Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 17, 2016 10:55 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH 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 November 17, 2016
Good morning. We're going to start now. Thank you so much. We've established a quorum. If visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get started. To give our invocation today, the Chair recognizes Pastor Darrell Bradsberry of Second Baptist Church of Frankford. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
I want to thank the President, Councilwoman Sanchez, and you for allowing me to be here. This is a historical time in our world, in our nation, and if there's any time that we should gather together and embrace each other and support each other, it's now. But the best way to do Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 So let us pray. Lord, we thank you for allowing us to be able to gather here. We thank you for these leaders that have taken part in this session. We ask that you would bless them as they go through the different topics that they need to discuss. We pray, Lord, that you would bless this nation. Allow us to come together and to be one, united as we say we are. Go with this session not only this time but even in the sessions to come. It is in your name I pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor. Appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. The Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 3rd, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Green.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the minority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome everyone who has come down to witness their government in action today. We really appreciate you coming down. We hope that your stay here today is not Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 but a knowledgeable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution recognizing the Guardian Civic League. Would Rochelle Bilal and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Jones, we have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Oh, and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilman Taubenberger, Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman Gym and Councilman Domb.
It is an honor to stand here today on behalf of the 60th Anniversary of the Guardian Civic League. Give them a round of applause, please. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 (Applause.)
The members of the Guardian Civic League have tirelessly dedicated themselves to improvement of all communities in which they live. They are always on duty. They're never off duty. I have spoken to some of the young people that you have at your summer camp, changing the paradigm of how young people perceive law enforcement in the City and around the nation. They have been engaged in public affairs going back in my recollection from a guy by the name of Alphonso Deal, who dealt with the whole issue of Delbert Africa and how he was treated, and spoke up at a time when it wasn't convenient to speak up. It was a bold statement to speak up against injustices. So black lives matter didn't just happen now. It happened then, and we appreciate that input. The founder, Alphonso Deal, and Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 President, Rochelle Bilal, they have continued that legacy of service for 60 years. And most recently when all of the issues of Philadelphia election corruption came up, they stepped up. They went out into the community, went out into different sections of town to regulate how and enforce how fair elections are conducted. I think there's a job description now formed that they have done it so well. In controversial elections, sometimes we can get a little feisty. We can get a little rambunctious. People are passionate about who will represent them in public office. But no matter how rambunctious or emotional or personal it gets, there are rules that we follow, and they're the blacks in blue, the blacks in blue that enforce those rules, and we appreciate them. One of the authors -- and I use that term. "Blacks in Blue" is a book that was put out and talked about how Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 city, City of Philadelphia and Brotherly Love, at first there wasn't much love for the brothers until 1881 when the first African American police officer was sworn in in the City of Philadelphia, and since that time, they have had that charge of fidelity, integrity, and law enforcement in our town. Every year I'm proud to go up and talk to the rookies. Rochelle Bilal brings us up, all the way up to the training center where we indoctrinate the young officers that walk these streets. The first thing that we tell them is that they are part of the community. They are not an occupying force. They're one of us. They're our neighbors, and that there is a delicate balance between having someone who is having a bad day and dealing with a bad person, and it is their charge through training and understanding to know the difference. And we appreciate them today and are glad Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 for 60 years and may they be around for 60 more. So it's my charge to present this resolution recognizing and honoring the Guardian Civic League for their sixty years of service as police officers and its commitment to fostering relations with law enforcement officers and the communities they provide service to. Whereas, the Guardian Civic League, local chapter of The National Black Police Association, was founded in 1956, with the mission of fostering relationships with members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the communities in which they serve; and
Whereas, the Guardian Civic League's founder and first president was Police Officer Alphonso Deal. I note that he used to call me the 18th City Councilperson. I wasn't always here. I worked for Lucien in those days. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 organization include Harold Arnold, James Holley, Harold James, John Green, Jimmy Ghee, Ronald Oliver, William E. Blackman, David E. Fisher, William Don Rodgers, James Walker, Willie L. Williams, III, and Kathryn D. McNeill-Battle. The organization's current president, Rochelle Bilal, is the second and longest standing female president since the organization's existence; and
Whereas, since its inception, the Guardian Civic League has spoken out on many important matters that affect the lives of all Philadelphians, as well as accomplished several significant milestones; and
I just wanted to say as an aside, speaking truth to power has never been more important in these times, and I especially want to acknowledge the Guardian Civic League for using its positions to speak truth to power on issues that are deeply Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 us. Whereas, in 1972, the Guardian Civic League and twelve other black police organizations from around this country met in St. Louis, Missouri, and formed the National Black Police Association;
Whereas, the National Black Police Association has grown to have a membership in excess of 30,000 police officers. In 2010, the Guardian Civic League hosted the Eastern Region Conference of the National Black Police Association in Philadelphia. In 2012, the Guardian Civic League also hosted the National Conference for the National Black Police Association; and
And we also would like to thank the Guardian Civic League for stepping up to the plate and denouncing the endorsement of Donald Trump serving as President-elect of these United States and his endorsement by the local Philadelphia FOP. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Whereas, over the years, the Guardian Civic League has developed and implemented various programs throughout the City of Philadelphia, which are benefiting most Philadelphians. Some of these efforts have included the creation of summer enrichment programs, which developed jobs for youth in the community, as well as the "Steer Straight Program," which teaches the new recruits critical skills for maintaining a positive career as a police officer;
Whereas, the organization also hosts the "Lauretha Vaird Basketball Tournament," in honor of the first African American female police officer killed in the line of duty, as well as an annual "Family and Friends Cookout," where book bags and school supplies are provided to students returning to school; and
Whereas, the Guardian Civic League has shown its continued dedication to improving the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 moral, civic and social well-being of the community by ensuring accountability of police officers and community members, upward mobility for law enforcement officers, and fair and equal treatment for all; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors the Guardian Civic League for its sixty years of service to police officers and its commitment to fostering relationships with law enforcement officers and the communities they protect and serve. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Just as a matter of record, the headquarters is located in the 5th Councilmanic District. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
That's right. Thank you, sir. The Chair recognizes Ms. Bilal for remarks.
Thank you, President. In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful. Thank you, Council President Darrell Clarke and all of the Councilmembers here today. I think Alphonso Deal and those who thought about forming the Guardian Civic League is shining down on this Council today, and we really do appreciate it. I want to also thank the Executive Committee that stands here today for working with me these nine years. And they call me the Task Master, but I just want to get it done, and they do get it done. I need to get -- I need to let you know them by name, because this is the group, this is our future leaders of the Guardian Civic League, and I need you Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 name. My right-hand person, my Executive Vice President, Detective Crystal Williams. (Applause.)
Some of them are not here today because they're active, so they're on patrol. My VP of Programs is Sergeant Robert Billips; my VP of Community Affairs is Michael Kennedy; my VP of Membership is Detective Laura Hammond; my Treasurer, Sergeant Shaun Butts; my Financial Secretary, Police Officer Doreen Napper; my Records and Correspondence Secretary, Police Officer Andrea Justice; my Chaplain, Sergeant Denise Wood; my Parliamentarian stands here with me today and he's retired, Inspector -- Chief Inspector Arthur Matthews. (Applause.)
And let me not forget our excellent assistant, Executive Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Assistant, who will call you at all times and answers that phone at the Guardian Civic League, Elaine Thomas. Our photographer who is standing out there, sometimes he acts like the Sergeant-of-Arms. His name is Isaac Carlton. Community Relations person, Thera Milling, and our Executive Economic Development person, retired, Sergeant Jihad Ali, who stands here today with us. The Guardian Civic League stands on the shoulders of strong men and women who in 1956 helped form this organization for the betterment of our membership and the communities that we serve. Our first president took a lot of heat for standing up against a system that today still treats people of color unfairly. Though we have had some ups and downs, we are still relevant and still standing strong. On your desks is our pamphlet that outlines the programs that we do for our members in the community. I'm not Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 of them out loud today, but I ask that you read them so that you know the things that we continue to do from the Guardian Civic League. I just want to outline a few that is important to me and to our hearts. Our summer enrichment program: We raise the funds to keep young people motivated, safe during the summer. We do two things with our program. One, to help 7-year-olds to the age of 13-year-olds engage in reading, math, science, and art. They still have fun, so we still take them on trips and they go swimming. So it's not just all work. We work together in reference to that. The other part we do in the program is to help young teenagers who act as our junior counselors and our college students as our senior counselors become job ready, teaching them to follow the rules, time management, and professionalism. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 we raise the funds, you know I'm going to put my hand out. I'm just saying we are now raising funds for our 2017 summer enrichment camp, and all donations are much appreciated. Our one-day boot camp, which takes young people from the streets to the District, to Temple University, and then to the prison. We want them to see that getting into the system is not like a TV show. Finally, our Lauretha Vaird Memorial event held at the Boys and Girls Club named after her. Lauretha Vaird is the first female officer killed in the line of duty in 1996. She was a member of ours. In January of 2017, we will have a two-day event at the Lauretha Vaird Boys and Girls Club, 4700 Whitaker Avenue. The first day starts that Saturday, which will have two parts. The morning workshop will be conflict resolutions for young people and Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 of that day will be a basketball clinic. Day two of that event would have appropriate-age basketball game. It means all ages, different categories. And that will be a ticket event. The money raised from that goes directly to the Lauretha Vaird Boys and Girls Club. So at this point, we would like to honor some of our friends who constantly reach out to us, and we do appreciate it. Now, we put gifts on your desk because we want to let you know we appreciate all of you. So this is not to slight anybody. This is for the ones that constantly reach out to us and ask us what we need to continue to do. So we need to honor three people. We today are making you an honorary member of the Guardian Civic League. We have one for Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. (Applause.)
We want to thank those of you who bought tickets and took ads out in our 60th anniversary ad journal. Your support goes towards us giving out our scholarships to young people trying to get a higher education. And on a final note, as I finish up, our organization has been in the 1500 block of Girard Avenue since 1972, and you know that area is gentrified and there are condominiums coming up all over the place. There's only two organizations left there. One is the church that's next door to us. The second is us. And we're going to stay there as long as we can and battle to keep doing what we do. We thank you for all that you do. We appreciate this honor, and may Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 continue to do the work. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution honoring Greta Greenberger. Would Greta Greenberger and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Squilla, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.) Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
So we're here recognizing Greta Greenberger for all of her hard work and her preparation for retirement, or actually her actual retirement, after 25 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. And, you know, I have a funny story about how I first met Greta. We actually were neighbors. I didn't realize she was my neighbor until I walked around. I was actually in campaign mode. This was many, many years ago. And she didn't know me from a can of paint. And I knocked on her door, and she invited me in her home. She invited me in. She gave me a glass of iced tea, I think it was, and then she grilled me. And I was sweating so bad, I needed another glass of iced tea. But that's the person that she is. She is warm and welcoming and tough all at the same time, and I really appreciate those qualities in you. You've been a tremendous asset to the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 We're really going to miss all of the hard work that you do around here in this building, and we just really wanted to celebrate you today. And so we have a resolution which reads: Honoring Greta Greenberger on her retirement after 25 years as tour director of City Hall and recognizing her dedication to the promotion and preservation of the history, heritage and beauty of this City.
Whereas, for the past 25 years, Greta Greenberger has been the public face of City Hall to visiting tourists. And I know that personally because I've sent many there. She has been on her job through five mayoral administrations and has become an expert on all matters of the building, its workings, its occupants as anyone in the City. She has been the curator for the building, working with Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Program, Public Property on issues of preservation, maintenance and even the portraits of former mayors;
At one moment, she is lovingly communicating the amazing story of the building and within the same day can be organizing to have a missing part of the bronze chandelier in the Mayor's Reception Room replaced with money she personally raised. She has become a dogged defender and advocate for the building and the City's obligation to the visiting public and has seamlessly blended that visitation with the day-to-day workings of City government; and
We want to thank her husband too for his service to the City. Thank you. Whereas, Greta Greenberger was trained as an arts educator, originally at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, eventually getting her degree Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 of Art in Boston where she grew up. She became a high school art teacher in Portland, Maine where she taught for ten years. In 1979, she was offered a position with a national program based in Philadelphia called Architecture in Schools and moved here with her five-year-old daughter, Erika, during that summer; and
Whereas, a colleague of hers in Architecture in Schools happened to be an architect who graduated from Rensselaer with Greta's eventual husband, Alan Greenberger. They all met on the street by chance -- how romantic -- near 23rd and Walnut. In 1981, Greta and Alan married and had a daughter, Julia, in 1984. Greta left her job with Architecture in Schools to become the Chief Exhibit Designer at the Please Touch Museum where she oversaw the museum's move to 21st Street. That was monumental. After the birth of her second Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 daughter, the Greenberger family moved to Australia where Alan's firm was designing the new Australian Parliament House; and
Whereas, the family returned in 1985 and Greta took a job with the Foundation for Architecture where she co-managed their program Architecture in Education. Eventually, she took on the leadership of the Foundation's architectural tour program which provided extensive public tours throughout the City as well as training to volunteer guides. In 1991, the Foundation was invited by then-Mayor Wilson Goode to run the tower tour program of City Hall. Greta was the natural person to lead this program and turned her attention to City Hall and its extraordinary architectural and social history. With the election of Mayor Ed Rendell, those responsibilities grew into a full-fledged program involving public tours inside and outside the building as well as to the observation level beneath Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Penn; and
Whereas, and all the while, she has never actually been an employee of the City of Philadelphia. She started this program with the Foundation for Architecture. When it closed its operations, she carried on as the sole proprietor of her own business on contract to the City, and eventually as an employee of the Independence Visitor Center who currently contract with the City to manage the operation. The program, the Visitor Center, the volunteers who have served all these years, and the extraordinary hospitality offered every day are Greta's legacy and gift to her adopted City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors Greta Greenberger on her retirement after 25 years as tour director of City Hall, the building she loves, loves, loves, and Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 the promotion and preservation of the history, heritage and beauty of the City of Philadelphia.
And let's celebrate them, but before we do, I also, as Councilwoman Blackwell mentioned, wanted to give a special acknowledgment to Alan Greenberger, who for many years led the City's Commerce Department. And when you think about Philadelphia, there is no couple I think that really epitomizes Philadelphia more than the Greenbergers. So let's really give them a round of applause. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Wow, I usually don't use microphones in this room. I want to thank the Council for Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 recognition, and I can only say what has been said. I love my years here at City Hall. Matter of fact, I'm going to continue to come in and help out from time to time. So don't be surprised if you see me leading a tour. But this has been an amazing experience for me to spend my days sharing this incredible building, its history, William Penn, our founder, and his history, and certainly how our City government functions. So I want to personally thank each of the Councilmembers who have been there to support our program, have reached out to our program and to me to help welcome their visitors, and I hope that will continue with the tour program. We are here as ambassadors of the City and are more than happy to be of assistance to all the Councilmembers and all of the visitors today. I could not have done what I've done if it weren't for the incredible Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 25 years have probably numbered over 50 people who have come, some for like 10, 15 years, giving their personal time to be here in the Visitor Center to give out information to visitors, to welcome people, and to arrange for people to take tours. The tour program is more than just going to the tower, and yet that is an extraordinary experience we hope everybody will do. I do have some of the volunteers with me here. I want to thank Elaine Morris, who will continue to give tours and is a phenomenal person by herself and with the program. Did Heather come up here? Back here is Heather Murphy, who will now be the leader of the tour program. And so reach out to Heather to continue sharing this amazing building with people. We have visitors from all over the world, all ages, all backgrounds, all Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 the thousands upon thousands of people that we have shared this building with. So I want to thank all of you and thank my husband, who has been there and has been here, and many of you have worked with him, and we do love Philadelphia. And I love this recognition also because I think it comes with a written printed proclamation, and some of you may have seen it has a wonderful painting done by Noel Miles, who is a good friend of mine who we arranged to donate his painting to the Council. So thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. The next order of business is Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read those communications.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 16, 2016, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 27, 2016. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution confirming the reappointment of Brian J.
McCormick as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2021; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 as 2476 Jasper Street and 2478 Jasper Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 1467 North 53rd Street; and A resolution approving the first amendment to the redevelopment contract of the 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 3210 through 12, 3211 through 19, 3216, 3220 through 26, 3223 through 37, 3230 and 3236 Arlington Street, 3225 through 27 West Berks Street, 3233 through 37 West Berks Street, 3210 through 14, 3217, 3220, 3223 through 25, 3224, 3228, 3229, 3232 Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 34, and 3233 through 37 Monument Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2511 Sepviva Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Land Bank; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and An ordinance amending multiple sections of The Philadelphia Code to remove provisions for and references to Life Partners and Life Partnerships; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to create a new Plan, entitled "Plan 16," for certain employees, to expand the scope of "DC Plan" to cover additional employees, to change contribution rates for certain employees, to amend various provisions relating to the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, and to make Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 amendments; and An ordinance amending Section 3(b) of an ordinance approved March 1, 1963, as amended, relating to agreements to administer employee retirement benefits for certain quasi-public agencies; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, the Water Department, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants and to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the County Fuels Tax Fund, the Special Gasoline Tax Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes; and An ordinance constituting the Fifteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series of tax-exempt or taxable Airport Revenue Bonds or Notes in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Those messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Today this morning I have two privileged resolutions, one on your behalf, and one bill also on your behalf, Mr. President. The resolutions were co-sponsored by Councilmembers Taubenberger, Parker, and Blackwell.
Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Thank you, Councilwoman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," by adding requirements when exemptions to Economic Opportunity Plans are sought and granted.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on its 90th anniversary and celebrating the Omega Omega Chapter's history, accomplishments and ongoing commitment of service to all mankind.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Commerce and Economic Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Development and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings to consider and make recommendations on how the City of Philadelphia should prepare to host America's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three bills, one on your behalf, and one non-privileged resolution. Thank you.
An ordinance authorizing the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain a building encroachment at 1 Convention Avenue.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 authorizing the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain a sign encroachment at 3220 through 60 South Street.
And an ordinance constituting the Fifteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series of tax-exempt or taxable Airport Revenue Bonds.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 number and street address as 1467 North 53rd Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills, one co-sponsored by you, and two resolutions on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by amending Section 9-605, entitled "Towing," to clarify requirements for application of the rotational tow system.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the first amendment to the redevelopment contract of the 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 3210 through 12 Arlington Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
Also next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer three bills, one resolution, one bill on your behalf and one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by State Road, Pennypack Path, the Delaware River, and Bleigh Street (extended).
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey a parcel of land commonly known as 3550 East Allen Street to the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for further conveyance.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," to exempt the Land Bank from certain municipal claims and charges.
And a non-privileged resolution confirming the reappointment of Brian J. McCormick as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2021.
Thank you, and that was referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have two non-privileged resolutions, one Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 co-sponsored by Johnson, Parker, and Blackwell and the other by Parker, Bass, and Reynolds Brown.
A non-privileged resolution also naming the 2100 block of North 56th Street as Willard Smith Sr. Way.
And a non-privileged resolution adopting the report issued by Council's Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform containing recommendations on how the City can minimize the amount of non-violent offenders who are incarcerated while awaiting trial.
And next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. Oh, Councilman, can you -- Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 thank you.
Yes. On behalf of Councilman Johnson, three privileged resolutions, one non-privileged resolution, and one bill.
An ordinance amending Section 3(b) of an ordinance approved March 1, 1963, as amended, relating to agreements to administer employees retirement benefits for certain quasi-public agencies.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Young Involved Philadelphia and congratulating the organization on the event of its 7th Annual State of Young Philly Week.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Legislative Oversight Committee and Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining costs, fees and penalties incurred by individuals in the juvenile justice system and the impact thereof on families in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution congratulating, honoring and recognizing former LaSalle University and Sacramento Kings forward Lionel "L-Train" Simmons for his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three bills on behalf of the Administration, one on your behalf, one on mine, one privileged resolution, and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to construct, own and maintain pedestrian enhancement encroachments at 122 through 38 Wyoming Avenue; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 160170 (approved June 20, 2016), entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 for the six Fiscal Years 2017 through '22 inclusive," by adding, revising, and/or removing certain projects, amounts and sources; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 160171 (approved June 20, 2016), entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2017 Capital Budget," by adding, revising, and/or removing certain projects, amounts and sources; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
Those bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the heart-driven, impactful and life-changing career of Judith Bernstein-Baker in service to Philadelphia's vibrant community of immigrants and refugees.
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 Nineteenth and Twenty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Also on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills on your behalf and one privileged, again one privileged, resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Blackwell, Quinones-Sanchez, Henon, and Jones.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to create a new Plan, entitled "Plan 16," for certain employees, to expand the scope of "DC Plan" to cover additional employees, to change contribution rates for certain employees, to amend various provisions relating to the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, and to make technical amendments.
And an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of the City of Philadelphia's affordable housing preservation programs.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings regarding the City's growing problem of damage to shared driveways and retaining walls and the need for the City to develop a solution.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, is it me or is it extremely quiet in here today? It's like quiet. All right. I'm sorry, Mr. Decker. Back to business. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. Today I have one bill co-sponsored by yourself and Councilman Greenlee.
An ordinance amending Title 18 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commerce," to require the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Department of Finance or such other official as the Mayor may designate to report to Council certain aggregate information regarding tax benefits such as tax exemptions, abatements and credits and to report on assessments of the impact of such tax programs.
That will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, President. No bills, no resolutions today. Thank you very, very Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 much.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance legalizing existing building and bay encroachments at 110, 112 and 114 Olive Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Second and Race Streets to construct, own and maintain various pedestrian enhancement encroachments at 205 Race Street.
And a Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2476 Jasper Street and 2478 Jasper Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2511 Sepviva Street.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two bills, one on your behalf, and two privileged resolutions. And may I be heard on one of the bills and the privileged resolutions after they are read into the record?
An ordinance amending Section 9-627 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Establishments on Residential Blockfaces," by lowering the penalty amount.
That Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 bill will be referred to committee.
No? Okay. That bill will be referred to committee.
An ordinance amending Section 12-1010, entitled "Penalty," of Chapter 12-1000, entitled "Parking Meter Regulations and Penalties," of Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to allow parking in parking spaces governed by inoperable parking meters or parking payment centers and establishing a presumption of inoperability.
Thank you very much, Council President. I just wanted to explain that as a Councilman at-large, I have the opportunity to walk through all the various commercial corridors of Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Philadelphia. One of the things that I find common no matter where we are in the City is that the business owners on behalf of their customers complain about inoperable or broken parking meters. Typically they are the metal meters, and a lot of times -- one business owner told me that the meter in front of her store has been broken for the last 20 years, and she demonstrated to me that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work. It isn't that it doesn't work at all. It is just that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work. And I think almost every Philadelphian who drives has experienced coming up to a meter and it's broken, and what happens is, you can't park there, and if you do, you get a ticket. I have introduced for the consideration of this Council an ordinance that requires that once the defense of the meter is broken has been raised -- well, first of all, if it's Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 broken, you can park there for the allotted period of time. Second of all, if you get a ticket, you can raise the defense, and it is now incumbent on the Parking Authority or whomever to show that it is properly operable. And I think that is a way to get the entity in charge to begin to correct these broken meters as opposed to getting money for not fixing them. Thank you.
And a privileged resolution proclaiming January 13, 2017 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Streets and Services Committee and Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings regarding the installation of electric vehicle parking spaces in Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions and we will now move to our reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 160715, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, Amber Street, Lehigh Avenue, and Emerald Street"; and Bill No. 160716, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Regulations,' by modifying certain standards for ground floor uses in the CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 districts"; and Bill No. 160776, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, Oregon Avenue, 10th Street, and the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76)"; and Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 160865, entitled "An ordinance to amend Chapter 14-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Administration and Procedures,' by modifying the public notice requirements and making related changes"; and Bill No. 160869, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Lincoln Drive, Wissahickon Avenue, School House Lane, The Oak Road, Midvale Avenue, Cresson Avenue and Gypsy Lane; and to adopt the Master Plan for Philadelphia University and approving various construction projects pursuant to that Plan"; and Bill No. 160917, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Charles Street, Unruh Avenue, Marsden Street, Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 Street, Cottage Street, Devereaux Avenue, Marsden Street, Benner Street, Ditman Street, Cheltenham Avenue, Harbison Avenue, Charles Street, Comly Street, Mulberry Street, Harbison Avenue, and Devereaux Avenue"; and Bill No. 160918, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Charles Street, Harbison Avenue, and Cheltenham Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 just read into the record. (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 Bills No. 160715, 160716, 160776, 160865, 160869, 160917, and 160918. 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 Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 160968, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, to undertake a project to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Philadelphia; authorizing and approving a project including the refunding of bonds issued to finance the New Youth Center Facility, an amendment to an existing Ground Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, an amendment to an existing Prime Lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 assignment of such amendment to a trustee and the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay rent under the Prime Lease, as amended, when due," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. 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. 160968. After that vote, I'd like to be recognized for a moment. (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. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 160968. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. We do have a guest here from -- is this Cameroon? And Deputy Mayor of Douala, Cameroon. So we want to recognize him and thank him for being here. I also would like to ask for a special leave of absence and to be considered as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. Many of you may remember John Rifkin. Years ago when we sold flowers downstairs, some of you may not remember. Before it looked so great as Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 now, we used to have John Rifkin sell flowers, and a gentleman named Wes Taylor was like a son to him. Well, his son died and I've got to try to -- the funeral started at 11:00, but at least show my face to give them their respect.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports out four bills with a favorable recommendation and issues a report to Council pursuant to Resolution No. 160052. Stated Meeting November 17, 2016
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 160609, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 6-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Lead Paint Disclosure,' to require as a condition of licensing Family Child Day Care facilities built before March 1978 that such facilities be certified as lead safe or lead free; and amending Section B-425 of the Code, entitled 'Family Child Day Care Facilities,' and Section F-409 of the Code, entitled 'Family Child Day Care Facilities,' to make conforming changes"; and Bill No. 160618, entitled "An ordinance amending Section A-703.1 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Special Certificate of Inspection,' to require certification of Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 condition of occupancy for buildings used for education"; and Bill No. 160687, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Health,' to require disclosure of lead hazards, including lead service lines, and making technical changes"; and Bill No. 160811, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Maintenance and Supervision,' by adding a new section requiring that all City buildings and facilities with bathrooms open to the public have baby diaper changing stations; and requiring the installation of diaper changing stations in connection with capital projects," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation; and The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Resolution No. 160052, entitled a Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 "Resolution authorizing the holding of public hearings pursuant to City Council's declaration of 2016 as 'The Year to Combat the Heroin Abuse Epidemic in Philadelphia' to explore the serious Effects that heroin abuse is having on our communities and to develop a strategy with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to effectively address the Heroin epidemic as an urgent local health priority," respectfully reports that the Committee held hearings as authorized by Resolution No. 160052 on May 20 and November 16, 2016 and that the Committee issues to the Council the attached report on the matters discussed at the hearings.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 of Bills No. 160609, 160618, 160687, and 160811. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bills No. 160609, 160618, 160687, and 160811. 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 Councilman Jones for a report from the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform issues an Interim Stated Meeting November 17, 2016 No. 160101.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.