Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 12, 2015 10:55 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting November 12, 2015
We're going to get started now. We've established a quorum. If all the guests and visitors would please go behind the rail, we will get started with today's agenda. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Dr. Shelby Crawford of Bryant Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Bill Greenlee. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Bow our heads for a word of prayer. Oh, God, our God, how excellent is thy name in all the earth. Lord, we just ask that you continue to bless this assembly, Lord; that you endow them with Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, Lord. Lord, that you allow them to make their decision in righteousness and in truth. Lord, we just thank you, Lord, for all you've done, all you're doing, and all you're going to do. Lord, we just ask you that you make this assembly prosper in all of the decisions that they make, Lord; that you continue this as a great city, Lord, to serve you, to be guided by you, Lord. We just thank you for all things. In your precious son Jesus' name, amen, amen, and amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
And, again, thank you very much for those inspiring words. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 quiet, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 29, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 29th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 29, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves 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 welcome and thank everyone who has come down today to witness our government in action. We hope that your stay today is a Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 one, so much so that you come back again, and even our good friends from Frankfurt, if you happen to be in Philadelphia again in your next trip, again, come by and see the City Council of Philadelphia. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a citation on my behalf recognizing the Sister City Partnership between Frankfurt and Philadelphia. Would Mayor Peter Feldmann and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilman Henon and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm pleased to present this resolution honoring and recognizing the visiting delegation of Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Frankfurt, Germany. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize the delegation visiting from Frankfurt, Germany, a Sister City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the City of Philadelphia is proud of its strong German influences, which can be found in neighborhoods like Germantown and the great Philadelphia company Dietz and Watson; and Whereas, Frankfurt is also the home of thriving creative industries life sciences, biotechnology, and many more professional services, and in the German headquarters of the City of Philadelphia law firms Morgan Lewis, Dechert, and Reed Smith; and
Whereas, Frankfurt and Philadelphia share common histories as birthplaces of democracy as well as common cultural and economic characteristics; and Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Whereas, Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann and City Council Chairman Stephan Siegler are leading the delegation in recognition of the Sister City Partnership; and Whereas, the delegation of Frankfurt comprises political and civic leaders dedicated to strengthening economic, educational, and cultural opportunities for cooperation between Frankfurt and Philadelphia.
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize the Sister Cities Partnership between Philadelphia and Frankfurt. We hope you enjoy your stay in Philadelphia and that you return home safely with fond memories. We in this Council extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. This is a citation from the entire City Council, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Clarke and carries the sentiments of the whole City Council of Philadelphia. Again, welcome to Philadelphia and congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mayor Peter Feldmann for remarks.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you, City Council President Darrell Clarke, for your kind invitation. It's an honor and I'm proud to speak on behalf of the City of Frankfurt. Mayor Nutter back in July also spoke in front of our City Council, and the signing today of a new Sister City Frankfurt-Philadelphia agreement, it's a great honor for all of us. We are happy to found the best city in the U.S. Mayor Nutter has put a lot of determination and commitment into this agreement. He's a great friend of Frankfurt and a great Mayor to your city. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 have a fantastic future. Our history unites our city: common shared interests, opportunities for collaboration; both cities international, multicultural, diverse; a large intercontinental airport with direct flights which make us easy to reach each other; strong industry, farmer, IT, and finance clusters. Ladies and gentlemen, the next generation will experience how rewarding exchange is. Our schools are waiting for this exchange. From my side, congratulations. Philadelphia is the first U.S. World Heritage city. The reception and celebration yesterday, it's a great honor to be invited. Thank you all for your kind invitation. We're having a great time in your great city. We're looking forward to have you, City Council President Darrell Clarke, and Mayor-elect Jim Kenney and the delegation as guests in our city, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 a significant and personal honor for me and the people of Frankfurt to welcome you in our city. The people of Germany and many others around the world want to know more about the great City of Philadelphia. On behalf of the whole delegation, it's an honor for me, the Chairman of our City Council, Mr. Siegler, and all of us to be with you today. Thank you. Danka shon. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mayor Feldmann. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) (Mayor Feldmann talking without microphone.) (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill, who will Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 MaST Community Charter School. Would John Swoyer and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilman and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution recognizing and honoring MaST Community Charter School for being named the top, the number one, charter school in Pennsylvania and 30th in the United States. MaST when it was founded in 1999 stood for Math, Science, and Technology. It's expanded a little bit since then, as you'll hear. But I want to just throw out a statistic that speaks volumes in addition to this recognition as the top charter school. MaST runs a lottery, as most Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 do, if not all, and the last lottery had 7,100 children participating in it. One hundred were picked in the lottery. The waiting list at MaST is 7,000. Whereas, MaST Community Charter School was recently chosen as the top charter school in Pennsylvania and the 30th overall charter school in the United States according to niche.com; Whereas, Niche was founded in 2002 by Carnegie Mellon University students as a way to inform parents of K to 12 education options in their area; Whereas, various factors are taken into account when determining the rankings including: academic grades, health and safety, student culture and diversity, parent and student survey responses, teacher grades, extracurricular activities, resources and facilities, and sports and fitness; Whereas, MaST Community Charter School's success is based on a STREAM Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 curriculum, S-T-R-E-A-M; Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art and Math. The STREAM model provides students with hands-on and creative activities and lessons; and Whereas, some of the amenities MaST offers include an HD video studio, library media center, science grade robotic telescope, STREAM playground and outdoor classroom, fitness center, robotics and 3D printing studios, and iPad learning programs; and Whereas, MaST had previously been ranked as the top charter school in Philadelphia by U.S. News and World Reports; now, therefore Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor MaST Community Charter School for being named the top charter school in Pennsylvania and 30th in the United States. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Charter School as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And that was co-sponsored by all members of Council and signed by the Council President. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Swoyer for remarks.
First off, I want to just say thank you to Councilman O'Neill. MaST is proud to be recognized for this award. I brought down some of our students from Student Council and our teacher. Education in Philadelphia is growing and improving each year, and MaST is happy to be part of that solution. We were recognized this year as the top charter, but we've also been granted a second school in Councilman Henon's district next year, and we thank the Council for all the support and we hope Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 great things. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution establishing November 15, 2015 as America Recycles Day in Philadelphia. Would Phil Bresee and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, we have Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilwoman Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, this Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 to lift up this thing called environment and sustainability since we now know that climate warming is real and recycling matters. So on your behalf today, November the 15th, 2015, we are saluting America Recycles Day in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, each year Philadelphia residents and businesses combine to generate more than 2.5 million tons of solid waste at a rate of 9 pounds per person per day; Whereas, Philadelphia has reached an overall recycling rate of nearly 50 percent and each year these overall recycling efforts divert more than one million tons of material to a useful second life instead of disposal, saves the same amount of energy consumed by over 43,000 households in a year, avoids greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing more than 101,000 cars from the road and helps the overall Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 by providing raw materials for manufacturing; and
Whereas, Philadelphia continues to grow its recycling program by operating the Port Richmond Sanitation Convenience Center on November 13th, kicking off the annual fall leaf collection, and through expanded educational outreach about the importance of recycling and recycling right; and Whereas, the Philadelphia School District has made great strides in recycling and other institutions, such as the Philadelphia International Airport and the Philadelphia Prison System, continue to be leaders in recycling and waste reduction; and Whereas, to focus the nation's attention on the importance of recycling, businesses, industries, government agencies, non-profit organizations and individuals have joined together to celebrate America Recycles Day and are Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 friends, neighbors and co-workers to pledge to learn more about recycling options in their community and commit to recycle more materials; and
Point of personal privilege. When I first got elected, we had a less than 1 percent recycling rate, and because of the hard work of this team and the Streets Department, we have increased that to about 12 percent. So this is extremely significant, and I want to thank the team. Whereas, the Philadelphia Streets Department celebrates America Recycles Day this year by improving recycling in municipal services buildings, utilizing its partners Keep Philadelphia Beautiful and Recyclebank to assist in outreach efforts to City offices and employees; and Whereas, participating in America Recycles Day 2015 is one way citizens could help raise awareness about Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 waste by reusing, recycling and buying recycled-content products; and Whereas, Philadelphia leaders can also use this as an opportunity to spread the word about the excellent recycling programs that have been established, the growth of the markets for recyclable materials, not to mention the millions of dollars we save in the City, and the importance of buying recycled products; now, therefore, be it resolved
That the Council of Philadelphia does hereby establish November 15, 2015 as America Recycles Day in our city. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Phil Bresee, Recycling Director, along with the representatives of the Philadelphia Streets Department, as sincere evidence of this legislative body. Introduced on behalf of President Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Let's salute these professionals. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President, Councilmembers Reynolds Brown, Sanchez, and Bass for introducing the resolution, other members of Council staff, and Philadelphians. I also want to thank Mayor Michael Nutter for his vision and leadership, Streets Commissioner Dave Perri, and Deputy Commissioner Donald Carlton for their leadership and confidence they've shown in me in the last few years. Additionally, I need to recognize our partners at other agencies and institutions, including the School District, the Prison System, Department of Public Property, and Philadelphia International Airport, as well as Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Philadelphia Beautiful and Recyclebank, who actually take the lead from my team in coordinating this event. And, finally, I need to recognize my team for the outstanding dedication that they've shown to recycling and to our office, and many of them are up here behind me. So America Recycles Day is a program of Keep America Beautiful and it's a nationally recognized community-driven awareness campaign dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. It's been held on or around November 15th since 1997. As we do this, it's worth noting the progress that recycling has made in Philadelphia. As recently as 2008, our curbside recycling program diverted less than 50,000 tons of recyclables per year. If we fast forward to the last few years, we're now collecting an average of about 120,000 Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 year, which is about a 140 percent increase. More Philadelphians are recycling than ever before, but we also need to recycle right, which means keeping things like Styrofoam, especially plastic retailer bags, out of our recycling bins. These are contaminants and make processing our recyclables more expensive and make them less valuable to end users. Each ton of recyclables we collect in our curbside program saves the City about $60 in disposal fees, and as mentioned, the accrued greenhouse gas reductions and energy savings are equivalent to removing 100,000 cars off our streets and the energy usage for 40,000 homes. Recycling doesn't stop at the blue bin. We've greatly enhanced our business recycling efforts. We have improved our -- expanded our drop-off center network by opening new sanitation centers and are beginning a feasibility Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 possibilities and working to improve recycling in City buildings. So in closing, our programs have reached new heights because Philadelphians have embraced recycling and doubled down on our commitment to it. Recycling is a no nonsense and easy way to help our environment and City's bottom line and can help make Philadelphia one of the greenest cities in the U.S. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Before we proceed with the next order of business, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome some of our guests here today from Mastery Charter School, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Campus, and their principal, Sharif El-Mekki right here. Could we all join them and thank them for their participation in our democracy here.
Congratulations. Thank you, Councilman. And our next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 10, 2015, I signed the remaining bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 22, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 2015, and that on November 10, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 29, 2015. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Timothy Snowden to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2425 East Firth 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 8 East Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Street; and 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 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 through 26, 2028, 2029 through 36, and 2030 through 36 North Sixteenth Street and 1601 and 1603 through 05 Page Street; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Gates Street from Silverwood Street to Cross Street and Cross Street from Gates Street to a point approximately two hundred forty-six feet southeastwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan a portion of the cartway of Cross Street, southeast of Gates Street, but retaining the said portion of Cross Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 way closed to vehicular traffic; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
187 by striking from the City Plan Edgemont Street from Wheatsheaf Lane to a point approximately two hundred sixty-eight feet southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel commonly known as 2721 through 2777 Ruth Street; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund, the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Revenue, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Commission on Human Relations and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, the Managing Director Legal Services, the Department of Revenue, the Director of Commerce, the Law Department, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commission on Human Relations; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 from the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Innovation and Technology, the Managing Director, the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management, the Police Department, the Department of Streets, the Fire Department, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Public Property and the Department of Human Services - Office of Supportive Housing, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Thank you very much. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Chestnut Street, 37th Street, Sansom Street, and 38th Street.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Kevin J. Bethel, the Deputy Police Commissioner in the Philadelphia Police Department, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 for his commitment and dedication to Serving the City of Philadelphia and its Citizens and congratulate him on being named a Diana A. Millner Youth Justice Fellow by the Stoneleigh Foundation, a post that will require him to spend the next three years addressing Philadelphia's School to Prison Pipeline.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and two 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 Atlantic Street, Old York Road, Tioga Street, and 13th Street.
Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Referred to committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2014 North Sixteenth Street, 2016 North Sixteenth Street, 2018 Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 North Sixteenth Street, 2020, 2022 through 26, 2028, 2029 through 35, 2030 through 36 North Sixteenth Street and 1601 Page Street and 1603 through 05 Page Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan Edgemont Street from Wheatsheaf Lane to a point approximately two hundred sixty-eight feet southwestwardly therefrom.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail.
Also referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Before Mr. Decker reads that resolution, I would ask if anyone has a -- in this case it sounds like an alarm clock, but if you have a phone or any other electronic device that makes any noise whatsoever, I'd ask that you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker.
An ordinance to Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rising Sun Avenue, Disston Street, Oxford Avenue, and Longshore Avenue.
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 Stenton Avenue, Eastburn Street, Rodney Street, East Haines Street, Homer Street, Cornelius Street, and East Walnut Lane.
Also referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one non-privileged resolution and one bill.
Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, acting on behalf of the City to enter into an agreement with Tinicum Township, Delaware County, for the lease and purchase from Tinicum Township of an approximately 21.8 acre parcel of land adjacent to the Philadelphia International Airport.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding economic opportunity and diversity participation in the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing November 2015 as Epilepsy Awareness Month, in honor of individuals living with Epilepsy, their families, and those working to improve their quality of life.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson on behalf of Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Council President, I introduce one bill and one resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel commonly known as 2721 through 77 Ruth 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 -
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Innovation and Technology, the Managing Director, the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management, the Police Department, the Department of Streets, the Fire Department, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Public Property and Department of Human Services - Office of Supportive Housing; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund, the Department of Revenue, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Commission on Human Relations and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, the Managing Director - Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Legal Services, the Department of Revenue, the Director of Commerce, the Law Department, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commission on Human Relations.
Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners for Advancing the Local Economic Potential and Environmental and Social Benefits of Green City, Clean Waters.
And that will be on today's Final Passage Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Gates Street from Silverwood Street to Cross Street and Cross Street from Gates Street to a point approximately two hundred forty-six feet southeastwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan a portion of the cartway of Cross Street, southeast of Gates Street, but retaining the said portion of Cross Street as a public way closed to vehicular traffic; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Shedwick Street, Commissioner Street, 34th Street, and Indiana Street; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by creating a new Ridge Park Roxborough /NCO for the area generally bounded by Ridge Avenue, Paoli Avenue, Umbria Street, and Leverington Avenue; 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 Conshohocken Road, Country Club Road, Wentworth Road (Extended), Lankenau Avenue, and Cranston Road; and An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," to prohibit sidewalk vending on the southern side of Hunting Park Avenue between Stokely and 30th Street to include Bakers Square Center Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 shopping center; 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 Roosevelt Boulevard, Abbottsford Avenue, Wissahickon Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Allegheny Avenue, Ridge Avenue and Scotts Lane.
Thank you. Those seven bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 four resolutions, one which is privileged.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising the Development Standards and Definitions for Green Roofs.
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 South Street, 6th Street, Washington Avenue, and 11th Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Pesto Restaurant on winning the first ever Rachael Ray "Little Italy Showdown" where they represented Philadelphia and Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 bested restaurants from both New York and San Francisco.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2425 East Firth Street.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Timothy Snowden to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two 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 Allegheny Avenue, 17th Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Street, Westmoreland Street, and 19th Street.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network for their Ongoing and Compassionate Efforts in Providing Shelter and Support to Homeless Families on the Occasion of their 17th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner to be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act and recognizing November 21, 2015 as National Adoption Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions and we will now have our reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 150653, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Housing Trust Fund, the Mayor - Office of Housing and Community Development, to expand the availability of the services provided through the 'Energy FIT Philly' program, whereby affordable housing is preserved through the coordination of home repair and energy services"; and Bill No. 150790, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 150621-A, entitled 'An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2016 through 21 inclusive,' as amended by Bill No. 150611, by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 150653 and 150790. (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. 150653 and 150790. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 150720, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' to expand the scope of 'Plan '10' and 'DC Plan' to cover additional employees, including employees represented by AFSCME, District Council 33, who work for the Office of Housing and Community Development, and to make technical amendments, all under Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150720. (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. 150720. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. That bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. And that concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be 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, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150819, 150820, 150824, Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 150825, 150826, 150831, 140607-A, 140716-A, 150502, 150505, 150741, and 150708. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Mr. President, it's my understanding that 150581 is going to be withdrawn by the member.
Yes, Councilman. Thank you. Before we read these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session 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, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will report to the podium in the middle Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 of the Council Chambers. You will see a device on that podium. There's a light. When the light turns green, it is 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 adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please read the first name on the list.
Dayle Steinberg, commenting on 150824. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. Thank you. My name is Dayle Steinberg and I'm President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania. For almost a hundred years, Planned Parenthood has been the nation's most trusted women's healthcare provider. At our four health centers in Philadelphia, we see more than 20,000 women, teens, and men every year Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 for reproductive healthcare, including family planning, birth control, life-saving cancer screenings, and treatment and testing for sexually transmitted infection. We treat healthcare as a basic human right, and we dispense it freely and without judgment and regardless of ability to pay. One in five women in their lifetimes will come to a Planned Parenthood. For many of these women, it's their only entry into the healthcare system. They really have nowhere else to turn. We all know about attempts across the country to deny access to Planned Parenthood services, and we're really sad to see this happen in Pennsylvania. We also know that the real agenda behind these attempts to deny funding for healthcare services is to ban abortion and stop women from receiving reproductive healthcare at Planned Parenthood and denying those who need it Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 most, taking it out on the thousands who depend on Planned Parenthood for their healthcare. It shouldn't have to be an act of courage to stand up for Planned Parenthood. Unfortunately, sometimes it is. We'd like to thank Councilwomen Reynolds Brown, Bass, and Tasco for having the courage to introduce this resolution and to all the Councilmembers who will stand strong with us against politically motivated attacks that would severely limit services to women and families in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. Thank you for your consideration of this resolution.
Darrell Zaslow, commenting on 140716. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. Majority Leader, members of the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Council. My name is Darrell Zaslow. I am legal counsel to HAPCO, the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia, the largest owners association of rental property owners in the State of Pennsylvania. I appear this morning to confirm that we will not be opposing Bill 140716, as we recognize the concern of tenants in rental housing that they need adequate notice of a rent increase. We thank Councilman Greenlee and his staff for their diligent willingness to meet with the owners of property to create this fair compromise in the bill. I do wish, however, to raise two issues of concern and to share it with you this morning. All leases contain a provision for termination and the notice required in order to increase rent. The assertion of municipal government, that the changes should be made here in this Chamber provided concern for us. We feel it more appropriately resides with the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, because if every municipality in the State of Pennsylvania, every borough, every township is going to presume to create notice provisions and other requirements in the landlord-tenant relationship, there's going to be a myriad patchwork of regulations all across the state. Secondly, we express concern regarding the legislative findings of the bill, which express a concern for the ability of tenants to have the benefit of tax relief, and the bill recites that owners have that benefit because this Chamber has provided that benefit. Tenants do not have that benefit, and the reason why they don't have the benefit is because legislation which is enacted discriminates against the owners of rental property and thereby discriminates against the tenants that live in that property. The reason that tenants don't have property tax relief is because the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 owners of that property do not have tax relief. We urge upon you and request in the future that you focus on equality in taxation and not discriminate against that half of our city which occupies residential real estate, although it is occupied by tenants. I thank you for your attention, and my sincere best wishes, Mr. President, to you as the Kenney-Clarke or in this Chamber as the Clarke-Kenney era begins. We wish you the best of success on all of our behalf. Thank you, Mr. President.
George Gould, commenting on 140716. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is George Gould. I'm a Managing Attorney at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. We are here to strongly support this bill. What it does for the first time, it imposes requirements regarding when a landlord must give tenants notice of a rent increase. If the lease is for more than a year, they must give at least 60 days notice. In addition, the tenant has responsibilities too and they have to respond within 30 days of receipt of the notice. So no matter when the landlord gives the notice, the tenant has to respond in 30 days. The importance of this bill is, as you're aware, there's no rent control in Philadelphia and landlords basically can raise the rent whatever is appropriate -- they think is appropriate and the tenant doesn't have a choice. What this bill does -- and it's very important -- it gives tenants the opportunity to decide, one, if they in Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 fact want to pay the rent increase or, two, whether they want to relocate and gives them time and the opportunity to find other housing. We think this bill is very important. We thank Councilman Greenlee and his staff for spending a lot of time on this. We had several meetings with Mr. Zaslow to work out some kind of a compromise, which we did, and we urge City Council to pass the bill. Thank you.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 150820. (Witness approached podium.)
I used to be the owner of 1038 West Wyoming in the Logan section of Philadelphia. My property was Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 unconstitutionally seized by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia. To give this Authority any more property from the City of Philadelphia and/or people that occupy property in the City of Philadelphia is a crime. This organization -- there have been several newspaper articles written about how this organization conducts its business with public funds and refuses to act in a constitutional manner. In my case, the property was seized in 2012 after forcing me to exit the property in 1994. Ms. Tasco knows of it. Ms. Quinones-Sanchez knows of it. Nobody has come to my aid. Nobody has come to my aid. And this is a sad state of affairs in the City of Philadelphia that this public-run agency is grabbing properties in two new districts in North Philadelphia and off of Girard Avenue and they are building public condos and everything. Everybody likes the condos. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 The only problem is, the property, the land, must be constitutionally taken, and it hasn't been. And, therefore, I am notifying City Council in person at this meeting that this agency is a rogue agency. It needs to be reevaluated. Its funds need to be pulled until it complies with the U.S. Constitution, because definitely the City of Philadelphia can't say that they don't have to operate under the U.S. Constitution. It is the basis of our laws. It was signed down at Independence Hall, and it is a crime that this city, above all others, doesn't set an example and take property constitutionally. There are plenty of funds in the budget, and if there aren't, then we can't take them. It needs to be attended to immediately.
There are no other speakers on the public comment Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now continue with our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, I would ask that you read the title of 150581.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Council President, I move that Resolution No. 150581 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution 150581 be withdrawn. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Resolution 150581 is withdrawn. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, 150819.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150819 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150820.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150820 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150824.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose House Bill 1623 which would cut access to Planned Parenthood Preventive Health Services in Pennsylvania.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150824 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150825.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 150825 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150826.
A resolution also naming the unit block of Malvern Avenue between North 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road as "Reverend Beatty Way" in recognition of the 65th Anniversary of Holy Cross Baptist Church and in honor of the dedicated service and tireless effort of its founding pastor, Reverend Joseph Stated Meeting November 12, 2015 11/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING H. Beatty, Sr.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)