Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 25, 2018 10:55 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 AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. If the members will take their seats and any guests will retire behind the rail, we can move forward with our invocation. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Martini Shaw of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Jones. I would ask all guests, members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. Oh, gracious and ever-living God, the God of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rebecca, Sarah, and Jesus, we pause to express thanks for this day and for all the blessings of this day. We pray for our nation, our state, and especially for our city and its communities, the City of Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Philadelphia, the city that is the birthplace of this nation, the city that is the place of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the city of Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, Octavius V. Catto, the city of many firsts of our nation, the first hospital, the first public library, the first post office, the first zoo, the first fire department, the first art museum, the first theatre, the first stock exchange, the first American flag, the first university and medical school, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. We pray for our Mayor and we pray for our City Council and we pray for those in authority who serve in positions of public trust, that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every human being. Guide and direct their actions and their decisions. Bless our city, oh God, with your grace, with your mercy. Where there Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 division, give it unity. Where there is corruption, purify it. Where there is darkness, give it light. Where there is injury, give it forgiveness and pardon. Where there is hatred, give it love. Where there is doubt, give it faith. Where there is homelessness or hunger, give it shelter and food. Where there is scarcity, give it abundance. Where there is sadness and despair, give it hope and give it joy. And may our city continue to remain in the forefront and in the vanguard of being first in our nation, leading and advocating for peace and justice and equality for all people. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 18, 2018, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 18, 2018 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. Our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Squilla.
The Chair thanks the gentleman, and leave shall be granted. The next order of business -I'm sorry. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with our regular order of business and I would just like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely hope that you appreciate being here today, that it is a knowledgeable day for you but, more importantly, a pleasurable day, so much so that you come back again. So, Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 again, thank you for being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution recognizing October 25th as Cardiac Health Awareness Day. Would Darren Sudman and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman Taubenberger and Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Bass and also Councilman Greenlee.
So good morning, everybody. If anybody from Mobile CPR Project is here and the Philadelphia Fire Foundation, please could you join us in the presentation in recognizing today, October 25th as Cardiac Health Awareness. And I saw somebody from Local 22, if you could come on up here. I know you're dressed Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 green, but come on up here. (Guests approached podium.)
So it is my honor -- and I apologize for some technical difficulties, but this is a day to recognize October 25th as Cardiac Health Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Simon's Heart for promoting cardiac health awareness. A few of the organizations I had just mentioned I'd just like to speak briefly on, because they're a part of the context of raising awareness for today, and that's our Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation. President Cherice has been doing a fantastic job. And most people don't know how they engage in the institutions and how they partner with our Philadelphia EMS and our Fire Department and fire prevention with technology and equipment, running campaigns in cardiac awareness. Of course, the Mobile CPR Project is kind of Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 self-explanatory, but they are able to reach out to communities and partner with organizations with ten people or more to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and how to administer it in group settings, and they do that with trained paramedics and EMS personnel. So they do a fantastic job. And we'll hear at the end of today's presentation from Simon's Heart and the foundation from Darren Sudman, who unfortunately championed this as a result of a SIDS situation with his own child, and he's turned that into such an incredible organization that's helping raise awareness of cardiac awareness and not just in Philadelphia but throughout the City and the region. I had experienced something in one of our local rec centers. We have these kids that are playing all these athletic games and may not be aware of certain signs and conditions, and it really does bring kind of the attention that's necessary by providing AEDs in our Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 and around public spaces where we all recreate and play, and especially when it comes to our children and our elderly. So we do recognize today as Cardiac Health Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia, again honoring Simon's Heart for promoting cardiac health awareness; and
Whereas, cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function that can come on suddenly and may not display signs or symptoms before occurring; and Whereas, cardiac arrest can be fatal if proper steps, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, are not performed; and
Whereas, due to the heart's function of pumping blood stalling it is also important that a defibrillator or AED be used to shock the heart back into normal rhythm; and Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Whereas, the organizations such as the Philadelphia Fire Foundation, Mobile CPR, and Simon's Heart work in Philadelphia communities to educate members on how to detect and identify cardiac arrest and how to assist when someone experiences cardiac arrest; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Fire Foundation provides life safety programs in communities to help combat not only cardiac arrest, but also the use of EpiPen's, basic first aid and triage, and overdose reversal; and Whereas, Mobile CPR goes out into the community and leads CPR training as well as training community leaders to become trainers themselves in order to reach every community in Philadelphia with this necessary and vital education; and
Whereas, in honoring their son, Simon Sudman, the Sudman family has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to sudden cardiac arrest Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 infant death syndrome by founding Simon's Heart; and Whereas, Simon's Heart provides education within communities and donates AEDs to communities and organizations that are in desperate need of these life saving devices; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, does hereby recognize October 25th as Cardiac Health Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia. And, therefore, be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of Simon's Heart as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body for promoting cardiac awareness. I want to end with that the partners that we have up here and several more, as you heard in the resolution, are in-kinding their services, non-profits that are really trying to help promote Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 children and in the general public and elderly have been partnering with me. We created a program called Act Now, and we should by the end of this calendar year have between 800 to 1,000 people certified in CPR. That's all the community groups. I know that's a point of personal privilege in my district, but we're going into schools. We're training 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in our public schools and our youth, and that's where the Simon's Heart Foundation is extremely helpful and understanding that it's okay to be reactive, but we're going to have you be reactive under emergency situations after you call 911 to be that trained good samaritan and understand how you can help be a first responder until somebody gets on the scene. So I want to thank you all for collectively being a partner as we move forward and also independently doing the work of the good angels here in the City Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 you very much, and congratulations to you. (Applause.)
Thank you. And the Chair recognizes Mr. Sudman for remarks.
Thank you very much, Councilman Henon, Councilmembers. This is a big city and there's a lot in the agenda, and so it's not lost on me that you're taking some time today to recognize an issue that's really important to me and my family, I'm sure to many people in this audience, as well as to my friends up here standing next to me. Just real briefly, this past Sunday, October 21st was Simon's 14th birthday. Unfortunately he wasn't here to celebrate it. Simon died when he was three months old. And after he passed, my wife and I were told to get our hearts checked by our pediatrician, and my wife Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 We learned that Long QT, the condition that she has, has been attributed to up to 10 to 15 percent of all SIDS deaths, and then we started hearing stories about students who would be playing sports and they would collapse and die suddenly with no apparent reason. They were also suffering sudden cardiac arrest from about one of ten conditions. And we couldn't tolerate this. We didn't want another family to have to bury their child to a detectable and treatable heart condition. And growing up, I thought sudden cardiac arrest was for people older than me. I didn't realize it wasn't just an adult thing, it was a kid thing too. So we've started providing free heart screenings and advocating for CPR and trying to get AEDs out into our city and beyond, because if we can detect the conditions before they cause harm, that's amazing, but if we can't, then we have to Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 the conditions strike. And I'm sure many of you out there learned CPR a long time ago, like I did, when there was the gross mouth-to-mouth element. That's not a reality anymore. Now it's just chest compressions, and these are things that are just like pumping up a ball full of air with a ball pump. It's easy, and hopefully all of us up here can demystify CPR and AED use so that more of us feel comfortable to deploy these things when someone is suffering from cardiac arrest, whether it's a student or an adult. So I really, really appreciate being recognized. I'm honored to be a part of a community that's out there trying to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and actually doing something about it. Thank you very much for giving me this time today. I really appreciate it. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution to the Philadelphia Boys Choir. Would Jeffrey Smith, Stephan Stooeckl, and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And we have also have Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Oh, Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I first want to publicly say thank you to your Sergeant-At-Arms team for working so closely and working in an extremely collegial fashion with my staff to allowing us to hear the 100 Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 hear later this morning. In the spirit of music and all of what it means, I believe Richard Daley, former Mayor of Chicago, said it best when he said, and I stated, Politicians don't bring people together; artists do. For those of us who love the arts, we know that there are only three colors. When you think about it, we actually start with three colors, there are ten digits, five dance positions, and seven notes. It is what we do with them that's important. Today we are honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. The Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has captivated audiences around the world with their musicianship, intelligence and interpretive abilities for the past 50 years and has become one Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 boys choir in the United States located right here in Philadelphia;
Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has performed for Kings and Queens and five U.S. Presidents; Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale's recent tours have allowed its diverse group of Philadelphia boys and men to perform to high accolades in China, Ecuador, Singapore, and Vietnam; and
Whereas, since its founding in 1968, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has proudly represented both the City of Philadelphia and the United States of America during many worldwide concert tours around the globe, which has earned them the nickname, "America's Ambassadors of Song." Thank you, young men; and Whereas, as a Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award-winning group, the Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 acclaimed performances have earned them some of the most distinguished honors in music; and
And I went with them to the China trip, and all I will tell you is we had an interesting time over there. Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has been led by its Artistic Director, Jeffrey R. Smith, since 2004. Mr. Smith, who was in the Choir as a child, is an accomplished conductor, composer, and musician in his own right, having performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and as a pianist for several theatrical performances both on and off Broadway. Mr. Smith also serves as an assistant conductor and pianist for the Philadelphia POPS; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir has collaborated with world renowned orchestras and Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 soloists, such as Luciano Pavarotti, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philly POPS, Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, Curtis Institute, as well as the Mendelssohn Club, Pig Iron Theater, Vox Ama Deus, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has been featured on television shows such as Good Morning America, Saturday Night Live, the Today Show; and
Whereas, many choir alumni have become distinguished leaders in the arts and entertainment industry, including Boyz II Men group member Shawn Stockman, Broadway composer Benj Pasek, opera singers Justin Hopkins and Laurence Zazzo, Food Network personality and chef David Lieberman, actor James Pierce, III, as well as KYW-TV's news anchor Ukee Washington, and the Boys Choir's Associate Music Director, John Stroud; and Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale was the first American performing arts group to perform in Cuba after the Cuban Revolution, and it returned to that country in both 2003 and 2017; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has performed for Kings and Queens and five U.S. Presidents; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale's recent tours have allowed its diverse group of Philadelphia boys and men to perform to high accolades in China, Ecuador, Singapore, and Vietnam; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale is celebrating 50 years of outstanding achievements and musical excellence and Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 be the home to such a world renowned, groundbreaking group; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Smith for remarks.
We thank you very much, Council President Clarke, and his office as well as our own Councilman Squilla and Julian Thompson, Councilwoman Blackwell from our old district when we were back on Powelton Avenue, and of course Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and her staff for this honor today, as well as all of the Council men and women up here this morning. Besides this honor, we want to Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Councilpeople for their hard work for the City of Philadelphia, because we know you're here because you love and care about the people of Philadelphia, as do our boys and men. And so when we go around the world and sing our songs and share our music, besides representing our country, we specifically represent our city, and the boys are proud of that and they take that seriously. And many of the countries we visit, they don't necessarily speak English, but they understand our message through our music, and they realize that though our countries may have differences and maybe they're not happy with the way things are going in our own country, they know that the people of America are great people and they're able to have a higher opinion of Americans than before we visited, because they meet these fine young men and they see that these are good kids and they care about others. And so they're happy to represent us Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 here in Philadelphia. And as a matter of fact, some of the boys take it so seriously that as they get older, they go in to major in foreign affairs or political fields. We've got several boys overseas, and maybe some day some of them will be here in City Council. But, again, we thank you very much, and we're going to present -- after photos here, we're going to present one song for you for our city. It's called Philadelphia USA. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) (Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale perform.) (Applause.)
Man, made it worth coming to work today. It's awesome. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergent-of-Arms delivers the messages to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 15-acre property known as 1501 Seminole Street, Lester, Pennsylvania, together with all improvements thereon, all under certain terms and conditions.
Mr. Decker, do you have any additional communications?
Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Thank you very much. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. And our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. This morning I offer six bills, the first bill led by Councilmembers Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Chair of the Education Committee Jannie Blackwell, you, and myself, and one resolution, Mr. President.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area," by requiring that applications for zone designation include Opportunity Plans that provide for apprenticeship and Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 other work opportunities for students enrolled in the School District Career and Technical Education Programs; and An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," relating to lead paint hazards and other violations, to provide for appeal periods and for penalties, to provide for inspections and fees, to revise definitions, and to promote lead safety; and An ordinance amending Chapter 6-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Preventive Medicine," to establish requirements for the testing of blood lead levels in children; and An ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Property," by adding a new section requiring that certain renovation projects involving City-owned or occupied buildings, or the use of City capital dollars, be certified as lead free or lead safe prior to the completion of the Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 renovation project; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," to modify application and notice requirements, and penalties for non-compliance; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," to modify application requirements for commercial activity licenses.
Those six bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution congratulating the City of Philadelphia and the Office of Sustainability on Winning the 2018 Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge.
And Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: 45th Street and Spruce Street; Cedar Avenue and 47th Street; 34th Street and Brandywine Street; Farragut Street and Walnut Street.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Larchwood Avenue and South 47th Street; Larchwood Avenue and South 59th Street; North 33rd Street and Spring Garden Street; Delancey Street and South 51st Street; Sansom Street and South 51st Street; South 61st Street and Chestnut Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Street.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer three bills, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez, the other two on your behalf, and then one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," by adding a new section prohibiting retail establishments from refusing to accept cash as a form of payment.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Taney Street, west side, Brown Street to Aspen Street.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Marlborough Street, west side, Wildey Street to Richmond 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 Forty-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Henon.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," to designate certain blocks as Litter Enforcement Corridors pursuant to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 800 block of Crispin Street, both sides.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Flamingo Street, Lawn Street, Esdall Street, Shaw Street, and Hillside Avenue.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have four bills and one privileged resolution. I'd like to speak briefly on one of my bills, please.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Senior Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions," by increasing the maximum income that will qualify claimants for the tax freeze authorized by this Chapter.
And an ordinance amending Section 12-905 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permits for Curb Loading Zones," to exempt businesses on streets with designated bicycle lanes from any fee for designation of a curb loading zone.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 15-acre property known as 501 Seminole Street, Lester, Pennsylvania.
Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Fitzwater Street and South 23rd Street; Fitzwater Street and South 12th Street; Carpenter Street and South 18th Street; Christian Street and Grays Ferry Avenue; Christian Street and South 20th Street; Christian Street and Grays Ferry Avenue; Christian Street and South 20th Street; Christian Street and South 21st Street.
Thank you, Council President. I want to, one, thank you for your partnership and being a sponsor on the extension to the senior citizens tax freeze bill, which will allow our seniors who have seen rising real estate taxes to freeze their taxes and, most importantly, expanding the amount from a single individual going from 23,500 to 27,500 and a married Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 couple going from 31,500 to 35,500, and I want to thank the state and the General Assembly for giving us the ability to expand the criteria for this increase. Through different parts of my district, we have seen rising real estate taxes that significantly impact our seniors, and when I go to different community meetings, seniors always talk about how they can't take advantage of the senior citizens tax freeze because they may be $100, $200 above the threshold in helping them freeze their taxes. And so this is a very significant piece of legislation, because we want to keep people inside of their homes regardless if they live in Point Breeze or Packer Park. And so I'll continuously advocate to make sure that we have all the tools available to allow them to stay in their home and they aren't placed out and we can continue to support development without displacement. Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
And a privileged resolution declaring that every Friday before a game by the Philadelphia Eagles shall be known as "Eagles Friday," and encouraging celebration of the occasion with expressions of pride in the defending Super Bowl champions.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. I have one bill on behalf of the Administration and a non-privileged resolution. I'd also like to speak about it.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," Subcode R, entitled "The Philadelphia Residential Code," by adding amendments to the 2015 edition of the "International Residential Code" as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Subcode EC.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Appropriations to conduct hearings to consider the impact of federal Qualified Opportunity Zones on the fair and equitable development of Philadelphia; and to thereby recommend impactful, responsive changes to the City's policies, procedures, and budget.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green -- I'm sorry. Councilwoman, I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
Thank you. I want to thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Al Taubenberger, and Allan Domb for co-sponsoring this. There's an article in today's paper that speaks to opportunity zones, and it attributes some of the findings by a recent Drexel study. The opportunity zone was part of the billion dollar tax cuts that Trump passed in 2017, and over the last year between the State and the City, designated areas throughout the City were selected around opportunity zones. As many of you know, I legislate -- my legislative practice is it's not about the "no." It's about the "how" and how we shape development. To echo the sentiments of Councilman Johnson, we have to do equitable and responsible development in the City, and I think that it is timely that the City of Philadelphia get its hands around what potentially could just be tax shelters Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 for the rich and lead to further speculation or an opportunity to create responsible development that ensures long-term residents the ability to stay in their neighborhoods. I look forward to working with all my Council colleagues as we discuss this, as we shape this to make sure that Philadelphia grows in an equitable way. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill I'm introducing today. As we continue the work of the Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform, this bill helps to make our city more friendly to small businesses. This bill was co-sponsored by my colleagues on the Special Committee, including Councilmembers Sanchez, Johnson, Henon, Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 and Taubenberger.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-900, entitled "Signs," by amending the Commercial Mixed-Use sign allowance.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. I got you. Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
Good morning, Council President. I have one extremely privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council with, I'm sure, monsterly affection.
Thank you, Councilwoman, for that extremely privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution welcoming Gritty, the new mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers, and honoring the spirit and passion that Gritty has brought to the City of Philadelphia and the entire country, both on and off the ice.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Germantown Avenue, West Phil-Ellena Street to Gorgas Lane, both sides.
And an ordinance establishing parking restrictions on East Washington Lane, both sides, between Crittenden Street and Stenton Avenue.
Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution. If I could be heard briefly after the title of the non-privileged resolution is read.
A privileged resolution Recognizing, Congratulating, and Thanking the United States Marine Corps on the Occasion of its 243rd Anniversary.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting that the City Controller conduct an Information Systems Performance Audit of the City's Technological Infrastructure.
Thank you very much, Council President. Just to avoid confusion, I've introduced that because there were some technical changes that were necessary. I'll be withdrawing the resolution that I introduced last week and replacing it with this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on next week's Calendar. Thank you, Councilman. And that concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee of License and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports one bill with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 180648, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' to establish a license and related requirements for tire dealers," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 day of Bill No. 180648. (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. 180648. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on our Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 2ND READING 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 resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. I want to thank you. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill No. 180916, 180917, 180920, 180922, 180926, 180815, 180691, and 180699. All other bills and resolutions are being held at this time.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 testifying on a bill or resolution that's on our Final Passage Calendar today -hold on one second. Are we good? I'll start over again. We will now have our public comment session. The public comment session's regulations go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium there. 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 conclude yours remarks. I would like to thank you very much for your anticipated Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 cooperation. Before I call Mr. Decker, I would just like to make note that the Chair will be granting Councilwoman Cherelle Parker a leave of absence for the remainder of the session. She is recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Is it afternoon yet? Good morning, everyone. So I'm here today -
Mr. Bussie, just state your name for the record.
My name is Emmanuel Bussie. I'm speaking on behalf of David Oh's bill that's related to the Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 Parking Authority. I believe it's 160026. I'm not sure, though. For over a year and a half -
I believe the comment is supposed to be on bills on Second Reading and Final Passage. This bill is not.
Pick another one. I'll speak on Bill No. 170247, Blondell Reynolds Brown's bill about the Federal Trade Commission.
All right. If you can start out talking Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 about that, that will be helpful.
All right. So the Federal -- the bill related to the Federal Trade Commission, that bill or resolution, I'm going to use an example. Let's say that bill was up for consideration and ten of you, which I spoke to ten of you, ten of you -- nine of you on the phone on a web conference on record in support of that bill. Nine of you. One of you, Jannie Blackwell, I spoke to in person last year. Ten of you are in support of discussing that bill. One of you is not in favor of discussing that bill. It is not fair to the democratic process, small D, or the citizens of Philadelphia to have that bill held up by one Councilmember. It is not fair to the process to have that bill or any other bill held up by one Councilmember. In the effort to have transparency, if Philadelphia knew that Council's leadership and Council's Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 process could hold up a bill, one person could hold up a bill when ten of them wants that bill discussed, none of your constituency would agree to that. Every one of your constituency wants you guys to battle the Parking Authority and battle to take back on-street parking. Every single -- it's not a constituent -we went into Bill Greenlee's ward and asked 208 people in his ward and in your district, Councilman Clarke, you remember we asked 208 of your constituency, do you want Bill Greenlee to bring the bill up for a hearing?
208 of them said yes. So you have 51 community activists and leaders saying bring the bill up for discussion, 208 residents saying bring the bill up for discussion, ten Councilpeople saying they want to bring this bill up for discussion, and one person saying, no, I don't want to Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 discuss it and it's not voted. There's a problem when the system is broken in which one person can hold up and handcuff democracy. And I call on my Councilmembers with the courage to sign a letter simply asking Bill Greenlee to hold a hearing to discuss that bill. Have the courage to do so. I yield.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 180916, 180920, 180917. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week, Council, Mayor, Governor, and others transfer private Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 property to the government, probably illegally. Last week bullying was denounced by most of Council. Then Council continued to unanimously strip constituents of their private property. Is Governor, Senator, Mayor, Council, and others all talk and no action? Does unanimous approval to use HUD low-income housing money to build a mall on my stolen home make all of you the legalized version of the criminals? Justice Brandeis predicted crime is contagious if the government becomes the lawbreaker. It breeds contempt for the law. It invites every man to be a law unto himself. It invites anarchy. Did Governor, Senator, Mayor, Council, and others oppose or deny the God-given rights and my trial to jury several times? Is oath violating prosecuted anymore? If committing one crime one time would send people to jail, why are my numerous complaints Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 unprosecuted by the Attorney General? This RICO style conspiracy to deny rights must be prosecuted to respect the rule of law, Constitution, and sacrifices by patriots. The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 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 for the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my property, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 1982 property rights for 24 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Constitution, and law be enforced, and jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution, and law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now continue with our Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you can read the title of 180916.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180916 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180917.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 180917 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180920.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 180920 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180922.
A resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposed rule changing the definition of public charge, which would harm millions by undermining access to essential health, nutrition, and shelter for immigrants and their families in the City of Philadelphia and across the United States, and expressing opposition to the proposed rule as inhumane and contrary to public health.
The Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, 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. That resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180926.
A resolution requesting that the City Controller conduct a Forensic Information Systems Audit of the City's Technological Infrastructure.
Thank you, Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move that the Resolution No. 180926 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 180926 is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, 180815.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: 20th Street and Brown Street; Bouvier Street and Montgomery Avenue; 28th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 23rd Street and Parrish Street; Mount Vernon Street and 11th Street; Harper Street and 29th Street; Brown Street and 23rd Street.
The Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 180815 on your behalf. The amendment has been circulated to the members of Council, and I move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. The amendment to 180815 has been approved. 180815, as amended, will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 180691.
An ordinance authorizing Shift Capital to install, own and maintain proposed access vault Stated Meeting October 25, 2018 10/25/18 - STATED - 2ND READING encroachments at 3701 through 07 North Broad Street.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.