Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 30, 2020 10:46 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN 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 COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Alfred Bradley of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He is here today as my guest. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
May I invite you to kindly bow your heads as I open our meeting time with a moment of prayer. Eternal Father, loving God, creator of everything, the author of grace everlasting, we invite your presence upon our gathering today. You are our creator and our sustainer. You are our light and our fortress. You are our wisdom and our strength. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 guiding hand to lead us through this meeting. May we approach our task with wisdom and may we approach one another with respect. May our conduct create an environment of cooperation and kindness. We thank you for helping us to accomplish our work this day. You remind us that mighty mountains can become level ground. You take the foundation and you complete what you begin, aligning with your truth. You remind us not to despise the day of small beginnings, as you are the same God who can part any sea, still any storm, and multiply whatever little we can supply. We give thanks to you for calling us and calling our lives to serve others. May we welcome any task you give us, doing it with our strength and with gladness, for you are good, Lord, and we thank you for remembering our nation and our city and our communities and for preserving our freedoms. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 you to protect us this day, to bless us now as we honor your holy name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 23rd, 2020, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentle lady. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to witness Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that this is not your last time being here. So, again, thank you so much and please come back again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, who will present a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project. Would Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Brooks, Councilwoman Gauthier, Councilman Domb, Councilman Johnson, Oh, Bass, Green, Squilla. Pretty much everybody.
Thank Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 you, Mr. President.
Hold on a second, Councilwoman. Can we have quiet, please. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today it is my honor and privilege to present the resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 28th Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Whereas, Philadelphia struggles with a double-digit illiteracy rate among those 16 and older, underscoring the importance of providing children with early opportunities to learn to read, and beyond that, to develop a love for reading; and
Whereas, studies show that children who read outside of school coursework tend to excel in other aspects of their lives. Book Fairs provide children with a venue Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 and interests, and motivates children to read by offering them a wide selection of different books to browse; and
Whereas, the African American Children's Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children's books in the country, with an average annual attendance of over 3,500 children, caregivers, and educators. Rich or poor, no one leaves empty-handed, as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable, and posters and bookmarkers and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and
Whereas, the Book Fair highlights books that enlighten and empower children, and features some of the most exciting children's authors from the multicultural literary community. Its goal is not merely to get children reading, but to foster in them a Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 activity that enriches their lives. The event is a product of the African American Children's Book Project; and
Whereas, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati is the founder and CEO of the African American Children's Book Project. She created the African American Children's Book Project to preserve and promote youth literature written and illustrated about African Americans. As a literary consultant, she is a much sought-after expert on trends in diverse books and how to incorporate these books into homes, schools and libraries. She created the Book Fair because she believes that all children should have access to books that reflect their image. With the Book Fair in its 28th year, it is clear that Lloyd-Sgambati's vision continues to resonate within the Philadelphia community; and
Whereas, Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 off Black History Month, the African American Children's Book Project honors people in the community who open the books and keep the literary flames ablaze in not only Philadelphia, but across the country; and
Whereas, this year's Book Fair will highlight individuals who made contributions to literacy. This year we will honor PECO's Director of Corporate and Community Relations, Ramona Riscoe Benson, author, Kelly Starling Lyons, President of NBC10, Ric Harris, and author, Tami Charles; and
Whereas, Ramona Riscoe Benson joined PECO after serving as President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, where she led a turnaround strategy, directed a multi-million dollar building renovation project and installation of a nationally recognized exhibit on the early life of African Americans in Philadelphia. She serves on numerous Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Philadelphia, including People's Light, Mayor's Commission on Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Philanthropy Network, Women of Destiny, Brandywine River Art Museum and Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. She has served with the Philadelphia School Partnership, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and
Whereas, Ric Harris is the President and General Manager of NBC10 Philadelphia/WCAU and Telemundo62/WWSI, the NBCUniversal-owned stations serving the Philadelphia market. He serves on the boards of the Philadelphia Boys Club, the Philadelphia Greater Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Ad Club, the Police Athletic League, the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. He also serves as the Executive Chamber Manager of BEN, NBCUniversal's employees -- this is a mouthful -- resources group for the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 is the shining light of keeping a corporate entity connected with the community at large; and
Whereas, Kelly Starling Lyons is a Pittsburgh native and award-winning author whose more than a dozen titles for children span easy readers, picture books, chapter books, fiction, non-fiction, and series. For more than 15 years, Lyons has creating inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrate family and appeal to all audiences. Her acclaimed titles include Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How to Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations, the Jada Jones chapter book series and her latest book, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon; and
Whereas, Kelly Starling Lyons' book Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, shares the moving journey of Freelon from Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 in Philadelphia who loved drawing and building models to becoming the architect of record for the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Lyons counts starred reviews, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year lists, Junior Library Guild selections and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States. Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 and illustrators of today and the past; and
Whereas, Tami Charles is a graduate of The College of Saint Elizabeth. Tami earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication and was an esteemed member of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. She received her Master's in School Leadership and Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tami holds a school principal certification in the states of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband of thirteen years and her ten-year-old son. When Tami isn't writing, she can be found presenting at schools both stateside and abroad;
Whereas, Tami Charles writes books for children and young adults. Her middle grade novel, Like Vanessa, earned the Top 10 spots of the Indies Introduce and Spring Kids' Next lists, three starred reviews, Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Guild selection. Her recent title included a humorous middle grade, Definitely Daphne, picture book, Freedom Soup, and Young Adult novel, Becoming Beatriz, which Kirkus recognized as one of the Best Books of 2019. Tami has been featured on broadcasts for This Is It TV, Good Day Philadelphia, BET, and Good Morning America.
Whereas, the 2020 African American Children's Book Fair will take place on Saturday, February the 1st at the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year's event is produced by the Library Media and Publishing Consultants; and
I want to thank Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson as well as Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for hosting this event. And as one of the sponsors of the event, I understand the critical importance of, in this day of Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 technology, our young people focus on old-school reading and learning. Whereas, Council has no doubt that this year's iteration of the Book Fair will meet all the lofty expectations inspired by its history of excellence. We encourage all of our City residents, young and old alike, to discover, for the first time or once again, the wonders to be found in the pages of a good book; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 28th Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati for her hard work and efforts in the promotion of children's literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 much, and congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Sgambati for remarks.
You know, the optics of all these Councilpeople in back of me is so amazing, I got chills up my spine, because this is the first time that I've done this in 15 years that just about everybody. So that's really promising. I'm really looking forward to the next four years. And Council President says my name perfectively, as they would say in Italian. So on that note, I just want to acknowledge a couple things. Each Councilperson has a copy of award-winning books from our guest presenters here, the awardees, Tami Charles and Kelly Starling Lyons. I'm not going to take up a lot of time, but I want everybody to Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 important. It's not something that you read a book. If you can't read, you can't function. And I'm pleased that a number of Councilpeople have come to my aid. Kenyatta Johnson, he was the first person to give me a community grant. I've been rolling along for almost 20 years, didn't even know that the City would help us out with the book fair. Derek Green, Councilman Darrell Clarke, Curtis Jones, and Chenelle [sic] Parker, one of my favorite people -okay, Cherelle. Okay. I know everybody stopped, like did somebody get elected and they did not tell us here. Curtis Jones did a product this summer, the barber shops. We took hard-cover books into the barber shops. I can't tell you how excited they are. But my mantra is preserve a legacy, buy a book, because books open up a world of opportunity. So I'm going to introduce these Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 make some short remarks and then y'all can get down to the business of keeping me fabulous by running this city correctly. And our first person is Romona Riscoe Benson, and she's here today with her parents, Roger and Mary Crawford, husband, Herb, and she is the Director of Corporate Community Relations. And I can't tell you if PECO stopped giving money to community organizations, we in big trouble. So without further adieu, Romona Riscoe Benson. (Applause.)
Thank you, Vanesse. President Clarke, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, all members of Council, to my family, colleagues, and friends, I thank you all for being here. I do want to congratulate my brother, Ric Harris, who you will hear from shortly. I think the work that we do in our communities are important things that Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 the well-being of who we are, and I am so gratified to accept this recognition. Kofi Annan is the former UN Secretary. He once said, literacy is a bridge from misery to hope, a platform for democracy, and a vehicle for the promotion of culture. He also said, it is the means through which every man, woman, and child can realize his or her full potential. The African American Children's Book Fair is now in its 28th year. It promotes the potential of our children through books and reading. It provides the way for children to be introduced to African American authors and illustrators, to rich stories about life, challenges, forming relationships, family, love, and so many other things that children can connect with and seeing themselves on the pages. We lift up Kelly and Tami as a part of this, because they are in fact Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 community for their work in this space, and so we thank them for the work that they do. Not only is the event always free, but every child leaves with free books, and PECO is proud to stand with the African American Children's Book Project in this work. We owe a debt of gratitude to Vanesse, our original literary diva, if you didn't notice, for her passion to this work, promoting it, advancing the joy of reading in our community. Malcolm X said that people don't realize how one's whole life can be changed by one book. I agree. Vanesse, for over 28 years, you have been changing the lives of children, almost a million to date, by providing access to books and encouraging our children and youth to read. I want to thank you for your friendship, this wonderful recognition, and the opportunity to stand beside you all. Thank you. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 (Applause.)
About 15 years ago, NBC came to me and said, hey, we want to do a Black History project, and I said, well, let's do something big, and it evolved into giving away 500 brand new books that not only are they brand new, but the person who wrote and illustrated the book is in the room. So the kids have double pleasure. Ric Harris came to Philadelphia a few years ago, and I can't tell you, this man is somebody who is involved in the community. He is someone that is out there. He comes to the book fair, but he really, really wants to do the right thing, and I can't tell you how proud I am to honor him this morning. He's one of the few African American general managers. He's President/General Manager. Let me get it right. You don't want anybody to take away any of your titles. So without further adieu, Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 (Applause.)
Good morning, everybody. I just want to say that I am proud and honored to be here. My name gets invoked with this award, but the truth is, I accept on behalf of the entire team at NBC10 and Telemundo sesenta y dos. When you watch our television stations, you'll see a lot of news and a lot of entertainment and a lot of sports, but what really matters to us is serving the community, especially when it comes to children. So, again, we're proud and honored to be recognized. And I also want to say congratulations to my fellow honorees. I want to say thank you very much to all the folks here at City Council. And, Vanesse, you are truly the literary diva, and I'll put one on top of that, the literary rock star and godmother and grandmother. The work that Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Sometimes it's thankless, but I just want to say we all appreciate you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And we're going to make these two short, Kelly Starling Lyons, her book called Dream Builders, and it's about Phil Freelon, who is from Philadelphia. And Tami Charles, her book is about a Haitian soup that's done every Independence Day, the first of the year. So they're going to be brief and then we're going to take our photos and y'all can do the business y'all supposed to be doing here.
Thank you so much for having me. My name is Tami Charles and I'm the author of Freedom Soup. It's very surreal to be up here around all of this greatness. I almost feel like I'm not worthy, but I'm going to step into my moment right now. I used to come to this book Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 attendee. I would come from New Jersey year after year, wishing that I could join the likes of Kelly, not really ever seeing myself in that place. And I didn't have these type of books growing up, diverse books, and I certainly did not have this type of event that Vanesse has put on for the City of Philadelphia. So I am so honored and so grateful to be a part of this event, and congratulations to all the honorees. (Applause.)
Thank you. And I'm Kelly Starling Lyons and I want to say thank you to Vanesse and to the City Council for honoring us. It's so important to celebrate black children's book creators. When children see books that are written by people who look like them, they know that there's no ceiling on their dreams. They know that they can also write their own stories and that they matter. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 us is part of celebrating the children of the City and the children nationwide. So we want to say thank you to the City Council, thank you to the sponsors, thank you to all of you for being here, because you are paving the way for a bright future for all of us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations. 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, please read those messages.
To the President Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Fleet Services, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to motor vehicles to the newly created Department, and to provide for additional duties of the Department and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of a Department of Fleet Services, to provide for the powers and duties of such Department, and to otherwise provide for incorporation of the Department into the City government; Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much, sir. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three bills and two resolutions on your behalf, one bill and three resolutions on my behalf, two privileged and one non, and I do want to note that one is co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Jones, Johnson, Gilmore Richardson, Thomas, Brooks, Gauthier, Bass, Johnson, Gym, and Green. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide that City elected officials may become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office, and to provide for a limitation on Councilmembers' and the City Controller's terms in office; and An ordinance amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Common Procedures and Requirements," by providing for additional requirements with respect to the granting of variances by the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of a Department of Fleet Services, to provide for the powers and duties of such Department, and to otherwise provide for incorporation of the Department into the City government; and An ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City-County Consolidation," by amending Section 2-112, entitled "City Commissioners," to provide for a limitation on City Commissioners' terms of office; by adding a new Section 2-114, entitled "Sheriff," to provide for a limitation on the Sheriff's terms in office; and providing for submission of such amendments for the approval or disapproval of the qualified electors of the City; and An ordinance providing for the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the Police Department to eliminate the practice of unconstitutional stop and frisk, as approved by Resolution of the City Council.
Those bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide that City elected officials may become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Fleet Services.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of North Broad Street from the north side of Spring Garden Street to the south side of Indiana Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the Police Department to eliminate the practice of unconstitutional stop and frisk and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
And a privileged resolution recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated - Pennsylvania Chapter for their work promoting awareness about cervical cancer.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor & Civil Service to hold hearings regarding the safety and well-being of workers in the Sanitation Division of the Streets Department.
Today's Calendar. And the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three privileged resolutions. I'd like Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 to note for the record that one resolution has been co-sponsored by all members of Council, and I'd like to be recognized after the resolution is introduced for brief remarks. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the extraordinary career and legacy of Blondell Reynolds Brown, member of Philadelphia City Council from 2000 through 2020.
And a privileged resolution recognizing January as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution declaring Philadelphia "the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 City of Sisterly Love" for 2020 in tribute to the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution recognizing women's suffrage.
And also today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I know most of you will anticipate that my remarks will be centered around my beloved mentor, Blondell Reynolds Brown, but if you want to hear those, you can join us at her legacy event tomorrow. So today, Mr. President, I introduce a resolution officially changing the nickname of the City of Philadelphia to "the City of Sisterly Love" for all of 2020, co-sponsored by the entire women's caucus of the Philadelphia City Council. First and foremost, this is in Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 recognition of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. More on that in a moment. This resolution also comes in collaboration with Visit Philadelphia, our city's tourism and marketing organization led by Jeff Guaracino. Two days ago at The Met on North Broad Street, along with some of my colleagues, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and Councilman Derek Green, Visit Philly unveiled a campaign called the City of Sisterly Love, complete with a Philly takeover of Times Square and a billboard proclaiming our new nickname. It was incredible. This is an example of what happens when City leaders in different sectors communicate, collaborate, and say yes and, Councilwoman Sanchez, "and." When I learned of the marketing campaign, I said I love it and let's take it to the next level. A mentor of mine Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 would say this is what happens when you invite women to the table. But back to the 19th Amendment. Although the resolution is inspired by the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the language does not shy away from acknowledging that the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in print, but not in practice. A vast number of women of color were still fully disenfranchised until the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a fact that continues to elude the narrative about the 19th Amendment. But if we're going to have a full, candid conversation about women's rights, the Constitution, our nation's history, and our future, who better to do so than Philadelphia, the City of Sisterly Love. And so, Mr. President, what I hope to accomplish from this is to encourage travelers and residents alike to explore Philadelphia and the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 contributions of women to our city, from our role as America's birthplace to our current role as the only U.S. city are National Geographic's "must see" destinations of 2020. Bring your daughters, your husbands, #girldad, or plan a trip with your girlfriends. Go to the National Constitution Center to see an exhibit about the 19th Amendment, visit the Marian Anderson Museum, tour the Betsy Ross House or support a restaurant or shop owned by a woman like our Comics and Coffeehouse, Akwaaba Inn, and my personal favorite, Country Cookin Restaurant in North Philadelphia. And finally, Mr. President, I have to say to all of our male colleagues and allies, this is not about erasing men. It's about lifting up women, because we don't have to put someone down to lift someone up. Since 1682, we have been known across the world as the City of Brotherly Love, and to recognize a monumental breakthrough of women's Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 rights, the sisters are asking you to please yield the spotlight for one year. Thank you, Mr. President.
So moved. Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one bill sponsored by all members of the Children and Youth Committee.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by enacting a new Chapter 9-1800, entitled "Youth Residential Facility," to require an Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Opening Plan to be approved by an officer or department designated by the Mayor prior to the opening or operation of any residential facility housing youth, all to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the youth.
And a privileged resolution declaring January 30, 2020 Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Philadelphia.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one resolution and introduce one bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Taxes," by modifying the requirements providing eligibility based on tax compliance in order to apply for certain tax abatements.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to evaluate the efficacy of programs, services, initiatives and other supports that will be needed to support students in completing their community college degrees, and investigate the opportunities to establish and enhance partnerships between the City of Philadelphia and the Community College of Philadelphia to establish career track degree programs that result in employment with the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one privileged resolution on my behalf and two bills and one resolution on behalf of Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Kingsessing Avenue, from Cemetery Avenue to South 62nd Street.
And an ordinance establishing a no parking regulation in the vicinity of Cemetery and Kingsessing Avenues.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," to permit vending in certain areas in the vicinity of 56th Street Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 between Haverford Avenue and Vine Street, 57th Street between Haverford Avenue and Vine Street, and Vine Street between 56th Street and 57th Street.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the contributions of W.E.B. DuBois to higher education, preserving African American history, and his study of African American life; and further proclaiming the last Monday of February of each year as "W.E.B. DuBois Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact House Bill 2140, which would protect against construction-related damage to adjoining properties by requiring contractors to purchase surety bonds. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, one resolution on your behalf, and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to revise certain provisions of Section 19-1605 to provide parameters for reducing the accumulated indebtedness of customers who participate in the Income-Based Water Rate Assistance Program.
And an ordinance amending Title 13 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Code, entitled "Water and Sewer," to revise certain provisions of Section 13-901 to impose restrictions on the termination of service.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Brian A. Hudson, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement following 45 years of loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the citizens of the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to conduct hearings to consider how programs and policies of the Philadelphia Water Department and the Philadelphia Department keep cost-burdened families safe and healthy Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 in their homes.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Good morning, Council President. I have one bill, one non-privileged resolution, and two privileged resolutions today.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Energy Conservation," by amending Section 9-3403, entitled "Solar Panel Incentives," amending certain definitions.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to hold hearings to examine current Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 best practices on secondary transition services for Philadelphia public school students.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings regarding comprehensive qualitative and quantitative efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution supporting the National League of Cities' Leading Together Cities Agenda for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks.
Good Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
A privileged resolution celebrating the lives of Philadelphia area native and basketball phenom, Kobe Bryant, and that of his daughter Gianna Bryant, upon their tragic passing and honoring a distinguished legacy of athletic excellence and off-court leadership.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Good Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. No new bills or resolutions to introduce today.
Thank you, Councilman. 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, Councilman. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: South 13th and Kimball Street; Juniper Street and Catharine Street; Carpenter Street and South 6th Street; East Passyunk Avenue and Kimball Street; South 12th Street and Catharine Street; and An ordinance authorizing Independence Park Hotel to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior building ramp at 235 Chestnut Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: North 3rd Street and Fairmount Avenue; Wildey Street and Marlborough Street; George Street and North 2nd Street; Salmon Street and Columbia Avenue; Montgomery Avenue and Wildey Street; Orianna Street and George Street; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Section 14-500 of The Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by modifying the /CTR, Center City Overlay District, Society Hill Area to create additional standards concerning height, parking, signs, and special reviews, and making related changes; 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 Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street.
Those five bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution. Thank you.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring the 2019 Winners of PHL LIVE Center Stage.
And that will be on today's Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We have no reports from committee today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, so the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 200041, 200047, 200061, 200062, 200063, 200064, and 200068.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Before we vote on any bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have an interest in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage today -- I was a little lenient last week in allowing certain speakers that did not reference what was on the Calendar, but today we have to get back to the original format -- must be on the Final Passage today. If you are interested and if you haven't signed up, you can sign up at the table to my left. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device. When the light turns green on that device, you will have three minutes to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Kyle Williamson, commenting on 200047. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Hello. My name is Kyle Samuel Williamson and I'm here to make a stark rebuke to the idea of the proposed item 200047 introduced by Councilmembers Council President Clarke, Councilmembers Jones, Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Parker, Johnson, Domb, and Green. This resolution is a sham, and to sit up here and include gun violence with the health practice that we have in our city is nonsense. We have a real physical health practice in our city. There is no need for us to be sitting up here spending tens of millions of dollars to a Council to go forward for a frivolous lawsuit that will go nowhere that is not tangible for our people. I walk these City streets every day. I feel the heartbeat of my city. How many of y'all can sit up there and say you can walk through any neighborhood in this city with no gun, no protection, no nothing and feel the heartbeat of your city? Come on now. Like we have to sit up here and think about our community and our future. For the City of Philadelphia to waste taxpayers' money on this lawsuit is Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 not only immoral, but unconstitutional. The City of Philadelphia will be wasting tens of millions taxpayer dollars on a lawsuit bound to not be successful. This retroactive emotional arbitrary act of creating laws to a deterrent of a problem without addressing the cause is a problem to be -- is proven to be more detrimental to society than help out the people that it's supposed to protect. If we sit up here and report a standing committee to gather real tangible data and more information to make more informed decisions to address this health crisis that we have that leads to violence. We need to address how social media affects the violence in our city. We need to address how our neighborhoods, our quality of living, gentrification, our education, everything. Gentrification is good, but it's not what you do. It's how you do it. We got a community that feels like they're being let down. You got people Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 coming in, taking what they thinking is theirs, you get a resistance, you get anger, anxiety and frustration, and with this mental health crisis that we have, that anger, frustration, anxiety doesn't turn into somebody coming here to speak. It turns into somebody acting out in violence and they just choose a gun. We need to get to the root cause, which is the individual. We need to address the individual causes of problems, not some arbitrary act of gun violence that is going to go -- I mean, it's no arbitrary act of a gun law that in reality is going to sit up here and be more detriment to the people. And it's been decades. I've been born in this city 1981 in the City of Philadelphia at the University -- University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Since then, I've encountered race riots as a little kid trying to explore my city. I remember getting off the El on Allegheny Avenue going towards Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Aramingo as a young boy being chased by white teenagers and everything like that. But still the feeling in the City was a community feeling. We didn't have this sense of non-community in our community. And I would just like to thank the City Council and everyone for listening to me, and have a good day.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 200047, 200064, and 200068. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Now there's two of us that recognize that this body operates unconstitutionally. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week, Council, Mayor, Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Governor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably unlawfully. Was it announced last week that our oath, Constitution, and law-bound officials would be wasting taxpayer money to sue for the permission to violate oath, Constitution, and laws and Cooper v. Aaron, 358 U.S. 1? Have officials repeatedly violated oath, Constitution, and law in my case over 110 times? Violating one's oath to God is correctly identified as treason and requires your prosecution. If committing one crime one time would land persons in jail, why hasn't the Attorney General investigated and prosecuted in my case? Aren't constitutional contracts binding anymore? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987; 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28; 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call on the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 26 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Constitution, and law be enforced, and jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution, and law. I remind Council every week, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow all of this monumental corruption. (Applause.)
Fredo Thomas, commenting on 200047. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Fredo Thomas Trice. I agree with everything what that brother said. The reason gun violence is a problem, because many people die homeless by gun violence. I'm not going to talk for a long time, because I'm not good with talking, period. So if people have homes and have a safe place to live, gun Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 violence wouldn't have a problem. That's all I got to say. (Applause.)
Jennifer Bennetch, commenting on 200047. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. I'm here to say that I oppose Resolution 200047. Jennifer Bennetch. Your city has lost its mind, thinking that it's going to go and waste hundreds of my tax dollars and you're -of our tax dollars suing the State of Pennsylvania when the City of Philadelphia -- the people of the City of Philadelphia need an attorney to stand up and sue the City of Philadelphia for acting in gross negligence, interjecting the root factors of the causes of gun violence, such as poverty, lack of education, gentrification, the mass devaluation of human beings and their culture and their existence and their neighborhoods. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 The lack of resources and the proper ability for the City to deal with the issues of violence, there's no lawsuit, there's no law -- how many people that are out here shooting and murdering people go and look in the law book before they go and pick up a gun? Do you think that people just wake up and shoot people? This city is hurting because of what you guys are doing. I've been in a place where I've had nothing to lose, and when I had nothing to lose, I've done crazy things, but the difference between then and now is that not only do people have nothing to lose, they have nothing to gain, because they know. They know it's hard. Ten years ago when I was homeless, you can get a minimum wage job and work yourself up off of these streets. Now you need to be making over $100,000 a year. You need 4,500 or 5,000 to move in to an apartment. So now you Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 have people that not only have nothing to lose, they also feel like they have nothing to gain. So what do you think is going to happen? Then you have no resources. My husband wasn't shot, but he was stabbed in his head back in 2016 and almost died, and this was after -- this was in November and this was -- the situation started in May, a petty dispute with neighbors, and this was after those seven months straight of running in and out of every police station, City Council office, begging and pleading for help for conflict resolution, getting drug out, getting kicked out, getting looked down on, and the situation spiraled out of control. And then even when it ended up in court and we begged the judge in the court, can we not lock these people up and put them on probation, because we still live in the same neighborhood and we're still going to hate each other and we're still going to be mad every time we Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 see each other. Can we have a professional mediation? No. The system doesn't work like that. Nobody wants to call the police, because then when you get emotional, they lock you up. There's no conflict resolution in the City. If I don't get on this microphone, is anybody going to talk to me and resolve the conflict? No. You guys are going to exert your power and have me removed from this building. You do not have a right to rob us of our tax dollars and our time and use lawyers and money and resources that could be used to address the root issues that are causing this gun violence. This city has lost its mind, and I hope that a lawyer -- or maybe I'll just do it. I'll study the books. Somebody needs to sue this city for being grossly negligent in dealing with the root causes of gun violence rather than robbing us of our tax dollars and filing Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 a frivolous lawsuit that's not going to go through, and if it does, it's going to be appealed a hundred times over and then questioned by the federal government. You lost your damn mind.
Angela Reese. Greetings, Mr. President, City Councilmembers, and visitors. My name is Angela Reese, as I stated, author and editor of a digital media resource for cervical cancer awareness and disabilities inclusion excellence advocacy. I'm also a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Pennsylvania Chapter, and I am a ten-year cervical cancer survivor who was -(Applause.) Stated Meeting January 30, 2020
Thank you. -- who was paralyzed from the waist down for six of my nine years -well, now ten years surviving. I just celebrated ten years. I'm also the Chapter leader for the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Pennsylvania, Northwest Philadelphia Chapter, and thank you to Sister Parker for hosting today. I have remarks regarding the introduction of the cervical cancer resolution by Councilwoman Parker. So I have a call for legislative action that I would like to read: Cervical cancer elimination requires addressing racial disparities. Black women die at higher rates. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition, a program of American Sexual Health Association, a strategic community collaboration with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Pennsylvania and Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 Angela Reese's thesurvivordiva.com digital resource for cervical cancer awareness all recognize January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and urge every woman to make a new year's resolution to talk with their healthcare provider about cervical health, to have the conversation and learn what each one of us can do to make the elimination of cervical cancer within the next generation's lifetime a reality. Experts say that this is possible if we scale up access and provision of HPV vaccination in marginalized communities of color. Ease of access to cervical health screening and effective treatment of pre-cancerous conditions is also necessary to reach the goal -- the industry just needs to reassure the public has the shots -- that the shots are safe and available for the attitudinal awareness to getting the vaccine. The World Health Organization Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 has issued a call to action on a global elimination of cervical cancer, which they report is within reach within the next generation's lifetime. The next Us versus HPV webinar is January 27th through 31st, 2020, if everybody wants to see it. It's at the globalinitiativegainstHPVand cervicalcancer.org. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)
Harry Barnum. (Witness approached podium.) MR. BARNUM (through translator): Hello. My name is Harry Barnum. I'm a deaf outreach coordinator. Good morning, everyone from City Council and President Clarke. I see new faces here this year. I'm speaking on Bill No. 200041 regarding the Social Security Administration. I would like to Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 encourage everyone here to vote no. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and any disabled person, person using a wheelchair, being required to go every two years and be reevaluated and approved, that's a terrible change to do that every two years. That needs to be removed. To have all these people all over the United States have to apply and be tested and have this -- go through this elaborate process every two years, I feel that you should vote no and have the Social Security Administration remove that requirement. People who receive their Social Security benefits are in danger. And I am in touch with the deaf community, and many people don't know about this. They're behind in the information. This is not appropriate. And we, the disabled community, it's very difficult for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. They're all coming up to me and so worried and concerned about this change. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING So this vote would truly go against the community. So please stop, and I urge you all to vote no for this two-year re-eligibility. Thank you. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you can please read the title of 200041.
A resolution urging the Social Security Administration to withdraw its proposed rule to review disability benefit eligibility every two years, which would put thousands of people in danger of losing their benefits over the next ten years in the City of Philadelphia, and millions of people at risk across the United States, and expressing opposition to the proposed Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING rule as inhumane and contrary to public health.
Hi. Thank you very much, Council President. I did want to very clearly clarify for the audience what this resolution actually states. The current Administration is proposing that the Administration require those who receive disability benefits to have their benefit eligibility reviewed every two years. This resolution urges the Council of Philadelphia to call upon the Administration to remove that requirement and to ensure that those who have suffered extreme hardship to prove their eligibility should not have to do so on a repeated basis. That requirement will remove a tremendous number of people here in the City of Philadelphia from the rolls. We estimate at least 16,000 children could be denied SSI benefits alone, and that does not include the Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING broader adult population. So for clarity, the resolution will serve as the City of Philadelphia and our Council's public comment that this Administration should not continue with their proposal to require individuals receiving SSI and other disability benefits to prove their eligibility. So for anyone who misunderstood that, I apologize, but our resolution very clearly does not support the Trump Administration's proposal right now and will serve as a form of public comment on behalf of our City Council. So thank you for doing that, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Those -
And so we just wanted to make sure that Mr. Barnum was clear and understood about the clarity around that. Thank you. Thank you.
And I would like to move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 200041 has Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING been adopted. Mr. Decker, 200047.
A resolution authorizing Council to retain counsel to file a lawsuit compelling the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to carry out its obligation to protect the citizens of Pennsylvania by enacting, or authorizing municipalities to enact, commonsense, constitutional legislation that addresses the public health crisis of gun violence.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. Resolution 200047 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 200061.
A resolution supporting the inclusion of Mifflin Square Park and the 7th Street Corridor in the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Creative Communities Pilot Initiative, as proposed by the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. Resolution 200061 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
Council President, I want to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions that I missed. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Let the record reflect Councilman Johnson voted aye on 200041.
A resolution also naming South Clarion Street, between Reed and Dickinson Streets, as "Anna DeFusco Way."
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 200062 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 200063.
A resolution authorizing the appointment of a Chief Ethics Officer for the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting January 30, 2020 1/30/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)