Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 11, 2019 11:05 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 April 11, 2019
Good morning. We're going to get started. Good morning, everyone. If the members will take their seats and all visitors please retire behind the rail. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Mariusz Mularczyk -- did I get it right? Close enough? All right -- of St. Valentine's Polish Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Al Taubenberger. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Dear wise and loving God, first let me say thank you on behalf of all who are gathered here today. Thank you for your many blessings. In the Scriptures, you have said that citizens ought to obey the Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 have established those very authorities to promote peace and order and justice. Therefore, I pray for our Mayor, for the various levels of City officials, and in particular for this assembled Council. We ask your blessings on the people who have been called to lead the community in which we live and work and play in and around our beloved City of Philadelphia. Dear Lord Jesus, who touched the lepers, who ate meals with other outcasts, please remind them that no matter where we live, everyone straight, gay, transgender, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu or Atheist - is our neighbor, our sibling, and that throughout the ages, prophets have called the leaders of the people to respect and protect the least of those among us, our children, the elderly, the poor, those who are hungry, those who have no homes, those who are Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 body, mind or spirit, the strangers and immigrants, those who live on the margins, those who are alone, those who are forgotten. I'm asking you that you would graciously grant the Council of our City the wisdom and courage to know and to do what is right and good and true, and the ability to work together in harmony even when there is honest disagreement. I pray for the agenda set before them today. This we pray in the name of all that we hold sacred and holy, all that we hold good and right and true. It is in your most blessed name I pray, my beloved savior, who suffered and died for us. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend. We really appreciate you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
Reverend, again, thank you for those inspiring words. Before we start our agenda, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we have some special guests with us. All of you know Stanley Straughter, who is President Emeritus of Echoes of Africa and certainly the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs. He's also President or Chairman of ACBC, African Caribbean Business Council, Honorary Consul to Guinea and so many other things. He has with him this delegation that we'll be meeting with today, as will be many others, from Cote D'Ivoire. I'd like to present to you His Excellency Inza Camara, Ambassador. Please rise. Thank you so much. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 (Applause.)
Salamu Bumba, Chief Executive Officer. (Applause.)
Marcellan Sinzu. He is Secretary of State. (Applause.)
We would like to present them. We also have our friend from Holt Logistics. I've known Holt company since Lucien Blackwell was alive. Sander Daniel, Head of Marketing. And you know this is the largest container company in our city and beyond. Sander, please rise. (Applause.)
So they'll be very busy doing many things for the next few days here. We are honored to have them and ask that you recognize them again.
Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Thank you, Councilwoman. (Applause.)
And thank you all for being here. I just want one housekeeping note. We have an extensive list of individuals who have asked to testify on our public comment session, and by "extensive," that is an understatement. So I'm going to do the following: For those of you that have written testimony, we will be paring that timeframe from three minutes to two minutes to give people an opportunity to speak, everyone. So if you want to alter your written testimony to reflect the two-minute timeframe as opposed to the three-minute timeframe, I will ask you to do that. I also want to make sure -- and I'm going to say it again when it comes time for public comment -- that you must speak on an issue that is on the Final Passage Calendar today. That means a bill that has had a process and it is on Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 today. So if you need to get a Calendar -- they're available to my left -- to make sure that what you're speaking about today is on the list. All right? I just want to give you a heads-up on that note, and we'll be saying that again at the time. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 4, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 4th, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 4th, 2019 stand approved. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. Our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes 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 Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 like to thank everyone who has come down today to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you for being here. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also, before we start our official business in this Council body, would like to recognize a few guests that are here today that have joined us. One, I'd like to recognize a District Court Judge from Massachusetts, Paul Witkowski. He is joined with his wife, who has served a distinguished career on the District Court in the State of Massachusetts in public service and has a stellar career. He also when he stands up, I'm going to ask him to stand Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 recognized, he's pretty tall. So he played basketball for Harvard a few years ago, and maybe he had the pleasure of playing with some of our Hall of Famers like Jerry West, Oscar Robinson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I am not sure. But in a moment, I'm going to ask him to stand. First I'm going to ask Paul to stand and his wife. And in addition to that, I would also like to recognize some community members from Pennypack Woods community, John Marks and Tom Spiller. Would you please stand, please. And thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. And thank you for coming down today. We appreciate you being here. And right now we will recognize Councilman Green, who will present a resolution declaring April 7th through April 13th, 2019 as "Realtist Week" in Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Would Darlene Meekins and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Green, we have Councilman Johnson, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Parker.
It's a pleasure to be here this morning for this presentation declaring April 7th through April 13th, 2019 Realtist Week in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist is the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers ("NAREB"), the country's oldest minority real estate trade association. Founded in 1947 as a response to widespread housing Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 practices, NAREB and its local chapters are dedicated to ensuring equal housing opportunities for all; and
Whereas, NAREB and its local chapters' approach to increasing Black wealth through homeownership incorporates financial education, homeownership preparation and counseling, outreach to the faith-based community, and expanding Black consumers' knowledge base about the importance of advocating for public policies that support and increase affordable and sustainable homeownership; and
Whereas, from April 7th through the 13th, 2019 the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist will join with other NAREB chapters to celebrate Realtist Week. Celebrated annually during National Fair Housing Month to commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, Philadelphia's Realtist Week will feature Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 to heighten the community's and policymakers' awareness about the importance of affordable homeownership as a wealth and building tool; and
Whereas, the Black homeownership rate stands at 42.9 percent, according to the data published by the U.S. Census Bureau in February 2019. This represents a decline from 2004, when the figure approached 50 percent, and it is markedly lower than the nationwide rate at 64.8 percent; and
Whereas, the City of Philadelphia is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all of its citizens. Given the central role of homeownership for economic advancement and in light of the ongoing inequities that exist in the housing market, the importance of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist's efforts cannot be overstated. The City is proud to join with the Board in celebration of Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Week; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby declares April 7th through April 13th, 2019 "Realtist Week" in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations for all the work that you do in our city. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Meekins for remarks.
Thank you. I'd like to recognize all of the realtists that are here. I want to thank Representative Green for having me, along with all of the Councilmembers. The Philadelphia Board of Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 chapter of the National Chapter of NAREB, and this week we celebrate Realtist Week. The intent of the week is to increase the economic future of Black Americans by building wealth through homeownership. For more detailed information, you can see one of us, the realtists, or you can go to our website, Phillymbr.org or speak with one of the realtists that you see here. Thank you so much for having us and honoring us. (Applause.)
Thank you. Congratulations. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair again recognizes Councilman Green, who will present a resolution recognizing April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month. Would Kambel Smith, Lonnie Smith, and those Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Green, we have Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Once again, it's a pleasure to be here this morning. April is always an outstanding month, not only because we've transitioned from winter into spring, but it's also the time that we celebrate those who have the learning difference of autism. And many of the people in this body know that I'm very committed to this issue, having a son on the autism spectrum, and I try to celebrate those that have outstanding and extraordinary talents. And so as we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, it gives me great pleasure to present this resolution to this outstanding family for the contributions they've made not only Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 of Philadelphia but around the world. And so we are recognizing April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring Kambel Smith, accomplished artist and co-founder of the Autisarian Network.
Whereas, April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time to educate our community about autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It's a complex neurological condition that affects, in varying degrees, language and social skill development, characterized by challenges in communication and social interactions, repetitive behaviors and movement, impacting individuals of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and
Whereas, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that 1 in 68 children meet criteria for autism Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 nationwide; and Whereas, the 2014 Pennsylvania Census Report identified over 4,167 individuals in Philadelphia County with autism receiving those services, more than double the previously documented number, the majority of whom are between the ages of 5 and 17 years old, with the number of adults over 21 increasing as the population ages; and
Whereas, the Autisarian Network was founded by Kambel Smith and his brother Kantai Smith, in order to showcase their artistic endeavors and push back against the notion of autism as a disorder; and Whereas, through the Autisarian Network, Kambel and Kantai are changing the face of autism by encouraging those who suffer from its negative effects to find and use the superhuman abilities within them, and telling the story of the Autisarians, a neuro-atypical race of beings who were created at the beginning Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 the laws of the universe and oversee the evolutionary process of each planet; and Whereas, Kambel has also gained widespread attention and praise for his oil paintings and detailed, large-scale sculptures of historical structures, some of which have been acquired by prestigious institutions, including the American Folk Art Museum and the West Collection; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honor Kambel Smith, accomplished artist and co-founder of the Autisarian Network. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Smith family, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.) Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
And the Chair recognizes Kambel Smith and his dad, Lonnie Smith, for remarks.
I'd like to thank Council for having us here and thank them for the award. We really appreciate it. There's not too much to say. Councilman pretty much got it all in a nutshell. The one thing I would like to say is that it's difficult when you have children with autism. I'm sure a lot of people are touched. Maybe a lot of people here are touched by it. Our struggle has been really difficult, but the Autisarian Network was designed to help other parents look at us and maybe follow us and find different ways to deal with autism. In the network, we believe that the Autisarians aren't on the spectrum. We ride the spectrum. You can't tell an Autisarian where he or she is on the spectrum. We will tell you where we want Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 spectrum, because the spectrum doesn't define an Autisarian. The Autisarian defines the spectrum, and that's the way we live, and that has helped my sons become men, become who they want to be. Again, I'd like to thank Council for having us here, and we appreciate the award. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez, who will present a resolution recognizing Children's Alliance and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Would Chris Kirchner, Commissioner Cynthia Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Figueroa, and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Councilman Mark Squilla.
Good morning. It is always important that we take a moment during critical times throughout the year to celebrate and uplift when we in the City of Philadelphia are leading the national discussion around comprehensive, proactive support services for children, particularly children of sexual abuse. In the Seventh Councilmanic District, we are extremely honored to support the Philadelphia Children's Alliance co-location in Hunting Park. I want to take a note and Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 partners who are part of it, the District Attorney's Office, and I know that every year they host a legislative day. For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to go by the building, please do so. The collaboration between the Children's Hospital and St. Christopher's Hospital and the uniqueness of the service but, more importantly, the human element to how folks get treated when they walk in the door is felt, and I want to thank the staff. It doesn't always get to come out here and celebrate, but are dealing with our families and children at some of the most difficult times in their lives. And so we are incredibly grateful, and that's why we love this tradition of taking a moment to recognize the Children's Alliance and their collaborators for this very unique service during April, Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. So recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Children's Alliance and the Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Services for their collaborative commitment to bringing healing and justice to victims of child abuse in Philadelphia and declaring April 2019 to be Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia; and
And whereas, for the past 29 years, the Philadelphia Children's Alliance and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services have advocated for a teen-based approach, built cooperative relationships, introduced efficiencies into the system to provide a rapid response, and effectively changed how abused children are served and cared for in the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Children's Alliance is a national best standards model for peer agencies nationwide, and is accredited by the National Children's Alliance; and Whereas, in 2013, the Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Alliance, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children co-located in one facility within the Seventh Councilmanic District to provide a victim-centered response to all children in Philadelphia who have been sexually abused. All are dedicated to providing justice and healing for sexually abused children, ending the cycle of abuse, protecting children who have experienced sex trafficking, and improving the quality of abuse investigations; and
My heart moves me to punctuate and underscore what Councilwoman Sanchez has said. If you have not had the good fortune to visit this place, it is a place of hope for families and, most importantly, children, who are sometimes in the darkest moment Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 lives, and to see these professionals across the system, which is not always the case, come together with one sole purpose of trying to restore a child and their family is remarkable. Take a moment and go visit this amazing space. Whereas, in 2018, the Philadelphia Children's Alliance and co-located partners conducted 1,957 forensic interviews, with 2,546 children and caregivers receiving victim advocacy. 188 children received mental health therapy on site, and an additional 867 children were linked with trauma-focused therapy at mental health partner agencies throughout Philadelphia. In 2018, 604 children received medical evaluations on site at the St. Christopher's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia co-located facility; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Children's Alliance has engaged the business community to help Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 about the issues of child sexual abuse everywhere and specifically in Philadelphia. Using April's National Child Abuse Awareness Month as an anchor, local businesses are partnering with PCA to financially support PCA's mission; and
Whereas, April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, recognize this month by promoting increased knowledge of the resources available to parents and caregivers to prevent child maltreatment and promote well-being; and
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognizes, congratulates, honors, and celebrates the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, and all their partners for their commitment to Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 for victims of child abuse in Philadelphia and declaring April 2019 to be Child Abuse Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. We extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body, and thank the organizations' contributions to better the lives for our city's youth. Further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be presented to PCA as evidence of our sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Thank you so much for all you do. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Chris Kirchner and Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa for remarks. COMMISSIONER FIGUEROA: Thank you, Councilman Clarke and Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez and all members of Council for having us today and Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 behalf of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and in partnership with the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, thank you for recognizing April 2019 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia. The Department of Human Services and the Philadelphia Children's Alliance are here representing an extremely unique collaboration in the City of Philadelphia, the Safety Collaborative, where multiple City departments and providers work together in a victim-centered trauma-informed moment. I want to take a moment to recognize the fantastic staff and the members of PCA who work every day tirelessly to meet the needs of children. The power of our partnership exemplifies how child abuse is everyone's problem. As parents and caretakers, we play a huge role in teaching children Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 can help children identify boundaries so they know what's okay and what's not okay. As elected officials, City provider leaders, what we say and do is powerful. We need to speak up loudly and clearly to eliminate any tolerance or confusion about what is abuse. I'm proud to be part of an Administration that supports children and families. Preventing child abuse is not just the responsibility of child welfare; it's all of our jobs to support programs and communities building the need to strengthen families so that they can better care for their children. Thank you to City Council, your leadership, as we work together to grow in partnership, and thank you to PCA.
Thank you, Commissioner Figueroa. I am Chris Kirchner, the Director of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. I want to thank Council for Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Abuse Awareness Month and for the work of the public and private partners at the Philadelphia Safety Collaborative. As you heard, when I say "we," we're referring to the many people who do this challenging work - our partners at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, the Special Victims Unit of the Police, our team from the District Attorney's Office, the medical professionals from Children's Hospital and St. Christopher's, and our mental health partners throughout the City. When a child in our city finds the courage to disclose that they have been sexually abused, we owe it to them to provide the best possible response, a response that stops their abuse and puts them on a path to healing. By working collaboratively, we ensure that children don't have to be interviewed many times by different people in different locations about their experiences. They Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 exam the same day as their investigative interview. DHS, Police, and PCA share information throughout the investigation. Victim advocates ensure that non-offending caregivers have everything they need to support their child through the entire investigation, but especially through court. And we link all kids to long-term therapy services to provide them the opportunity to work with trained professionals to deal with the trauma and ultimately heal from it. Last year alone, as you heard, we spoke to nearly 2,000 children who came forward and spoke of alleged abuse. From ages 2 and a half to 17, they all came through our doors, eight to ten of them a day, to receive a sensitive, comprehensive response, and some of these were in the middle of the night, because we are prepared and do respond 24/7 when reports come in. I know, Council, that you Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Foles this year. " Nick then became a generous donor, contributing $135,000 to our work over the past two years. We've also been honored to be partnered with the Philadelphia Eagles as a charitable partner, which brought many benefits to us. Most recently several players joined with some of our kids to create an ocean mural in our waiting room. I'll take this opportunity to echo the sentiments earlier that you should all come for a tour. We would welcome the opportunity to introduce you to members of our team and to show you the program that we've created. And this may all sound familiar, because I came here last year with a similar message, but as you know from opening the newspaper any given day, Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 from over. It may seem like it's an issue that's far away in Hollywood or professional sports, and while those issues are heartbreaking, we have to remember that they have happen every day in our own backyard. We can't focus on Michael Jackson or R. Kelly and forget about the little boy from Kingsessing, the little girl from Port Richmond or any of the children from any of the neighborhoods in our community. We get reports from every zip code in Philadelphia. So in closing, I want to thank Commissioner Figueroa for her leadership, for DHS's leadership in creating the Philadelphia Safety Collaborative and supporting it, and for all of their staff for the tireless work that they do every day as our partners. I want to thank also the Special Victims of the Police Department and the District Attorney's Office. I also want to thank Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 you, we are in this wonderful facility at 300 East Hunting Park Avenue.
And thanks to all of you, our kids in Philadelphia are not forgotten. On the contrary, each day we bring a sensitive, professional response to every child in Philadelphia who needs it. So thank you for your support for each and every one of these kids. )
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, congratulations. Before we move on to our next agenda item, I'd like to recognize some students from my councilmanic district. I believe today we have some students, actually 9th graders, from the Penn Treaty Student Council. Can we ask you please to stand up and be recognized. (Applause.) Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
Thank you all. Thank you so much for being here today. See you in school. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, before you say that, I will ask if anyone has an electronic device similar to the one that's currently ringing, if you please turn it off, turn it on airplane mode or anything that makes noise during the session, I ask that you please terminate its existence. 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 April 10, 2019, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 28, 2019. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 804 North Broad Street by the City, all under certain terms and conditions.
Mr. Decker, do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 this morning, and I'm thrilled to the beans to announce that Philadelphia has broken another glass ceiling and that we are one of seven cities with a woman coach.
A privileged resolution Celebrating Lindsey Harding for Her Historic Appointment as the First Woman to Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.
And that will be on today's Calendar. (Applause.)
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Celebrating the Extraordinary Efforts of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
Also on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Mr. President, thank you. Today I introduce two bills.
An ordinance authorizing Noel Karasanyi, doing business as The Barn, to install, own, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4901 Catharine Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Matthew Hopkins, AIMCO Development, to install, own, and maintain various encroachments at 3900 Chestnut Street.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Yishai Kedar to own and maintain an existing exterior stairway in the public Right-of-Way at 1501 North Front Street.
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.
Next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Parker, Green, Bass, Greenlee and signed on by all members of Council, and the other co-sponsored by Parker, Green, Bass, Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Blackwell.
A privileged resolution remembering and celebrating the life of Audrey Johnson Thornton.
And a privileged Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 resolution recognizing and honoring former NBA All-Star Allen Iverson for hosting his third annual "Iverson Classic" event; and further dedicating the week of April 22, 2019 to April 26, 2019 as Allen Iverson Classic Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 17, 2019, as "World Hemophilia Day" in Philadelphia.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Good Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 morning. No bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one resolution I'm introducing on your behalf and I have one bill, one non-privileged resolution, and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of The City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to revise City procurement procedures, as approved by Resolution of the City Council.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating the University of Virginia Cavaliers and Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Philadelphia native De'Andre Hunter for winning the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Watts Street between Girard Avenue and Poplar Street as Sonny Driver Drive.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to revise City procurement procedures.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions today.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth and the Committee on Education to conduct hearings evaluating needs and identifying priorities for services and supports to strengthen Philadelphia schools.
And that will be on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth and the Committee on Education to conduct hearings exploring the creation of a School District of Philadelphia "community connector" position to further enhance connections between families, caregivers, and school communities.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker 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.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 190132, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' by amending various provisions to provide for purchase of service by certain classes of employees," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190132. (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. 190132. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 2ND READING today. Our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had its first reading. It 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 Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190195, 190240-A, 190258, 190259, 190262, 190263, 190264, 190265, 190268, 190275, 190277, 190038, 190039, 190221, 190083. All other bills and resolutions are being Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 held.
Thank you. Councilman, I think we had a last-minute change. I think we're going to hold, at the request of the sponsor, to hold 95, I think it is, 190195.
Mr. President, I'd like the record to reflect that Bill No. 190195 will be held.
Thank you, Councilman. The record shall reflect that. Before we proceed on a vote on bills and resolutions that are on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. I will again reiterate, because of the volume of individuals who have signed up today, we will alter our public comment session somewhat. Traditionally we have three minutes to testify, but because of the number of people, we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 testify today. We will alter that to two minutes. So I need you to please adjust your comments. If you are anticipating three minutes, it will be two minutes. Again, we ask that you please speak on a subject matter, as required by the rules, that is on the Final Passage Calendar. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, 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'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and respectfully conclude your remarks. You will be given two minutes to speak. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Lexus Anderson, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
Hello. My name is Lexus Anderson. I am currently a PHLpreK educator at Something to Grow on Educational Center. I have been providing quality care and education in the PHLpreK program for two years with the help of the sweetened beverage tax. My greatest benefit of the program would be helping families in my community. I feel amazing walking into my classroom each day knowing I am preparing future leaders. I find it rewarding that I am helping children despite any circumstances they may be facing living in their communities. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 My students would not have the privilege of attending quality pre-K without PHLpreK program. The PHLpreK program provides children the foundation they need to be successful educationally, and this alone greatly reduces the need to suspend children. Every parent that drops off their child into the classroom is grateful for this educational opportunity for their child. As an active member of my community, we must hold our officials accountable for their actions. I currently live and work in Jannie Blackwell's district and would like to personally thank her for voting for the original beverage tax bill and not co-sponsoring the new introduced tax bill. They must make decisions that are in the best interest of our children. Our early learners need quality care. Our children cannot speak for themselves. We must speak up and let City officials know we need this program. We must Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 provide them a village that supports them educationally. There are many changes that need to be made. However, ending the PHLpreK is not one. Thank you. (Applause.)
Imam Abdul Halim Hassan, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Abdul Halim Hassan. I'm a past resident Imam of Masjidullah in the West Oak Lane section of the City. I'm here today in support of the Resolution 180669 put forth by Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. More important, I'm here to testify as to the relationship that we in the Muslim community in West Oak Lane have with Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 We've been working with her for years now, starting with voter engagement. Also we have as a member of POWER Interfaith organization, I sit on the Board. We did the first Jum'ah in the State Capitol in Harrisburg, which Councilwoman Parker came out and participated with us and hosted our children and gave them a tour of the rotunda there. Also, when big business tried to come into our community and set up another dollar store, which was not needed or wanted, it was Councilwoman Parker who rallied the community to make sure that the Masjid was first in line to bid on that property, which we got. So we just want to let everyone know here the relationship that she has with the Muslim community in the West Oak Lane section of the City and how valuable a friend she has been to us. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 (Applause.)
Rahimah Abdullah Sabir, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. Hi. My name is Rahimah Abdullah Sabir and I am here to speak on Resolution 180669. I am here today to support the Resolution No. 180669 introduced by Councilwoman Parker calling for the creation and erection of a statue in honor of Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, who was the first African American, a trailblazer, graduate of University of Penn Wharton School, as well as Ph.D., Delta, and a Harvard School graduate. It gives me great honor today to support this resolution in honor of our very beloved Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. Some of the great women of America are African American, and it Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 gives us great honor and wanting to support this resolution that you have presented. So we hope and pray that one day we look around this room as African American women and say that we will have a statue of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, we will have a statue of Cherelle Parker, we will have a statue of Cindy Bass, we will have a statue of every wonderful African American woman that has did something great. So for today, we ask for the Council to pay attention to the resolution which she has put forward. We love her. Personally I want all of us to come together, especially to our Council, our African American women. We have a great work to do. We stand on great shoulders, and we have no time for no nonsense. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) Stated Meeting April 11, 2019
Imam Mikal Shabazz, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning -or good afternoon. My name is Mikal Shabazz. I'm a resident Imam of Masjidullah in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and we are here to support -
Thank you. We're here to support Resolution 180669 introduced by Councilwoman Parker to honor Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander. We believe at Masjidullah, the Center for Human Excellence, would like to sincerely thank Councilwoman Parker for her exceptional service to the citizens of the City of Philadelphia and most specifically in the Ninth District. Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 The Muslim community of Masjidullah has and continues to deeply value and appreciate Councilwoman Parker's firm dedication, persistence, and unwavering commitment to serve our members and the entire Ninth District community. We would also like to thank Councilwoman Parker and the members of City Council and also Mayor Kenney for your unwavering support of the Philadelphia Muslim community in the current climate, especially of Islamic phobia, pushing forward with creative solutions to fund universal pre-care for all our Philadelphia children and for your diligent efforts and work to rebuild our city's recreation centers and libraries, among many other outstanding things. We would also like to note our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Kenney and Superintendent of School Hite for their initiative to have the Eid holidays Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 acknowledged and observed by the Philadelphia School District and also for the financial support from the Mayor's Fund to make the Please Touch Museum's groundbreaking event, America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, possible. In light of the aforementioned, we are deeply saddened and disturbed by some recent comments that were made by --
Thank you. If you can conclude your remarks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
Hayyan Abdur Raheem, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Hayyan Abdur Raheem, world-class speaker for the average youth, and I'm in here in support of the Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Resolution 180669. And I just wanted to personally thank Ms. Cherelle Parker for her leadership. As a young African American growing up in the type of communities we're in today, I personally see the effort she has made to make our communities different than what they were, and I personally wanted to thank her and appreciate her for that. Thank you.
Radiyah Pace, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Council President Clarke. My name is Radiyah Linda Pace and I am here today to provide support for Resolution No. 180669 introduced by Councilwoman Parker calling Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 for the creation and erection of a statue honoring Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander. Although the resolution is being held, I want to ensure that all Councilmembers know there is a community support for this initiative led by Councilwoman Parker. In the meantime, I also want to make sure that we are very much -- that you know that we are very much aware of Parker's leadership in our community, especially the Muslim community. After last week's hearing on the tax amnesty bill, we were very dismayed by what transpired, being that we know how much Councilwoman Parker does for our community, such as she created the Restore Repair Renew program, a low-interest home loan repair program designed to help homeowners preserve their homes. She also commissioned the Ninth District commercial corridor and neighborhood plan to examine commercial Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 corridor improvements throughout the Ninth Councilmanic District. I stand here in support of Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, and I thank her for her leadership. I want to say thank you to you. (Applause.)
Omar Mitchell, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. As-salamu alaykum. My name is Edgedale (ph) Omar Mitchell. Good afternoon again, Council President and Councilmembers and distinguished guests. I am here today to show support for Resolution 180669 introduced by Councilwoman Parker calling for the creation and erection of a statue honoring Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 Alexander. Although the resolution is being held, I want to show Councilmembers that there is tremendous community support for this initiative led by Councilwoman Parker and joined by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Blackwell. Dr. Mossell Alexander's accomplishments in spite of immense challenges are a testament and example for all people of all colors. I also want to ensure that we're all aware that Councilwoman Parker's leadership and commitment in our community, specifically the Ninth Ward, the Muslim community, and the City in general. Last week's hearing on the amnesty bill, which I support, by the way, was not indicative of how we as Muslims or as human beings are directed to treat other human beings. Even as we disagree, our conduct should always demonstrate the highest levels of Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 character and never belittle, marginalize, or disrespect anyone. We should argue position, not person, especially with one who, in my opinion and experience, has consistently demonstrated her concern for their fellow human beings. Thank you for affording me this time and your attention. As-salamu alaykum. (Applause.)
Michael Rashid, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
-- Council President Clarke. I am here today to provide support for Resolution No. 180669 introduced by Councilwoman Parker calling for the creation and erection of a statue Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 honoring Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander. Although the resolution is being held, I want to ensure that all Councilmembers are aware that the community support for this initiative is strong and unwavering. In the meantime, I also want to make sure that we are all very much aware of Councilwoman Parker's leadership in our community, especially the Muslim community. After last week's hearing on the tax amnesty bill, many of us were embarrassed and dismayed by what we witnessed. The level of disrespect on display was, quite frankly, shameful. Councilwoman Parker helped us obtain a new house of worship where we could pray to God and establish a church -- a school for our children. She helped us secure a parking lot so that our visitors would not be disturbed by our services. She has led the fight to Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 shore up the business community in her district. She fought for and continues to fight for pre-K services for our families. We operate an early childcare center that has served over 150 children since the start of the program. Our employees and those families know and appreciate the work of Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. We stand here to show our support for the Councilwoman, and we thank her for her leadership in the Muslim community, the Ninth District, and the entire City of Philadelphia. Thank you.
Nimra Hassan, commenting on 180669. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, President of Council Clarke and the members of Council and the City. My name is Reverend Nimra Ramsey Hassan. I'm here today to speak on the Resolution 180669, the erection of a statue for Dr. Alexander. There is no doubt that it is much needed to have a representation of a person who back in the early 1920s completed and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She was the first African American female to do such. We do not have any representation of any African American female statues in our city, which is a shortcoming or shortsightedness on our part. We are proud to support Councilperson Parker in these efforts. She serves us in two different methods. One, I am a business owner in her district and my religious institution also is in her district. I have noticed the work that she has done, not by her Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 being present but by her staff and her people representing her in the community. Questions have been asked, and she has answered them or had her staff answer them most rapidly. We are all for the support of her. We cannot find or I have not been able to find any reason to think that she has done anything other than support the members and persons in her district. So we are here to support her and hope that she will continue and the staff will continue, Council will continue allowing her to do so.
I didn't come here today to support any bill or -- my name is Leonard Rasheed. As I previously stated, I didn't come here to support any bill. I came today to offer a respectful apology to the body of City Council in the manner in which they were spoken to last Friday.
Sir, hold on. I'm not clear what it is -you're here to do what exactly?
Basically offer an apology to the body of City Council the way they were addressed last Friday.
Are you here to talk about a bill or resolution? You have to either talk about a bill or resolution that's on the Calendar, either support or not support.
That's what I was saying, you have to support a bill or resolution or oppose that's on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Okay. Well, I Stated Meeting April 11, 2019 just wanted to apologize anyway. Thank you very much.
All right. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.