Ann O'Brien. Ann O'Brien commenting on 180649. (Witness approaches podium.)
Good afternoon. I'm Shirley Howell reading the testimony for Ann O'Brien, who is the CEO and -- of Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 early -- Montgomery Early Learning Centers. They are 55 year-old non-profit organization that provides high quality early childhood education to children in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. They currently have two centers serving approximately 150 children in West Philadelphia. We will be opening another site next year at 59th and Market Streets. And I am here today to express our support for the Fair Work Week Legislation. And want to share some thoughts with you from the perspective of an organization in the business of caring for young children and helping parents go to work. Family access care for their children in several ways, those who have the means to pay for full -- for the full cost out of their own pockets, other low income working families may qualify for state childcare subsidy. Still others enroll their children in free programs like Early HeadStart, HeadStart and Pre-K Counts, the state's pre-K program. Families in Philadelphia are fortunate Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 enough, thanks to this Body, to also have access to the Philly Pre-K and other free program that families can enroll in. The state requires parents using subsidized childcare to maintain 20 hours of regular work. When hours and schedules fluctuate, causing changes in income, the parents' capacity to maintain their eligibility for these critical early learning supports is put at risk. A Fair Work Week would go a long way to ensuring that parents don't lose the support and children don't suffer when the loving and consistent relationships they have with their teachers, so critical for their development, are disrupted. But not only would this legislation support families and children, it would also go a long way to ensuring a vital high quality early education system in our City. To ensure that MELC can deliver consistently high quality early education to all our children, our preference is to minimize our enrollment of children exclusively on subsidy. Not only can the subsidy be disrupted, subsidy also travels with the child as opposed to other Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 revenue streams like Early HeadStart, HeadStart, the state's Pre-K Counts Program and Philly Pre-K. These seats are contracted directly with the provider and do not allow for the child providing much needed financial stability for organizations like ours. The bottom line is that a Fair Work Week is in the best interest of children and their working parents. But also in the interest of creating a stable, high quality early childcare and education system in the City, which will ensure that all of our children are prepared for school and for life. Thank you. (Applause.)
Revenue Jay Broadnax commenting on 180649. (Witness approaches podium.)
Good afternoon, Mr. President, members of Council. My name is Reverend Jay Broadnax. And I am here in support Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 of the Fair Work Week proposed legislation. As clergy, we serve in the dual role of shepherds and prophets. And as a shepherd, I see firsthand struggles that families face and the consequences of folks not being able to count on their work schedules. And as a prophetic leader, I'm called to speak up for them and help them proclaim their truth. And the truth is that there are 130,000 working poor folks who are a part of the very fabric of Philadelphia. They are a part of us. And that which doesn't work for them affects all of us. And the truth is, that for these 130,000 people who come to work every day striving to do right by their families, constantly shifting in fluctuating schedules simply don't work and keep them in perpetual instability. The truth is, that them not being able to plan for their doctor's appointments makes our whole City less healthy. The truth is, that them not being able to schedule parent/teacher conferences because they might have to work makes our whole City less effectively educated. And the truth is, that when 50 percent of Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Philadelphia work -- service workers have experienced the inability to put food on the table in the last year, our whole City is not fed. But the truth is, also, that I believe that every one in here who loves this City, if we look hard enough, can see a different vision for the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. ("Come on.")
So, I believe that a vote for Fair Work Week is a vote for achieving that vision of the Philadelphia. A vision of a Philadelphia where people, including people of color, are not stuck in an inevitable cycle of poverty. Can't you see it? It's a vision of stability and security for all Philadelphians. It's a vision where there is a foundation that people who work hard and are well-intentioned can build on. Can't you see it? It's a vision of a City where every worker is valued and treated with justice. A Fair Work Week is a vehicle that can drive us Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 towards that vision. It's a vehicle that's moving in City's like Seattle and New York and San Francisco toward that vision. I appeal to you today, vote for that vehicle. Don't take it apart so it doesn't get us anywhere. Vote for it today, and let's get moving today toward a vision of a Philadelphia that puts Philadelphia families first. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Tanya Morris commenting on 180649. (Witness approaches podium.)
-- the testimony on behalf of Carol Longfounder, an Executive Director of the Germantown Learning Center, a 4K -- four Keystone Star and four bilingual preschool and Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 after-school program in Philadelphia for the past 25 years. It is very important to pass this bill for parents to be able to plan -- all right. Thank you. It is very important to pass this bill for parents to be able to plan for childcare for their children. If a schedule is not stable, consistent or planned ahead, it's very hard for the parents to get care for their children. I have had parents in the past that could not apply for government subsidy or go back to work because the work schedule was so sporadic. It is also very important for the children to have a set schedule and routine, as well. This has been very hard on the parents because they need the income and are not sure what their income will be if it varies from week to week. Businesses must respect workers and help them plan ahead. This has a direct negative effect on many childcare and other businesses, as well. If they vacancies are not filled or children come only part time, it's a financial Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 burden. It makes it difficult to pay staff and funding is crucial to keep a center high quality. It's very difficult decision for parents if they have to pull their children out of my center due to a lack of required hours or the inconsistency of their work hours. I hope you can help workers by passing this bill. Thank you for your time.
Dustin Guastella commenting on 180649. (Witness approaches podium.)
Good afternoon, Council. My name is Dustin Guastella. I'm here on behalf of the Democratic Socialists of America. I want to thank Council and I want to thank Councilmember Gym in particular for introducing this legislation. I want to talk a little bit about what this legislation could mean for the City of Philadelphia. Because I Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 think a lot of people have heard, especially on Council from the business lobby. And they talk about blood-less language of dollars and cents as if this bill is just about the bottom line. But this bill isn't about the bottom line. This bill is about power. And it's about the power employers have over workers when they are not on the job. And that is a power no one should have. (Applause.)
Workers need free time, they need the time to be able to care for their families. They need the time to be able to go grocery shopping. They need the time to be able to study for exams when they're trying to get their education. Workers need this time. And right now in the City of Philadelphia, in the fastest growing service sector, 130,000 service sector workers do not have that time. So, what I ask is that Council pass this bill. Pass a clean bill and pass a strong bill for the working class majority in this City, so 130,000 service sectors workers in this City can have a fair, reliable work schedule. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel commenting on 181019, 180351-A, 180907, 180743 and 180604. (Witness approaches podium.)
Good afternoon. This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus; and as such, requires immediate remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, Governor and others transfer private property to government probably illegally, corrupt officials, stealing from the people constantly, makes bad press for Philadelphia. People want to know why their government routinely violates the people. Do Council, Mayor, Governor and Attorney General refuse their sworn duty to investigate, prosecute, oath constitution and law violators? If I owned a corporation looking to relocate, that would trouble me. Is electing corrupt officials a major reason why homes and property are being stolen from hard working people as Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 alleged in the Institute of Justice lawsuit. Why has the Attorney General and DA refused their sworn duty to investigate and prosecute oath-violating officials? Laws are like Bibles. Unless they are followed, nothing changes. 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 and 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 26, 28 -- pardon me -- 26 PA CSAs 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 f God given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 25 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath violating that requires immediate remedy. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 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 constitutions and laws be enforced; and jail is required for all who violate oaths, constitution or law. I remind Council, takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow this monumental corruption.
David Muscatello commenting on 180965. (Witness approaches podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is David Muscatello, West Philly resident. I like to thank City Council for Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 taking up Bill 180965 and for taking testimony on this important topic. I'm speaking on behalf of Philadelphia's Ready for 100, a Sierra Club campaign with a goal of obtaining 100 percent of our energy from clean renewable sources. Scientists and activists have been raising awareness in trying to build demand for renewable energy for decades now. Reactionary forces at the federal level and at Harrisburg have slowed progress. And action at the municipal level is our best option. Nations like Sweden, Norway and Costa Rica are leading the way with commitments to achieving 100 percent renewable energy. Mayors, including Mayor Kenney, in cities across the nation have pledged to move to 100 percent clean renewable energy. Nationwide, 82 cities and nine counties have committed to 100 percent renewable electricity, with a majority of targets by 2035. Two states, California and Hawaii, have already committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. A number of smaller cities have already achieved this including Burlington, Vermont; Greensberg, Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Kansas; and Georgetown, Texas. We understand the issue is complex, but we have no choice but to move forward. Last week, the fourth national climate assessment by 13 federal agencies revealed a grim future from unchecked climate change. On Tuesday, an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on this report found Pennsylvania, New Jersey in particular face particular serious impacts. And just yesterday, an article in the Inquirer noted United Nations report that seven major countries, including the United States, are well behind in achieving the pledges made in Paris just three years ago. And that the science indicates that peaking greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 is critical to avoid temperature increases of more than 2 degrees Celsius, which would be catastrophic. Now is the time to turn words into actions. Philadelphia has the chance to participate as a leader. One of the first major cities on the east coast to blaze the trail to renewables. The Proposed Power Purchase Agreement Project is an important step in Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 ensuring sustainable future for Philadelphia, but just a small step in addressing the urgent matter of global climate change. For comparison, New Jersey has 2526 megawatts of solar capacity already installed, sixth in the nation, almost 4 percent of their electricity; while Pennsylvania has only 386 megawatts installed, 22nd in the country, and just 0.2 percent. So, we have no time to waste, and a lot of catching up to do. The 70 megawatt solar farm to be built via this PPA in Adams County is a move in the right direction. Without projects like this, the Mayor's Pledge of 80 percent carbon emissions reduction by 2050 cannot be achieved. But more importantly, the future of the city and the state will be at risk. We support the solar project and hope this is but the first of many such projects. That said, we need to be ensure future projects are conducted in the most environmentally sensitive manner feasible, targeting ground fields, rooftops and parking lots. So, we strongly support and urge passage Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 of Bill 180965. Thank you.
Afternoon. My name is Joe Cox. 170854, unfair rental practices. To require good call for certain residential evictions, this is important legislation that needs to be made now. A personal testimony, I have about a week and a half to find a house. I was given notice out of the blue about a month and a half ago, two months' notice. On the way here, a friend was -- called me and was freaking out about being homeless. They have about a month as well to find a house. This is an epidemic. And it is becoming an epidemic. The Fair Work Week needs to happen and it is effecting this. That is all. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018
Eugene Carrington commenting on 170854. (Witness approaches podium.)
Thank you. Good afternoon. I'm Eugene Carrington, a former resident of Brooklyn, New York. And I'm here to speak basically about why we need good cause. I will share with you my experience. I'm a former resident of Brooklyn, New York where I lived for over 40 years. I moved in from Queens, New York in 1975 until 2016. These are my observations. When the mid '90s arrive, I noticed that there was significant increases in rent and real estate prices. Around the year 2010, when gentrification in Brooklyn really picked up steam in my former neighborhood, outdoor cafes, fancy chain shops, chain stores and scores of coffee shops invaded the neighborhood. Small mom-and-pop businesses also began to be priced Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 out along with long-term residents. Also, the homeless began to become more visible. As condos and the highrise -- high rent buildings became the new housing way. Bed-Stuy and neighboring Fort Green, two areas that had been popular Black and Latino neighborhoods drastically changed as yuppies and other White ethnics move in. And yes, discrimination also intensified. I, too, was priced out and became homeless briefly. That's why two years ago I moved here to Philadelphia. Fortunately, I was able to find housing. I would say I got gentrified out of Brooklyn, and I hope that doesn't happen again to myself or anyone. I also hope that you, our City Councilmembers, will support the Good Cause Bill and invest in low and moderate income housing, something that Philadelphia drastically needs. Thank you very much. It was a real pleasure to share my experiences with you.
Thank you so much for your testimony. (Applause.)
Ricci Rawls commenting on Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 170854. (Witness approaches podium.)
Hi. My name is Ricci Rawls. I am here about the Good Cause Bill. I lost my home from a wrongful eviction because we don't have the Good Cause Bill. I am a prime example of what happens without this bill. I came here with my five children. We're homeless. We was on our way out of state for help because every shelter here has told us for a year straight, there is no space for mother of five children. When you lose your home, what's next is you lose your children. I've been fighting for a year. I've contacted City Council. My story's been ignored. Because the Good Cause Bill is not in effect, me and my five children leave this meeting to go out of state to find shelter. And if that don't work, I lose my five babies. I ask that y'all take the Good Cause Bill very serious because it leads to several families Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 living on the streets. And while there is people in orange coats walking around to keep homeless individuals out of the cold, this City does nothing to help homeless families. I feel like y'all forget that there is children involved when us families lose our homes, their education, their health, everything, you know. And then when you remove our kids, you say love is not enough. What is a child raised without love? I feel as though if this bill was in effect, it would stop several thousands of families from being on the streets such as myself, and then trying to find shelter to find out, there is no shelters for us here. And then, you know, constantly run around asking for help from City Councils and being ignored. Sorry about being emotional. Like I said, it's been a year. I have contacted City Council so many times. We was on our way out of state this morning. I got word of this meeting, and I figured, hey, why not stop here, you know, and address -- I do think y'all should do something about this Good Cause Bill. Because when y'all don't, families wind up in Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 our situation. We are not the first it happened to. I am probably the first to get this far to get it heard or noticed or seen that y'all shelters do not house homeless families and y'all turn us away after already deciding a Good Cause Bill was not good enough to, you know, put into place. So, I'm just here to say I think y'all should take consideration into this Good Cause Bill to avoid people from losing their homes for unfair reasons or being lied on or anything like that to avoid other mother's in my situation feeling hopeless and helpless inside of our city a city I was born and raised in for 30 years. I have to leave today with my children to find shelter.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
She's here. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 (Witness approaches podium.)
Hello. My name is Mara Henao, and I live on Master Street, District Seven. I been a renter my whole life. My grandparents used to rent a house big enough for three families. And when the landlord wanted us out, his son pulled out a gun on us. And I was only ten years old. This is just one of the many times landlords use violence to evict tenants, and it doesn't always look like this. Sometimes it looks in the form of fake eviction notices or turning off public services or never repairing a property. Last year I had to leave what I thought was going to be my home and my family's home. I have three children. We thought we was going to be able to stay there for five years because the landlord promised this is what she was going to do. A year later in August, she told us that, no, I changed my mind. I want to give this to Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 my daughter, so I want you out. And then you ask, why didn't you sign the lease for longer than a year? Well, good luck finding a lease that's longer than a year. The landlords want you to have to renew every single year you lease so that they can raise -- not just raise the rent, they also want to be open to the opportunity to make higher profit off of the property that they have. They do not care about who's living there. It is a business. And housing is not a business. Housing is a human right. (Applause.)
Good cause will assure that verbal leases or verbal promises, which are already low in Philadelphia, will be the verbal agreement like this one actually happen. It will tilt the scale only so slightly towards tenants. The concept of landlord, if the name doesn't itself kind of give you an idea, is an outdated system. It's a system that comes from when we were slaves, from when we were back in the peasantry times, and that is the past. This Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 is 2018. It's about time our City, our representatives take the side of the voters that they make so many promises to and make this happen. (Ends with decree in native language.) (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Antonia Batts. I'm a United States military veteran. I come from a line of immediated family members, my father, my siblings who are also veterans and my mother, father and I, we're siblings -- we're native of Philadelphia. I've been on the road for quite a while, and haven't had -- returned to Philadelphia and seen some very tear-jerking situations involved with how people can be as individuals very cruel to people who need fair housing. And I was subjected to that during the time I was raising mine who did graduate from high school and went Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 onto college. But it is ridiculous when people take the advantage of people, especially when they have children and especially when they have multiple children or even just one because they know they are in a disadvantage when it comes to the job market and things of that nature. I am with, obviously, Philadelphia Tenants Union. And they ask if you can please consider enforcing Good Cause. And the purpose of enforcing it would not to be to intimidate the good landlords that are out there, but unfortunately, through time that I have returned up north here years ago from the south, I have seen situations where people have been subjected, like the young lady that just spoke, the young lady who has the five children over here. And I had done a little broadcast myself internet wise regarding things I have heard that were just truly inhumane when it came to the handling of human beings. I mean, some of us, we love our pets. But if we feel as though that they should be placed in importance on a higher scale then Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 human beings who just would like to raise their children or just live like human beings who are trying to do the right thing and abide by the law, consider working, things of that nature. I would like to ask if we can get some supporters, we would thank you very much. Because the Good Cause Bill is not to intimidate but just to hope that we can create a camaraderie so we can definitely all make Philadelphia be known as what it used to be considered, before I left here anyway to go into the military, which was the City about Brotherly Love. It would be nice to be able to hear things when people call me from different states and know, they tell me about that title and what have you. And I just don't feel as though it's my business to, like, put it out there exactly how unenforceable that it can be when you have things like that happening regarding the bad land works. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) Stated Meeting November 29, 2018
I'm coming. I'm coming. I'm coming. Listen up. All right. Good afternoon.
My name is Aurica Hurst, and I'm here to supporting 170854, the unfair rental practices that would only push out people if they had a good cause, right? It's built into the title. As a Philadelphia resident growing up here in Philadelphia, being a product of public education, I believe in my City. And I believe in the City Council to come together and to pay attention to the people in Philadelphia that are suffering from unfair rental practices. We have Penn One Building, everyone pushed out. Seniors dye the summer after they are pushed out the Penn One Building. We have the Dorsett Admiral Court Building right now, West Philadelphia, being pushed out. It's in prime real estate. It's in prime real estate. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 And we have City Council members who are not paying attention because they believe in profits over people. We need City Council to pay attention and not ignore the people in Philadelphia that have been working tirelessly. We need a fair work week, yes. But I don't care about a fair work week if I don't have a home to go to. So, we need both of these things. We need fair work week and we need a good cause. We need people like you. We need people like Kenyatta Johnson who has come out to neighborhood walks and has promised the people of Philadelphia in Southwest that they would stand up with Curtis Jones when they present these bills. We cannot, we cannot, we cannot afford to have homelessness, people homeless, families homeless because that's going to increase or taxes. We are going to have to pay more as citizens to pay for their emergency hospital bills. It cost less to house people and to fight for them right now when we have something like this, like a bill that will protect them from mass evictions, from being pushed out Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 because people prefer profits over people. Like the young lady said before us, housing is a human right. Housing is a human right. And what we are seeing here in Philadelphia are people going against something called the Fair Housing Act right that 50 years ago was passed in 1968. People are being discriminated against. And you can see the highest ratio of people are black, single mothers being pushed out of their homes, being pushed out of buildings, being pushed of these prime real estate areas like University City, like Down Bottom, like Southwest, like University City again, again, again, again. When will you stand up for the people of Philadelphia? When will you stand up? We have to pass this bill. We have no choice. If we want to save people, if we want to save money, we need to support the working families and support the Good Cause Bill. Vote yes December 6. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018
Hi. I'm Sabrina Cook. Just speaking out in front of all these people is not my thing. But I am only opening my mouth today because my back is against the wall. I'm 40, single mother of two. I'm being thrown out of the Admiral Court's Building not just because of a bill, because of a law, because this guy feels it's okay. He can threaten us, turn off our utilities when the weather is the worst. He can come in our doors whenever he wants to because he has keys. He harass us, mistreat us on a daily basis. I was in the hospital because I had heart problems because of all this. I am about to lose my job and have to go back home with my mother because I'm being thrown out for somewhere I pay rent for nine years and gave no problems to. If a Good Cause Bill is going to help these landlords stop being bullies, I am all for Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 it. And I'm all for anything else to teach them that we got just as much say as y'all do. We bleed and wake up the same way everybody else do, so we should be treated like everybody else. That's what good cause is.
God bless everyone. My name is Carol Green, and I need you to play for me please. I have a mother who, God has been good to her. But she, as far as I know, had to go to court because someone wanted to evict her. And it made me very upset. I know everybody is not guilty. I don't believe that everybody in City Council is guilty. I think a lot of the people in City Council's hearts are right. And I am sorry about all of the people that have to go through what they have to go through in their lives. And God cares about your situation, and he tells us what to do for people. I remember President Ronald Regan, God Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 had him to stand before the people with a Bible. He held it up, and he let us know, in other words, that God was our help. And he wanted us to read the Bible, you know. And I thank God for him. I thank God for the people here. I thank God for former Mayor Wilson Goode, who I never got a chance to thank him and the people who God allowed to use. The Marianne Anderson Recreation Center as a place of refuge for the homeless. It was a beautiful thing. And I am sorry about you children that are going through this, but God does care. And he does tell us what to do and how to help one another, we just have to listen to him. As for myself, I didn't know that when I became of age, that I wouldn't get Social Security. I wasn't aware of that. I didn't have enough, maybe, what you call points, so they told me I couldn't even get back what was put in. And sometimes people just don't know. And you know, I tried to in my younger life better myself because I always wasn't a good person. And God had to put me up on my feet so Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 I went to get a job once. And I wanted to go into business for myself. And I found out that my taxes were being used for wrong purposes. And I gave up the business because I didn't want my taxes to be used for wrong purposes. As now, of course, taxes are being used to support abortion. And abortion is murder. And I don't agree with same sex marriage because it's against God's laws. And sometimes we might think we are right -("Ma'am, your time is up.")
Okay. That concludes our Public Comment section -(Unknown witness approaches podium.) ("Hey, did you put your name on the list? One more.")
Thank you, City Council. As you heard the testimony today -
State your name for the record. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018
Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Barry Thompson. Not only am I member of the Philadelphia Tenants Union, I'm also a victim of illegal unpracticed rental practice in the City of Philadelphia. As you hear the testimony today, and I'm quite sure you were will hear many more in the weeks to come, I want to leave City Council with this quote by the late Dr. Martin Luther King. Always the right time to do what's right. Now I think it's the right time for you guys to get together and help us get this Good Cause Bill passed to the Philadelphia union. (Applause.)
Thank you. Okay. Thank you. We will -- we're done, right? Pardon me? Come on. Let's go. Let's go. Is there another -In the future, just for the record, anyone wants to speak, make sure you sign up so we can make sure we have your name. So we want you -- we want to hear what you have to say, okay? Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 All right. Thank you. All right, we will now consider today's bill consent agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker to read the title of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without a debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, if you will please now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 180747, entitled "An ordinance adopting amendments of the articles of incorporation of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that authority"; and Out tort Bill No. 180749, entitled "An ordinance approving a new plan estimated cost and proposed method of assessment of the Old City's Special Services District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area of Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 180872, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by chaining the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Allens Lane, Bryan Street, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Mower Street, Sedgwick Street extended, Lincoln Drive, Ellet Street and McCallum Street"; and Bill No. 180907, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Map by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ontario Street, Gaul Street, Castor Avenue, Thompson Street, Butler Street extended and the Delaware Expressway"; and Bill No. 180908, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-523 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by adding a new subsection, entitled 'IMA Industrial and Manufacturing Area Overlay District'"; and Bill No. 180743, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 and the Director of Commerce to convey to UL Grant Avenue a parcel of land located in the vicinity of the intersection of Grant Avenue and Academy Road"; and Bill No. 180601, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing stairway enclosure at 2048 South 21st Street"; and Bill No. 180604, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades and a portion of City Plan No. 222 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Bristol Street from Adams Avenue to the Frankford Creek Channel, striking from the City Plan and vacating Leiper Street from Adams Avenue to the Frankford Creek Channel, striking from the City Plan Deal Street to Leiper Street to a point northeastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right of way"; and Bill No. 180646, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 9100 block of Ryerson Road"; and Bill No. 180647, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 the 2800 block of Willits Road both sides"; and Bill No. 180694, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 3400 block of Oakmont Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 180730, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Ditman Street from Cottman Avenue to Rhawn Street"; and Bill No. 180731, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Passmore Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 180733, entitled "An ordinance establishing street parking regulations in the vicinity of Wharton street and 16th Street, Rosewood Street and Mifflin Street, Porter Street and Broad Street, Iseminger Street and Oregon Avenue, Montrose Street and 19th Street, Catharine Street and Bambrey Street"; and Bill No. 180734, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulations in the vicinity of Grays Ferry Avenue and Christian Street, Christian Street and 23rd Street, Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Dorrance Street and Catharine Street, Iseminger Street and Johnston Street, Camac Street and Tasker Street, 17th Street and Fitzwater Street"; and Bill No. 180735, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Christian Street and 22nd Street, 15th Street and Wolf Street, Wharton Street and 15th Street, Pemberton Street and 22nd Street, Bainbridge Street and 26th Street"; and Bill No.
180841, entitled "An ordinance authorising the revising of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 282 and 291 by relocating the southwesterly houseline of Cottman Avenue from State Road to a port northwesterly therefrom, a variable distance southwesterly and hitting the northwesterly houseline of State Road, from Cottman Avenue to a point southwesterly therefrom, a variable distance northwesterly thereby widening said Cottman Avenue and said State Road"; and Bill No. 180866, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by prohibiting Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 vending on both sides of 77th Street between City Avenue and Overbrook Avenue"; and Bill No. 180867, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Permit Parking Districts,' by amending the boundaries for Permit Parking District 2 and Permit Parking District 31"; and Bill No. 180868, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000, entitled 'Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System,' to prevent red light violations by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard"; and Bill No. 180869, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Mole Street and Ellsworth Street, St. Albans Street and 23rd Street, Kimball Street and 20th Street, Kater Street and 21st Street, Dickinson Street and 15th Street, Carpenter Street to 20th Street, 8th Street and Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 180871, entitled "An ordinance revising parking restrictions on East Willow Grove Avenue both sides between Crittenden Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Street and Stenton Avenue"; and Bill No. 180890, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Charles Weiner doing business as Chubby's Steaks to install, own and maintain open air sidewalk cafe at 5826 Henry Avenue"; and Bill No. 180891, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing garage extension encroachment at 1601 South 17th Street"; and Bill No. 180946, entitled "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 Bill No. 180947, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 8000 block of Crispin Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 180952, entitled "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, Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Christian Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, Christian Street and South 20th Street, Christian Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, Christian Street and South 20th Street, and Christian Street and South 21st Street"; and Bill No. 180956, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking restrictions on East Washington Lane, both sides, between Crittenden Street and Stenton Avenue"; and Bill No. 180974, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Director of Commerce on behalf of the City to enter into a concession agreement for the development, management and operation of an airport advertising program at Philadelphia International Airport", all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk shall call the role. And upon being called, each Councilmember should vote aye on each of the Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 bills or nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the members is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. Mr. Decker, please call the role.
Aye on all bills. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bill on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now move to the bills on the Regular and Second Reading Final Passage Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 181106.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1302 South Cleveland Street, located in the Second Councilmanic District.
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. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. Resolution 181016 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 181018.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2935-65 Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 North Second Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favors say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. Resolution 181018 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 181019.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2147 East Orlean Street located in the First Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.).
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say ayes. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. Resolution 181019 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 181026.
A resolution urging the Philadelphia Parking Authority to recognize November 11 as Non-ticketing Day in recognition of the Veteran's Day Holiday.
Thank you very much. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. And Resolution 181026 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 180351-A.
An ordinance providing for the payment to the City upon the construction of certain real estate and directing Council to appropriate revenues from such payments to the Department of Planning and Development Division of Housing and Community Development, in order to support equitable neighborhood development by constructing affordable housing, including units for sale or rent, and by providing assistance for Philadelphians who desire to become homeowners.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 180351 be Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. And Bill No. 180351-A is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, 180008-A.
And ordinance amending Section 14-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "TOD, Transit Oriented Development, Overlay District," to revise requirements and to designate several transit-oriented development transit stations.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is, shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the role.
Councilwoman Reynolds Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Brown?
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of the members present voting in the affirmative. The bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170854.
An ordinance amending Section 9-804 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Unfair Rental Practices," to require good cause for certain residential evictions and to provide for first option for existing tenants to renew a lease.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Bill No. 170854. A copy of this amendment has been circulated to all members. And I move for its adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. The amendment to 170854 has been adopted. 170854 will be on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 180649.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter to require certain covered employers to provide Fair Work Week reasonable notice of schedules, fair employment standards for certain employees including but not limited to reasonable notice Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 of schedules, rest time between shifts and opportunities for additional hours.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 180649. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. For the past year, our office along with the broad-based coalition has been involved in a robust and fairly unprecedented engagement process with our labor organizations, businesses and more than 50 coalition partners calling for a fair work week in our City. This has been an issue that has not only made sense for working families, but for businesses themselves. In meeting after meeting, I have listened to business leaders who have recoiled from stories that their own employees have told about losing childcare subsidies when they lose hours or when schedules change so much that their employees can't predict their own monthly rent, when shifts get canceled as soon as someone shows up for work. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Businesses know that a fair work week is a path to greater profits, less attrition and more stability for themselves. And today's vote is a long time coming. It's particularly timely because it's a holiday seasons. And as people flock to the -- some people get to flock to retail stores to buy presents, other mights go to the grocery stores for Thanksgiving feasts. And others may head to restaurants that make the holiday special. You know, other workers are struggling to know when they will work, if they will work or how much they will work. So, today's vote on this -- on those commonsense amendments give us an opportunity to take a stand on commonsense changes to the bill that will improve it immensely. We took our time on this bill because we wanted to get this right. The amendments being proffered come after extensive dialogue with our businesses. It's been a collaborative process. And we have a bill that today addresses the significant problem of underemployment. It gives people a pathway to full-time hours. It's Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 a guarantee of a good faith estimate and predictability. And it's a guarantee that they won't be retaliated against. And this bill and today's vote, I hope, is a vote for all the folks in this audience today, organizers who stood up for a fair work week. I'm thinking about Ms. Earline Bleigh who is taking care of her family and is on call right now because it slows down during the holidays right before -- right before the holidays. And she has to wait by the phone to hear whether she is going to come in for work. Today's vote is a vote for Shahim who had to quit community college in order to stand with the job that paid for that college. It's for Tori who takes care of her sick mom and her younger siblings, walks miles to work in the dead of winter because she doesn't have the bus fair. And for Rob who keeps fighting for this bill even though he's seen so much retaliation even while he does it. So, I want to share my immense thanks to all the members in the audience today who stood up for a fair work week, who are fighting for Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 130,000 service workers who keep our City running, who keep or businesses profitable, and for the hundreds of people who stood alongside of them. We can't raise the minimum wage, but this Council can guarantee that you will have a more stable work life, a pathway towards full time work, and to get the notice you need to take care of your children and to make doctors' appointment and for your health and for your families. (Applause.)
And with that, I move for the adoption of the bill. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded, the amendments to 180649. Those in favor -(Ayes.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 (No opposition.)
Ayes have it. 180649 has been amended. It will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 180965.
An ordinance authorising the Procurement Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into an agreement with The Philadelphia Energy Authority to purchase electricity and certain attributes and benefits related to the generation of such electricity from a solar energy facility, Adams Solar, for use at and in connection with City facilities.
Hold -- hold on, Mr. Decker. Folks, could you all -- as you leave or whatever, could you please hold it down a little bit please so we can hear? Thank you. Everybody hear the title? Thank you. This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is -- I'm sorry. Oh, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I did want to offer brief remarks on this measure. First, I want to take a moment to say thank you to Councilman Domb and Councilman Oh along with the leadership of the Philadelphia Energy Authority and the brilliant vision of the Office of Sustainability for the subsequent follow-up, lengthy meeting we had around this Bill 180965. It should be stated that this power purchase agreement will create a single largest solar project in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And it will be the largest solar project in the state seven fold. We need to thank the environmental and sustainability citizens and advocates who are deeply excited about Philadelphia once again taking a lead. Here is what this project -- the benefits of this project. It will reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions, show leadership in fulfilling our City's clear energy, and carbon reduction Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 commitments along with moving closer to your 10,000 jobs pledge. This measure will set a model for institutions, businesses and residents to also purchase clean energy, create, of course, family sustaining jobs and promote regional economic development. Most importantly, I am pleased to report that Philadelphia area public school students have already been included on this project in conjunction with the Philadelphia Energy Authority. This collaboration is one that works because it will carve out opportunities for young people to grow and build a sustainable future in the sustainable landscape. So again, with this unprecedented bill, it will open up another bank of jobs in the field of solar energy. With that, I am asking for favorable consideration by me colleagues. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is, shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting November 29, 2018 Mr. Decker, call the role.