Jennifer Jones, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. Can everyone hear me? Hi. My name is Jennifer Jones and I'm a parent of a four-year-old child at Amazing Kids Academy on Erie Avenue. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 I'm here to add another dynamic to the meeting. I am a parent of another child who was constantly suspended from school, and that was before we knew that he had autism, so he was constantly suspended from school. And all three of my children have CCIS, and every time I had issues at work, I would have to quit and I would lose my funding. I would lose my CCIS. With PHLpreK, I don't have to worry about income guidelines, being eligible for that. My son always has a spot where he's at. And if I decide that I'm able to go back to work, he still has a spot and I can subsidize payments in that area. But other than that, I really appreciate the program. It's been very helpful for me. I'm not only a parent, but I'm a student myself. So it gives me time to go out and do what I need to do to learn, and I'm confident that my son is getting quality pre-K care. And then, Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 like I said, if I would like to go back to work, he could be subsidized with full day childcare. But it's very important that our children have the support they need now before they enter elementary school so they don't have these problems and parents don't have to worry about the suspensions and expulsions from school. Thank you.
April Bryant, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is April Bryant. I'm here today to just remind Council that we really need your support in reducing suspension and expulsion in schools, and it doesn't start at the elementary school level. We're encouraging you to take action now Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 while children are young. At our earliest ages of three, four, and five, children are sometimes expelled and suspended, and we're encouraging you to support us in our efforts to gain professional development through the PHLpreK beverage tax. Our teachers are growing. They're learning how to address challenging behaviors and how to help parents and families support their children early on. We gain access to many resources that we don't have usually without the PHL beverage tax, which affects our children when they get to elementary school. The problems that arise there can be eradicated at this early age. So we're asking you, Councilmember Cindy Bass, to take your name off of the sugary beverage tax. We're in your district, and we really need your support. Over 300 kids are counting on you to make a difference in Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 their lives. Thank you.
Emmanuel Bussie, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you very much. My name is Emmanuel Bussie. I rise in support of --
All right. So 190027. I'm in support of that bill and that ordinance because I'm a big fan of oversight. I came up to make my comments about the oversight, but I want to also talk about the young people that I've seen today that come in here, the young people. com) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 heart was warm to see them be a part of this process and them observe the process. But what I say to the people that brought the young people here is, if you care about young people, you should also care of the fact that only one percent of women are allowed to work in those building trades. So when you fight for this pre-K, the opportunities in pre-K, that the goal is for them to either get a meaningful employment, getting meaningful job or either own a business themselves. 5 percent of the businesses in the City, something is wrong. When women only represent one percent of the people in the building trades, something is wrong. So even after pre-K, the goal and the hope is that they get a meaningful employment or a business opportunity, which does not exist under the current administration. com) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 pre-K kids, we should fight what happens after they get out of pre-K. That's why I applaud Maria Quinones-Sanchez. That's why I applaud Cindy Bass, because they not just fighting for pre-K, because it's a 52 fake-out. We get each other to fight each other over crumbs. We got more than enough funding to fund pre-K. Let's be real. You come down here and you talk about funding pre-K. You have over $357 million surplus, and even more than that if you count all the money that we misuse and misappropriate. We got tons of money to fund pre-K. But what they get you to do is to fight me, who got four daughters, who I pay for pre-K out of my own pocket, which I wish I had this program when I was funding $256 a week. They get me to fight you over pre-K money that we don't even need. I was a supporter of the soda tax because they said it would fund pre-K. com) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 from the soda tax is sitting in the General Fund. I was a supporter of the soda tax because they told me it would expand capacity. 5 percent of the businesses, and they just took the largest contract from a black business and gave it to a Chicago-based company because they omitted two pages in a proposal. And Imma tell you something, the City has the right on their own laws and under their own RFP to omit any information or exclude any information in proposals, including, without limitation, those identified in Sections 1 and Section 2, receiving it through the City's service or other means. The City could have omitted the fact and allow this company to bid on a contract that they had for 17 years. I'm going to try to repeat this again. com) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 contract again. Let me just -- they just said, you can't even bid on the $17 million contract that you had for over 17 years because you left out two pages. See, you can't talk about expanding capacity, but take the largest contract from a black and brown firm at the same time. So when we care about our young people and we care about the soda tax and we care about funding pre-K, we should also care about, like Maria, like Cindy, like Curt, care about what happens after pre-K. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Franchesca Rivera, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Franchesca. I'm here as a Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 mother. My son just turned five years old. He's part of the Philadelphia pre-K program. It has been a great experience for my son, because he's learning the basic skills that he needs to start as a student, like letters, numbers, colors, and the perfect way to play with other students and the routine and norms that he needs to be successful in kindergarten. Thanks to Mi Familia Child Care, PHL program, my son learn English. Since September, my son is part of the greatest experience in his life, because as a family, we want more opportunities to other kids, not less. We really need your help. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)
Esther Joseph, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019
Good afternoon. My name is Esther Joseph and I am here as an early childhood educator representing Rising Sun Children's Center, which is a STAR 4 facility and also a proud participant in the City of Philadelphia's PHLpreK program. Our focus today is the reduction and elimination of the suspension of elementary school children, but what we should consider is how to prevent this, and it all starts with access to early learning. Aside from the often repeated focus on math, language, literacy, art, and technology, quality preschool programs also help build a strong foundation for children's physical, mental, and especially the social emotional development, and this prepares them for a lifetime. In these programs, our children Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 are learning about conflict resolution, navigating their own emotions, and positive peer actions. I have had my own countless conversations with elementary school professionals who have stressed the importance of the following for children's early learning success: coping with emotions, taking the perspective of someone else, establishing healthy relationships with peers and adults, expressing sympathy, negotiating skills, resolving conflict without resorting to aggression, which is especially important when we're talking about eliminating and reducing suspension and expulsion of elementary school. Our Philadelphia preschool children are worth the beverage tax, and I thank those Councilmembers who are in favor of it, and I urge those who are not to reconsider. Thank you.
Thank you. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
I do have a question for the last speaker. Would you come back to the microphone.
Do you believe that if there were no soda tax, that the City should use some of the $360 million surplus to fund pre-K?
If the soda tax did not exist, would you be in favor of the City using money from the $360 million surplus to fund pre-K?
If that's what it takes, then I'm all in favor for it. I'm not in support of removing the soda tax Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 without providing an alternative solution to provide quality education for our preschool children. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Jones, did you also have -
Since we were in public comment, I was letting the public comment and remain councilmanic neutral on the issue, but since my colleague felt he has to interrogate -so let me ask you a question. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 How long is the waiting list for pre-K in your organization?
In my organization, I have parents who have been coming in since last September, and they have been waiting all year, hoping for a spot for their child for this September.
So you understand the correlation between preparing young people to be able to read successfully by the fourth grade, and if not, how many jail cells we have to build by the time they're 18 if they can't achieve that reading goal.
And you place the priority in making sure that if we know that problem, to fix it early.
Absolutely. People are knowledgeable -- we talk about Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 it all the time -- how the first five years of life are essential, but for some reason we can't make the connection on investing our money and our time and legislation into making sure that the children have those resources that they need.
And would you agree that this is not a social service issue in and of itself but an economic development issue, because it allows moderate-income parents to be able to pursue jobs because they have a safe educational place to place their children during the day while they work.
Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. You better hurry up and get out of here. I'm sorry. I digress. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 The Chair recognizes -- I'm going to let her get out before I recognize you, sir.
If she were here, I would ask her if she would like me to introduce a transfer ordinance to fund pre-K out of the surplus of $50 million next week, which I'll be happy to do, 50, 30, whatever millions it needs, and so it doesn't depend on the soda tax at all. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you. Councilman Jones, she left.
But she can hear me in the hallway. I'm going to let it go.
You okay, Councilman? Stated Meeting April 25, 2019
Shyrl Reynolds, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Shyrl Reynolds-Kata, and I'm here to speak on the Resolution 17048 [sic], prohibition of the suspension of elementary-age student. We all support the pre-K. I support the increasing of education funding for the children, but do not think the Philadelphia beverage tax is the right way. My family owns the Nile Restaurant located in the Second District of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. My Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 husband could not be here today. Right now the business can only afford two permanent employees, he being one of them. Today it's very hard on the business owner of Philadelphia. Taxes like the beverage tax is placing an unfair burden on the businesses close to the City line that businesses across the City line don't have to deal with. We both are immigrants. I've lived here in Philadelphia for 34 years. We have four children. They have been in the business for six years and there has been a stark difference between the success of the business before and after the tax. We have -- we hope -- we had hoped that operating a small business would be easier over the time, but since the introduction of the beverage tax, our sales have dropped a great deal, so much that we recently had to return the cooler leased to us by the supplier because the Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 business weren't ordering enough to fulfill on the contract. Mr. Kenyatta Johnson, please support the legislation to repeal the beverage tax and give the businesses like ours a chance, if you have that opportunity, that we can afford to expand more business with the benefit to the community. Thank you.
Thank you, ma'am. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Arnold Jones, commenting on 190238. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. I actually wanted to speak on the other one too, but I'll speak on the first one.
Just state your name for the record. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019
Arnold Jones. Okay. So based on this particular bill, if individuals given the opportunity to represent the interests of their constituents, neighbors, and fellow man and woman decide to inject malicious intent towards others because of their religious beliefs, it must be dealt with swiftly. Stephanie Borowicz's remarks were divisive and undermine the very idea that this country allows for religious and political freedoms. Therefore, I am speaking in support of Bill 190238 as presented by Councilmember Jones, Green, Parker, and Gym. I leave you with the words of peace, as-salamu alaykum. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel, commenting on 190293 and 181063. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week, Council, Mayor, Governor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. In private industry, when your boss wants to talk, you cannot limit their time to speak because you do not want to listen to their direction. Last meeting, Council refused to listen to their boss, the people. Since governments are created by the people through secure God-given rights, the people are your boss. Maybe the people should exercise the right of the people to abolish this incompetent, oath-violating government. The Declaration of Independence clearly describes government abuses that Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 are currently existing. Government that steals private property from the people, then refuses to enforce oath, Constitution, and law contracts has clearly become Madison's elected monarchy. When did by the people, for the people become screw the people? Why has the Attorney General failed to perform known duty or task to investigate and prosecute officials for theft of my property and theft of my just compensation? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 I call on 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 25 years is extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Constitution, and law be enforced, and jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution, or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING all of this monumental corruption.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment. We will now move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190293.
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 Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move 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 190293 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 190298.
A resolution also naming Watts Street between Girard Avenue and Poplar Street as Sonny Driver Drive.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 190298 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 190083-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 20-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Political Contributions and Expenditures," to add and make changes to provisions regarding campaign contributions; contributions to transition and inauguration committees; and campaign finance disclosures.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman O'Neill. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are one. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 181064. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending the "/CDO, Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District," to revise provisions relating to river access streets.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment for this bill. The amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 181064 has been Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING amended. It will be placed on our next passage of City Council. Councilman Johnson, I believe you missed one vote you were out of the room.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. That vote shall be 15; 1. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190132.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending various provisions to provide for purchase of service by certain classes of employees.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Bass.
Aye. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Recognizing and Honoring the recipients of the 2019 Lindback Foundation Distinguished Principal Award on the excellence in leadership and dedication to educating the children of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
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.)
And a resolution Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings to discuss how well the School District of Philadelphia education curriculum is preparing its students for actual jobs in the workforce, increasing their cultural awareness, and what needs to be done to bridge the gap between education and workforce preparation, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a resolution recognizing the employees of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons for their professional contributions and services; and proclaiming the week of May 6 through May 10, 2019 as Correctional Employee Week in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold public hearings on the feasibility of the City of Philadelphia creating a lease-to-purchase housing program using city owned properties, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I request that this go before our Housing Committee with the Chair Lady, Councilwoman Blackwell, who has historically dealt with this issue from homelessness to occupancy, and I want to do it through that committee, but one of the things that I found out was that you had already gone down to Cleveland and examined the lease-to-own program out there, and when I called, they had talked about you kind of laying out the groundwork of how that could Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING actually be here in Philadelphia. So I'm thankful for your homework. I also want to note for the record to my colleagues that Cleveland has done through a lease-purchase, lease-to-own program 2,300 units of new housing, not rehab, brand new stick built housing. And I think they were the tip of the spear during the housing downturn and managed to use that tool in spite of what banks were going to do, in spite of some of the challenges that people were facing coming up with the down payment and closing costs. They managed to think their way through. And I think we may do it a little different here in Philadelphia, but I think they have clearly lit the way on how this kind of program might attract workforce housing and people trying to make it in challenged areas that are being gentrified. So I look forward to those hearings in Councilwoman Blackwell's committee. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution Recognizing and Honoring Consul Alicia Kerber for her service and dedication to the Mexican community throughout the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing and honoring the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's Philadelphia Alumnae, Quaker City Alumnae, and Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters on the occasion of Delta Youth Day at Philadelphia City Council, introduced by Councilwoman Parker.
Thank Stated Meeting April 25, 2019 4/25/19 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)