COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
All right. I like that. We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail, and members have already taken their seat, so we're going to start. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend William E. Grogan of All Saints Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Bobby Henon. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you, Councilman Henon, for your invitation. Ladies and gentlemen of our City Council and fellow citizens of the City of Philadelphia, thank you for this honor. Pray with me for a moment. universe, God of all creation, God of justice and mercy, God of wisdom and truth and understanding, we praise you for your goodness and your kindness to us. We thank you for the freedom with which you have blessed our country and for the hope and the courage with which you have blessed our people. Be with us here today to inspire and to direct all of our work. Purify us of all blindness and selfishness and greed. Fill us instead with your spirit of wisdom and right judgment so that we can be true servants of our people and of our city. We are the bearers of the joys and the hopes and the fears and the sadnesses of your family. Give us the mind and the heart of a grateful servant so that we can trust that your mercy and your abounding kindness will be made manifest in our work this day. We remember all those who have served us, especially those who have laid us so that we might be safe, so that we might be free. Protect all of the women and the men who serve us now, those in the uniformed service of our country around the world and those who protect and serve us in our city. Keep them safe from all harm today. Drive out all anger and fear and dissension among us so that your peace may rain in our midst. Fill our minds and our hearts and our will to regard with generous loving care our sisters and our brothers who seek food and shelter and work and learning. May the power of your presence be a blessing to us today and always. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
so much. Before we start, I would ask all guests and visitors, if you have a device, be it cell phone, whatever, that makes any noise, I'd ask for you to please turn it off or turn it on silent. I really appreciate your cooperation with that. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of May 16, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
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, we have one request for leave of absence from Councilwoman Tasco.
Leave shall be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of to welcome and thank all of our guests and visitors for coming here today. We hope that your experience here today is a pleasurable one that will cause you to want to come back. So, again, thank you for being here. I know some of you all here will be back without a doubt. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution honoring Bob Pantano. Would Mr. Pantano and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And we also have Councilman Kenney joining the Councilman and Councilman Squilla and Councilman Henon.
Today I am truly honored and privileged to have this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of a South Philadelphia icon in the music and entertainment industry. I am also proud to be supported by my South Philadelphia colleagues Councilman Mark Squilla and Councilman Jim Kenney, but also my Northeast Councilman, Councilman Bobby Henon, who are also big supporters of Mr. Bob Pantano. (Applause.)
Many of you may or may not know that South Philadelphia is home to some of the greatest icons in the entertainment industry, and Mr. Bob Pantano have been providing oldies but goodies music. And I got an old soul as a freshman Councilman, so when you're talking about Marvin Gaye, Randella -- what's the other young lady's name -- Martha Wells -- Mary Vandellas, thank you. Martha Reeves. Okay. Me and my mom used to clean on Sundays and she would be having the oldies on. But to the point, beyond the entertainment industry, I've also had a chance to work with Mr. Pantano in a variety of different charitable events. He's also a strong supporter of the annual MLK celebration down at the Landreth building in South Philadelphia. So I'm truly honored to recognize him for some of the great work that he have done. But I also want to acknowledge his wife, Ms. Debbie Pantano, who has also been an ambassador working with him, supporting him -(Applause.)
-- on the radio station, and also Mr. Tony Harris, who is Bob's executive producer, make sure that when Bob brings the oldies and goodies to us on OGL 98, he makes sure that he has a solid and smooth his radio program. And so I just want to acknowledge all the staff that are also here from WOGL. So at this time, the citation reads: Honoring, recognizing and commending Mr. Bob Pantano for his contributions on the radio, television, area concerts and his music, creativity, charity and community service. Whereas, a South Philadelphia native, Mr. Bob Pantano began spinning records at the hops in the late 1960s and in the 1970s at nightclubs. In 1971, he began his professional radio career at WCAM in Camden, New Jersey. In 1977, he pioneered the live-radio broadcast, Saturday Night Dance Party, which has entertained Philadelphia audiences with its upbeat music; and Whereas, Mr. Pantano continues to entertain and engaging crowds year after year, building a captive and loyal audience. During the past thirty-six years, his Live Radio Dance Party has been broadcast from various hotels, nightclubs, and casinos. Hundreds of thousands of Delaware Valley residents have met, danced and fallen in love to his unique special mix of music; and
Whereas, Mr. Pantano hosts the Vendemmia Festival in South Philadelphia along with his well-known Sounds of Philly Show which features some of the best local and national recording artists. Furthermore, Mr. Pantano hosted shows at Wachovia Center, Trump Plaza, Wildwood Convention Center, Penn's Landing, summer concerts in the Philadelphia and South Jersey parks, Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City Hilton Casino Hotel, and corporate functions and charitable events; and
Whereas, Mr. Pantano is on the board of directors of Variety - The Children's Charity, helping children with disabilities. He's an honorary Deputy Police Commissioner the Hero Plaque Program in Philadelphia, which commemorates the heroism of Philadelphia police officers, who gave their lives fighting in the line of duty. Mr. Pantano was also the MC for the annual Hero Thrill Show benefiting the families of our fallen heroes, both with the Police and the Fire families; and
Whereas, Mr. Pantano is involved with Church of Holy Family, Washington Township, New Jersey, where he hosts the annual Primavera Festival, the taste of South Philly at The Simone Auto Museum for Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School, plus numerous other charitable events. Mr. Pantano's other endeavors include playing a crucial role in the promotion and success of the Frank Sinatra mural on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia; and Whereas, in 2007, Mr. Pantano was inducted into Temple University the Theatre Hall of Fame and received a sidewalk plaque on the Wildwood Avenue of the Avenue of the Stars. In 2008, Mr. Pantano was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneer Hall of Fame; now therefore
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors, recognizes and commends Mr. Bob Pantano for his commitment and dedication to the community through his music, creativity, charity and community service. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Bob Pantano as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And at this time, I would like to present this citation to you and congratulate you for your hard works and effort. (Applause.)
-- we allow you to speak, Mr. President, if it's okay, we have a small -- that's your job -- a small introduction, if that's okay, Council President, before you acknowledge.
I'm not aware. What are you attempting to do, sir?
I'm overwhelmed President, members of Council, my friends at Council here, everybody in the Chambers, distinguished guests, thank you, thank you, thank you. This is a great day for me, and we've been doing this show for 36 years, since 1977. Of course a little time before that in my other lifetime in Camden. But I'm a kid from South Philly, grew up 7th and Federal, took the SEPTA buses, SEPTA trolleys and wireless trolleys to Neumann at 27th and Mifflin, hopped on the subway to Temple University, proud to be in the Hall of Fame there. So I was just a kid in South Philly that wanted to be in music. There were so many great, great guys to follow in their footsteps from South Philadelphia, so many great DJ's in Philadelphia. And all I am doing is carrying on the tradition that we started, keeping the sounds alive from the Cameo-Parkway days with Chubby Sharp, the Philly Sound with Gamble and Huff, and the disco sounds. So it's great music to work with, and we're so happy that people still enjoy all this great music. And I work at a great radio station, 98.1 WOGL. Would you please recognize them. (Applause.)
We have our General Manager and Vice President, Jim Loftus; our Program Director, Anne Gress. We have our General Sales Manager, Dave Scopinich, Mark Terruso. The WOGL family is here. They give me the opportunity to play what I like, do my thing, and it's just great being able to keep the sounds going week after week. And the other things that's important to me is the charity work. I want to thank Mr. Jim Binns, James Binns, who started the Hero Plaque Program. Jimmy. (Applause.)
He brought me on board with the Hero Thrill Show, with the ceremonies, and it's an honor to do that, because they need us. The families need us of our fallen heroes, the children. It's all about setting them in school. As Councilman Kenyatta Johnson said, we do the fundraisers in South Philly at Neumann Goretti, at Vendemmia to do something good for the citizens of Philadelphia, get the kids a quality education like I did and give them an opportunity. Everybody deserves an opportunity, and that's what it's all about. WOGL opens their doors once a year two days, they turn the radio station over to Children's Hospital, and we raise millions of dollars each year, and it's a wonderful thing. I think we're the only radio station that does something like this. So they should be commended, and I'm proud to work on such a great radio station. This gentleman here, Pat Delsi, career, gave me a shot in 1972 on WCAM in Camden on the 18th floor of City Hall. Thank you, Pat. It's been a great ride. (Applause.)
I got my fellow DJ's here; Pete Serratore, my new PR person, thank you so much; Joe Callari, Nick Teti, Tony Q, Nicky G. I don't want to miss anybody. Of course my long-time producer, Tony Harris. It's been a great ride, Ton.
If I had to spend 36 years with somebody, I'm glad it was you. I mean, really like -- it's a marriage between he and I. Every Saturday night we still have a lot of fun, and I think that's the secret of it. So ladies and gentlemen, thank you for listening, because without you, we wouldn't be standing here. Thank you very much.
We actually brought this show back at the Ripley 6th and South. We were working for Stephen Starr, who is an entrepreneur now in the restaurant business in Philadelphia, and one of our account executives went to him and said, Why don't we do a radio show. Well, are you crazy? A DJ going to fill my place? Well, the first night we did the show back in 1982, there were lines around the block and 1,000 people showed up to the Ripley Music Hall. We worked for the Blatsteins in Northeast Philly. So we've been up in your district, Bobby. I think I've worked everywhere in Philadelphia, from the Airport to the Great Northeast to West Oak Lane to Juniata, North Philly, West Philly. I also want to -- I have my family, my in-laws here, my mother and father-in-law, Sal Massara and Jean Massara. Sal was a captain in the Fire Department. Thank you for your service. Captain Massara. (Applause.)
And we have Cecil Parker here recording all this, who sings our closing song, "I think I'll Tell Her," keeps the sound of Philly alive. And I brought in the great lead singer of the Drifters, who sings "Up On the Roof" and "Under the Boardwalk," Mr. Rick Sheppard and his lovely wife. (Applause.)
Thank you, Pete and Jane, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. One beautiful guy. Nice to see you at our events. He came out. In fact, all the Councilmen come out to see our great events. Support the charities. Let's do good things for the citizens of Philadelphia, and that's what it's all about, and I'm proud to be a Philadelphian. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
We love Philadelphia. going to like this one. I want to thank John Dougherty. I am a card-carrying member of Local 98, Electricians Union, communications. Go unions. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution recognizing the Project on the Status of Girls and Young Women in Philadelphia. Would Maxine and Clarice Bailey please join the Councilwoman at the podium and those accompanying those individuals, please come also. Thank you. And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Sanchez and Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman
We have a number of organizations this morning that come together to look at and examine what is the status of women and girls in Philadelphia, and let me assure you, Mr. President, that only two of this enormous coalition will be speaking on behalf of the group. But I would be remiss not to acknowledge Girls Justice League; Women's Way; Girls Inc.; Advancing Girls; the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services; Pathway Services; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Temple University Youth Service Incorporated; the Identity Project; and ArtWell. Together, this coalition of women organizations have come together to recognize the Project on the Status of Girls and Young Women in
Whereas, a broad based coalition of organizations is commissioning a comprehensive look at the state of girls and young women ages twenty-four and under in the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the project will include quantitative and qualitative research with support from the Institute for Women's Policy Research for the purposes of providing centralized, reliable baseline data on the socioeconomic status, educational opportunity, crime and personal safety and health and well-being of Philadelphia's girls and young women; and
Whereas, the quantitative component will also establish the basis for a coordinated, data driven program and funding priorities that supports girls and young women, that creates a platform for advocacy and community dialogues on young women, and serve as a catalyst for creating policy agenda to better support the needs and interests of young girls and young women; Whereas, the qualitative research will ensure that the voices of young girls and women are firmly embedded in the project by allowing girls and young women to serve as researchers, documentarians, advocates and co-facilitators of the community conversations through electronic surveys, focus groups and multi-medium reflection of the lives of girls and young women in response to all the data collected; and
Whereas, the findings from the research will be used as the centerpiece for public hearings within each Council district to consider the implications of the project for creating stronger programs, policies, practices and funding policies that lead to girls and young women's successful adulthood; and Whereas, public policy making, resource allocation and coordinated service delivery, and educational systems would be well served to have up-to-date data that reflects the current status as well as the hopes and dreams of girls and young women; and
Whereas, this City Council resolution responds to the needs of girls and young women throughout the City of Philadelphia by supporting public hearings and an assessment of the data currently collected by its public agencies and service providers; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize this important initiative on the status of girls and young women in Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Coalition on the Status Women in Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown and supported by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Time is overdue when we need to stand up and speak up for girls. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Maxine and Clarice Bailey for remarks. (Two individuals speaking at once.)
Good morning. My name is Shakira Hansley, and on behalf of all the girls and young women in Philadelphia under the age of 24, I would like to thank you, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, as well as your staff for your ongoing support of all girls and also like to express our gratitude for the City Council recognizing the need and support of all girls and young women in Philadelphia by authorizing public hearings when we can make our face and voice heard. Thank you to the Girls Justice League and the Coalition on the Status of Girls and Young Women in Philadelphia, for you have and we know you will continue to tirelessly work to help us and support us as we are researchers, documentators, advocates, and co-facilitators to ensure that the data collected truly expresses our current situation and what we need to be great. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. After being abandoned at birth by my biological mother, I was placed in foster care. However, I was adopted at 15 months by a loving and caring single mother. She instilled in me values and morals that are still today, and even as a teenager, when everything she said to me went in one ear and straight out the other, she placed me in teen mentoring groups that were filled of other successful young women who helped me to know that it is a cool thing to be educated and a positive contributing member of society. Of course, I went on to high school, graduated, went to college, and I'm working on my first career. However, when I turn on the TV, when I talk to another girl in school or when I even read the statistics, the horrible reality hits me that being a successful 24-year-old woman in Philadelphia today makes me the minority. It is because of this that I stand here today, and my desire to advocate for girls will continue. All of these women standing behind me today will not stop our efforts until the success of the minority becomes the success of the majority. resolution today is what was needed as a vehicle to alert the public, but to also help organizations representing girls empower us to live prosperous lives. These women and girls that you are empowering today will be the force in Philadelphia that will help us with forward mobility. On behalf of the Girls Justice League and the Coalition, I would like to thank you, but I also want to ensure you that your vote will not be in vain. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Shakira. I got to tell you, I was worried that there was not going to be a step up and I was going to need a bench. My name is Erica Makowski and I'm a social worker with Youth Service Incorporated and a Board member for the Girls Justice League. First, I want to thank the City Council for passing the the status report project on girls and young women in the City and a special thank you to Councilwoman Brown for supporting this as well as Katherine Gilmore, her aide, and understanding and acknowledging the importance of this for our girls and young women in the City. I am so proud and tremendously honored to be a part of this coalition of amazing, amazing women from the City supporting this project. I have actually, opposite of Shakira, have only lived here in the City for two years, and I have seen it and met it through the eyes of a social worker. I have seen the beauty and the uniqueness of this amazing city as well as the need, and for me, the most beautiful, unique, and needed part of this city are the young girls and the young women of it. I have been blessed to hear the stories, the dreams, the hopes of these girls as well as their goals and themselves, but somehow it seems along the way some of those dreams gave way to a reality that they just weren't expecting nor hoping for and some, as we all know, worse than others. It also feels like somewhere the community support stopped listening and providing a space for those girls' voices, and to be honest, maybe there was no space in the first place. So this is the reason why these women and myself are standing before you all today. We want to support the girls and young women of this city claim their space. We want the community to support what they say and change what we need to in order for their voices to be heard and their goals to be reached. These are my goals. These are the goals of the Coalition. So I am excited and grateful to be here in this room at this time, because it feels like the City of Philadelphia is also saying we support women claim their space. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco recognizing May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Would Dr. Stacy Trooksin, Ivory Allison, and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And also joining Councilwoman Brown, we have Councilwoman Sanchez and Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Council colleague Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, Council's Committee on Health and Human Services, I'm pleased to join my colleagues and members of those who care about this issue in recognizing May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Whereas, Hepatitis is a medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver and characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ and the condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis; and Whereas, the American Liver Foundation was created in 1976 with a mission to facilitate, advocate, and promote education, support, and research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver disease and conditions like Hepatitis, and liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, taking approximately 27,000 American lives each year; and
Whereas, a as the Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses cause most cases of Hepatitis worldwide, but Hepatitis can also be caused by toxic substances, certain infections, and autoimmune diseases; and Whereas, any Hepatitis virus presents a serious medical concern and the Philadelphia metropolitan area has a high prevalence for individuals living with the Hepatitis C infection and over 40,000 Philadelphians are living with Hepatitis C, which can cause liver cancer and death; and
Whereas, the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia (HepCap) is positioning Philadelphia as a national leader in the fight against Hepatitis C by mobilizing local stakeholders to raise the public profile of this virus as an urgent health priority, identifying gaps in local Hepatitis C services, and to develop collaborative and innovative projects to prevention, testing, and treatment services; now, therefore it be Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize May as Hepatitis Awareness Month.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the American Liver Foundation and the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia as an expression of the appreciation of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco and supported by all the members of City Council. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Dr. Trooksin and Ms. Allison for remarks.
Hello. Good morning. My name is Ivory Allison, the American Liver Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Division based here in Philadelphia, and I just would like to thank Councilwoman Tasco, who is not here, Councilwoman Brown and every other Councilperson here today for this resolution. Liver disease and Hepatitis is rising. It's increasing, and Dr. Trooksin will give you a little information about that, but I just want everyone to know liver disease and Hepatitis, you hear about it and you always think negatively. Maybe you think about alcohol or drug uses. And we want to let people know that that's not true. You can get Hepatitis from going to the nail salon, going to the hairdresser, the barber shop. You can also get it from getting a tattoo, getting your ears pierced. It's rampant and it's huge and it's increasing in Philadelphia, and we want people to know that. We have plenty of programs, can know how can you get it. We have free educational programming. We can go into schools, come to your company and inform you of what's going on. Thirty million Americans have liver disease and about four to five million have Hepatitis C. And Dr. Stacy Trooksin, who is a member of our Medical Advisory Committee and the Co-Chair of HepCap, will tell you a little bit more about Hepatitis C. Thank you.
Good morning. Thank you to members of Council for passing this resolution. My name is Stacy Trooksin. I'm an infectious disease physician at Drexel University College of Medicine. I'm a public health researcher, and I'm the proud community co-chair of the grassroots organization called HepCap, Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia. But today I'm here as a concerned citizen about my city. most common blood-born infection in the United States. It is five times more common than HIV, yet has a fraction of the funding. Hepatitis C is often called the silent killer, where infected individuals are asymptomatic for as long as two decades before showing signs of liver disease associated with cirrhosis or liver cancer. Fifty to 75 percent of individuals infected are unaware that they're infected. The vast majority of these individuals are baby boomers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize the urgency of increasing the number of baby boomers aware of their Hepatitis C status by recommending that all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 be tested once in their lifetime. The reason to test is simple: Hepatitis C can be cured. Knowing your status allows individuals to get into care so they can learn how to and obtain the medication they need to be cured of infection. Philadelphia is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the fight against Hepatitis C. We have five major academic centers with liver transplant programs. We have physicians, community-based organizations, and talented staff at the Department of Public Health that are passionate about this cause and are ready to serve. We have HepCap to harness all of this energy into action but, most importantly, we have 40,000 individuals already diagnosed with Hepatitis C in Philadelphia and many, many more unaware of their diagnoses. Our citizens deserve to know their Hepatitis C status. We can do better, and the CDC says we should do better. If we don't, Philadelphia's baby boomers will eventually learn of their HCV diagnoses, but unfortunately, it will developed symptoms, like accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, confusion, jaundice, and varices, which can result in internal bleeding. Not only will this result in preventable deaths, but it will result in millions and millions of healthcare dollars needlessly spent on managing end-stage liver disease, liver cancer, and for a few of the lucky ones liver transplant. We have a cure for Hepatitis C, and now there are over 90 drugs in development that will make the treatments that we have shorter in duration, easier to tolerate, and more efficacious. I invite you all to become a champion in this effort. Support this mission and join HepCap. Members of Council, you will find information in your folders about how your districts are affected by Hepatitis C. You will also find some red and yellow ribbons that you of this cause. You'll find information about HepCap, including our website and our next meeting at the Department of Health at 500 South Broad Street on June 5th at 5:30, and we invite everybody in the room to come. We hope to see you there. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. Would the Sergeant-of-Arms please deliver 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, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am Council the recommendations of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 130326, 130327, and 130328; and I am pleased to advise you that on May 21, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on May 9, 2013; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by providing for a City cigarette tax and by authorizing the School District to provide for a School District cigarette tax; and Also an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1805, entitled "Authorization of Liquor Sales Tax," by revising the tax rate; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area," by authorizing the creation of three new keystone opportunity expansion zones; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with the St. Agnes MOB for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into purchase obligations for the delivery of electric and natural gas energy supplies for use by facilities owned and leased by the City; and An ordinance authorizing the to convey certain or all interests in portions of a parcel of land located at and in the vicinity of the Northeast corner of the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Poquessing Avenue (commonly referred to as 8205 East Roosevelt Boulevard); and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire certain land in the 30th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, located along the Schuylkill River between South Street and Christian Street, known as 770 through 80 Rear Schuylkill Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use or further sublet by the City of premises located at 1211 through 13 Bainbridge Street and 1220 through 22 Kater Street; and An ordinance authorizing the to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a 90 foot wide strip of land located between Roosevelt Boulevard and 2700 Southampton Road; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and the Water Commissioner to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, under which the City would lease the East Park Reservoir West Basin and adjacent park land, and pursuant to which PAID would enter into a sublease for the Premises with the East Park Leadership and Conservation Center, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you, sir. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," and such other provisions as may be appropriate, to reduce the net profits tax burden on certain existing and new businesses, for the purpose of generating growth in existing businesses, the birth of new businesses, and the creation of jobs.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding special provisions for the area bounded by 38th Street, Ludlow Street, Chestnut Street and 37th 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 West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 4226 through 32 Powelton Avenue.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Atul Amin, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of 17th and JFK Boulevard, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of 17th and JFK Boulevard for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eighteenth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduce three bills, one of which is being co-introduced by yourself, Council President, and Councilman Oh.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey certain or all interests in portions of a parcel of land located at and in the vicinity of the Northeast corner of the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Poquessing Avenue (commonly referred to as 8205 East Roosevelt Boulevard).
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," including by providing for special tax provisions for manufacturers, and making conforming changes.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 2-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Assessment," by further providing for the manner in which assessments are determined.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have four bills, one is on your behalf, and two resolutions, one is privileged.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into a Second Extension of the Use and Lease Agreements between the City of Philadelphia and each of the airlines servicing Philadelphia International Airport.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into purchase obligations for the delivery of electric and natural gas energy supplies for use by facilities owned and leased by the City.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire certain land in the 30th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, located along the Schuylkill River between South Street and Christian Street, known as 770 through 80 Rear Schuylkill Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending Mr. Bob Pantano for his contribution on the radio, television and area concerts and his music, creativity, charity and community service.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on your behalf.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-104 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prerequisites to the Execution of City Contracts," by requiring contractors seeking to do business with the City to disclose certain demographic information including gender, race and geographic data of those serving as board members and executive staff.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area," by providing for additional zones or subzones.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1805, entitled "Authorization of Liquor Sales Tax," by revising the tax rate.
And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by providing for a City cigarette tax and by authorizing the School District to provide for a School District cigarette tax.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and the Water Commissioner to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, under which the City would lease the East Park Reservoir West Basin and adjacent park land to PAID.
That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a 90 foot wide strip of land located between Roosevelt Boulevard and 2700 Southampton Road.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing Mekong River Restaurant to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1120 South Front Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by amending the permissible locations.
And an ordinance authorizing Fond Bistro doing business as Fond Restaurant to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1537 South 11th Street.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Greene Street, west side, Windrim Avenue to Roberts Avenue.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution commemorating and celebrating the first All-Army Reunion being held on June 15th, 2013, under the leadership of the Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House.
And a privileged resolution commemorating and honoring Ryan Chalmers on his "Push Across America" challenge: crossing the United States from Los Angeles to New York City, arriving at Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 in his racing wheelchair.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 130141, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Senior Citizen Special Tax Provisions,' by providing for those circumstances where a participant in the tax freeze program authorized by that Chapter would owe less taxes as a result of a reduction in the tax rate or the assessed value of the taxpayer's property but for his or her prior enrollment in the program"; and Bill No. 130308, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Discounts and Additions to Tax,' by tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal; limiting what the Department can bill for tax years under appeal; and requiring for the tax year under appeal payment of an amount at least equal to the prior year's tax; all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130141 and 130308. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow reading this day of Bills No. 130141 and 130308. will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. I report two bills from the Finance Committee with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 130161, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, 'School Tax Authorization,' to provide for the rate and computation of realty use and occupancy tax; and adding a new Chapter 19-3900 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Realty Use and Occupancy Tax,' to provide for a City realty use and occupancy tax"; and Bill No. 130325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging receipt of the Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2015 through 2019," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
I move that be suspended so as to permit reading of the bills just mentioned. (Duly seconded.)
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. 130161 and 130325. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services report 20 bills with a
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 120591, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 15th Street, east side, Conlyn Street to Grange Street"; and Bill No. 120592, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Copley Street, both sides, Manheim Street to Clapier Street"; and Bill No. 120593, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carlisle Street, west side, Lindley Avenue to Duncannon Street"; and Bill No. 120658, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 2nd Street Brew House to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1700 South 2nd Street"; and 120785, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on West Seymour Street, from Morris Street to Wayne Avenue, eastbound"; and Bill No. 121003, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Elkins Avenue, north side, Olney Avenue to Wister Street"; and Bill No. 130124, entitled "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 a red light enforcement system at the intersection of Stenton Avenue and Ogontz Avenue"; and Bill No. 130300, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Beacon on East Girard doing business as Kraftwork to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 541 East Girard Avenue"; and 130301, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Warnock Street between Montgomery Avenue and Berks Street"; and Bill No. 130302, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on North Warnock Street, between West Montgomery Avenue and West Berks Street, west side"; and Bill No. 130303, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Adams Avenue from Aramingo Avenue to its terminus southeastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 130304, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Godfrey Avenue, from Tabor Road to Whitaker Avenue, both sides"; and Bill No. 130331, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments within the public right-of-way on Vine Street, 10th Street and Pearl Street"; and Bill No. 130353, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 319 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Pennway Street from Rhawn Street to a point approximately five-hundred fifty feet southwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 130354, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Water Street from Race Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 130355, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 58 of a two feet pedestrian use extending along the southerly side of Pearl Street, from Tenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 130358, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East Price Street from Sprague Street to Boyer Street, westbound"; and Bill No. 130379, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by amending the permissible location of the west side of the 500 block of 43rd Street and adding as a permissible location the sidewalk and curb lane of the north side of Chester Avenue from 43rd Street for 500 feet west"; and Bill No.
130380, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding the north side of Fairmount Avenue between 19th Street and Uber Street, as a permissible location"; and Bill No. 130381, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Newsstands,' including by revising the requirements relating to license issuance; location of newsstands; design of newsstands; abandonment; and removal," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion.
Thank you. Good job, Mike. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the 20 bills that were just into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded the first reading this day of the 20 bills just reported from committee. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, we have consideration of the Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee have been deemed to have had a first reading and will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. Mr. Decker, would you please 5/23/13 - STATED - 1ST READING read any other bills that are on the First Reading.
Bill No. 130255, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending sections of the /CTR, Center City Overlay District to apply special controls to an area bounded by the west side of I-95, Race Street, 4th Street, and New Street, all under certain terms and conditions."
The Chair agrees. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Passage Calendars: Nos. 120821, 130250, 130184, 130305, 130326, 130327, 130328, and 130057. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to consider the bills just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And we will now consider the Consent Agenda. The Chair again recognizes -shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent 2ND READING Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 130395, 130422, 130423, 130426, 130428, 130433, 120054, 130185, 130244, 130246, 130247, 121037, and 130227. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will now consider public comment. The public comment will go as follows: You will be given three minutes to speak on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar. If you are interested in speaking, we ask that you please sign up to the table to my left. You will speak at the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. That device has a light. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, your three minutes are up. So we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first individual.
Brendan Lynch, commenting on 130244. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, President Clarke and members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to address you today. My name is Brendan Lynch. I'm an attorney with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. As you know, we represent low-income Philadelphians in a variety of civil legal matters. I'm technically addressing Bill 130244, an ordinance which authorizes transfers in appropriations from the General Fund. The main point I want to make today is that Council has the opportunity when considering appropriations to appropriate a small amount that we believe will pay big dividends. There's a huge problem in the City of Philadelphia of people with criminal record being denied employment. As you may know, the Attorney General's Reentry Council has estimated that as many as one in three Americans have a criminal record. The number in Philly may be even higher. Over 90 percent of employers now do criminal background checks. Just this past week, I've been assisting one of your constituents, a Philadelphia resident, who is desperately trying to find work, who has applied to multiple people and has been told by multiple employers in the healthcare field in the Philly region, You are qualified to work here, but we can't hire you until you clean your record. And this is a woman who has never been convicted of any charges, and she is being denied employment. She's not paying wage tax. She's not paying other taxes. We'd like to help her do that. I'm sure you all remember the incident last week where 3,000 people showed up at a job fair because they're desperate to find work, and the reason they're so anxious for City help is that they're being turned away due to their criminal records. Fortunately, many criminal records can be expunged. Arrest records can be expunged. Summary offenses can often be expunged, and the General Assembly in Harrisburg is considering legislation that might expand the number of offenses that can be taken off of somebody's record to include certain misdemeanors, and this can be a life-changing thing for the people involved. We are, therefore, urging City Council to fund our office to do expungement cases. We do them regularly. We do them successfully, and we don't charge the approximately thousand dollars, which is the going rate for the private bar, but we can only do that if we have the staff to do it. And without getting into our financial picture, times are really tough and we need to be able to fund the work that we do. We are asking Council to fund us to the tune of approximately a hundred thousand dollars. We believe based on data provided by the Economy League, solid numbers, people who have looked at the actual economic benefits of expungement, that a small investment could generate up to $6 million in tax revenue and savings. That's both wage taxes, that's reduced spending on people who have no alternative but to return to a life of crime. And we think that a $60 return for each dollar invested would be an excellent investment of taxpayer dollars, and we ask City Council to consider that strongly. Thank you very much.
Gina Apuzzo, commenting on 130225. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I have a copy of my statement if Council would like a copy. My name is Gina Apuzzo. I'm a resident of Philadelphia and I work as a dance educator in the City. I volunteer in a financial accountability group called PhARE, Philadelphians Allied for a Responsible Economy. In November of 2011, myself and 13 others staged a citizens foreclosure at the Wells Fargo on 17th and Market. We foreclosed on Wells Fargo because of their racist predatory lending, tax dodging, illegal foreclosure practices, and duping the City into swap deals that hemorrhaged millions of dollars from our already suffering School District. But the people of Philadelphia believed we had a right to be there that day to demand that Wells Fargo stop hurting our City. In February of this year, we were found not guilty of the charges resulting from our citizens foreclosure by a jury of our peers. (Applause.)
And to me that means the people of Philadelphia have found Wells Fargo guilty of their abominable banking practices. (Applause.)
I ask Council to vote no on Bill 130225. Because of the swaps that involved Wells Fargo, we are currently bleeding 12 percent of our school's budget in interest payments alone, which amounts to $280 million. That's $280 million going into the pockets of Wells Fargo CEOs while we are in a $304 million school deficit and closing 23 public schools this year. We need to put Wells Fargo into a month-to-month contract while we push for alternatives. We must demand Wells -(Applause.)
We must demand Wells Fargo waive service fees on the school debt or refund swaps cancellation fees. Wells Fargo needs to help mitigate our school's crisis instead of profiting from it. You must delay renewing the City's payroll services contract with Wells Fargo. Thank you. (Applause.)