Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 15, 2018 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 15, 2018
Good morning. We're going to get started. If everybody will take their seat, visitors will retire behind the rail, we will have our invocation. This morning to give our invocation we have a very special guest, the Reverend W. Wilson Goode, Sr. of First Baptist Church of Paschall. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Allan Domb. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Gracious and all wise and eternal God, we know you, and we know that when we call upon you, that you will respond. Thank you for always being available to us. You are the creator of both heaven and earth, and yet you're right beside us when we call you for anything. Thank you. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 of all goodness, all mercy, and all truth. You call us your children despite our sins and imperfection. We come to this place this morning to pray for these men and women whom you have allowed to be elected to govern over others. We pray that each will understand their divine appointment and not believe that it was through their power and popularity they occupy these lofty seats. Remind them of you, Lord, that you know the beginning and the ending of all their stories, but you have given them the freedom and responsibility to carry out their work, for you said in your word that woe unto those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive laws, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from your people. We thank you for your presence, we thank you for your provision, and we thank you for your promises. We thank Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 grace, your mercy, and for your redemption and for your love. We thank you for these elected men and women that you place over 1.5 million people in this city. Embolden them with the courage to make laws that help people and honor you. We pray that they become advocates for those others considered worthless or not worth the effort. We pray that all 17 of them see their role as working on behalf of those that others regard as useless or disposable and forgettable. We pray that they will advocate for those that some regard as unimportant because they're black, because they're brown, because they're from Africa, because they're from Haiti, because they're poor, and because they're immigrants. We thank you for this time. We worship you. We praise you. We glorify and lift up your name, for we recognize that we are nothing without you. So keep us close to you and remind us of our Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 do justice, to love mercy, and walk humbly with you. We ask this prayer in the blessed name of Jesus who is the Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Before I proceed, I'd like to recognize the District Attorney, Mr. Krasner. Mr. DA, your first time here. (Applause.)
Thank you. You will see that we do everything legal here.
All right. Thanks for being here, Mr. DA. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Thursday, February 1st, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 1st, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 1st, 2018 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 Chair recognizes Councilman Henon. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that your day here is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 again, thank you for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym, who will present a resolution honoring the heroic efforts of professional caregivers and first responders. Would Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And I think I also see our Fire Commissioner, Commissioner Thiel. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilman Green, Councilman Taubenberger, and Councilman Squilla.
Good morning, everybody, and thank you so much. It is my absolute pleasure on behalf of City Council to welcome and honor our everyday heroes who are our caregivers in the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 honor to have so many people in the City acknowledge and embrace our caregivers. That includes our Fire Commissioner, Adam Thiel; our Commissioner of Prisons, Blanche Carney; our District Attorney, Larry Krasner; our Commissioner for DHS, Cynthia Figueroa. And thank you also to our labor unions DC 47, 1199C, and SEIU Healthcare. Together, we honor and embrace caregivers, who are an essential backbone here in our communities. They provide the needed support to our friends and families who need a helping hand and essential services every day as we pursue our passions and participate in everyday life. Today we are here with these everyday heroes, social workers, first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses, behavioral specialists, and other community leaders who despite the experience of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma, nevertheless are first Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 scene, uplift our communities, and help us through some of our most challenging times. And inspired by the commitment of caregivers and first responders, I'm happy to declare as well as with my colleagues on Council today as Caregivers and First Responders' Day in the City of Philadelphia. The film "Portraits of Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion and Pain" was screened as part of a City Council briefing last April highlighting the secondary trauma and worker resilience that many caregivers face in our city. And those who have seen this film I'm sure will join me in expressing how incredibly struck we were by the determination, commitment of caregivers, their compassion in the most challenging of circumstances, as well as family members who are often ill or in danger themselves. And I'm honored to be joined by the filmmakers, a friend and neighbor for a long time, Vic Compher, Rodney Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Whittenberg, who are here today in City Council. This award-winning film will be broadcast in honor of caregivers today actually at 2:00 p.m. on WHYY Channel 12, and I hope everybody today as we move forward join me in thanking our professional caregivers for the compassion and service of their work. So today, a resolution honoring the heroic efforts of professional caregivers and first responders, and declaring February 15th, 2018, as Caregivers Day in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, caregivers and first responders provide stability and a wide range of ongoing and emergency supportive services to our most vulnerable citizens including children, the elderly, people with intellectual physical or emotional challenges, and including many who have experienced trauma and toxic stress, which can impact lifelong functioning and Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 health; and
Whereas, in the United States, caregivers, both paid and unpaid, provide an estimated $450 billion in services each year; and Whereas, two out of every five paid home care attendants live in poverty and on unsustainable wages; and
Whereas, significant rates of secondary trauma (also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue) are experienced among many professional caregivers and first responders, including child welfare workers, firefighters of course, police, therapists, medical personnel and so many others; and
Whereas, it's estimated that 34 million family caregivers in the United States provide uncompensated care; and Whereas, around 5.5 million caregivers in the United States provide military members and veterans who are Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 comprehensive and critical services, helping heal those who have risked their lives for our country; and
Whereas, caregivers and first responders who step up to the plate based on their profession or family ties give of their own time and well-being so that others may live their fullest lives with dignity and independence; and
Whereas, caregivers remind us that one of life's greatest gifts is to be able to support and recognize the humanity of all our neighbors; and
Whereas, caregivers' daily work is a testament to the generosity and grace that help fuel a more humane and just society; and
Whereas, many caregivers are on the forefront of the equity and justice movements and are currently leading the "Fight for 15 Now" Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 me: 15 now. GUESTS: 15 now.
When we fight, we win. Oh, sorry. Wrong rally. Whereas, caregivers and first responders are unsung heroes who hold families and communities together, provide immense emotional and physical labor, and are too seldom applauded for the sacrifices they make every day; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors the heroic efforts of caregivers and first responders and declares this day, February the 15th, 2018, as Caregivers' Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Figueroa for remarks. COMMISSIONER FIGUEROA: Thank you, Councilman Clarke, Councilwoman Gym, and all members of Council for this wonderful day and this extraordinary recognition. I want to also say that I'm speaking on behalf of not just myself but also the members who have been recognized, Commissioner Thiel and Commissioner Carney, who are with us today, the Department of Human Services, as well on behalf of all caregivers, both those who work in the public and private sector. I am honored to accept this resolution proclaiming February 15th as Caregiver and First Responders' Day in Philadelphia. First, our heartfelt thank you to all of those who are in caregiving and first responder professions. Today is an Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 caregivers and first responders and in particular for DHS social workers who are the case managers on the front lines every day working to stabilize families and meet the needs of more than 10,000 children who are cared for by DHS. The very nature of this work can have a significant impact on child welfare workers. It goes by different names - vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, secondary trauma or otherwise known as just burnout, but no matter what term you use, the fact remains that seeing the impact of abuse and neglect on children every day stays in your heart forever. Like other helping professionals and first responders represented by caregivers you see this morning, DHS experiences families at its most critical juncture. We see children whose lives have been forever altered by trauma. Witnessing these situations can Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 on caregivers. This is one reason DHS encourages staff to practice self-care. We do this by supporting counseling for our own staff, and we even have a self-care room. We recognize that counseling is critically important. The fact remains that those of us who are professional caregivers and first responders are often the last ones to take our own advice, to get help. So I encourage all of you to take that step that you need to find meaningful activity that can take care of you. Take time for self-care, celebrate yourselves, celebrate each other. The City's first ever Caregivers/First Responders' Day. Thank you, Council. (Applause.) COMMISSIONER FIGUEROA: I'm sorry. I apologize. One more point of order. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Vic Compher, who is the director and co-producer. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 (Applause.)
Thank you so much. We are so pleased that our film "Portraits of Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion, Their Pain" has helped to inspire this city and particularly with the initiatives of Councilpersons Gym, Taubenberger, and Green to hold a Council briefing back in April when we showed a segment of the film and discussed secondary trauma and staff resilience, leading to today's event and the declaration of Caregivers and First Responders' Day. I'm so proud of this city and hope that we will begin to see other cities across this country following this wonderful example. We're also very pleased that Councilman Green then arranged a screening of the film for District Council 47 and, in the conversation around that, proposed that there be public hearings on this topic, and we understand that that is going to be Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 scheduled, that it's definitely going to happen in the coming months. Ideally, we hope that the City of Philadelphia through the work of the ACES Task Force and other groups will be moving toward the goal of becoming a trauma-informed city. Most of all, though, today we are so grateful that you are all here, those standing here and those in the audience, and to the many types of professionals who provide care and protection - child welfare workers, other social workers, first responders, firefighters, police, prison staff, teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, behavioral specialists, and our Red Cross crisis workers, some of whom are also here today, and other trained community leaders and certainly our home health aides as well. While the emphasis today has been on professional caregivers, I expect that many of you, both standing here and in the audience, have been family Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 well, taking care of disabled and ill family members. We want to also recognize and honor you. We thank Commissioner Figueroa for her statements. We hope that some of you may be able to watch the film today if you have a television in your office, 2 o'clock, Channel 12. If you can't, it's going to be broadcast on prime time in the future. We hope that you will visit our website and that we can make the film as available as possible to you. Thank you for being here. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger, who will present a resolution honoring the Boy Scouts of America's 108th birthday. Would Dan Templar and those accompanying him please Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Green. Also joining is Councilman Jones, Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you all for being here. This is truly an honor for me as well, because I'm a great believer that more girls and boys should be part of scouting. They do good work and not always get the full credit that they deserve. In fact, we were supposed to celebrate this last Thursday, but something got in the way of this history of the City and we had to postpone it, and that's certainly understood. But once again, the work they do is really truly God's work here on earth. And we had a flag-raising on Monday where the scouting delegation was led by the Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer of the Boy Scouts in our area called the Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Council, Dan Templar, who is here, and he's here again today, and we're honored to be part of this. Honoring and recognizing the Boy Scouts of America's birthday, 108th birthday, and their dedication to improving the lives of children of Philadelphia through leadership and development and volunteer services.
Whereas, the Boy Scouts of America were founded on February 8th, 1910 by William D. Boyce, after being inspired to create the organization when he became lost in London and received help from a British Boy Scout; and Whereas, the Boy Scouts of America work hard to instill community values on scouts from a young age, encouraging them to become responsible citizens. Some of these community values are: loyalty, helpfulness, kindness, bravery, cleanliness and reverence onto their scouts; and Stated Meeting February 15, 2018
Whereas, to instill these community values and to produce responsible citizens, Boy Scouts begin with the Cub Scouts at age 5, and may continue all the way up to Sea Scouts at age 21; and Whereas, from a young age, the Boy Scouts of America encourage leadership not only from the scouts, but from the parents as well, getting them involved as early as possible and setting a positive example for children; and
Whereas, as the children grow older, the expectation is that their parents will take a step back and allow the children to develop a sense of pride, leadership and responsibility. With further aging, the scouts begin to go on camping trips and traveling trips, exposing them to the outdoors and developing a problem-solving thought process; and Whereas, the primary developmental tool used by the boy scouts Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 and problem-solving are merit badges. These badges challenge a scout to any number of tasks, from learning about other cultures, to education, to sporting, to arts, to business; and
Whereas, scouts are encouraged to diversify the types of badges they pursue, expanding their knowledge and expanding their view of the world with every badge that they earn.
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the 108th birthday of the Boy Scouts of America, along with their dedication to the youth of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman Taubenberger, for sponsoring Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 resolution, to City Council President Clarke and to all the City Councilmembers for this honor and this recognition of the tireless efforts of the hundreds of adult volunteers and staff in the City of Philadelphia that work tirelessly to bring programs to over 4,000 young boys and girls in the City of Philadelphia last year alone through partnerships with the Philadelphia School District, charter schools, religious institutions, and most recently Cobbs Creek Education Environmental Center. To me, this resolution is a little bit more than that recognition. This resolution represents a new beginning. It's no secret that there's been in the history of the Boy Scouts in the City of Philadelphia, there's been some times that it could be described as adversarial, although we have enjoyed and are grateful for the support of many City Councilmembers throughout this time, Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 O'Neill, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Taubenberger, and countless others. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I'm so proud to report that the Boy Scouts of America have never been more inclusive. Today scouting programs are open to any person. Now our differences being behind us, the time is now for us to unify the Boy Scouts in the City of Philadelphia in support of the City Council's commitment to the youth in your respective districts and in the City as a whole. We accept this honor today on behalf of the entire Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scouts as the symbol of a new future in the City of Philadelphia and its youth, and in return, I offer to all of you a pledge from the Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scouts of America that we stand ready, willing, and able to increase our efforts to serve young people in the City of Philadelphia and to Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 you and your districts to bring hope for a better future to every child in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the message from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Chief Clerk, would you please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 14, 2018, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on January 25, 2018: Bill No. 170961; and that on February 14, 2018, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 1, 2018. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Adam Teterus to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Donal McCoy to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with Peter Roberts Enterprises, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 2504 through 12 Snyder Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with Spring Del Associates for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 520 Delaware Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, certain parcels of land situate at 130 West Westmoreland Street, with any improvements thereon, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, certain parcels of land situate at 3300 North Front Street, with any improvements thereon, for further conveyance, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
The next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. (No response.)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today I introduce two bills. Oh, sorry.
Good morning. I introduce three bills -forgive me; three resolutions.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the Philadelphia Heritage and PhilaMontco Branches of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 non-privileged resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact House Bill 1187 that would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a Pilot Program for an Automated Speed Enforcement System along U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard).
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage of our next Council session.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress to reject the Trump Administration's plan to make severe cuts to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
This resolution also will be placed on our next Council session for final passage. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today I introduce two Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Realty Transfer Tax," by excluding from the tax a transfer of property between the Philadelphia Housing Authority and a Pennsylvania Limited Partnership whose General Partner PHA owns and controls; and a transfer of property for PHA or a PHA-controlled PLP to a wholly owned subsidiary of PHA.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania, and to approve the proposed addition to 3620 Locust Walk.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of Council President Clarke, I offer two bills.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Master Street, 28th Street, Thompson Street, and 27th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Broad Street, Susquehanna Avenue, 13th Street, and Diamond Street. Further, to adopt the Master Plan amendment for Temple University; and to approve the construction project on the site proposed for rezoning, and to approve the removal of previously planned Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 construction projects from the Master Plan.
This bill also will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today two bills and two privileged resolutions.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Silverwood Street, Gay Street, Baker Street, and Carson Street; and to adopt a Master Plan for the former St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and adjacent parcels.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018
And an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting vending on both sides of Haverford Avenue between Brookhaven Road and Lansdowne Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Villanova University for its "Community Outreach" program, a weekly service program that partners with community based social service and charitable organizations in the Philadelphia area.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining the protection of Philadelphia residents against "porch Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 pirates," thieves who steal packages that have been delivered by online retailers.
This bill will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain, parcels of land situate at 130 West Westmoreland Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 certain parcels of land situate at 3300 North Front Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you. I have one bill and one privileged resolution. The privileged resolution is signed by all members of Council.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 into a lease agreement with Peter Roberts Enterprises, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 2504 through 12 Snyder Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution congratulating the Philadelphia Eagles for their historic victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl, that's right. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the launch of the 2018 WorkReady Philadelphia application and the UAC Summer Youth Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Employment program.
The resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Majority Leader Henon. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, O'Neill, Green, Oh, Henon, Greenlee, and Taubenberger.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Police Department and law enforcement personnel for their hard work Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 during the largely peaceful Eagles' Super Bowl parade.
The resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by members Green, Oh, Reynolds Brown, Taubenberger, and Domb.
A privileged resolution declaring February 19, 2018, as Day of Remembrance in honor of the 120,000 Japanese Americans interned during World War II, as a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, and honoring the heroism, courage and loyalty of Japanese American World War II veterans and internees by continuing their fight to Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 uphold constitutional freedoms and justice for all against xenophobia and hate.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President Pro Tem Henon. I have one privileged resolution.
Co-sponsored by all members of Council, and I thank them all.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Boy Scouts of America's 108th birthday, and their dedication to improving the lives of the children of Philadelphia through leadership development and volunteer services.
This Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. Leader. I have one bill, three resolutions, two non-privileged, one privileged.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement with Spring Del Associates for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 520 North Delaware Avenue.
This bill Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Sid Mark for his 61 years of broadcasting in the Philadelphia region.
The resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Adam Teterus to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Donal McCoy to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you. I offer two bills, one on behalf of the Council President, and two resolutions, one privileged resolution on behalf of the Council President and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-627 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Establishments on Residential Blockfaces," by revising requirements and making related changes, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to enter into lease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development under which the City would Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 lease to PAID on a project-by-project basis certain land and facilities in the Fairmount park system, recreation centers, playgrounds and branches in the Free Library of Philadelphia system, and which would permit PAID to sublease such Facilities on a project-by-project basis to other organizations in conformity with the Economic Development Financing Law.
This bill also will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the School District of Philadelphia for switching to compostable serving items as part of an initiative to develop and implement environmentally-friendly practices.
The resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement, including Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 annual budgets for Project expenditures for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, a list of City properties to be included in the program and a master Economic Opportunity Plan.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of City Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee on my behalf.
Mr. Chair, I think we have committee reports first. Oh, on your -- I'm sorry. Mr. Chairman, on your behalf, you are offering no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports four bills and two resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 170716, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum annual appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies"; and Bill No. 170854, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-804 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Unfair Rental Practices,' to require good cause for certain residential evictions and to provide for a first option for existing tenants to renew a lease"; and Bill No. 171109, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 relating to the provision of mandatory training for City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace"; and Bill No. 171113, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage Theft Complaints,' to make various wage-related violations a violation of the Code; to further provide for determinations by the City regarding wage theft complaints and for appeals of such determinations"; and Resolution No. 170743, entitled a "Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the operating budget and providing for a mandatory minimum annual appropriation to the Police Advisory Commission or any successor body or bodies"; and Resolution No. 171134, entitled a "Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the provision of mandatory Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions 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 Bill Nos. 170716, 170854, 171109, and 171113. (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. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 170716, 170854, 171109, and 171113. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Resolutions No. 170743 and 171134 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports eight bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Services, to which was referred Bill No. 170669, entitled "An ordinance establishing an amended parking regulation change in the vicinity of: Chester Avenue and 55th Street"; and Bill No. 170962, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets,' by amending Section 9-211, entitled 'Boxes for Distribution of News and Printed Material,' relating to the regulation of newspaper boxes on the public sidewalk"; and Bill No. 171082, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mr. Ameen Tyler, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 52nd and Spruce Streets, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the southwest corner of 52nd and Spruce Streets"; and Bill No. 171083, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 8200 block of Torresdale Avenue, east side, between the entrances to the Pennypack Trail"; and Bill No. 180009, entitled "An ordinance authorizing The Capital Group II to install, own and maintain a proposed retaining wall and existing fence encroachment at 2000 McKinley Street"; and Bill No. 180014, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 5 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170474-A), approved June 27, 2017, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing 1338 Incorporated to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1338 through 40 South 10th Street,' by removing language related to the automatic expiration of the Ordinance nine months after the Owner has entered into the Agreement as required"; and Bill No. 180016, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Bicycle Lanes,' by authorizing the Department of Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Race Street from North 8th Street to North 5th Street, and to remove a travel lane, in the eastbound direction, on Race Street, from North 8th Street to North 6th Street"; and Bill No. 180076, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Bicycle Lanes,' by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate bicycle lanes, in both directions, on Island Avenue from Penrose Avenue to Enterprise Avenue, and on Enterprise Avenue, for its entire length, and authorizing the removal of travel lanes on both Island Avenue and Enterprise Avenue, in the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the eight bills that were 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 the eight bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 2ND READING today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Bill Nos. 180082, 180083, 180084, 180086, 170793. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 considering the resolutions and bills on our Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. On that podium there's a device. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we would ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. Mr. Decker, can you please call the first name on the list.
Joe Danihel, Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 commenting on 171145 and 180083. (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, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. I quote Dr. King: He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who perpetrates it. If Council, Mayor, and others love to quote Dr. King, why don't they honor Dr. King by living what Dr. King preaches. Have agents and agencies denied and defied inalienable, inviolable God-given rights? How can agents and agencies steal my home without compensation, due process or Seventh Amendment trial by jury? How can government pay a contractor upwards of 100 million, mostly federal taxpayer Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 dollars, to build a mall on my stolen home? If God gave people rights, how can government deny those rights? If violating one law one time could land people in jail, why do oath, Constitution, and law violators go unprosecuted? If hundreds of millions federal taxpayer dollars are involved, why have no officials reported this matter to the DA, PA Attorney General, and the U.S. Attorney General, as required by law? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 I call for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 24 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the 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 Constitution and laws be enforced. Jail is required by all who violate oath, Constitution or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 monumental corruption.
Julie Wertheimer, commenting on Resolution 180084. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Rachel Eisenberg. I'm with the Managing Director's Office of Criminal Justice, and I am here on behalf of President Judge Woods-Skipper, the Chair of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board. Today, if passed by this body, Philadelphia will officially join counties across the country as part of the Stepping Up Initiative. The Stepping Up Initiative is devoted to reducing the number of people with mental illness in local jail. As of today, 38 percent of Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 individuals incarcerated in the City's jails are taking medication for mental illness, and 16 percent have a serious mental illness diagnosis. Philadelphia's criminal justice and behavioral health partner agencies have been working together for many years to address the needs of those in jail with mental illness and to reduce the amount of time they spend in jail instead of in community treatment. The Stepping Up Initiative provides a framework that will enhance these longstanding efforts through data-driven, collaborative efforts. By working together, the Stepping Up partners will be able to take a holistic approach to reform, to identify service gaps, and to develop innovative alternatives to incarceration. We believe now is the right time to engage in this effort, as a recent poll shows that 60 percent of Americans believe that rehabilitating or treating a person is a more appropriate Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 response to non-violent offenses as opposed to punishment. From the same poll, except for in instances of the most serious crimes, 75 percent of Americans believe that government's best response to an offense by a person with a mental illness should not involve jail time. While Philadelphia has been engaged in a major reform effort to safely reduce the local jail population through the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge, the Stepping Up Initiative will focus additional attention on the unique needs of individuals who have a mental illness. This focus will complement the City's other jail reduction efforts. By joining the Stepping Up Initiative, Philadelphia's criminal justice and behavioral health partners are making a commitment to collaboratively address the over-incarceration of those with mental Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 and to developing solutions based on treatment and recovery. On behalf of the entire Criminal Justice Advisory Board, we thank Councilman Jones and all of Council for their consideration of this important effort.
Rachel Eisenberg. There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one resolution -- excuse me. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit introduction of an additional bill and resolution at this time. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 you. There's been a motion to suspend the rules to allow the bill and resolution to be introduced out of sequence at this particular time. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 Home Rule Charter, relating to the eligibility, selection and removal of the Members of the Board of Education, relating to the Board of Education's responsibility for the administration of the School District, creating a Parent and Community Advisory Council, as approved by Resolution of the City Council.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the eligibility, selection and removal of the Members of the Board of Education, relating to the Board of Education's responsibility for the administration of the School District, creating a Parent and Community Advisory Council, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 2/15/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia.
Referred to committee. Thank you, Councilwoman. We will now go back to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 180082.
Resolution urging the Philadelphia Parking Authority to Recognize the Martin Luther King Day Holiday as a Non-Ticketing Day.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 2/15/18 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. 180082 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 180083.
A resolution approving 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 815 through 819 North Fifteenth Street, 825 through 831 North Fifteenth Street and 824 through 826 Burns Street, 1522 through 1524 Parrish Street, 1536 Parrish Street and 1538 Parrish Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 2/15/18 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180083 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180084.
A resolution authorizing Philadelphia to officially join the National Stepping Up Initiative, to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting February 15, 2018 2/15/18 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180084 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180086.
A resolution also naming Angelo Place, between Mars Place and South 82nd Street, "Joe Wilson Way", to honor the life and legacy of Joseph Wilson.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)