Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 23, 2017 10:45 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 March 23, 2017
Can we have a little quiet. Thank you so much. We have a quorum. The guests and visitors will retire behind the rail and we'll get started. We have a special person giving the invocation today. We would like to introduce Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, one of her many multi-faceted talents. Councilwoman will give the invocation today. I would ask the guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for the privilege.
Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless us this day. Bless all those who are here, all the Councilpeople and the families they represent. Always let as we commit ourselves to doing thy will and helping the people that we're elected to serve. Let us each and every day know that that means we have to bless those who are unemployed, bless those who are hungry and homeless, bless those who may just need some positive advice when we see them or when we run into them. Give us, Lord, ideas, creative ideas, about what we need to do to help those people in our districts. And, Heavenly Father, help us as we prepare to begin this budget. So many important issues, issues in housing, like Rebuild, issues that affect our citizens, issues that they are worried about. Help them to hear us and understand that we are here to serve them, and we understand that that is our Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 that that is our mission. And, Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless this session today. Bless all who are in these Chambers. And all these blessings we ask in thy name and for thy sake. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday -- folks, can I have quiet, please. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 16, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 March, 16th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 16, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. Before we proceed to the next item, I would ask that if anyone has a device, electronic or other, if it makes any kind of noise, would you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you so much for your cooperation. Our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. And on behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there is no request for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Before we proceed I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone who has come down to witness their government in action today. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for your participation in today's Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution congratulating the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Would Latifah Fields and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's our great pleasure, the women of City Council, to embrace and celebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Madam CJ Walker. And my teacher hat for five seconds, a rhetorical question. Who was the first African American female Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 millionaire? This is a resolution congratulating and honoring the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women on the 31st Anniversary of the Madam CJ Walker Awards Luncheon and for the organization's continued commitment to the educational, political, cultural and economic empowerment of African American women throughout the City of Philadelphia. And whereas, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women was founded in 1981 by our very own Sylvia Webster, who proposed to serve as a collective voice for progressive women of African descent committed to advocating for meaningful sociopolitical and cultural change; and
Whereas, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1982 swore in forty-two trailblazing leaders, of varying professional affiliations, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Tasco, Charisse Lillie-McGill, Audrey Johnson-Thornton, the Honorable Augusta Clark, Joanne Bell, Velma Goode, Leslie Kernodle and Dr. Marschal-Neil E. Young; and Whereas, the organization's leaders quickly sprung into action, implementing an aggressive campaign to address the educational, economic, political and physical needs of women throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with a keen focus on urban cities and an array of programmatic and legislative remedies; and
Whereas, the organization boasts several signature programs that exhibits its unwavering mission, most notably the Educational Mentorship & Scholarship Awards Program, designed to support women and girls pursuing a post-secondary education, and the Madam CJ Walker Awards Luncheon; and Whereas, named in honor of the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 become a self-made millionaire, the Madam CJ Walker Awards Luncheon celebrates local female entrepreneurs who successful operate their own companies and demonstrate sound business practices; and
Whereas, the Awards Luncheon also provides the Coalition's leaders with the opportunity to publicly acknowledge girls and women deeply invested in their academic, social, and political advancement as recipients of its annual Scholarship contest; and
Whereas, the Madam CJ Walker Awards Luncheon, in its 30th year, is a Coalition staple which continues to be a shining example of the organization's commitment to female economic empowerment by generating over 200 attendees annually, providing a platform for networking and strengthening an unbreakable bond of female camaraderie; Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Whereas, in addition to commemorating this auspicious Luncheon, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women revel in several noteworthy accomplishments including receiving the Susan G. Komen "Women's Champion Award," the "Champion of the Year Award" from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the rededication of the Iris V. Henderson Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital, in memoriam of a Coalition sister and the leveraging of local resources alongside the National Leadership to successfully influence the confirmation of the first African American female U.S. Attorney General, Ms. Loretta Lynch; and
The women of Council proudly stand on the shoulders of these trailblazing women and this organization, many who have helped us all get here, so I want to take a personal privilege on that. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Whereas, in honor of Women's History Month and in the closing of Black History Month, the women of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women continue to be lauded and deservedly so, as local leaders invested in the educational, economic, and political advancement of our local communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that this Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women on its 31st Anniversary of the Madam CJ Walker Luncheon and for the organization's commitment to empowering African American women throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership and the membership of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Chapter, as its evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This effort, this resolution was sponsored by all the women of Council and supported by all members of Council. Thank you, Mr. President.
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Fields for remarks.
My name is Latifah Fields and I am the First Vice President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Incorporated, Pennsylvania Chapter. I stand here along with my sisters and some of our brothers to be and brothers and men, enlightened men as we like to call you. I give regards on behalf of Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 President, Linda Watson, in her absence. She extends her thank you for your continued support. She asked for your prayers during her recovery time at this moment. And she just asks that if you did not receive a ticket to this year's luncheon, don't be left without a seat at the table for next year. Again, thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you and, again, congratulations. For our next presentation, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution honoring Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Would Grand Associate Matron Alfa J. Jordan and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests Stated Meeting March 23, 2017
And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilman Jones, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
You know, there's a saying that on the side of every strong man is a stronger woman. And I've had the great opportunity to join a fraternal body known as Prince Hall Masons. This is an organization that helped me develop as a young man, helped me develop my character, but also there are a group of strong women within our organization who are also great contributors to our communities, great Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 of Philadelphia but, most importantly, great contributors to humanity through their service. And so it is truly an honor and privilege today to honor the Deborah Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. I want to take a personal moment and thank my colleague Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for allowing me to introduce this resolution, and I also want to acknowledge my two fraternal brothers, Councilman Curtis Jones and Councilman Bobby Henon, for also joining me here today as well. Honoring and recognizing the Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for its contributions to the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and congratulating the Chapter for its 100th Anniversary.
Whereas, the Order of Eastern Star is a fraternal organization, primarily comprised of female relatives of Prince Hall Masons, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 fraternal love and service to the community. The Deborah Grand Chapter is the umbrella organization of the Eastern Star's Chapters across Pennsylvania, with more than 50 local chapters spread across the Commonwealth; and
Whereas, in 1916 local Eastern Star chapters from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Carlisle united to form the Pennsylvania Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, also known as the Deborah Grand Chapter, with the aim of spreading the organization's mission of love and service throughout Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, as the Deborah Grand Chapter grew throughout the Commonwealth, the spirit of sisterly affection, service, and charity began to truly shine. Now comprised of more than 50 chapters, the Order of Eastern Star is actively engaged in numerous philanthropic endeavors in and around the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Philadelphia; and
Whereas, local chapters of the Order of Eastern Star work to improve their communities by engaging the next generation of young people through mentorship programs and by providing scholarships for college-bound students; and
Whereas, the Deborah Grand Chapter is also dedicated to improving outcomes and quality of life for those battling disease. The Chapter's members participate in fundraisers for breast cancer research, autism awareness, and diabetes education; and
Whereas, celebrating its 100-year Anniversary, the Deborah Grand Chapter elected Marva Linda Montgomery and Charles E. Washington to serve as the Chapter's 50th Grand Worth Matron and Grand Worth Patron in 2016; and
Whereas, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 of the Order of Eastern Star embodies the spirit of brotherly love and sisterly effectiveness. The Deborah Grand Chapter has worked to improve the Philadelphia community throughout its 100-year history, and the City is pleased and proud to recognize that history; now, therefore, be it
Resolved -- I just want to take a moment, right? Because I'm recognizing that we are honoring two of the most powerful women organizations here in the City of Philadelphia during Women's History Month. So I think that should be good for a round of applause. (Applause.)
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Council hereby honors and recognizes Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for its contributions to the City of Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Pennsylvania, and congratulate the Chapter for its 100th Anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star as evidence of the deep appreciation and sincere sentiments of this legislative body. I would like to say congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Jordan for remarks.
It is my pleasure to bring you greetings on behalf of Sister Marva Linda Montgomery, Grand Worthy Matron of Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Incorporated, Prince Hall adopted, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 sorely wanted to be here today, but she is in mourning the loss of her husband, who was just funeralized on Monday, March 20th, 2017. However -- and we ask that you continue to pray for her strength during this time of bereavement. However, she asked me to convey the following message to you, that we pledge our support to you, the women of City Council here in Philadelphia as well as throughout the Commonwealth. She wants you to know that as a community of women, we sisters come united and stand committed to the rights of the women of this city and to the children as well, as they are our future. Therefore, it is my honor on her behalf to present the following certificates to the persons that I will name and to let you know that we are here for you. Each of the certificates reads the same with the exception of the name. This certificate is awarded to, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 name, in recognition of your leadership, devotion, and valuable services to the citizens of Philadelphia. May you continue to guide the way to service. Presented Thursday, March 23rd, 2017, given under the hand and the seal of the Grand Worthy Matron and the Grand Worthy Patron of Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall adopted, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this the 23rd day of March in the year of our Lord 2017. Signed by the Grand Worthy Matron, Marva Linda Montgomery, and the Grand Worthy Patron, Charles E. Washington, as attested by the Grand Secretary Michelle Taylor. The presentations are to Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman at-large, Majority Whip; Cindy Bass, Councilwoman District 8; Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Councilwoman District 7; Helen Gym, Councilwoman at-large; Cherelle Parker, Councilwoman District 9; Jannie Blackwell, Councilwoman District 3; and a special Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Gilmore-Richardson, Chief of Staff. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much, and congratulations one more time. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 427 through 435 Master Street and 1401 through 1425 North Fifth Street and the lease agreement for 427 through 435 Master Street; and An ordinance authorizing a Concession Agreement for the Mobile Food and Beverage Garden Program in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation System between the City of Philadelphia and 13RIVER15 (doing business as Morgan's Pier); and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Linden Avenue, State Road, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, and I-95 for further conveyance, all under certain terms and Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
I offer one resolution this morning and co-signed by all those on City Council who know that business and entrepreneurship is where it's at. Thank you, Mr. President.
A privileged resolution Honoring Philadelphia's Small Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Business Women Leaders in Recognition of Women's History Month.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, Subcode "F" (The Philadelphia Fire Code), by requiring building owners to have certain tests performed on fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems; to require such tests be performed by qualified persons; and to provide for penalties for violations.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer four bills and one resolution.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on American Street between Girard Avenue and Thompson Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 14-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Signs," by providing for new sign controls, entitled "1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations"; and An ordinance authorizing Piedmont 1901 Market to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 1901 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Operating Partnership to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 1900 Market Street. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017
Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduce four bills, one on your behalf, and one privileged resolution.
Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Section 14-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administration and Procedures," and making related changes; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 2600 and 2700 blocks of Winchester Avenue, both sides; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in an area bounded by Linden Avenue, State Road, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, and I-95 for further conveyance; and An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," for the purpose of improving the quality of life for students, teachers and all City residents Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 by authorizing capital expenditures for improvements to property owned by the City and City-related agencies including the School District of Philadelphia.
Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Community Life Improvement Program on the occasion of their 15th Anniversary.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
No bills Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 or resolutions today, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution and one bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate bicycle lanes, in both directions, on American Street from Jefferson Street to Lehigh Avenue and for the removal of a travel lane on American Street, in the same limits.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 427 through 435 Master Street and 1401 through 1425 North Fifth Street and the lease agreement for 427 through 435 Master Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have two non-privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings regarding Philadelphia's Maker Meetup.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017
And a privileged resolution recognizing March 27th through April 1st 2017 as the first Immigrant Business Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Also this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring March 31st Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 6024 Greenway Avenue and 6026 Greenway Avenue.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Section 10-720 of The Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Snow Removal from Sidewalks," by adding provisions relating to clearance of sidewalks abutting City-owned properties.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing a Concession Agreement for the Mobile Food and Beverage Garden Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 Program in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation System between the City of Philadelphia and 13RIVER15 (doing business as Morgan's Pier).
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Ogontz Avenue from Somerville to Belfield Avenue.
And a privileged resolution honoring internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, leader of the design team for the Philadelphia Museum of Art Master Plan.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer no bills or resolutions. Thank you. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017
Thank you, Councilman. Our next order of business will be reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 15 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 Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 161057, entitled "An ordinance authorizing EB Realty Management to construct, own and maintain a building encroachment at 699 North Broad Street"; and Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 170001, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Farragut Street and Locust Street; Mt. Vernon Street and 32nd Street; Chancellor Street and 51st Street; 51st Street and Hazel Avenue; 36th Street and Haverford Avenue; Wyalusing Avenue and 38th Street; Sansom Street and 42nd Street"; and Bill No. 170003, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Baltimore Avenue and 42nd Street; Trinity Street and 48th Street; 46th Street and Chester Avenue; Powelton Avenue and 41st Street"; and Bill No. 170004, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 123 by striking from the City Plan Euclid Avenue from Fifteenth Street to Sixteenth Street"; and Bill No. 170010, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 of: Henry Avenue to Ainslie Street; 52nd Street to Woodbine Avenue; Midvale Avenue to East Falls Station; Midvale Avenue to Stokely Street"; and Bill No. 170014, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting vending on the east side of the 5800 through 6500 block of Castor Avenue between Oxford Avenue to Magee Avenue"; and Bill No. 170018, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Adam Harbin to construct, own and maintain various planter box encroachments at 339 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 170020, entitled "An ordinance revising parking restrictions on Bethlehem Pike, east side, between Chestnut Hill Avenue and Newton Street"; and Bill No. 170092, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Hy Goldberg to Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 construct, own and maintain a bench encroachment at 701 Sansom Street"; and Bill No. 170093, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-1131 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Electric Vehicle Parking,' to impose a moratorium on new electric vehicle parking spaces"; and Bill No. 170111, entitled "An ordinance authorizing acceptance of the dedication to the City of the bed of Westmoreland Street from a point approximately one-hundred ninety-seven feet west of Third Street to a point approximately sixty-six feet further westwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 170112, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location"; and Bill No. 170113, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 City,' by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center City"; and Bill No. 170193, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Adam Harbin to construct, own and maintain various planter box encroachments at 332 through 334 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 170202, entitled "An ordinance removing the parking lane and prohibiting stopping on the south side of Lewis Street, between Delaware Avenue and Richmond Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the 15 bills that were just read into the record by Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day to permit the first reading of the 15 bills that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee of License and Inspection.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspection reports five Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 170091, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by amending Subcode 'A' and Subcode 'B' to add and revise certain provisions relating to the demolition of buildings and structures"; and Bill No. 170164, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets'), by revising certain provisions relating to licenses and fees"; and Bill No. 170165, entitled "An ordinance amending various provisions of The Philadelphia Code, including Chapter Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 6-300 (entitled 'Food'), Title 9 (entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions'), Chapter 10-700 (entitled 'Refuse and Littering'), Chapter 11-500 (entitled 'Paving'), and Chapter 19-600 (entitled 'Amusement Tax'), to revise various provisions relating to fees; including for licenses and permits for food establishments, newspaper boxes, public parking lots, conducting amusements, handbill distribution and sidewalk paving; and to authorize revisions of various fees by regulation"; and Bill No. 170166, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-500 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled 'Boilers, Fuel, Heat and Refrigeration') to revise certain provisions relating to licenses and fees and delete provisions relating to warm air heating apparatus"; and Bill No. 170167, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building, Construction and Occupancy Code), by adding and revising various provisions related to fees for permits, licenses, certificates, appeals and services; and making technical changes," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170091, 170164, 170165, 170166, and 170167. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170091, 170164, 170165, 170166, and 170167. 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 a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 2ND READING 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 of today's Calendars: Bill No. 170269, 170270, 170271, 170273. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have an interest in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on our 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 podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. On that podium there's a device. When the light turns Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guideline and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170273, 170270, and 170271. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Can everybody hear me? I'll wait for a microphone. (Pause.)
Okay. This is an official decree and writ of mandamus quo warranto, which none of them previously Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 have been acted upon, and that requires investigation on top of this and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Millions in Philadelphia follow the rule of law or pay the consequences for violating the law. I was struck on the 9th of this month when Councilmembers stating that failing to report violations is a clear violation of oath of office and law and requires prosecution. This is clearly applicable in caselaw cited in SCOTUS 15-8965 about the theft and denial of due process of my home at West Wyoming Avenue, 1038. From 55 US 622, we get, you are deemed officers of the law. You can hardly claim that you were acting in good faith by willful deprivation of law. The law requires immediate remedy of this breach of law. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, oath of office, PA Constitution, Article I, Section 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 708, Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 and other laws listed appear violated. As such, requires immediate prosecution of all involved. There can only be one law. I again 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. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 23 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants can't refuse their sworn duty to act, and this constitutional crisis must be immediately resolved. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING It takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. We will now continue with our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170269.
A 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-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 170269 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170270.
A 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 Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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. Resolution 170270 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170271.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2517 Salmon Street.
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. 170271 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170273.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 170273 is adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.
A resolution Honoring Philadelphia's Small Business Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Women Leaders in Recognition of Women's History Month, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll have a lot more to say about this next week, but I do want to say thank you to Councilmembers Green, Taubenberger, Henon, Parker, Domb, Greenlee, Sanchez, Gym, Bass, Blackwell, and Jones for co-sponsoring this resolution with me. Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring the Community Life Improvement Program on the occasion of their 15th Anniversary, introduced by Councilman Henon.
Yes, Mr. President. Thank you. I'd like to just comment on the Community Life Improvement Program.
Usually referred to as CLIP. Back at the beginning of Mayor Street's first administration, first term, he announced NTI, Neighborhood Transportation Initiative. It was almost a $500 million bond issue, and my late Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING colleague Joan Krajewski and I met with the Mayor and said, Mayor, we don't have any skin in this game pretty much in our district, but we'd love to support it, but can you come up with something. He not only came up with something, he designed the program with a lot of research and thought into it that he had presented on several occasions showing that in some of our worst areas, if in the 1940s when those areas looked like our district looked in that time period, early part of this century, that they might not look so bad if we had CLIP hitting early and stopping it. So he came up with this whole program from start to finish. I don't think he's ever really been given credit for it. Joan came up with CLIP. She came up with the -- I think she had the acronym first and then figured out what to call it. But not only did Mayor Street come up with this very essential program Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING that has been unbelievably successful, but he came out at the beginning, he wanted to know what houses we could identify that if something wasn't done and done fast, they would become the beginning of the domino effect on their block and in their neighborhood, that people would not be able to sell a house with that house on the block. They would become rentals instead of homeownership houses and also possibly vacant homes. We had caravans go in the neighborhoods with every top-level City official and every department, including the Law Department, and it looks like a presidential motorcade coming in. The cars were a little smaller and things. But Mayor Street got out, and these were not areas where he did particularly well in that election. I'll tell you he did much better the next time. And he was able, through the force of his office, to change those blocks, and there were several of them in both Joan's area, the Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING 6th District, and mine, and those blocks have never gone sour again. And CLIP, the program that he invented, has been able to keep things in check before they get to that point. So I just want to mention him, thank him on behalf of the residents of the 10th District, but I'm sure on behalf of anybody who has had a call into CLIP and gotten the success. It so happens that Tom Conway was chosen by Mayor Street after he had been chosen by Mayor Rendell to stop graffiti, which he was able to do, and is just an incredible person and supervisor of that CLIP program. But it's been institutionalized to the point where if someone knows that CLIP is coming out, they start moving in a different direction. They cut their grass. They do whatever it is that they've been cited for, because the fact is it's going to cost them a lot more if they don't. And I thank Joanie for coming up with an easy to remember and Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING very descriptive set of initials in the acronym. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. And first I want to go on the record that this resolution is co-sponsored or co-introduced by Councilman O'Neill. I want to state that for the record in addition. But, you know, having that kind of experience and knowledge on how this body works with the second floor or actually can work with the second floor, here's an example of the ingenuity and creativity of a program that fits all of the City of Philadelphia. Fifteen years later, here we are. We have a disciple of Tommy Conway, who is making us all proud, because I think the Councilman said it correctly and it's the broken window Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING theory, and the quality of life isn't just in the 10th District, it's not just in the 6th District. All right? It's all throughout the City of Philadelphia, and that's our core values. That's our foundation, which makes Philadelphia special. And this program has adapted to that, because what we've been able to codify -- not codify, but what we've been able to quantify is, if qualify-of-life issues throughout the City are not addressed, it decreases our property values and with the multiple violations, quality-of-life violations, and those who are tax delinquent and it just goes on and on, it decreases the value of our homes by 20 percent. We have it proven. And that's not what our neighborhoods are about. We're about expanding on these programs. We're about coming up with new ideas, like middle neighborhoods and so forth. So I want to thank the Councilman for being there. I want to Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING thank him for his involvement and telling us about the history. And to the late Joan Krajewski, my predecessor, I want to thank her for paving the path for me. So thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Yes, Mr. President. I do not want to miss the opportunity to echo what my colleagues have mentioned and to -- I am well reminded of Councilwoman Joan Krajewski's gentle but firm, in-your-face persuasion about why this was an important initiative, and then to underscore the still contagious enthusiasm of Tom Conway. He's never become a bureaucrat. He cares deeply still, as if he was brand new in government, and he's a rarity when it comes to servants who get it and are there with the drop of a phone call. Thank you, Mr. President.
Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. I agree with all that has been said, and it's great when people get credit for some of their good works. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion.
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 the resolution passes. Stated Meeting March 23, 2017 3/23/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings regarding Philadelphia's Maker Meetup, 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.)