Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:00 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 MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. If the visitors will retire behind the rail and the members take their seats, we'll get started. Thank you for your cooperation. Before we start, I'm going to ask anyone -- the last couple of weeks we've been having some intermittent cell phones and other electronic devices go off, so I'll ask anyone that has a cell phone or any other type of an electronic device that makes noise, please cut it off or turn it on silent. I'd really appreciate your cooperation on that. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Nate Preisinger of the Reformation Lutheran Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.) Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
Thank you especially to Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, who I am here at her invitation this morning. I bring the Council greetings from Reformation Lutheran Church in East Mount Airy, where I have the privilege to serve as pastor. I have been there for just over a year and, in that short time, have learned that these people whom God has entrusted to me care about their neighborhood deeply, care about the City deeply. And so it is with humility that I'm before you today representing these people who I love so much, and it is such an honor to be able to offer a word of prayer for this body and its work here this morning. Just a brief reminder before I begin, it is Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone, and while we Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 is just a holiday created by greeting card companies in order to boost their sales in the middle of winter, I would instead invite us to consider the underlying message of this day, which is simply to love. Here we are in Philadelphia, literally the City of Brotherly Love, on Valentine's Day, and certainly that guy Jesus, who I know so well, had a lot to say about loving your neighbor. And so at this time, where there seems to be so much political division and hate-filled actions in our country, I would just want to take a moment to remind us that love is always good policy. I'd also like to take a moment to remind the members of the City Council about the tremendous opportunity that they have to enact policies of love. As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, we have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 this great city that I call home, this great city where I work and serve might become more true to its name, a city where neighbors treat one another with love, a city where policies are enacted that love and honor the dignity of all people. With all that said, let us pray. Holy and Gracious God, your son Jesus provided us with a glimpse of your heavenly kingdom where everyone is treated with love. And so we pray this day and every day that the world might begin to look more like the kingdom of God. We pray for an end to violence, for an end to greed, for an end to injustice, and an end to racism. We pray for an end to the diabolical cycles of poverty that cripple so many. And we pray that more people, Lord, would wake up to their privilege and make room for those voices that are so often ignored. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 God, bless this City Council. Bless these leaders. Bless them and help all those who hold power throughout our city to understand that the power they have been given is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from these leaders all cynicism, selfishness, and corruption, and guide their work with the spirit of wisdom and charity. Lord, in this city where the history of love, justice, and liberty is so strong, we pray for more of the same in the future. May the actions and decisions made here this day be inspired by your holy spirit. May they bring our city closer to your vision for this world. Bless this gathering, Lord. Bless all those who are gathered here. May we be your hands and feet in this world, working for justice, advocating Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 peace, and always, always extending love to our neighbors, just as you always extend your love to us. We pray all of this in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, so much. We appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Pastor. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 7, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 7th, 2019 be approved. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 7, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. Our next order of business is requests for leave 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 Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Al Taubenberger.
Thank you, Councilman. The record shall reflect that Councilman Taubenberger has a leave of absence. 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 busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that 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 for being here. Today we have no presentations, so our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Clerk from the Mayor. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent, living wage; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of The City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent, living wage, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 arrangements for the special election.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill. On behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, I offer one resolution. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, west side, Master Street to Jefferson Street.
And a privileged resolution Celebrating the Selection of Jesmyn Ward's Sing, Unburied, Sing for the 2019 "One Book, One Philadelphia" Program.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-300 of The Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Maintenance and Supervision," by adding a new section requiring that all City buildings and facilities install and maintain life sustaining medical equipment including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and advanced first aid kits; and requiring the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in connection with capital projects.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to examine the state of Philadelphia's EMS system and the areas where additional support is needed to ensure that the Philadelphia Fire Department is equipped with the necessary tools to perform their job.
And a privileged Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to determine the feasibility for implementing a program in the School District of Philadelphia which provides exposure to CPR training as a part of the high school curriculum, prior to a student's graduation.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Mr. President. Today I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Linda Norris for her dedication and service to the East Falls Community.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Johnson.
Council President, I have one non-privileged resolution and two bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by restricting sidewalk sales on portions of Woodland Avenue.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Webster Street and South 18th Street; Fitzwater Street and South 20th Street; Christian Street between South Broad Street and South 16th Street; Carpenter Street and South 24th Street; Catharine Street and South 20th Street; Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Bainbridge between 24th Street and Schuylkill Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirtieth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez, no bills or resolutions will be introduced today. On my behalf, I have two privileged Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 resolutions for today.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the 40th Blue Cross Broad Street Run.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets & Services to hold hearings regarding the City of Philadelphia's commitment to its recycling program.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one resolution, and I wish to be recognized for remarks after the title of both are read.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of The City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent, living wage.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent, living wage; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of and in partnership with the Administration, I am proud to join with the co-sponsors Councilman Mark Squilla and Councilwoman Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Blondell Reynolds Brown in introducing this legislation because far too often the collective voice of Philadelphia residents does not seem to be heard at the state level. This legislation will put the following question on the May 21st ballot: Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to call on the General Assembly to either increase the Pennsylvania minimum wage now so that it reaches $15 an hour in stages by 2025 or, Mr. President, allow the City of Philadelphia itself to provide for a decent, family-sustaining living wage for working Philadelphians. With such a ballot question, we shall allow the citizens of Philadelphia to formally weigh in on a state level policy issue. 25 an hour has been unchanged for the past ten years while the cost of living has risen Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 more than 13 percent since 2009. Contrary to what many people believe, the average employee earning minimum wage is not a teenager working a part-time job. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the typical worker who will benefit from a $15 minimum wage is a 35-year-old woman with some college level coursework who works full time, and raising the minimum wage to $15 will be particularly significant for workers of color. Nearly two-fifths, that's 38 percent, of African Americans and one-third, that's 33 percent, of Latinos would get a raise if the federal minimum wage were increased to $15. Now, furthermore, Pennsylvanians as a whole would benefit if that action ever took place. If the minimum wage were incrementally increased to $15 per hour, by the time of full-time implementation, over a quarter of a million Philadelphia residents, that's nearly half of our workforce, they would Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 be affected by the wage increase. Now, my co-sponsors on this legislation have been avid supporters of raising the minimum wage in Philadelphia. We also know that Mayor Kenney signed into law legislation sponsored by our colleague Councilman Mark Squilla that will make sure that all employees of the City and City contractors earn what they deserve, which is a minimum wage of $15 per hour, and just two weeks ago our colleague Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a resolution urging the Pennsylvania State Legislature to pass Governor Wolf's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour, with a pathway to $15 an hour for all workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and her resolution is on Final Passage today. Raising the minimum wage, Mr. President, is not a new idea. And while I'd love for Pennsylvania to be a leader on this issue, we are actually well behind others. Currently there are Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 25 per hour. Furthermore -- this is very important to note -- private local employers like Jefferson have recently raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour without any legislative incentive to do so. Jefferson did that on its own, and they are to be commended. Philadelphians have a right to counteract the narrative that raising the minimum wage is a job killer. This ballot question will allow Philadelphians to say, if they so choose, that raising the minimum wage is not a job killer. In reality, it's an inequality killer, it's a poverty reducer, it's a people dignifier, and it's a work-life balancer and, most importantly, it gives Philadelphians the right to make sure their voices are heard. Thank you, Mr. President, and Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 thank you, colleagues, for your patience.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And that shall be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution. I'd like to be heard after the title is read.
A non-privileged resolution calling on the State Legislature of Pennsylvania, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and the federal government to mandate these certain education initiatives in Pennsylvania and to mandate these initiatives nationwide.
Thank you, Council President. These initiatives, I just want to elaborate, nothing that's Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 new, but the mandatory requirement of teaching pre-K to twelfth grade financial literacy, technology, including coding, ninth to twelfth grade teaching entrepreneurship classes, and ninth to twelfth grade children have the opportunity to work on a job one day a week and go to school for four days a week. This is great for Philadelphia. It's great for the State of Pennsylvania, and it's good for the whole nation. And I met with Governor Wolf. I believe he's a supporter of this. Congressman Evans is a supporter. I've been working with State Rep Jordan Harris in the Legislature to try to make this happen. But this is a bipartisan issue. It is not democrat or republican. This is about making sure our children have the right tools when they grow up to be adults to be successful in their lives. So I hope -- by the way, it's supported by all members of Council, and I thank all members. I just hope we can Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 get this done in Harrisburg. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. That shall be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I don't have any bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on both sides of McNulty Road from Southampton Road to Townsend Road. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
And an ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on Townsend Road.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Ritner Street and South 12th Street; Camac Street and Moore Street; South 11th Street and Tasker Street; South 12th Street and Tasker Street; Morris Street and South 9th Street; Morris Street and South 6th Street; Morris Street and South 11th Street.
Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 3 of Subcode PM ("The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code") of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "General Requirements," to add provisions relating to bed bug infestation; adding Chapter 9-4500 of the Code, entitled "Responsibilities Concerning Bed Bug Infestations," to establish various requirements for landlords and tenants relating to bed bug infestation and to establish requirements related to bed bugs in connection with certain residential occupancies and the sale of residential property.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill with co-sponsors Blackwell, Squilla, Oh, Johnson, O'Neill, and Jones. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Police Department.
Referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 181103, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties,' to revise the standards for eligibility and the benefit determination," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 181103. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 181103. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the 14 bills that were -- thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 14 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 180996, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 118 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a widened portion of Warnock Street, on the easterly side thereof between Berks Street and Norris Street"; and Bill No. 181010, entitled "An Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 12-S and 19-S by relocating the northeasterly houseline and curbline of Tasker Street, from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to a point southeastwardly therefrom, relocating the southeasterly curbline of said Christopher Columbus Boulevard from Tasker Street to Reed Street varying distances northwestwardly, and relocating a portion of the southwesterly curbline of Dickinson Street, from said Christopher Columbus Boulevard to a point northwesterly therefrom, a uniform distance northeastwardly"; and Bill No. 181048, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mohammed Talouli to construct, own and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 4955 through 57 Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 181065, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations on Germantown Avenue, East Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Lane, both sides"; and Bill No. 181097, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Haverford Avenue, both sides, 31st Street to 32nd Street"; and Bill No. 181098, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 46th Street, east side, Larchwood Avenue to Osage Avenue"; and Bill No. 181099, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Locust Street and South 45th Street; South 46th Street and Spruce Street; South 45th Street and Kingsessing Avenue; Wiota Street and Powelton Avenue; Stiles Street and North 50th Street; Springfield Avenue and Farragut Street; St. Marks Street and Spruce Street"; and Bill No. 181104, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wilder Street and South 12th Street; Tasker Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 8th Street; Gerritt Street and South 12th Street; Reed Street and South 12th Street; Dickinson Street and South 9th Street; South 11th Street and Wharton Street"; and Bill No. 190009, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Ivy Hill Road in the vicinity of Mansfield Avenue"; and Bill No. 190010, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Permit Parking Districts,' by creating new Permit Parking District 36 in the vicinity of Cottman Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard and the Tacony Creek"; and Bill No. 190011, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' be revising the limitations on a permissible location on Castor Avenue"; and Bill No. 190014, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to Vincent Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Cappello, owner and operator of Vinny's Fruit and Produce located in the right-of-way on the north side of Dickinson Street between 9th Street and 10th Street, to install, use and maintain certain electrical wires, conduits and appurtenances in, under and over the right-of-way on the north side of Dickinson Street between 9th Street and 10th Street"; and Bill No. 190015, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking restrictions on East Gowen Avenue, Devon Street to Ardleigh Street, south side"; and Bill No.
190063, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' to authorize bicycle lanes on North 10th Street and North 13th Street, each from Spring Garden Street to Buttonwood Street; and establishing no stopping regulations within the same limits," respectfully reports it has Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 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 14 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 14 bills just reported out of committee. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2ND READING
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, and I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Bill Nos. 190091, 190096, 180834, 190028, 190004, 180820, 180943, and 190007. All Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Before we consider the bills and resolutions that are on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. If you are interested in testifying on a bill on resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, I would ask that you sign up at the table to my left, if you have not already done so. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 I want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, if you call the first witness to testify.
Hello. Good morning. Thank you. My name is Joe Cox. 190004, Senior Citizens Low-Income Special Tax Provision, by extending the deadline for low-income seniors to apply for a refund or forgiveness of Real Estate Taxes. I applaud this and any bill that aims to help low-income people in the poorest big city. I'm going to read a poem about the reality that we live in. She used to live right there, but she froze right there. Within a block, a few banks. Over there you can Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 see skyscrapers. Not far, millionaires are living. She used to live right there, but she froze right there, on the streets of Philadelphia, one of many. But they say people over profits. I say prove it. Words are pointless without action. RIP, Ginny, one of many. (Applause.)
Cora Turpin, commenting on 190004. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I am Dr. Cora Turpin of the Concerned Senior Citizens of Philadelphia. I am also a committee person of the 5th Ward, 23rd Division for over 30 years. I stand in support of Bill 190004, which provides tax relief for people of low and modest income. I pray Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 that you have the courage to eliminate the barriers and freeze the Actual Value Initiative for all citizens, regardless of income, at age 65 and above. This bill doesn't do that. It is the middle class that is presently exempt from your consideration of the tax reform that is bearing the burden of all these AVI taxes. These are your parents, who worked all their lives to educate you and pay for their homes, that you are now abandoning. These are the people who bought homes in Philadelphia under threat of losing their jobs as a City employee in the 1970s. These are the people who stabilized their neighborhoods at that time to make them desirable places to live when the fight of property owners from the City was excessively problematic. I refuse to think that the present City Councilpersons cannot understand that the AVI is based on the cost of construction. As developers Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 build new structures in old neighborhoods all over the City, the value of property rises and will continue to rise. Construction costs never go down. As the AVI sucks away the buying power of people on fixed income, the number of foreclosures for formerly middle-class seniors will increase. Don't live too long. It is mathematically impossible to sustain rising taxes on fixed incomes. Homelessness of the middle class is imminent. City Council has provided tax breaks for the rich and for the poor. Let the middle class survivors have the peace of mind and a home in the neighborhoods they settled. After all, you can depend on their voting in every election. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Amber Hikes, Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 commenting on 180834 and 180820. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Amber Hikes and I am the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia, and I am proudly in support of Resolution 180834, which is an amendment to change certain gender-specific references, "councilman," "councilmen," "Councilmanic," to gender-neutral references such as "councilmember." Titles such as councilman create an environment in which women and non-binary people have to carve out space for themselves in ways that men do not. This is not only in order to be addressed with accurate language, but to exist meaningfully and hold power in that space. The barriers created by this type of exclusive language keep gender Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 minorities from accessing leadership positions that enable them to make positive social change. Representation of marginalized communities in positions of leadership is invaluable to addressing the needs of these communities. Creating a culture in which non-binary people can be properly identified and affirmed within City Council roles fosters positive representation in the City's government. For Philadelphia to actively include gender-neutral language in one of the City's oldest governing documents would set a monumental precedent for others to follow. This action would also demonstrate our recognition of the changing landscape in our society. In short, this legislation gives transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people a chance. It says that they are worthy of being included in our city's government and that they are worthy of the effort it takes to Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 represent them. We all believe this should be true, but we do not demonstrate it enough. So this legislation is an opportunity for the City of Philadelphia to pull up an extra seat at the table and invite trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people to sit down. This legislation shows that members of our non-binary community are not just included, but they are also needed and wanted. So the Office of LGBT Affairs wholeheartedly supports Bill No. 180834 and any measures to affirm and support trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. This is a simple change with an incredible impact. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Clarc King, commenting on 180834. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Clarc King and I am speaking regarding 180834. I am not convinced that gender-specific statutes or legislation is necessary or will increase the civility -- I'm sorry. Anyway, I don't think the resolution will increase civility among the members of society. I want to point out that men and women, sex and children are economy drivers, and what is happening is that the economic rights and interests of the worker, men and women, are being driven into obscurity by political correctness. The child is precious. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Financialization's hostility indicated by low-wage economy, high unemployment, and housing dedicated to finance's gentrification demands our focus and resolution. Irrationalism must be identified. We must recognize that poverty is caused by the Wall Street system and work to undo the damage that financialization has done to this great city and the whole country. Thank you.
Dwight Franks, commenting on 190096. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. Hello. I want to thank you for the resolution and designation of 190096.
Yes. My name is Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 Dwight Franks. I'm a veteran and a block captain, and I thank you for the resolution of 190096. I've been having some problems finding -- just trying to find a way to go and get help as a veteran, so I thank you, and I'll be visiting your office very soon. Thank you.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 190096, 181005-A, and 190074. (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. Every week, Council, Mayor, Governor, and others transfer private Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 property to the government, probably illegally. Can a first-class city treat its people like they are second-class citizens? Last week I witnessed the Oscar-worthy performance. The Council I know hears your home was stolen, then unanimously approves spending upwards of 120 million HUD low-income housing money to build a mall on top of my stolen home. Your oath, Constitution, and law-violating actions speak louder than your words. Socialism, fascism, and communism restrict and deny property rights. Article IV, Section 4 requires federal governments stop the invasion of rights and maintain a republican form of government. In cases of incompetent legislators, look around you, executive or presidential action is required. Given this RICO-style conspiracy to deny rights, Attorney General is required to Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 prosecute. 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. 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 egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 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 this monumental corruption.
Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Great morning. How you doing? I'm commenting on 170408 introduced by Reynolds Brown and Gym, Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 resolution calling and urging the School District of Philadelphia to permanently -
To permanently prohibit the suspension of elementary-aged students from first through fifth grade. I commented on this about maybe six months ago and it's absolutely a no-brainer, but I also want to -- I want to also congratulate Reynolds Brown for her service for City Council for the past 20 years as well and also Helen Gym for being the new drive for education, you know. And there's a need also in addition to not suspending children, there's a need for safety in our schools. And I just had a meeting with some of the police officers from the Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 School District, and they only have about 300 police officers, and in 2000, there were about 700. And there's just a lot of issues that's happening that needs to be addressed as well, on top of the fact that we need a 21st century education system that deals with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. So absolutely don't suspend children under the fifth grade, but we have to develop tools so that we can prevent the violence that's coming obviously because our children are not being educated and there are not jobs being available for them because they're not. There are tons and tons and tons of jobs in the STEM area. So that's one of the reasons -oh, don't forget that our children have to walk through these filthy, littered-filled streets, you know. So we need to address those areas as well. So that's one of the reasons why I'm supporting this bill, because of it being Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 an obvious thing, but I'm also glad to say that I hope that I can join Councilwoman Helen Gym as a Councilperson, you know, here in these Chambers to help to shape the minds of the children of Philadelphia so that we truly can be a 21st century world-class city where we don't have all these problems and we have so many solutions to these problems. But we have to be innovative and we have to use the technology that we have. Thank you. And that's it. So I definitely am in favor of 170408. Have a great day. Thank you.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you. We will now consider our bills Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, if you can read the title of 190091.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 14, which seeks to enhance public safety and further justice by ensuring that probation decisions are fair and consistent.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 190091 is adopted. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 190096.
A resolution designating the office within City Council that currently serves the needs of veterans and their families as the Office of Veterans Affairs; confirming the continuing responsibility of the Veterans Advisory Commission to provide assistance to that Office; and amending and restating Resolution No. 060059 (as amended by Resolution No. 070094) to further provide for the powers and duties of the Veterans Advisory Commission and the method of appointing its commissioners.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to offer an amendment on your behalf to Resolution No. 190096. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for an adoption of the amendment. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The amendment to 190096 has been moved and seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 190096 has been amended, and it will be placed on our Second Reading -- I'm sorry. I already started down this path. Resolution 190096 has been amended. It will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 180834.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia home Rule Charter to change certain gender specific references (such as "councilman," "councilmen," and "Councilmanic") to gender neutral Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING references (such as "councilmember," "councilmembers," and "Council").
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a motion on the resolution. Understanding as a resolution -- I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Thank you, Council President. Can I speak on the resolution before my motion?
Thank you. Men and women, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, in our pleasantries and our formalities on too many bathrooms and far too many painful conversations, longstanding assumptions about a gender binary and male preeminence have lingered in our culture and in our language and in our laws. Our culture has too long intended to enforce too rigid mutually Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING exclusive genders upon every person regardless of their experiences or preference. But I believe that every individual has dignity, that each of us is due the respect to choose not only our own name but also our own identity. You only need to know Ashleys and Hunters, Lees and Leslies, Sams and Chrises to know that you might need more than a name to know a pronoun. You don't need to have radical politics to say they and them about an unidentified person that pervades common speech. To realize a more perfect union, we need to affirmatively change our customs and our linguistic habits to leave pronoun choices to the person in question, that we continue to shift that has brought us police officers, firefighters, and flight attendants where gender titles once stood. Today I ask my fellow members of Council to take one such step to rectify an archaic, but unnatural Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING assumption as per our Home Rule Charter that men and only men could, should or would serve in this august body. I ask that we present to the voters an opportunity to entitle those represented positions to reflect the possibilities of each and every citizen, no matter their gender identity, to serve the City. Because in the City of Philadelphia, we should treat all our residents like siblings, equal in the eyes of God and in our laws. With that, Council President, I hope that my colleagues will support this resolution as well as to commend the supporting Bill No. 170365 [sic]. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Because Resolution No. 180834 is an amendment to the Home Rule Charter, Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING it requires two-thirds vote. Therefore, the question now is shall the resolution be adopted. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. Two-thirds of all members of Stated Meeting February 14, 2019 2/14/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Council having voted in the affirmative, Resolution 180834 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 190028.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Immigrant Affairs, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, and to otherwise provide for the incorporation of the Office into the City government.
The Chair at this point recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a motion on the resolution.