COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 2, 2013 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
The hour has come. We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. Thank you very much. And all members to please take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Darien Thomas of Walking in the Light Christian Center. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
We give honor to Council President Clarke, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson in my district, and special honor and thanks to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for this opportunity. today in these few moments under the direction of Richard David Evans out of New Jersey and my spiritual father, Bishop Lomax. Before I pray in this invocation, I would like to take 30 seconds of silence, if we could, on behalf of a lady who passed away, who battled cancer for the last two years, none other than Honorary Deputy Commissioner Helen Divers. Her funeral is today, and she may transition, so we'll be heading there after this invocation. So if we could have 30 seconds of silence, please, on her behalf and her family. (Moment of silence.)
Amen. As I stand before you today, we give God and we pray to our Heavenly Father who is our maker on this particular day of May 2nd, 2013. Our prayer is that God would give us the the knowledge and understanding for our City of Philadelphia. We ask, oh Heavenly Father, that you would give this Council and even our President of this Council, President Clarke, and all the other Council men and women the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and direction to lead this great city with our history and our reputation, to prosper our city that it may be a healthy place for people to live, to grow, be educated, and be able to serve one another. We pray, Heavenly Father, for the downtrodden, for the left behind, and for those who have been left out. We pray for the unemployed and the unskilled. We pray for the 58 percent of the African American boys and young men of color who have dropped out of school by ninth grade with no skills, teens roaming the streets with guns and annihilating a generation. pray, Heavenly Father, when this Council makes decisions, help us to not forget the poor, the elderly, the orphans, and the widows. Help us always to remember those who are least fortunate, and forgive us of being self-centered, conceited, and self-serving. Forgive us for our cardinal lifestyle over the soul of a city. We repent and turn back to you, our maker, to fulfill the dream of our ancestors. We pray that the angel of the City of Philadelphia will truly open the door and make this a great city, starting with us. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this, because your will is that we all prosper, be in health, regardless of our race, our creed, our color. We thank you that from the north to the south, the east and the west, we declare Philadelphia to be a city of brotherly love, a city that will have an open door, of opportunity, a city of glory that will show your presence and your goodness and your mercy to all that live in this city. We thank you for it, and we give you all the praise and the honor for your greatness and your majesty. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 25th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 25th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 25th, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested by Councilwoman Tasco.
be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill. Okay. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. Are there any requests for leaves of absence from the minority?
Thank you, Councilman. At this point, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome all our guests and visitors here today. We hope that your experience here today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you for taking time out of your day to see your government in action. We really appreciate you being here. At this time, I would like to recognize Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing and commending Philadelphia Police Officers Lyons, Antonio Soto, Gregory Giacomelli and Michael McCormick and Jerome Joseph and Evelyn Reyes. Would Captain Craighead and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And also joining the Councilwoman we have Councilman Oh, Councilman Johnson, and Councilman Squilla and Councilman O'Brien and Councilman Henon, all of them also known as the Serious 6.
We had this presentation scheduled a few weeks ago and we are here today instead of on that day because we had to reschedule because we were at a firefighter's funeral. And so when we think about our first responders, our police and our firefighters, we need to think about all that they put on the line, all that they risk. And so when I heard about an incident that took place in my district and the way these officers jumped into action, I just really felt strongly that I wanted to bring them forward and recognize them for the work that they did. A van crashed into a daycare center, and they immediately jumped into action and lifted the van off of small children. When you see it, it just makes you -- it takes your breath away. But everyone at the end of the day was able to go home and be okay, and that's what they do and that's why we want to take a moment today and say thank you, thank you, thank you. And so without further delay, I want to read a resolution, which reads: Whereas, on December 17th, 2012 at approximately 12:34 p.m., a mini-van doors of the Deliverance Evangelical Church, located at 2001 West Lehigh Avenue; and
Whereas, inside the church was an occupied daycare center with children as young as three years of age. After crashing through the front doors, the van continued into the daycare, at which point three children were struck and became trapped underneath the vehicle; and
Whereas, prior to police's arrival, a civilian was able to remove one child from under the vehicle. A five-year-old female still remained trapped under the vehicle. Officer Joseph and Officer Reyes were the first officers to arrive on the scene and immediately attempted to help free the child from underneath that vehicle; and
Whereas, Officer Joseph and Officer Reyes tried to lift the vehicle twice before additional officers arrived to help. In a matter of -- because we have great first responders -- the remaining officers arrived. Officer Joseph, Officer Reyes, Officer Lyons, Officer Soto, Officer Giacomelli, and Officer McCormick, and using only their hands, with no mechanical assistance, the officers were able to lift the front end of the vehicle off the ground, which enabled the child to be freed from under the vehicle; and
Whereas, the officers then began to render first-aid to the injured children as well as the occupants of the van. After securing the scene, the officers helped the staff of the daycare to ensure all students were accounted for. The injured parties were transported by medics to local hospitals and were treated for injuries sustained during the accident; and
Whereas, Officer Joseph, Officer Reyes, Officer Lyons, Officer Soto, Officer Giacomelli, and Officer McCormick have worked of our City through the fair and equitable enforcement of the law. They have gone beyond the call of duty to perform in an exemplary manner, facing the stresses and dangers of their job with determination and dignity for the citizens of Philadelphia. They have brought pride to the Police Department and distinction to their badges; now therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize, and commend Officer Kimberly Lyons Badge No. 4060, Officer Antonio Soto Badge No. 6731, Officer Gregory Giacomelli Badge No. 2440, Officer Michael McCormick Badge No. 7300, Officer Jerome Joseph Badge No. 2311, and Officer Evelyn Reyes Badge No. 4863 for their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage resulting in all being named 39th Police District Officers of the Month of December 2012. (Applause.)
And I also want to really quickly acknowledge Captain Craighead and Officer Joe Luchitus (ph), who have been fantastic to work with at the 39th. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Captain Craighead for remarks. CAPTAIN CRAIGHEAD: Good morning. (Good morning.) CAPTAIN CRAIGHEAD: Good morning, Council President Clarke -
Good morning, sir. CAPTAIN CRAIGHEAD: -Councilwoman Bass, City Council. I'd like to first let you guys know we're humbled by this moment. We're of thing. I'd like to personally thank Councilwoman Bass for inviting us here today. This rescue is just an example of the dangerous and difficult work that these officers do day in and day out. They're really excited about this moment, and we really appreciate this time. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your continued great work and your wonderful service to the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution on my behalf to the Roberts Vaux High School Basketball Team be in the 5th Council District. Would Coach Jamison Ross and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Good morning. First of all, Councilman Jones is showing great heart here, because he hates giving a presentation to anybody but Overbrook High School. You know, the City of Philadelphia's professional teams had a little lighter times this past year, but we do have champions in the City of Philadelphia, and here they are right here. (Applause.)
So we're proud to present a resolution congratulating and honoring the Roberts Vaux High School Basketball Team on winning the 2012-2013 PIAA Class A State Championship. Whereas, during the 2012-2013 season, the Roberts Vaux High School Team, the Cougars, led by Head Coach Jamie Ross, had a phenomenal run, finishing the year with an overall record of 24 and 9, and a 9 and 2 record in Public League play; and
Whereas, the Cougars were the 2012-2013 runners-up in the Philadelphia Public League, reaching the championship game against the eventual Class 3A State Champions Imhotep Institute Charter School; and Whereas, Guard Rysheed Jordan turned in one of the most spectacular performances in recent Public League Championship History by scoring 45 points, only second to the great Wilt Chamberlain -(Applause.)
Wilt Chamberlain from Overbrook High School. (Continued) -- and has been named Pennsylvania Class A Player of the Year by the Associated Press and Public League Player of the Year and the Philadelphia of the Year; and
Whereas, on March the 22nd of 2013, the Cougars won the PIAA Class A State Championship by defeating Johnsonburg High School 83 to 63 to give the Cougars its first state championship in basketball since becoming a high school; and Whereas, the Student Athletes and Coaching Staff exhibited great pride, hard work, and determination in leading the team to a remarkable season, while remaining positive in the face of adversity with the knowledge of the closure of their school. While remaining positive in the face of adversity with the knowledge of the closure of their school at the end of the year; now therefore be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate and honor the Roberts Vaux High School outstanding season, winning the 2012-2013 PIAA Class A State Championship. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Roberts Vaux High School Basketball Team, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This was introduced by myself for the Council President and is co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Gentlemen, congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Coach Ross for remarks. COACH ROSS: Good morning, Councilwomen, Councilmen, Council President Darrell Clarke. Again, I'm not sure if my kids, my student athletes, really understand the gravity of this citation and this moment. I'm hoping that one day when they wake up, it will they can talk to their grandchildren about it, the things that we did. I'm not sure if a lot of you understand, but we are considered a promise academy and we had an extra hour during the day. So these kids really went through a lot. They got to school at 7:55 in the morning, went to school until 4 o'clock, practiced until 6:30 sometimes, and got up the next day and did it again. So, like I said, I think they deserve a lot of credit for what they did during the season. And these young men that you see here, they were all eligible during the year, all had all A's, B's, and C's on their report cards, no D's and no F's. So, like I said, they deserve all the accolades, all the recognition that they get. And, again, we'd like to thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Oh, the principal. Yes, sir. Absolutely. PRINCIPAL GORDON: I want to thank City Council. My name is Richard Gordon, Principal of Vaux High School. I am extremely proud of the wonderful dedication, the hard work, and the sacrifice these young men have made each and every day coming into school and being positive elements in our building. This is an opportunity for us to again continue to highlight the wonderful things that have been happening in our school over the course of the past few years. We want to, of course, thank Council President Darrell Clarke for being so supportive each and every step of the way, and, again, we are so proud of our boys. So, again, on behalf of our families, our staff, and our students at Vaux High School, we thank you for this honor. Thank you. (Applause.) PRINCIPAL GORDON: Of course, our wonderful coach, Mr. Ross, for everything he's done to bring our boys along. They've truly grown over the course of the last few years and it's all because of his leadership and tutelage. So, again, we thank him. (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. At this time, the Chair would like to recognize Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. At this time, I'd ask for a point of personal privilege. It is with a heavy heart to inform you of the sudden passing of a friend of Philadelphia's, most recently the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the labor community, and a friend of mine, to passing of Philadelphia's own Bishop McFadden. Bishop McFadden suddenly passed this morning, and I'd ask if we can keep him, his family, and all of his friends in our prayers today. And, by the way, Bishop McFadden was just in this body giving an invocation as eloquently as does everywhere he goes. So I'd ask everybody to keep him in all our prayers. Thank you.
Thank you. Can we have a moment of silence, standing moment for the members. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you, Councilman. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 30, 2012, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 18, 2013; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1703 through 5 Cecil B. Moore Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Fairhill and St. Hugh Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3516 North Water Street; and Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 908 through 12 Christian Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Water Street from Race Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 58 of a two feet wide area for public pedestrian use extending along the southerly side of Pearl Street, from Tenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom, and the relocation of the curblines of Pearl Street, from Tenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom, so as to widen the cartway of said Pearl Street; and An ordinance authorizing Girard Leopard Cafe doing business as Bubba's Texas Barbecue to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 19 through 21 West Girard Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Jerry's Bar to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 129 West Laurel Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in the Journal. Do you have any other communications?
Thank you, sir. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution on behalf of myself and Councilman Squilla, which I ask to be heard today.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings to examine the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative contracts awarded to LP Group 2 from 2004 through 2006.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I have three bills and one 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 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 21st Street, Nicholas Street, and 22nd Street.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of curb lines on a portion of City Plan No. 119 by relocating the easterly curb line of Hutchinson Street approximately six feet eastwardly, between Thompson Street and Girard 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 Girard Avenue, Broad Street, Fairmount Avenue, 16th Street, Brown Street, Francis Street, Perkiomen Street, and 19th Street.
And a privileged resolution congratulating and honoring the Julia R. Masterman Middle School Chess Team on winning the 2013 United States Chess Federation's Kindergarten-Through-8th-Grade National Championship.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Harbison Avenue, Tulip Street, Sanger Street, Tulip Street, Cheltenham Avenue, Keystone Street, Van Kirk Street, the Delaware Expressway, Fraley Street, Eadom Street, and Bridge Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Mr. President, I have one non-privileged resolution and two bills.
An ordinance to amend Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," to exempt duplex dwellings from the annual fee of three hundred dollars per property for neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services.
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 Venango Street, K Street, Tioga Street, Palmetto Street, Atlantic Street, and I 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 Fairhill and St. Hugh Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3516 North Water Street.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to investigate and hold public hearings reviewing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and its practices in Philadelphia, including the LSI-R offender risk assessment tool and the effect that it has on the safety of the citizens of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills nor resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 319 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Pennway Street from Rhawn Street to a point approximately five-hundred fifty feet southwestwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills and one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Kenney.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Water Street from Race Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 58 of a two feet wide area for public pedestrian use extending along the southerly side of Pearl Street, from Tenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom.
And an ordinance authorizing Sabrina's Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 908 through 12 Christian Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Jerry's Bar to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 129 West Laurel Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the 250th Anniversary of Old St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia's oldest Catholic Church in continuous service.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three privileged resolutions and one bill.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman, did you have a bill?
If we can track it down before the end of the session, we can introduce it later. Thank you.
An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East Price Street from Sprague Street to Boyer Street, westbound.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring Center in the Park on its 45th Anniversary and recognizing its efforts to enhance the health and wellness of local older adults.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the 43rd Annual Mt. Airy Day.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Sunday, May 5, 2013 as Ilona Grover Day in appreciation of her twenty-four years of service to the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion on the resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Recreation," Chapter 15-500, entitled "Libraries," by requiring the imposition of fines by The Free Library of Philadelphia for the loss or late return of borrowed materials for all patrons including adults and children, and The Free Library of Philadelphia to spend the net revenues from such fines collected by children for the benefit of enhancing technology in youth specific programming.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee of the Whole to compel the Administration through the issuance of a subpoena as authorized under Section 2-401 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide the methodology and sample sets used in performing assessments of real property that are being used as part of the citywide Actual Value Initiative such that the information is reproducible.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Councilman Johnson, you had your light on.
Yes, Council President. I'd like to request a the rest of the day and mark voting yes on all bills and resolutions on Final Passage.
Thank you, sir. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports eight resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, sir. Mr. Decker, will you please read the report.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 130191, entitled "A resolution appointing Reginald Cummings to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 130192, entitled "A resolution appointing Jafar Maleki to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution 130193, entitled "A resolution appointing Robert Dingman to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution 130194, entitled "A resolution appointing Nick Gregory to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 130195, entitled "A resolution appointing Avram Hornik to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 130196, entitled "A resolution appointing Sonia Silverstein to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 130197, entitled "A resolution appointing Joseph F. Ritchie to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 130198, entitled "A resolution appointing Luca Sena to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. These resolutions will be placed on our Final Passage at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 120959, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, B Street, Venango Street, and Front Street"; and Bill No. 130061, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Overbrook Avenue, 54th Street, Woodbine Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, and 56th Street"; and Bill No. 130062, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by City Avenue, Cardinal Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, and 59th Street"; and Bill No. 130063, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by City Avenue, 52nd Street, Overbrook Avenue, and 54th Street"; and Bill No. 130242, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Chapter 14-800, entitled 'Parking and Loading,' by revising parking design standards, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 120959, 130061, 130062, 130063, and 130242. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120959, 130061, 130062, 130063, and 130242. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of Housing and Neighborhood Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, to which was referred Bill No. 130298, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by amending the deadline for which certain property owners may apply for a designation of homestead property"; and Bill No. 130306, entitled "An 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by extending the deadline for the filing of applications for the homestead exclusion," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 130298 and 130306. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended today so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 130298 and 130306. 2ND READING All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Thank you. That concludes our committee report. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that those bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. Those bills will be placed on our Second and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 130334, 130335, 130336, and 130109. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, sir. Before considering the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have public comment. Public comment will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, we ask that you sign up at the table at my left. The guidelines as it relates to speaking, you will be given three minutes. We want to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, so we impose a three-minute limit. There's a device in the middle of the podium. When that light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, would you please read the name of the first individual who is interested in testifying today.
Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, President to the Council. Thank you, members of the Council.
I am speaking against the resolution to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of transferring ownership or operations of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity. Philadelphia Gas Works is a great science-driven economy platform that undergirds the economy of Philadelphia and cannot be sold to a private entity. I also would like to mention that the City's assets of property revenues are under too-big-to-fail management, and I'd like to push the mobilization for the creation of a public bank. A public bank would also expand the public Gas Works facility and take care of the rest of Philadelphia's economy's needs. I also ask that Philadelphia consider a transaction tax on stocks, commodities, currencies, and derivatives within its jurisdiction. I also want to mention that the United States is facing the greatest crisis it's ever had, and we need to communicate to our representation in Washington for the need to reinstate Glass-Steagall in U.S. banking. Thank you very much.
There are no 5/2/13 - STATED - 2ND READING other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. There are no other individuals interested in testifying today? (No response.)
We will now consider our Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee -- I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, will you please read the title of 130334.
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-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee. 5/2/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank 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. Resolution 130334 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130335.
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, 5/2/13 - STATED - 2ND READING situate in the Twenty-Eighth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130335 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130336.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 5/2/13 - STATED - 2ND READING 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, Nineteenth and Twenty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130336 is adopted. 5/2/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130109.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Property," and making conforming amendments to the Code to provide for a comprehensive plan for the placement of advertising on municipal property.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.