Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 3, 2016 11:05 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 BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
We're going to get started. We have a quorum. I'd ask that the guests and visitors retire behind the rail, and we will have our invocation. And this morning the Chair recognizes Vicar John Nelson of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Moorestown, New Jersey. Welcome. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Bobby Henon. I would ask all members and guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.) VICAR NELSON: Good morning. I would like to thank Council President Clarke and Councilman Henon for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you this morning. Thomas Jefferson once said, I Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy as cause for withdrawing from a friend. In the spirit of coming together, something that's going to be important given the tumult of this election season, I wanted to share some words from bipartisan dialogues ongoing between Lutherans and Catholics. This document, entitled "From Conflict to Communion," delivers a message that is deeply needed not only in the religious sphere but in the political sphere as well. It states, Catholics and Lutherans have, through dialogue, learned a great deal and come to appreciate the fact that communion among them can have different forms and degrees. With respect to 2017, they should renew their efforts with gratitude, for it has already been accomplished with patience and perseverance since the road may be longer than expected; with eagerness that Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 being satisfied with the present situation; with love for one another in times of disagreement and conflict, with faith, with hope, and with earnest prayer. As we come together once more to lead and guide this great city, let us pray. Almighty God, bless the public servants in the government of this City of Philadelphia. May they do their work in the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life. Give them grace to work for our city so that our neighborhoods remain vibrant and whole, so the lost and forgotten may be supported, and that diverse fabric of our streets and wards may be a delight to all. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much for those very Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. And before we start our agenda, I would like to take a moment and I don't know if I'm -- I was supposed to say this a little earlier when it wasn't on TV, but I would like to take this moment to thank and say happy birthday to our wonderful colleague, Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Happy birthday, Councilwoman. (Applause.)
Thank you. We wish you many more. Thank you so much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 27, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 27th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 27, 2016 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 Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. On behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and thank everyone who has come down to witness their government in action. We really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one and a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Vernoca Michael. Would Ms. Michael and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Brown, Councilwoman Gym, Parker, and Councilman Taubenberger and Councilman Johnson and Councilman Green and Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. Resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphian Vernoca Michael for her exemplary service to the City of Philadelphia with special acknowledgment of her leadership at the legendary Blue Horizon and her work in West Philadelphia at the Paul Robeson House. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
Whereas, Vernoca is the daughter of the late Reverend Dr. E. Raphael Michael, Pastor of Wesley AME Zion Church, and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Michael, Second Vice President, International Missionary Society of the AME Zion Church. She is a 50 year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. And this is where it gets heavy. Vernoca is a graduate of Girls' High School of Boston, Massachusetts, attended Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for special studies, completed her Bachelor's Degree at Livingstone College and received two Master Degrees in Community Organization and City Planning and did additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Business and Finance and Law;
Whereas, Vernoca was the co-owner of and Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Blue Horizon, the No. 1 boxing venue in the World, cited by Ring and Sports Illustrated Magazines. Vernoca also became the first African American Female Licensed Boxing Promoter and established three boxing businesses. She was voted Promoter of the Year for 2009. She was the first African American Female to have her boxing on ESPN. Several years ago, she launched the Philadelphia Boxing Museum designed to highlight Philadelphia's great history in boxing. "The Blue" now celebrates 52 World Champions who have fought there. While The Legendary Blue Horizon is known for the Rocky films, Vernoca was instrumental in getting AMC to film the remake of Rocky and Disney to film Annapolis there; and
Whereas, Vernoca was featured in the Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, Ring magazine, Everlast and the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Tribune, the Philadelphia Tribune, the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Sunday Sun, The Philadelphia New Observer, the Israeli, Montreal and Hawaiian News, Sweden's Top Boxing Magazine, the English and Spanish Press, Delaware County Times and the Philadelphia Business Journal just to mention a few. She has appeared on Canadian, Swedish, German and Russian TV as well as in commercials and public service announcements for the City of Philadelphia and for a commercial for President Barack Obama;
Whereas, an award-winning entrepreneur and renowned motivational speaker, Vernoca L. Michael has spoken for all types of audiences - universities, businesses, organizations, television and radio. Currently, Vernoca is giving leadership to the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance/Paul Robeson House to assist in the growth of its programs. Vernoca was Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 on Paul Robeson and is featured in the book "Stories From The Paul Robeson House"; and
Whereas, Vernoca Michael has participated and led in many ventures, including founding "Nia Kuumba," a non-profit organization serving over 18,000 young people from 19 colleges, 13 high schools, 3 training centers and court-appointed persons, stepping in as the Executive Director of the Domestic Abuse Agency in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, setting up base service units, group homes and shelter workshops in Philadelphia, assisting in establishing the Philadelphia Aids Consortium and chairing the Regional HIV/AIDS, and started her career as the first African American Manager of Allocations for the United Way of Pennsylvania -- America. Correction; United Way of America;
Whereas, Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 many accolades for her work in the community. In 2010, she was cited by Mayor Michael Nutter and Governor Edward Rendell for her outstanding work in the community with students. Additionally, she has received over 70 awards including Temple University's Fox Business School Community Partners Award, Pennsylvania Business Journal's Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania, Madame C.J. Walker Award, the Movers and Shakers Award; recognized by Philadelphia City Council for her work in Cancer and inducted into the African American Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, Vernoca Michael has always been actively engaged in her community. For years, she was Block Captain in Southwest Philadelphia and she also served on the Council of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society testifying on their behalf and volunteering for the Flower Show, while Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 while visiting the sick and aged and visiting and corresponding with prisoners; Whereas, each day after her meditation, Vernoca writes positive articulations on cards and passes them out to anyone who comes in contact with her. And I thank her for my card I received this morning. For over 25 years, she has been noted for hugging all those coming into her presence including her boxers and her audiences;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors Vernoca Michael for exemplary service to the City of Philadelphia with special acknowledgment of her leadership at the legendary Blue Horizon and her work in West Philadelphia at the Paul Robeson House; and Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Vernoca Michael as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration and recognition. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Michael for remarks.
To the President of Council, Darrell Clarke, who serves in the district for the Blue Horizon, has always been a supporter, to Councilwoman Blackwell, who serves as the Councilperson for my own home address, and to these other Councilpersons, I'd like to thank you for this honor. I have always been interested in supporting my community, and the Lord has blessed me to be able to do his work in the community. And so I find that it is a privilege to have served Philadelphia in many capacities, and I Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 here today for your support in the efforts of both the Blue Horizon and now the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the Paul Robeson House. Thank you so much for this honor. And I have given to each member one of my cards, because I always pass them out wherever I go. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Mary L. Oglesby. Would Mary Tookes Leonard Oglesby and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Domb.
Resolution adding Mary L. Oglesby to the street sign on the block intersection of 50th and Arch Streets in recognition of Ms. Mary L. Oglesby's tremendous service and contributions to this West Philadelphia community.
Whereas, Mrs. Oglesby was born in Montezume, Georgia as the oldest of ten children. As the eldest child in her family, she worked with her mother to help raise her siblings. This experience helped instill the importance of family in her; and Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Whereas, Mrs. Oglesby had eight children of her own, two with her first husband, Dan Tookes, and six with her second husband, Oscar P. Oglesby; and
Whereas, in 1958, Mrs. Oglesby and her family moved from Georgia to West Philadelphia in a neighborhood known as the "Black Bottom," a place where many African Americans migrated during the 1930s through the 1950s; and Whereas, for many years Ms. Oglesby worked hard as a cook and housekeeper in other people's homes, and through her labor, she was able to buy a house for her family at 5043 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, fulfilling her longtime dream of owning her own home; and
Whereas, in the hopes of bettering her community, Mrs. Oglesby helped to establish the Dunlap Community Center at the corner of 51st and Arch Streets; and Whereas, Mrs. Oglesby hoped Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Center would be a family environment for the community where people could come and enjoy various services such as: having a place for children to play and a place where adults could come and find employment; and
Whereas, during her time in West Philadelphia, Mrs. Oglesby's home was always open to others and she made everyone feel at home with her greetings, food and wisdom. Every morning for more than 40 years she would provide words of encouragement to all those who walked by her home; and Whereas, she became known as "Big Momma" for all who knew her and lived in her neighborhood. Sadly she died on Friday, December the 26th, 2014. However, she has left a legacy of love that still continues to ripple through her community even after she is gone;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 adds Mary L. Oglesby to the street sign on the block intersection at 50th and Arch Streets in recognition of Ms. Mary L. Oglesby's tremendous service and contributions to the West Philadelphia community. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mary L. Oglesby as a sincere expression of Philadelphia City Council's gratitude, recognition and respect. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Tookes and Mr. Oglesby for remarks.
We would like to say thank you for this resolution for my mom. We miss her deeply, but we as a family will carry until we pass, because her thing in the community was "take Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 care, everybody." Every year before her birthday we would all cook and feed whoever walked through the street in the community, and that was her goal. That was her life, serving everyone in her community, always a place to come. She would always say, I will feed anyone that comes through my door. Many people have come in. It's like a revolving door. Everyone in the area knows her as Big Momma, and we miss her and they also do. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
I'm the youngest out of eight. And I'm not one with a whole lot of words, but I just want to say this: One of my mom's favorite sayings was "blessed by the best," and we're going to try to carry on what she started off doing. And family is everything, and that's what we want to keep. It's hard, because you can look out here today and families are being Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 things, but we're trying to keep everything together. It's tough, it's hard, but we're going to do it in honor of my mother. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 1, 2016, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 20, 2016. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the ratification and first amendment to the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1401 through 1424 North Thirty-First Street, 1415 through 37 North Thirty-First Street, and 1421 through 27 North Thirty-Second Street (including 3129 through 45 West Master Street); and A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the establishment of best value contracting practice and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing a lowest responsible bidder provision; and An ordinance amending Section 17-1404 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Eligibility for Non-Competitively Bid Contracts and Financial Assistance," to provide for requirements relating to contracts awarded pursuant to the proposed best value provisions of the Home Rule Charter; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 3.4 acre property known as 4848 Island Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Authority, to undertake a Project to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing and approving a project including the refunding of bonds issued to finance the New Youth Center Facility, an amendment to an existing Ground Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, an amendment to an existing Prime Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Municipal Authority and the assignment of such amendment to a trustee and the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay rent under the Prime Lease, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, good morning, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution this morning.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-300, entitled "Administration and Procedures," by changing the composition of the Civic Design Review Committee and adding additional criteria for review.
And a non-privileged resolution urging Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 President Obama and the United States Congress to require the United States Department of Environmental Protection to change the "obligated party" mechanism in the Renewable Fuel Standard program, from refiners and importers of gasoline and diesel to the companies who blend renewable fuels in order to avoid adverse economic impacts.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two bills and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing Hospitality 3 to construct, own, and maintain certain encroachments at the northwest corner of Chestnut and 33rd Streets; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Commissioner of Public Property of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, to undertake a Project to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing and approving a project including the refunding of bonds issued to finance the New Youth Center Facility, an amendment to an existing Ground Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, an amendment to an existing Prime Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Municipal Authority and the assignment of such amendment to a trustee and the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay rent under the Prime Lease.
And a non-privileged resolution adding Grace H. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Daniels Way to the street signs on the 800 block of 46th Street between Parrish and Westminster.
And that will be on our next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution adding Reverend William J. Shaw Way to the street signs on the 100 and 200 blocks of South 53rd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
And that will be on our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and two resolutions.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and the Schuylkill River.
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 Fifth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the ratification and first amendment of the redevelopment contract of the Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1401 through 24 North Thirty-First Street, 1415 through 37 North Thirty-First Street, and 1421 through 27 North Thirty-Second Street (including 3129 through 45 West Master Street).
And that will be on our next session of Council Final Passage. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Three bills and one non-privileged resolution, two bills and one resolution co-introduced with Councilman Green, Squilla, Parker, Jones, and Johnson.
An ordinance Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 325 by relocating portions of certain houselines and curblines in the vicinity of the intersection of the Roosevelt Boulevard, Solly Avenue, Holme Avenue, and Poquessing Avenue; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the award of certain contracts based on best value to the City, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance amending Section 17-1404 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Eligibility for Non-Competitively Bid Contracts and Financial Assistance," to provide for requirements relating to contracts awarded pursuant to the proposed best value provisions of the Home Rule Charter. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
Those three bills will be referred to committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the award of certain contracts based on best value to the City.
And that resolution will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution non-privileged on my behalf co-sponsored by you, by Oh, by Green.
A non-privileged resolution calling on the Philadelphia Police Department and Department of Commerce to develop a plan to equip every Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 major commercial corridor within Philadelphia with surveillance cameras.
And that will be on next session's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilman Johnson, I submit three privileged, one non-privileged resolution, and one bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 3.4 acre property known as 4848 Island Avenue.
And a privileged resolution honoring and remembering Harold B. Hairston, the City of Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Philadelphia's first African American Fire Commissioner, who passed away on November 1st, 2016 at the age of 76.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Council Committees on Streets and Services and Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings examining the opportunities for expanding Philadelphia's network of buffered and protected bike lanes.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Torago Flint for his heroism and the courage and bravery he exhibited while protecting his fellow citizens in Rittenhouse Square Park on October 18, 2016.
And a Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 non-privileged resolution also naming South 11th, between Pattison Avenue and South Darien Street, "Ed Snider Way."
Mr. Decker, I want to make a correction. The third resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar and the last resolution read will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have two bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," by adding a requirement that the Human Relations Commission inform the Department of Licenses & Inspections of violations of Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 this title.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by conditioning receipt and retention of commercial activity licenses on abiding by the Fair Practices Ordinance.
And a privileged resolution honoring The Links on the 70th anniversary of its founding in Philadelphia.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Quinones-Sanchez, Johnson, Blackwell, Green, Bass, and Henon.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and Committee on Public Health and Human Services to conduct hearings concerning the impact of eviction and substandard housing on the health and wellbeing of low-income Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 renters, and examining solutions that would improve the safety and stability of rental housing, including the right to counsel.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills nor resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution and I'd like to be heard after it's read.
A non-privileged resolution strongly urging the Department of Commerce's Office of Economic Opportunity to significantly hasten its production of the Annual Participation Report which is required to be provided to City Council and the Mayor on or before November 1st of each year.
Thank you. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar -- I'm sorry; next session's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of Council President.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the veterans of Philadelphia and its surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, Philadelphia Veterans Parade Inc. and the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission on the occurrence of the 2016 Philadelphia Veterans Parade.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 resolutions, and our next order of business will be reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 160329, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designating Daisy Field as 'David Montgomery Field' in the City of Philadelphia"; and Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 160611, entitled "An ordinance officially naming and designating the park and playground area located on 61st Street and Baltimore Avenue, in the City of Philadelphia as 'Robert Wilson III Park,'" respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 160329 and 160611. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 160329 Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 160611. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with 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 no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage of today's Calendars: Bill No. 160952, 160709. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage 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's on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers and the podium, and 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 Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. I thank you for your consideration for adhering to our guidelines. Mr. Decker, please call the name on the list.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160952. (Witness approached podium.)
Has Council defied God-given rights, the rule of law, numerous official decrees, and the will of the sovereign people? Has government of the people, by the people, and for the people perished? Has Council and its agents and agencies involved gathered verifiable and auditable constituent Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 approval to justify each and every action and inaction? Without such approval, is it taxation without representation? Is this egregious, extraordinary behavior allowed? Are criminal trials required for violations of 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, oath of office, 18 USC 241, 242, 2384, 2381, PA Constitution Article I, Federal Constitution Bill of Rights, among others unnamed? The taking of my home at 1038 West Wyoming Avenue without just compensation and denied trial by jury with several officials in this very room opposing my God-given rights requires remedy immediately. This Council has never stopped and quit funding and stopped using the Redevelopment Authority, District Attorney's Office, City Comptroller's Office, and the Sheriff's Department, as several official decrees have required. In fact, Councilmembers regularly do not pay Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 attention or leave the room while official decrees are given. King George would be very proud. But the millions who sacrifice so that you can represent sovereign people feel betrayed. They risk their lives serving America. You do not. You are bound by oath and law not to violate the oath and law. It takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption. This is an official decree and must be acted upon immediately. Robeson is quoted, The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic, but to end the injustice.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Calendar. And can you read the title of 160952.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District in accordance with terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160952 is adopted. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of 160709.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Procurement Contracts," by further providing with respect to the Local Bidding Preference, including but not limited to provisions concerning penalties, requirements necessary for certification and re-certification, and further providing for the relationship between prime contractors and subcontractors.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. This morning I offer an amendment to Bill No. 160709. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I, therefore, move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
The Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING amendment to 160709 has been introduced and seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 160709 has been amended. It will be on our Second and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution honoring and remembering Harold B. Hairston, the City of Philadelphia's first African American Fire Commissioner, who passed away on November 1st, 2016 at the age of 76, introduced by Councilman Jones on behalf of Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President. Can I ask we do a standing silent vote, please.
Point of information, Council President. Point of information. I just want to add clarity to that. That was a standing vote count for the resolution, for parliamentary procedures?
Yeah. I'm assuming you're standing, Councilman -
Yeah. I'm assuming that's what he meant, yes. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please proceed.
A resolution Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Council Committees on Streets and Services and Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings examining the opportunities for expanding Philadelphia's network of buffered and protected bike lanes, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Torago Flint for his heroism and the courage and bravery he exhibited while protecting his fellow citizens in Rittenhouse Square Park on October 18, 2016, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilman Johnson.
That bill was co-sponsored by Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilman Allan Domb, and all other members of Council. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring The Links, Inc. on the 70th anniversary of its founding in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to conduct hearings concerning the impact of eviction and substandard housing on the health and wellbeing of low-income renters, and examining solutions that would improve the safety and stability of rental housing, including the right to counsel, introduced by Councilwoman Gym.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 11/3/16 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and celebrating the veterans of Philadelphia and its surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, Philadelphia Veterans Parade Inc. and the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission on the occurrence of the 2016 Veterans Parade, introduced by Councilman Oh on behalf of Council President Clarke.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our Calendar for today. On behalf of the minority, we will seek questions and speeches. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I just want to, on your behalf, alert the public that this Sunday at 12:00 noon, we will have the Second Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade. The parade will start from City Hall, march down East Market Street to Independence Mall. Over 150 participating organizations will be involved in this march, which honors our nation's heroes, our veterans, our military. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 the first time, we'll have a Veterans Festival at the end of the parade, which includes entertainment, activities, service organizations, food and more. So everyone please come out, show your appreciation, have a great time celebrating our veterans here in Philadelphia. For more information, visit Phillyveteransparade.org. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. And I understand I'm not at liberty to say, but at around 12:32, there's going to be a very, very special event.
Thank you. Speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I rise to tell Donald Trump that the 1960s called and they want their policies back from him. It is insulting to members of the -- that the members of the African American Freedom Party believe that inner city Philadelphia can be bought for a 40 ounce and a bag of weed and that the energy of the Trump candidacy has alarmed them and that the election is rigged and, therefore, nationalists, ultra-right paramilitary groups are planning to converge and come in and offer us a bag of weed and a 40 ounce for our votes. It is incredible and an insult to those who struggled, marched, died, bled for the right to vote. For the national socialist movement, for them to come together in a coalition, they don't agree on a lot of things, but they agree that the election is rigged and that they're going to come and save Donald by coming in here with a bag of weed and a Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 40. I've had people tell me, you know, that they are coming and that it is true. This was reported also by Politico, which is a recognized news outlet. It harkens back to the '60s in Alabama when segregated Governor George Wallace suppressed the vote. Please tell Donald Trump the '60s called and that those policies, they need to go back. So to quote the First Lady, Michelle Obama, When they go low, we're going high. And we will not be moved by scare tactics or anything else. One of the things about inner city voters, we either vote for or we come out and vote against, and Donald Trump is giving us two reasons: to vote for Hillary and to vote against him. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Green.
Thank you, Council President. Councilman Jones in his commentary reminded me of how far we've come as a nation, but we still have some challenges here in the City of Philadelphia. A few weeks ago I made some comments regarding a bar owner in the City who was videotaped using the N word discussing patrons that frequent his bar at times, and as a result of that unfortunate video and a lot of the challenge and consternation and issues and discussions regarding race, the Commission on Human Relations had hearings on October 25th to discuss this issue, especially in reference to members of the LGBTQ community in the City of Philadelphia and the concerns that were raised. So on October 25th, I had a chance to attend the Commission on Human Relations hearing, along with Mayor Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 Squilla was there, as well as members from Councilwoman Sanchez's office and Councilwoman Gym's office were there as well. And we heard a lot of passion, a lot of concerns about issues in that community, some going back 30 years. I ran into an activist I've known for some time, Tyrone Smith, and he was really pained by the fact that this issue is still going on in part of our city. And so based on that hearing and the comments and the concerns, I decided to introduce a bill today which ties our Fair Practices Ordinance with our commercial activities license. There's no reason why a business operating in the City of Philadelphia that is violating our Fair Practices Ordinance should be able to operate in the City of Philadelphia. We give that business a privilege to operate in the City of Philadelphia, and if they are violating our Fair Practices Ordinance, Stated Meeting November 3, 2016 able to operate in our city. So I know this legislation will engage hearings and conversations and will provide an opportunity for other people to become educated about this issue, which I learned a lot on October 25th, and I think it's an important issue for our city as we continue to move forward if we're truly going to be the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. And I'll just close by saying one last quote. Although laws alone cannot foster culture of inclusion, we must come together to protect and celebrate our fellow citizens and challenge those who seek to discriminate. Thank you.