzwater and Catherine Streets, "Louise Hanible Way"; and Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 A non-privileged resolution confirming the appointment of Barbara Moore as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2019.
And a non-privileged resolution confirming the reappointment of Christopher Lewis as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2023.
And that will be referred to committee, and the two previous resolutions will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
A non-privileged resolution authorizing requests to the Law Department to represent City Council in appeals from decisions of the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment and, if the Law Department declines to render such services to City Council, authorizing the retention of outside counsel to provide such services.
That will be on next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill for today.
An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Revised Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City, to receive an easement from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use of a portion of 3025 Meetinghouse Road; and to grant to the owners of property on the 3000 block of Meetinghouse Road an easement for stormwater drainage purposes across a portion of Poquessing Creek Park.
And a privileged Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 resolution honoring and recognizing the Centennial Celebration of the Nation's First Regularly Scheduled Air Mail Delivery.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills, three resolutions, one on your behalf.
An ordinance authorizing 618 Market Limited Partnership, to construct, own and maintain facade enhancement encroachments at 618 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing Wander Inn, Incorporated, to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2500 South 3rd Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 into an amendment to sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the use by the City of premises located at 1101 Market Street; and An ordinance amending Section 14-604 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Accessory Uses and Structures," by making technical changes to the size and siting of Roof Deck Access Structures.
Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Congratulating Roman Catholic High School Basketball Team, The Cahillites on winning the 2018 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship, the PIAA --
-- State Championship and The Philadelphia Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Catholic League Title.
It's really hard to balance all these state champions every year, but the First District is known as the District of Champions, so it goes with the territory.
I don't know, Councilman. You got a certain kind of recruitment thing going on down there. It's amazing. That's on this week's Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming South 13th Street, between Walnut and Locust Streets, as "Edie Windsor Way".
And a non-privileged resolution calling for a Philadelphia Historic Marker on the campus of Temple University, on the northeast corner of 13th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, to commemorate Edith "Edie" Windsor with a dedication on Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 September 12, 2018, the First Anniversary of her passing.
And that's on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "F" (The Philadelphia Fire Code) and Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), to add sections requiring hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms in boarding homes.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by providing for additional penalties and consequences for short dumping.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4546 North Marvine Street located in the Eighth Councilmanic District in accordance with terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
I did want to acknowledge that the first bill was introduced on your behalf.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer three privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilmembers Henon, Green, Taubenberger, Parker, Domb, Jones, Reynolds Brown, and Squilla. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing the United States Army for providing for the safety and security of the nation since its creation in the City of Philadelphia 243 years ago.
And a privileged Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 19, 2018 as Armed Forces Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring WMMR on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
Also this week'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 Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Health and Human Service Services, to which was referred Bill No. 171125, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Smoking,' by adding smoking restrictions at certain bus stops"; and Bill No. 180001, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Health Code,' by adding a new Chapter 6-310, entitled 'Sodium Safety Warning Labeling for Chain Restaurants,'" 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 Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 171125 and 180001. (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. 171125 and 180001. 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 reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 2ND READING reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 180433, 180436, 180437, 180438, 180439, 180446, 171084, 180011, 180104, 180105, 180106, 180177, 180237, and 180239. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering these bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium. There's 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'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. I want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, call the first name.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 180106, 180237, 180433, Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 180105, 180177, 180437, 180239, 180438, 180237, 180439, and 171084. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. Last week in talking to my public servants, I heard what seems to be the Philadelphia government motto: That's above my pay grade. In a city with do-it-or-die-trying patriots and heroes like Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, and others, they never uttered "that's above my pay grade." In February, the Art Museum speech, Jason Kelce never said "Super Bowl, that's above my pay grade." Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Since Philadelphia government is number one at being full of number two and steals homes from the most vulnerable sovereign people, prosecution of oath violators is clearly required, not the numerous resolutions against HUD and federal government officials that Council, Mayor, and others regularly produce. Patriots sacrifice so much for the rule of law. To allow officials to violate oath, Constitution, and laws is unconscionable. As well-paid representatives, nothing is above your pay grade. Clearly de-funding agencies and prosecuting oath, Constitution, and law-violating officials is required. The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 24 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Constitution, and laws be enforced. Jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Well, it could be a better afternoon. I agree with this gentleman that just got off the mic. We're going to have to be removing some of y'all from y'all seats, because we're tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. And as I stand here as a member of Philadelphia Tenants Union, I address Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 Councilman Jones regarding the amendment of this Bill 170854. And I recognize as I stand here as a representative of the people and with the people that essentially the amendment of this bill will nullify the intended purpose for which it was created. This is what I understand upon talking with my comrades. And I would also like to clarify exactly what bill it was that you submitted today, Councilman Jones, that you have so many co-sponsors. Was that it?
It doesn't have a number yet. Okay. So the same thing with Councilwoman Bass, the one that you spoke of that Councilman Clarke, President Clarke, is sponsoring, that has Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 no number either?
Oh, okay. All right. Well, that pretty much concludes what I have to say today. And, again, we will be removing y'all -- we're going to try hard to remove y'all from y'all seats that ain't doing y'all work. We really do mean that. Because the government is for the people, by the people. We tired of y'all public servants. You got voted in and you're not doing your job, and I have had a very -- my experience has not been good with any of y'all -- with the majority of y'all for anything that I presented to y'all, and I'm asking y'all to be here for the people, by the people, or else y'all will be removed. That includes you, President Clarke, and everybody under you. Thank you very much.
Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 5/10/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you for your testimony.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session. We will now move towards our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you can please read the title of 180433.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2201 North 27th Street, 2603 through 51 West Susquehanna Avenue, 2219 through 21 North 27th Street, 2223 North 27th Street, 2225 North 27th Street, 2227 North 27th Street and 2610 through 16 West Fletcher Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 5/10/18 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180433 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180436.
A resolution also naming South Street, between 23rd and 24th Street, "Lois Fernandez Way", to honor the life and lasting legacy of Lois Fernandez, founder of the Odunde Festival.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting May 10, 2018 5/10/18 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 180436 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180437.