Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
Good morning. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
I thought I was talking to myself for a minute. How is everybody doing today? Awesome. Awesome. We're going to start. If the members will take their seat and the visitors and guests retire behind the rail, we will start our meeting today. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Marshall Mitchell of Salem Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Green. I would ask all guests, members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. Merciful and eternal God who Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 and liberty and this day, we thank thee for waking us up this morning and starting us on our way. We pray now, oh God, that your presence would hover over this Council, that in this place we would know your peace, we would feel your wisdom, and we would know why we have been sent to come this way. We pray a special prayer over the City of Philadelphia for all of its children and its seniors and all of its residents. We pray even now, oh God, as we pursue Amazonian size wins that we still look and see the needs of little children and of aging seniors. Grant us wisdom, grant us peace, grant us your mercy. It is in thy holy and sovereign name that we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15th, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2018 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
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 Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absences.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you coming down. We hope your stay here today is a knowledge one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you for being here. We really appreciate it. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring Philadelphia's living legends. Would George Beach and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Green, Councilwoman Parker, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
February is African American History Month. You can Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 and look at how we've had contributions throughout the world that have emanated from the African American population here in this country. You can do a statewide look at what impacts community leaders, civic leaders from our community have had statewide or you can just look out the window and look at Philadelphia and see the contributions, both big and small, the leadership that came before us that I still hear and some that have gone on and passed away have made. Today we come to honor those both living and those who have transitioned on, people that I, as I get older, actually knew and made a contribution in my life. Whether we talk about George Beach, Joey Temple, Rita R. Smith-Wade-El, Valeria Bullock or some that have passed on like Vernon Marks, affectionately known as Pop-Pop, Charlie "Boo" Burrus, Abdul Malik Muhammad, Carl "Moore Baby" Moore, and Joe Faulk as part Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 the Philadelphia community. The first protest I ever had -and I actually did go to some protests -Charlie "Boo" Burrus and others, people like actually Milton Street told two young guys from high school -- and matter of fact, I was a freshman in high school, not to give my age away. So there was a police officer for Civil Affairs named Finsel (ph). Many of you won't -- I heard some people heard of Finsel. He was a gentleman police officer, but he played no games. And when it was time to move, it was time to move, and he would -- I remember being up close and personal with these members of the community, Georgie Woods and David P. Richardson and others, and they were making their statement. They were fighting for right causes, and could have been the Gallery. And we were out there. I remember Finsel coming over saying, Now, you went around seven times around Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 have to do my job just like you're doing yours. So some people going to go to jail today. And that was the time when those leaders looked back at young people that had their life ahead of them, that did not want to have marks on their record, that says time for you to go home, time for you to get up out of here, it's time for us to take on the mantle of that part of this demonstration. And I never forgot that. Charlie "Boo" Burrus, if you knew him, charismatic and interesting character, came into the Office of Housing and Community Development. They squatted in more houses. People who own houses today owe those actions to him, because they said, Well, why are these houses vacant when people need them, and stepped up to the plate and took over buildings. I remember taking over the Office of Housing and Community Development, and he came in with such Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 furor, such intensity, I got scared. I said, You ain't really mad, are you? He's like, Yeah, I'm mad, but not mad at you. So those are the kinds of things I remember. Malik Muhammad on Lancaster Avenue taught me a great many things, not only about religion but about being in business and having to make a payroll and having to pay yourself last and having to look out for others before you looked out for yourselves. So all of these things, when you hear me and others in here talk, you're hearing their voices. You're hearing Georgie Woods and others. Joey Temple probably has the best collection of some of the -- I wish he would share it some time of what Georgie's old shows were. So without further adieu, we are honoring the living legends today.
Honoring and celebrating the Philadelphia Living Legends such as George Albert Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Beach, Joey Temple, Rita Smith-Wade-El, and Valeria Bullock, who are leaders in the areas of civil rights, community activism, education, business, youth mentorship in the Philadelphia area; and further honoring those legends who are no longer with us: Vernon "Pop-Pop" Marks, Charlie "Boo" Burrus, Abdul Malik Muhammad, Carl Moore "Baby Moore," and Joe Faulk as part of the commemoration of Black History Month. Whereas, George Albert Beach is the founder of Beach Advertising which was one of the oldest minority-owned advertising agencies in the state of Pennsylvania. For more than four decades, Beach's company has been an advertising agency of choice for many local and national corporations, non-profit organizations, such as and including Hershey's Foods, Campbell Soup Company, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Beach is the recipient of numerous awards including Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Addy, Neographics -- you'll explain what that is -- and Art Directors Club awards and the best of the category awards from Printing Industry of America. Beach is revered by paving the way for many African Americans to learn the fundamental skills and strategies of navigating the communications field; and
Whereas, Joey Temple is a radio producer and lifelong resident of Philadelphia. Temple's career in radio began when he received an opportunity to volunteer with Mattie Humphrey at WDAS. During his internship, he participated in the Breakfast Show, and provided knowledge to the community about mass incarceration. After the completion of his internship, Joey Temple stayed at WDAS to work with the legendary Georgie Woods. Currently, Joey T. produces "A Message in Music," which airs 96.1 AM on Fridays, and the "Electric Magazine Show," for 900 AM on Saturdays. Joey Temple spends his time Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 station being active in his community and working to prevent youth from engaging in a life of crime; and
Whereas, Rita R. Smith-Wade-El is a Professor of Psychology and African American studies at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia University, and her Master of Arts and Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to being a dedicated professor who supports the future success of younger generations, Dr. Smith is also an activist, organizer, breast cancer survivor, and the Vice President of the Lancaster Chapter of the NAACP; and
Whereas, Valeria Bullock is a former Senior Business Analyst for PECO, who was responsible for managing the company's Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Early in her career at PECO, Bullock implemented a solar water heating pilot program that targeted low-income residential customers with solar technology. Bullock's work at PECO brought national attention to the importance of usage reduction programs and their benefits to low-income residential utility customers. Bullock is the recipient of the Philadelphia Visionary Award and the Award for Excellence given by Pennsylvania Legal Services. Her work has also been recognized by the American Council for Energy Efficiency and Economy and the former National Fuel Fund Network; and
Whereas, the Vernon Marks was the longtime chairman of Philadelphia's Vacant Property Review Committee. Notably, Marks was the first African American bail bondsman in the City of Philadelphia and one of the founders of the Strawberry Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Marks was the champion of this community in a big way and was an active leader and organizer in Philadelphia's Civil Rights struggle. Marks was known by many as the "Mayor of North Philadelphia"; and
And before I give remarks on Charlie "Boo" Burrus, I just wanted to say Councilman Jones had no idea of this when he assigned me this reading assignment, but Charlie "Boo" Burrus was my neighbor for a brief moment in North Philadelphia. He lived on the 3200 block of North Newkirk Street. So it's really special to me to be able to read this today. Whereas, Charlie "Boo" Burrus was a lifelong resident of the Mantua section of Philadelphia. Burrus can be described by those who knew him as a unique individual that was fully committed to the success of his community. Burrus' particular focus was supporting and helping Philadelphia's Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 the clock to ensure that youth stayed away from negative encounters, pushing them to move forward in a positive direction. Burrus was on the forefront of trying to reduce gang activity throughout the City through his work with the Crisis Intervention Network, where he was a member of the field operations team. Burrus also founded the Inner City Organizing Network (ICON), a non-profit that aided young men by using their skills to renovate homes; and
Whereas, Abdul Malik Muhammad was a longtime resident, community leader and entrepreneur from West Philadelphia. In 1986, Muhammad founded the Lancaster Avenue Business Association, which bridged the gap between the businesses from 34th Street all the way out to 63rd Street. Muhammad provided firm leadership to the corridor and showed direct support for unification and Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 diverse business community. Several of the services Muhammad worked continually to maintain were sanitation and cleanup services, creating an area town watch for security on the corridor, and a zero-tolerance graffiti policy. With support from membership participation, Muhammad created programs that prompted change implemented towards the revitalization of Lancaster Avenue through community, social and economic development; and
Whereas, Carl Moore was a community activist from South Philadelphia, whose primary mission was advocating for affordable and accessible community healthcare. In 1970, Carl Moore founded the Greater Philadelphia Health Action Incorporation. Greater Philadelphia Health Action Incorporation was one of the first medical managed care programs in the City of Philadelphia. Over 45 years after Moore started on his mission, residents Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 community stakeholders, including myself, celebrated the opening of the Carl Moore Health Center at 1401 South 31st Street, which is a state-of-the-art facility. The facility specializes in providing primary care, OB/GYN, podiatry, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services to the community and at an affordable cost;
And whereas, Joe Faulk was a well-respected community leader. Always looking out for the underdog, Faulk helped with various projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life of young people in his community. Faulk's greatest accomplishments and achievements were in the Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods. Faulk served as a dedicated Committee Person for the 51st Ward; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors and celebrates Philadelphia's Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Legends: George Albert Beach, Joey Temple, Rita R. Smith-Wade-El, and Valeria Bullock, who are leaders in the areas of civil rights, community activism, education, business and youth mentorship in the Philadelphia area; and further honors those legends who are no longer with us: Vernon Marks, Charlie "Boo" Burrus, Abdul Malik Muhammad, Carl Moore, and Joe Faulk as part of the commemoration of Black History Month. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia's Living Legends and the families of our lost legends as further evidence of the sincere appreciation and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Beach for remarks.
Thank you very much, giving honor to God. Council Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 President, Councilpersons, honored guests who are in this room today, being a living legend is a responsibility that I found that I've had to bear the brunt of. I enjoy my life thus far, and I've been encouraged by the opportunities that were presented to me in the great City of Philadelphia. Philadelphia was a proving ground for opportunities in business, particularly opportunities for minority individuals, who were not factored in in the early planning of businesses for this great city. But lo and behold, I had an opportunity on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to do business in the great City of Philadelphia. And why was I able to do business in the City of Philadelphia? Because I had great people surrounding me and great people who were interns, particularly minority individuals, who had an opportunity to see firsthand how it was done, because Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 goal, to get it done, get it done right, and have something that was very special to me that I learned early in life, the oohs and the ahhs. The oohs were over here and the ahhs were over there, and it was from the work that I did as a youngster in art that I got the oohs and the ahhs. And I still get them today. Can I hear an oohs over here and some ahhs over there. (Oohs and ahhs.)
Thank you very much. That has what has propelled me and I know has propelled those that are surrounding me today. When I look at some of the individuals that came to Beach and some of them have stepped away proudly and have said, I cut my teeth at Beach, and I'm so proud of them, because my job is to make an opportunity available for those that are coming behind me and those that are along with me. And it's so Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 other people doing great things. I'm inspired by others. I look out, I see out, and I try to step in the shoes of others, and that was what has made my firm very successful, because I stepped out of me and became them, and I learned how to market in their behalf. So I want to say to the group that's here, congratulations on all that you have done and all that you and your family members have done in order to move business in the great City of Philadelphia to where it is now and to where it will be in the future, which is in the next five minutes. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. And as we do that, I would like to take a moment to recognize one of my awesome friends, former State Senator Shirley Kitchen. I didn't see you back there. (Applause.) Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
She is the living legend of all legends. Thank you. Council will be at ease. Councilman Jones.
Yes. Will all members come up on the high-rise. Family members stay where you are, and we'll take the picture. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations. Can I have a little quiet, please. As you leave, I'd ask you to please keep your voices down. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution congratulating Carla Moss. Would Carla Moss and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Squilla, we have Councilman Green and Councilman Johnson. Thank you. Can we have quiet, please.
Good morning, everyone. I just want to say that to me, today it's an honor to be able to have a resolution here in Council to someone who was able to help everybody. And Carla was the person that no matter who called her, what time of day, she would always be able to respond and never said no. And so this is just a small thing that we can do here on Council to be able to honor her for all her dedication and work she has given to us here in the City of Philadelphia. So today we are congratulating and honoring Carla Moss for her years of dedicated service to the residents of Philadelphia on the occasion of her retirement from the City of Philadelphia Commissioner's Office. Whereas, Carla is retiring Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 of Philadelphia since 2004. She was promoted to Deputy City Commissioner in 2008, and her responsibilities included registering voters, assisting potential candidates with the election process; and Whereas, Carla was born in South Philadelphia to Delores and Joe Capozolli and has two siblings, Richard and Gina. Carla's father, John Capozolli, was a POW during World War II; and Whereas, Carla always called South Philadelphia home and has vowed to never leave, except for vacations to her trips upstate to the mountains and down the shore to everyone in Philadelphia's favorite vacation spot, Wildwood, New Jersey; and
And I just want to take a personal moment and thank Carla for just being one of my mentors who watched me through this process as I started off as a young buck getting Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 I just want to personally thank you and Butch for being there for me. Whereas, Carla met and married Billy (Butch) Moss, a fellow lifetime South Philadelphia resident, who was born at the Naval Hospital. They have been married for 47 blissful years. Together they have two sons, Jason and Michael, and two beautiful grandchildren, 8-year-old Paige and 1-year-old Michael, with whom Carla and Butch look forward to spending more time; and Whereas, Carla and Butch plan on enjoying some of their favorite past times such as spending time down the shore and up the mountains, delighting in the great outdoors, fishing and traveling to their other favorite spot, Key West, Florida; and
And I also want to thank Carla for all the work you've done for the City Commissioners and for the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Whereas, most importantly, Carla will now have more time to devote to her favorite hobby, spending money. Those who know Carla refer to her as the Professional Shopper, and we understand that she is very, very good at her hobby; and now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate and honor Carla Moss on the occasion of her retirement from the City of Philadelphia Commissioner's Office and we wish her well in her future endeavors. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Carla Moss, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Carla Moss. Awesome. You got to give us your cell number. We're still going to call Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
I want to thank Council for recognizing me. I have many friends here. I hope that they stay friends once I leave. This is hard. I can't do this. You know, the Commissioner's Office was my work. I loved it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Carla. And that's the first time she was ever lost for words.
Thank you very much, and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I'm honored to have two important guests here today, John LaCoya and Jonathan Simel Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 of Kenya accompanied by Corey Carter, Sr. I'd like you to please stand. (Applause.)
These men are visiting Philadelphia for the first time. Their goal is to raise awareness and funds for issues faced in Kenya, such as inadequate drinking water, forced marriages for young girls age 13, and female genital mutilation. Each year representatives from the Maasai Tribe visit the U.S. to raise awareness and teach people about Kenyan culture. In the coming weeks, my office will be organizing a fundraiser to support the Maasai Tribe with their mission. I look forward to everyone's support. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 much for being here today. (Applause.)
Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you 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 today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 180009 and 180014. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving a second amendment to the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3509 Haverford Avenue including 3502 Mount Vernon Street; and A resolution approving a first amendment to the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3300 through 08, 3310, 3312, 3314, 3316 Mantua Avenue, 701, 703, 705, 707, 709 through 711 North Thirty-Fourth Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Greenwich Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 522 Mercy Street; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Marcel S. Pratt, Esquire, as City Solicitor; and Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 140902) approved March 4, 2015, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 224 and 232 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cayuga Street from Whitaker Avenue to its terminus eastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. This morning I offer one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 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 regarding individuals serving as board members and executive officers.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the Community College of Philadelphia and its Office of Diversity and Equity for the Creation of the Diversity Certificate Program.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce four resolutions, one of which is privileged, and one bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," by requiring authorization to make modifications to existing bicycle lanes.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing February 2018 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
And a non-privileged resolution approving a second amendment to the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3509 Haverford Avenue including 3502 Mount Vernon Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving a first amendment to the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3300 through 08, 3310, 3312, 3314, 3316 Mantua Avenue, 701, 703, 705, Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 707, 709 through 711 North Thirty-Fourth Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Forty-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer two resolutions, one signed by all members of Council and one on your behalf.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Sister Mary Scullion as the Grand Marshal of the 248th Annual Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade.
And a non-privileged resolution confirming the appointment of Marcel S. Pratt, Esquire, as City Solicitor.
And that will be referred to committee. Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President. One bill, one non-privileged and one privileged resolution. The non-privileged is particularly signed by Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Green.
An ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts."
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Overbrook High School basketball star Asia Abram for her outstanding achievements on the Overbrook Girls Basketball Team and for her scoring her 1,000th career point in a game on January 29, 2018.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have one resolution signed by all members of Council. I would like to speak on the resolution, sir.
A privileged Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings examining racial disparities in home lending, also known as modern-day redlining, in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Council President. Council President and colleagues, an equitable and inclusive housing policy has been a priority for me since I arrived in this body in 2012. As a young man, I decided to become a public servant because I wanted to take on the injustices that I saw in the world and particularly my own community. This week I have seen a sickening, unacceptable but, most importantly, un-American injustice. When we talk about segregation, we are usually talking about the Jim Crow era, separate schools, separate churches, separate water fountains, and we sometimes give in Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 to the myth that the civil rights movement has relegated racial segregation to the darker days of American history. But here we are on the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and deep segregation is alive and kicking. It is a legacy of federally sanctioned redlining policies that designated black neighborhoods as credit risks for home loans. Homeownership, which is commonly considered the cornerstone of the American dream, is to some an American nightmare, but earlier this week we got a powerful proof of modern-day redlining. The Center for Investigative Reporting released an in-depth report that took a year of intensive research, including review of 31 million documents. They found that banks were denying home purchase loans, home improvements loans, and home refinancing to applicants of color at far higher rates than to their Caucasian applicants. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 In Philadelphia, black home applicants were 2.7 times more likely to be denied than their Caucasian applicants. Why disparity persisted? When the researchers controlled for nine factors, including income, loan amount, and geographic location. One powerful example is my own childhood neighborhood of Point Breeze where I grew up and I'm currently raising my family. Between 2012 and 2016, white home loan applicants were granted 806 loans out of 958 applications, an 84 percent success rate. However, for African Americans, home loan applicants were granted 275 loans from 746 applications, a 37 percent success rate. This is not right, and I'm going to work with my colleagues to get to the bottom of it. Next month I'll be holding hearings to get a grip on the root causes of this problem and, most importantly, hold those accountable and the banking Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 and mortgage industry accountable as to how they go about their loan application process to those who live here in the City of Philadelphia. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King once said, The time is always right to do the right thing, and now is that time. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 140902) approved March 4, 2015, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 224 and 232 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cayuga Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Street from Whitaker Avenue to its terminus eastwardly therefrom.
And that will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution urging the United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to adopt the recommendations of The U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, and I wish to be recognized after the titles of the bills are read in order to Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 speak on one of them.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Adams Avenue, Tabor Avenue, Harrison Street, Whitaker Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Bingham Street, East Olney Avenue, North Front Street, Nedro Avenue, Hammond Avenue, and Crescentville Road; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," regarding terms of payment agreements, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. President. The last bill that the Chief Clerk read is a very simple but very necessary piece of legislation Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 regarding real estate payment agreements in the City of Philadelphia, and specifically owner-occupied payment agreements that we refer to as OOPAs for short. Just last week, the City of Philadelphia's Department of Revenue regulations went into effect, and if we were to turn to of these regulations, it clearly states that a taxpayer who is compliant with a payment agreement shall be deemed not in default on his or her real estate taxes. Now, this was an important and an exceedingly necessary change to the regulations, and I want to commend our Department of Revenue for making it. However, it is the intent of this legislation to see a commensurate change made to The Philadelphia Code. As a member of this body representing the Ninth District, which we know from past hearings is comprised of 94 percent of what is referenced as Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 middle neighborhoods, those are communities that can go boom or go bust, I know all too well the scourge that reverse mortgages have had on certain neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia, and in light of Councilman Johnson's recent comments regarding his hearing, Councilman, I will tell you we have had no problems with the approval of reverse mortgages in the City of Philadelphia, especially in neighborhoods where there's a high rate of homeownership. In addition to that, I want to note that it is quite common for reverse mortgage lenders to swoop in and pay off any remaining real estate tax balance for homeowners even if they are already in a payment plan, and then they use this as an impetus to foreclose on those homeowners. Now, while the Department of Revenue's regulations will now protect against this, we wanted to have something Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 even stronger. I am proud to note for the record that our friends in the housing and advocacy world, specifically the folks at Community Legal Services who represent these individuals in court whose homes have been unfairly foreclosed upon, they made the argument and I agree that while the new regulations are important, putting commensurate language in the Code would give homeowners a statutory basis to legally state that so long as they are in a payment agreement and compliant with it, their real estate taxes are, in effect, not delinquent. So it is my hope that these new regulations, along with this bill that was introduced, will finally put an end to some of the more unscrupulous practices that we have seen relative to reverse mortgages. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And those two bills will be referred to the appropriate Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
I have one bill today co-sponsored by Councilmembers Green, Squilla, Taubenberger, Henon, Oh, Johnson, O'Neill, and Gym.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to revise the timing of the determination of assessed value, under certain terms and conditions.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution that has been co-sponsored by all members of Council, and I thank them all.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Angelo Cataldi on the anniversary of his 30th year on the air with Sports Radio 94WIP, and his over 35 years of covering Philadelphia Sports.
Thank you. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Greenwich Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 522 Mercy Street.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 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 Twelfth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have one bill. May I be heard after the title is read?
An ordinance amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," Chapter 20-700, "Defense and Indemnification," by adding new language to provide protection for disclosures of Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 sexual harassment and immunity for cooperation against sexual harassers, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Council President. First, I'd like to say my thanks to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and the women of Council, all of you, for your tireless work in bringing more and more attention to the issue of discrimination, unfairness, and harassment in the workplace of women in our society, and particularly it is shameful when it is our government, and you've done a lot of work to really raise this attention and you certainly have caught my attention. As an attorney, I've practiced in the area of employment discrimination and have represented women who face gender discrimination and sexual harassment. One of the things that I would like to add through this bill is an Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 ability to reach the highest levels of our government and our agencies where those who condone, participate or get their subordinates to cover for them who are aware of harassment can now be reached. This bill I think in the spirit of certainly our new City Controller, Rebecca Rhynhart, with her new hotline for City employees to report sexual harassment I think is a way to effectively deal with this issue. The big problem is that when someone has experienced sexual harassment or when they think about supporting a victim of sexual harassment, there are protections and there are remedies, but that happens after the person has been retaliated against. And what they have to weigh is reporting, being fired, and then dealing with this problem as they have no income, health insurance or pension. This bill makes clear that Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 anyone who retaliates against a victim who reports or a witness, that that person will be terminated. Elected officials, who are not subject to termination, will be reported without discretion to the District Attorney's Office. This empowers the equal opportunity agencies, the City Controller, the District Attorney, and the Inspector General to take action. It protects victims of sexual harassment from retaliation for reporting offenders. It protects witnesses who report or confirm misconduct from being retaliated against, and it discourages high-level directors or officers from instructing subordinates or supervisors to retaliate against victims or witnesses of sexual harassment by providing the District Attorney, City Controller, Inspector General and others to make those victims and witnesses impugn from termination or retaliation during the course of their investigation. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 And, finally, it provides an avenue to reach the highest level of directors, commissioners, executives, and elected officials by providing the investigating authority the ability to provide a level of immunity to cooperating witnesses. Let me give an example. If there is a high-level executive who is engaged in sexual harassment and is being protected by his board members, if that person then tells a subordinate to fire a victim of sexual harassment, that subordinate may be fired as well under this Code section, but if that subordinate then goes to the Controller's Office and cooperates in being a witness against the executive, that person will be able to be protected from termination. And I think it is important that we address this issue by ensuring that we reach the highest levels so that those who hide in the shadows and condone this type of activity will be exposed. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
Thank you, Councilman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will now move to our reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee of Legislative Oversight.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Legislative Oversight reports nine 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 Legislative Oversight, to which was referred Bill No. 171118, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 Code, entitled 'Safety,' by repealing certain provisions of Section 10-806 (relating to construction and reviewing stands)"; and Bill No. 171119, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Carriers,' by repealing certain provisions relating to motor buses"; and Bill No. 171120, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Amusement Businesses,' by repealing Section 9-704 (relating to motion pictures)"; and Bill No. 171121, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' by repealing certain provisions related to refuse collection"; and Bill No. 171122, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Safety,' by repealing certain provisions relating to Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 obstructions"; and Bill No. 171123, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Amusement Businesses,' by repealing Section 9-708 (relating to compulsory vehicular amusement device insurance)"; and Bill No. 171124, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' by repealing Section 9-630 (relating to sale of used cars)"; and Bill No. 171126, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Safety,' by repealing certain provisions relating to police and fire radio broadcasts"; and Bill No. 171127, entitled "An ordinance repealing Chapter 13-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Garbage Disposal Units,'"; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a Stated Meeting February 22, 2018
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the nine bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. Will somebody please answer the phone and then turn it off. 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 the nine bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2ND READING Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170967, 180110, 180111, 170743, 170954, 170716, 171113, 170669, 171082, 171083, 180009, 180014, 180016, and 180076. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Before we consider the resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium. On that podium, there's a device. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. And when that Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. I want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, can you read the first name of the individual on the witness list.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 180111, 171145, and 170675. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. I'm sorry. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. I quote Paul Robeson, "The answer to injustice is not to silence the Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 critic, but end the injustice." You were not elected to rule the sovereign people, as some officials have repeatedly stated. You were hired as public servants to conduct the people's business, enforce the existing laws, and inquire why existing law is not enforced. I again quote Dr. King, "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who perpetrates it." Unenforced laws are causing chaos. As public servants, you cannot violate oath, Constitution or law without penalty. How can officials deny and defy inalienable, inviolable, God-given rights? How can agents and agencies steal my home without compensation, due process, Seventh Amendment trial by jury? How can government pay a contractor upwards of 100 million, mostly federal taxpayer dollars, to build a mall on my stolen home? Why has no official demanded the Attorney General prosecute Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 as required by law? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 24 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Constitution, and laws be enforced. Jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution, and laws. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Thank you. Clerk, would you please read our next speaker, please.
Orlando Acosta, commenting on 170678. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Right now I feel glad that a lot of changes are going on within this body of government in terms of everything Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 economically from the people and from residents in the City of Philadelphia, but let's not forget we have a lot of work to do. But without community being involved in the conversation of it all and the biblical principle of God itself and God himself in terms of every solution in government being determined in residence, nothing will stand for the people if God doesn't lead the forefront of it. So let's not forget that before we do anything in government, pass any laws, any statutes or anything like that, we have to have it in terms of really understanding the principal aspect of everything when it comes down to rental properties or people owning properties, and we have to know and give people the opportunity to follow the Constitution within itself, the laws and everything like that, because without that, we're not really standing on much of anything. So that's the first and Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 foremost aspect of anything being run the proper and concise way. Thank you.
Thank you. Clerk, could you please read our next speaker, please.
Rochelle Bilal, commenting on 171109 and 170743. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Councilpeople. I'm just here today, one, to stand with the women of Council. Could y'all please stand up. A sexual harassment education training is so much needed in this city, that when you decide as City Council government to make sure that it is ingrained in this city, it is a plus, and I just want to give y'all women applause for making sure that this happens, all of you. (Applause.)
Second, since I got three minutes for two things -- and I got that, you know, one and a half and one Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 and a half -- let me get to the other one. Let me stand here in support of 170743. 170743 is to ensure that the Police Advisory Commission is funded and it is on the ballot for members of this City to ensure that something is done. I put forth testimony, but due to my schedule, I couldn't be here in person, so let me say this: Until the City, until the communities of this city is comfortable with how police situations are investigated, until they are secure with those who investigated to come out with a fair and just outcome, until they are ensured that when they go to the police to make a complaint, that it's not covered up, that it's not thrown under the rug, that the buddy system in this institution doesn't play a role in reporting incidents with police people, until they are ensured that those police officers -- now, this goes both ways -that are not doing nothing and that Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 people come out and make frivolous complaints against them for just doing their job, which is hard enough, a Police Advisory Commission needs to be in place. But I say this so I can say this on the record. You can have a good idea -- you can have money at a good idea -- throw money at a good idea, but if you don't make sure that it is funded with credible and good training of those who are going to be investigated, then you're throwing good money at a good idea that just won't work. And my last before my last 20 seconds is, don't forget to come out to the no Temple stadium, March the 1st at George Washington Carver High School at 6:00 p.m. If you are in North Philly or anywhere in this city, you need to make sure -- Temple is not the ones that run this city. We who live in the City runs this city. And in my four seconds, thank you very much.
Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Ms. Bilal. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you can read the title of 170967.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the selection of the Members of the Board of Education; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Resolution No. 170967. A copy of the amendment has been Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING circulated to all members, and I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded an amendment to 170967. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 170967 has been amended. It will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 180110.
A resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Enact House Bill 1187 that would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a Pilot Program for an Automated Speed Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Enforcement System along U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard).
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180110 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 180111.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to reject the Trump Administration's plan to make severe cuts to the United States Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Environmental Protection Agency.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180111 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170743.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING successor body or bodies.
This resolution is for the purpose of amending the Charter. It requires a two-thirds vote, for the record. I'm assuming we want a roll call? Well, unless someone asks for it. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170743.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum annual appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
We're going to do the roll call? That's what I said. Let's do a roll call. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Gym. Stated Meeting February 22, 2018 2/22/17 - STATED - 2ND READING