Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 9, 2016 11:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
Good morning. If everyone will take their seat, visitors retire behind the rail, we're going to get started. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Julius Renwrick of Mount Ephraim Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Greenlee. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Let us look to the Lord in prayer. All wise and eternal Father, you are the alpha and omega. You are the beginning and the end. You are the first and the last. From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Father, we thank you for this moment. Father, your son has taught us that you are spirit and they that worship Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 you spirit and in truth. Lord, help us to recognize truth, that you are truth, that thy word is truth, and that the Bible is a book of infallible authority containing the word of God as he has revealed himself to humanity. God, remind us that the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our Lord shall last forever. God, we ask now that you would forgive us of all of our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, that we may be found worthy to serve you and to serve the great members of this great community and the City of Philadelphia. God, we ask that you bless our Mayor, his cabinet. Bless our Council President. Bless the members of the City Council. Bless, God, our Police Commissioner of the City of Philadelphia and the entire members of the brothers in blue. Bless our Fire Commissioner and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 this great city. God, bless our sanitation workers, our educators, our public servants. God, bless our union. Bless even our reporters, oh God. God, we ask that you would bless the great citizens of this city and their friends and visitors. And, finally, God, we ask that you would bless our children who are challenged by this post modern social media society. Bless them, God, because they struggle. We find them freaking on Facebook, twerking on Twitter, and acting insane on Instagram. And, God, we don't want to lose any of our children, so, God, bless and help our children. Let them know their value and their worth, and teach us how to reach and engage them with activities that are age appropriate. Finally, God, bless this session. Bless all that will be done in this session, and we pray, oh God, that all of the things that are laid at this Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 table, that you would give and pour out your divine wisdom upon these your leaders and these constituents of this great city so that we might be able to discern your will and that it will manifest itself by votes and by the decisions that are made here that will affect your people of this great city. Thank you now. In the mighty unmatchless name of Jesus the Christ who is the son of the living God. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, for those very inspiring words. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. A little order, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 26th, 2016, and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 26th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 26th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We truly hope you find today's session an enjoyable one and a knowledgeable one. We hope you enjoy it so much that you actually come back again. So, again, thank you for coming and being our guest today. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger, who will present a resolution recognizing the Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia. Would Collette C. McBratney and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilman, we have Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilwoman Gym.
I am truly delighted to be able to congratulate a group that is so important, and as I spoke to several of the young ladies this morning, it's something they're going to appreciate now but very, very much so in the future. And to start off the resolution, I am asking Councilman Jones to step forward.
So we all Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 I happen to have probably the largest number of facilities in my district; is that right?
And all of them are managed to be a part of a community, not an aberration. Just lucky, I guess. But we welcome her as a part of our community, each and every one of them, whether it's 55th and Market, whether it's up in Overbrook or Wynnefield, the Kroc Center, or even in Roxborough, you have facilities. So she's always welcomed wherever she goes. As the young people say, she's good in every hood.
South Philly too. So whereas, the Be Your Best program grew out of the Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia's desire to provide meaningful, academically based after Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 women in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the Be Your Best program teaches young women the social skills, manners and life lessons to develop themselves successfully and with emotional maturity; and
Whereas, the Be Your Best program places a special emphasis on educational goals, career planning and involvement in your community for these students; and Whereas, the Be Your Best program is for young ladies between the ages of 9 to 15 to gather for eleven weeks and helps build a foundation and network for these students; and
Whereas, the Be Your Best program was founded in 2011 and graduated over 82 graduates from nine classes; and
Whereas, the Be Your Best program was almost Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 lack of funding until Collette McBratney personally dedicated herself to raising the money needed to sustain the program for the young women; and
Whereas, the Be Your Best program continues to critically impact the lives of their graduates and their families for Philadelphia due to efforts of the students, volunteer instructors, and the generous financial support from their donors; now, therefore, be it
Be it resolved, the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognizes and honors the Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia "Be Your Best" program as an impactful and positive effort laying a foundation for academic achievement as well as career skills for the future of their graduates and their families. Collette, where are you, and Bonnie? Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
The Chair -MS. McBRATNEY: This is a wow for me, I'll tell you, just being in this great place. Thinking what this means and to be here is just a pure delight. There are so many people that share this honor, but I want to say, first of all, to President Darrell Clarke, thank you so much. To each member of the City Council, thank you so much for what you mean and all that you do. I'm sure you take a lot of heat at times, but we do as the citizens of Philadelphia appreciate you. And then to two very special people, to Al Taubenberger, not only a friend but a public servant, thank you so much, Al. To Curtis Jones, who believed in what we're doing and would do this proclamation, you have my highest thanks. Behind me, ladies and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 gentlemen, are wonderful young ladies. They're girls today, but they're tomorrow's leaders. Our class has a motto, and we talk about it frequently, and it's a verse from Proverbs and it says, Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thine own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. And indeed he has directed our paths and done more than anybody could imagine. So the girls always say we're, what, girls? We're super stars, right? Can you do it on three? One, two, three. (Superstars.) MS. McBRATNEY: Thank you so much. (Applause.)
On behalf of the Salvation Army, I really want to thank you. You know, we love all of you Councilpeople. We love your staff. We are here to serve. And on behalf of this group on 55th and Market, we want to Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 And I would be remiss if I don't acknowledge that Collette has brought two friends from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and they are in the back and they took time from their schedule today to be here. They're a supporter of Be Your Best and they're always there for us. And her husband too, Mr. Billy. Mr. Billy here. There's Mr. Billy. I'm sorry. Thank you. Blessings. (Applause.)
Mr. Billy comes every week and takes all the pictures and do whatever these ladies tell him to do.
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green, who will present a resolution recognizing June 2016 as Disability Pride Month. Would Charles Horton and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guest approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Green, we have Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Taubenberger, Councilman Squilla, and Councilwoman Bass. (Applause.)
Good morning. It's a pleasure to be here this morning as we are continuing our Disability Pride Week. We had a great flag-raising on Monday, myself and Councilman Taubenberger and other members of Council. I know Councilwoman Gym and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Domb were at that flag-raising. So it gives us great pride to present this resolution this morning. Whereas, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment, a condition experienced by approximately 56.7 million Americans, or 19 percent of the population, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics; and
Whereas, conditions such as senility or neurocognitive impairment, blindness or seeing impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, and movement impairment have historically elicited a mix of difference, hostility, shame, and intolerance; Whereas, this year marks the Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 26th anniversary of the passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, state and local government services; and
Whereas, the ADA has raised awareness of the abilities of individuals with disabilities and has resulted in great progress, which can be seen in everyday life through curb cuts, communication access, accessible buildings and transportation; and
Whereas, Disability Pride Parades are held annually to celebrate people with disabilities and to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 disabilities -(Applause.)
That's right. In which people living with disabilities can take pride; and
Whereas, along with Philadelphia, Disability Pride Parades have been held in a number of places across the United States, including Silicon Valley/Santa Clara County, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, New Jersey, and Columbus, as well as around the world in locations such as South Korea, Norway, and the U.K.; and
Whereas, this coming Saturday, June 11th, Philadelphia's 5th Annual Disability Pride Parade and Celebration will start at the National Constitution Center at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies, then parade down East Market Street to City Hall and Dilworth Park, and feature several performances from local artists including Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Choir, Johnny Crescendo, Gooch and the Motion, and The Danie Ocean Band. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby proclaim June 2016 as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Disability Pride Parade and Celebration. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Well, I'd just like to thank the Council and the staff and all the members of the Disability Pride Committee that I've been working since I think December last year getting this thing together. Years and years ago I came up with a T-shirt, 9/87. We said Disability Pride in it and, my God, we've moved a long way since then. We still got a long way to go. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 disabled people feeling okay to be disabled people. We don't need to apologize for our disabilities. We don't need to excuse them. We're just as human being as every single other person on the planet, and that's what we celebrate. We celebrate our difference. Disability is fine. Everybody is different. There's no such -- the normal person, I've never met. I've never ever met a normal person. They don't exist. We're all different, and the disability is just another way that we teach our children, our grandfathers, and all of our communities. So that's what Disability Pride is about. We really hope that you come along. If you can't make it at all, at least get to Dilworth to see some of the great musicians. It's going to be a really fabulous day. If was fabulous last year. It's going to be fabulous this year. And thank you so much. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a presentation for Odunde. Would Bumi Fernandez and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guest approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This is an extreme pleasure. I heard the yays, and I don't know how many people we have. We have up to a half million people who visit our city and who Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 who enjoy themselves. We have people like the Uni of Effay (ph) from Nigeria and people from all over the world who come to appreciate and enjoy Odunde, and we're just so proud to have this privilege. And as all of you know, certainly Bumi Fernandez is also part of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and part of a wonderful family who participate in every way possible in our city and our government and moving it forward. City Council, City of Philadelphia citation celebrating and honoring Odunde, Inc., on its 41st anniversary. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join with the community in recognizing and honoring a great Philadelphia tradition, the Odunde Festival. This significant cultural event is celebrating its 41st anniversary this year; Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Whereas, Odunde was created in 1975 by Lois Fernandez and Ruth Arthur. The Festival attracts at least 500,000 people annually and is the largest African American street festival held in our country. The Festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world; and Whereas, Odunde is an occasion highlighted by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Streets to the Schuylkill River, where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. Odunde is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from many African nations, the Caribbean, and Brazil; and Whereas, each year the second Sunday in June, Odunde takes place Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 12 City blocks. Odunde will be celebrating its 41st year in the traditional South Philadelphia location near 23rd and South Streets. The Festival started in 1975 with a $100 grant and neighbors from Fernandez's South Philadelphia community. In just two years, the Odunde Festival exploded;
The eclectic mix of vendors, entertainment, and music started to draw people from around and beyond the region, and each year continues to be no different; and Whereas, although Odunde is best known for his highly visible annual festival, it provides educational, cultural, and activist services throughout the year which supports its mission. Many of its larger programs are sponsored or presented as collaborations with cultural, educational or business institutions which share Odunde's mission. They present a wide array of dance, musical, and theatrical Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 performances, as well as workshops, lectures, and demonstrations highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the African and African American experience. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia respectfully congratulates and honors Odunde, Inc., on the joyous occasion of its 41st anniversary of the annual Odunde Festival. We salute the members of Odunde, Inc., its founder Lois Fernandez, and all who participate in this great annual event for keeping alive this great community tradition. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Fernandez for remarks.
Thank you, Council President Clarke. I just want to say thank you to Council President Clarke, City Council. Thank you to Councilwoman Blackwell and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Johnson, who support Odunde beyond just the one day, the second Sunday in June. Thank you to Mayor Kenney, who I met with him about two months ago. He said, Bumi, I support you 110 percent. And I said, Mayor Kenney, I haven't felt this type of love out of the Mayor's Office in eight years and I welcome it. Thank you very much. So I do want to tell everyone that Odunde, we are more than just a festival. We have an economic impact on the City of Philadelphia, and that's very key, because some people try to say, Odunde, that little festival? I'm thinking to myself, I will slide across this table and crack you in your face. You don't understand how much I love Odunde, right? But my mom said, Bumi, always be professional. So that's what I do, right? So I just want to tell you some numbers. And I'm not taking these Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Steve Mullin of Econsult Solutions, his team calculated all these numbers. So at a state level, Odunde has a $30.6 million economic impact. We support over 380 jobs with $3.3 million in earnings and create $740,000 in tax revenue for the State of Pennsylvania. Now, I know you're wondering -(Applause.)
And at a city level, which all of you want to know about, at a city level, Odunde has a $28 million economic impact. We support over 345 jobs with $12.5 million in earnings and create over 480,000 in tax revenue for the City of Philadelphia just within that ten-hour period. (Applause.)
So it's very key for supporting Odunde. Thank you to all of you who support Odunde. Thank you to City Council, Councilwoman Blondell. Thank Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 thank you to Congressman Bob Brady, who is a champion for Odunde, and he is priceless to me. Thank you, everyone. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution to Kathleen Sullivan. Would Kathleen Sullivan and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. We just have a little technical difficulty in that the resolution is downstairs. So he just went down to get it and bring it back up. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 good thing to be prepared.
Yeah. Well, I guess I could sing or something while we're waiting.
While we're waiting to cure some of these technical difficulties, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Majority Leader. I wanted to recognize two young people that are here today, Ian Watson and Keisha Watson from Lower Merion High School, one 16 years old, both of them live in the 4th District, and next year they're taking music up at the Settlement Music School. One plays the drums; the other one is on the Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 team, joined Sharon Baptist's AAU team and also Lower Merion High School's basketball team. And I would say Kobe Bryant who? Can we recognize them. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman, and congratulations on the recognition. At this time, the Chair does now recognize Councilman Squilla for a presentation to recognize the resolution honored to Kathleen Sullivan and those that are accompanying here at the dais of the podium. Thank you.
Thank you. I'm also joined by Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Domb to present this well long-awaited resolution for our dear friend Kathleen Sullivan. And I just want to say before we start real quick is that you know when you have issues and you have problems and you need somebody Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 to, it's always nice that you could have somebody that you reach out to that gets back to you, and that's not always the case in all the fields. But Kathleen was always there. Even if it was an answer we didn't like, she was there to give us the answer and work with us to make sure that we at least knew that Comcast was listening to our concerns. So, I mean, that's a great, great honor, and Kathleen has just been such a big part of that. So today we're recognizing Kathleen. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize and honor Kathleen Sullivan on the occasion of her retirement from the Comcast following 15 years of loyal and dedicated service.
Whereas, Kathleen Sullivan is the fourth of nine children born to Katherine Hannah Fay Sullivan and Larry Sullivan, a former Philadelphia police officer. She was Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 section of Philadelphia and attended Little Flower High School and Temple University; Whereas, during her 15-year tenure at Comcast from 2001 to 2016, Ms. Sullivan has proved extraordinary service working -- has provided extraordinary service working closely with the City of Philadelphia and leading Comcast government affairs through several challenging initiatives, including Philadelphia Rights-of-Way, Time Warner-Comcast transfer, and Comcast Philadelphia franchise renewal in 2015. As a lobbyist for Comcast, Ms. Sullivan's leadership and expertise in City government made her a force to be reckoned with in championing legislative issues germane to the cable industry. As an advocate for the underserved, Ms. Sullivan has been a champion for numerous non-profits throughout Philadelphia, including board memberships with the Philadelphia Police Athletic Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Leagues, Coaches for Cancer, her alma mater Little Flower High School for Girls, Philadelphia's Sports Congress and many others; and
Whereas, prior to working for Comcast, Kathleen Sullivan served as Philadelphia's City Representative under Mayor Rendell from 1992 until 2000. While working as City Representative, Kathleen resurrected the Philadelphia Marathon to grow it into a major competitive marathon; planned the annual City Hall Gala to raise funds for the beautification and maintenance of Philadelphia's City Hall; implemented the annual Phashion Phest Philadelphia to the City to showcase creative designers in fashion retail; retained and grew the annual CoreStates Bike Race by securing major sponsors; was one of three inaugural executive directors of Welcome America, a ten-day citywide festival to celebrate America's birthday in America's birthplace; and launched events like the Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Festival, the annual Independence Day ceremony, Night Out on the Parkway, Wawa Hoagie Day, Knockout Night, free mega concerts on the Parkway and free fireworks extravaganzas, and officiated the July 4th presentation of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal to dignitaries like Willem de Klerk, Nelson Mandela, Vaclav Havel, Sudako Ogato, Shimon Peres, King Hussein, Ted Turner and CNN, George Mitchell, and Kim de Jong; worked with the Center City retail outlets to rejuvenate the annual Center City holiday celebration; launching a multi-day holiday festival and parade centered around the annual holiday tree lighting; launched the annual PAL Day at City Hall, bringing youth from the Police Athletic programs to shadow City officials, including the Mayor of Philadelphia; led hospitality events with the NCAA Women's Final Four; helped to launch the first annual Philadelphia College Festival, now a widely recognized Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Campus Philly; and led the fundraising and artist selection efforts to create and bring the Irish Memorial by renowned sculpture Glenna Goodacre to Philadelphia; and
Wow, that's a lot. Whereas, Kathleen Sullivan is well respected by her superiors and colleagues, and her presence at Comcast will be sorely missed. Her spirit and enthusiasm has been paramount to the position influence and she is held in high esteem by all. Kathleen has made a positive impact on many people who have been enriched by her knowledge and enhanced by her wisdom. And, therefore, by virtue of the citation, City Council of Philadelphia does hereby recognize and honor Kathleen Sullivan on the occasion of her retirement following 15 years of loyal and dedicated services. We wish Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 of good health, happiness, and the joys of family and friends. We extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Well, thank you. When I walked in this morning at about 9:45, I was talking to some of my friends at security in the northeast corner and I looked over and I saw my family, and my heart started racing. This is the first I found out that I was going to receive this honor, and I'm just overwhelmed by it. So, President Clarke, thank you so much for your time and for all that Council -- what is he saying back there? Oh, it's Bobby Henon, Councilman Henon.
Thank you too. But I would like to thank all the Councilmembers. I began my career as an official
There's also -I'd like to say something, it's always wonderful working with Council and having our debates and our mental gymnastics, but your staff, the Council staff, is like second to none. And I know last year with the franchise, I was like a bad penny, I wouldn't go away and coming into everybody's office, and the staff was just so knowledgeable and always would hear us out and take the issues to their bosses. And so for all the Council staff, I can't name you individually, but thank you so much. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 the hall, we had several lobbyists, and Sharon and I would not have been able to do that without you, and I'd like to say a special thank you to John Egan, Ashley Via Maass, Yvonne Roberts, and Frank DiCicco, Darwin Beauvais, and Carl Engelke. Thank you so much for helping us get through some tough years. And also to Joe Grace, who was just a fountain of information for us. So thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
And a special thanks also to my favorite frenemy, Doug Smith from Verizon. Again, we were on opposite sides, but we always like being on the same side of an issue, and it's been a pleasure working with you, Doug. Thank you. Years ago my sisters, we're very close. Not everybody is here. This is about one-ninth of my family, one-tenth of my family. But we used to Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 say, Oh, you can't die before me, I can't imagine living without you. You got to die first, because I just can't live without you. We really do love each other. And that's the way I feel about my dear buddy Ed McBride. I said -- Ed, I love you. (Applause.)
So in taking that vein from what I said about my sisters, I had to leave before Ed McBride retired, because I couldn't work without him. So, Ed, thank you again and thank you for putting all this together. I'd like to also thank my Judge Lord, who is deceased, one of my best professors ever, learned so much from him, and my former boss, Ed Rendell. Without those gentlemen, I would not be here today. So thank you. And then, finally, I would like to thank God for my family. My father here is a retired Philadelphia police officer and -- Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 (Applause.)
And I have the utmost respect for him. And while we were going through the franchise last year, my father was undergoing triple bypass over at Jefferson at the end of October. I call him in December -- he went through rehab. All my brothers and sisters helped him get back on his feet. So six weeks later, I call him, I said, Oh, dad, you sound raspy. He said, Oh, well, a woman at the gym said she had the same problem. This is like December 6th. And I said, Well, what do you mean a woman at the gym? I said, Where did you see the woman at the gym? He goes, At the gym. So he was back working out December 6th after triple bypass. So he's my hero. So if you wonder where I get my stubbornness, here it is, my father. (Applause.) Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
Lastly, I would like to thank my best friends, my sister Denise, Patty, my brother Larry, my brother Joe, Michael, my sister-in-law, another Kathleen Sullivan. She was Kathleen Quinn, but married my brother, my brother Michael. And Liam and Erica and the rest of my family who couldn't join us today. Thank you all so much.
Thank you so much. Council will stand at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. We will move to communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 7, 2016, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 26, 2016: Bill No. 160072 and Bill No. 160110-A. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1316 Germantown Avenue and 1363 through 65 Germantown Avenue; and A resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district consisting of a parcel located at the northeast corner of 15th Street and Chestnut Street, commonly known as 1441 Chestnut Street, to be known as the Headquarter Hotel Neighborhood Improvement District; and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 grant of an easement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1718 through 26 North Fifty-Second Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1701 through 17 North Fifty-Second Street, 1702 North Fifty-Second Street, 1706 through 10 North Fifty-Second Street, 1712 through 16 North Fifty-Second Street, 1719 through 29 North Fifty-Second Street, 1718 Creighton Street, 1722 through 24 North Creighton Street, 5216 Parkside Avenue, 5218 through 20 Parkside Avenue, 5222 through 34 Parkside Avenue, and 5238 Parkside Avenue; and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 4635 through 37 West Girard Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 756 Brooklyn Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 753 Brooklyn Street and 4206 through 08 Lancaster Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the University City Unit No.
3 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3500 Lancaster Avenue; and An ordinance creating the Headquarter Hotel Neighborhood Improvement District, being the area generally bounded by Ranstead Street on the north, the westernmost wall of the Ritz Carlton Hotel on the east, 15th Street on the west, and Chestnut Street on the south and approving Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association; and An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Edgemont Street from Butler Street to a point approximately three hundred seventy seven feet northeastwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications?
Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Thank you very much. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one bill this morning.
An ordinance amending Chapter 6-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Lead Paint Disclosure," to require as a condition of licensing Family Child Day Care facilities built before March 1978 that such facilities be certified as lead safe or lead free; and amending Section B-425 of the Code, entitled "Family Child Day Care Facilities," and Section F-409 of the Code, entitled "Family Child Day Care Facilities," to make conforming changes.
That bill will be referred to committee. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three non-privileged resolutions and two bills, one of which is on your behalf.
An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds.
And an ordinance officially naming and designating the Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 park and playground area located on 61st and Baltimore in the City of Philadelphia as "Robert Wilson III Park."
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 756 Brooklyn Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the University City Unit 3 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3500 Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Lancaster Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 753 Brooklyn Street and 4206 through 08 Lancaster Avenue.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf I offer one bill and four resolutions.
An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 district consisting of a parcel located at the northeast corner of 15th Street and Chestnut Street, commonly known as 1441 Chestnut Street, to be known as the Headquarter Hotel Neighborhood Improvement District; designating Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to serve as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district consisting of a parcel located at the northeast corner of 15th Street and Chestnut Street, commonly known as 1441 Chestnut Street, to be known as the Headquarter Hotel Neighborhood Improvement District.
And that will be referred to committee. Let the record reflect that the Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 resolution just read by the Chief Clerk will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1361 Germantown Avenue and 1363 through 65 Germantown Avenue.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1800 Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 1804 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
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-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I have three ordinances and two resolutions, one resolution co-introduced by Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Sanchez, and Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Councilwoman Parker.
An ordinance prohibiting thru truck traffic on the 2800 block of Orthodox Street and the 2800 block of Hedley Street from Richmond Street to Bath Street, and establishing a truck route on Lewis Street between Richmond Street and Delaware Avenue.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Edmund Street, from Bleigh Avenue to Cottman Avenue.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Edgemont Street from Butler Street to a point approximately three hundred seventy seven feet northeastwardly therefrom.
And a non-privileged resolution -- a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Joint Committees on Licenses and Inspections and Public Safety to hold hearings on the issue of negligent landlords, property manager, foreclosed vacant residential properties, problem rental properties and their effects on the surrounding community and in furtherance of such investigation, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Sixth Councilmanic District.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have ten resolutions, three co-sponsored by Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman at-large.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Wynnefield Residents Association for their diligent work in employing and mentoring youths during the summer.
This Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Overbrook Park Civic Association for their diligent work in employing youths during the summer.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 3000 block of Ringgold Street as "John Brickhouse Way."
This week's Final Passage Calendar. You're going to have a busy summer, Councilman.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 4635 through Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 37 West Girard Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1701 through 17 North Fifty-Second Street, 1702 North Fifty-Second Street, 1706 through 1710 North Fifty-Second Street, 1712 through 16 North Fifty-Second Street, 1719 through 29 North Fifty-Second Street, 1718 North Creighton Street, 1722 through 24 North Creighton Street, 5216 Parkside Avenue, 5218 through 20 Parkside Avenue, 5222 through 5234 Parkside Avenue and 5238 Parkside Avenue.
I just Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 wanted to speak on the two resolutions honoring the Wynnefield Residents Association and Overbrook Park, and the reason why Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and I decided to recognize them was, they took an initiative that we talked about and brought it into reality. These areas have great big giant lawns, and the Association chipped in, bought some lawn care equipment, started these young people out, and lo and behold, what seemingly were kids that were too occupied with electronic games, handheld devices, iPhones, smart phones, they got up, they went out, and they started learning how to make money. They had to -- and this was a job club where they get stipends, not salaries, but they had to tell them, No, you can't cut grass at night. These kids did not want to go in. They got that entrepreneurial kind of work ethic going. And I encourage all of my civic associations that if we can't find kids summer jobs, let's create them. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Thank you, Mr. President.
The resolution just read by the Chief Clerk will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the grant of an easement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1718 through 1726 North Fifty-Second Street.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution appointing Mark C. Reed to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Howard Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Wurzak to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Jeffrey G. Goldstone to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Kevin McMichaels to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District.
Those resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have two bills and two privileged resolutions.
An ordinance Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 authorizing John Rybas of South 17th Street to construct, own, and maintain metal railing encroachments at 1002 through 16 South 17th Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire approximately 20.8 acres of land known as Parcel G, bounded by Island and Bartram Avenues and I-95, together with all improvements thereon.
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 Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one resolution on your behalf and one Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Gym, Greenlee, and Johnson, and I'd like to be recognized after the title of the bill has been read.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation to hold hearings regarding the City's Operating Budget for Fiscal 2017 to examine, analyze, and provide oversight on the financial condition of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the City of Philadelphia to exhaust all reasonably necessary steps to ensure that PMC Property Group reaffirms and satisfies its contractual and moral obligation to set aside on-site units of Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 affordable housing at One Water Street, the expected performance of which conditioned the City's decision to grant PMC a substantial density bonus permitting construction of additional floors and units therein, all under certain conditions set forth by the city's Mixed Income Housing Program; and further calling upon PMC to apologize to the citizens of Philadelphia for evading affordable housing obligations while the city faces an affordable housing crisis.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Excited, hopeful when PMC came to the City and signed a lucrative deal to utilize our density bonus to create an affordable set-aside in their resort-like One Water Street apartment building on the Delaware River. Imagine, poor Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 working-class folks having access and the ability to live at such a prominent address. To our disappointment, Inga Saffron called it a bait and switch. After building utilizing these density bonuses, they've come back and said it is a financial hardship and we will no longer meet our contractual obligation and, more importantly, our moral obligation. As been highlighted many times in this Council, Philadelphia is one of the major cities in deep poverty. We have a high homeownership rate, but a declining one, and we have articulated time and time again in this Council our renewed commitment to preservation, affordability, and accessibility throughout the City. If you're charging $5,500 per month, how could it not be financially feasible to live up to your obligation? So I want to thank Mayor Kenney Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 for very quickly responding to this, Commissioner Perri, and all of the City officials and say we're not letting them get away with a commercial piece, an art piece. We were excited. This was about setting the stage that working-class people can live in any part of the City of Philadelphia that they choose to and that government would do whatever was possible to ensure diversity and mixed-income communities throughout the City. So I look forward to our continued work here in City Council as we continue to reexamine and expand our inclusionary housing policies in the City of Philadelphia. Shame on you, PMC. You're not going to get away with it. This is too important to the future of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
Thank you, Councilwoman. That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored with Councilmembers Taubenberger, Parker, Bass, Gym, and Squilla.
A privileged resolution recognizing June 2016 as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today co-sponsored by Councilman Jones and all members of Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the life of "The Greatest of All Time" Muhammad Ali, who passed away Friday, June 3rd, 2016 at the age of 74 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 morning -- good afternoon, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution sponsored by Councilmembers Johnson, Blackwell, Henon, Quinones-Sanchez, Bass, Reynolds Brown, and Green and one bill, and I'd like to be recognized when the title of the bill is read.
An ordinance amending Section A-703.1 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Certificate of Inspection," to require certification of water quality as a condition of occupancy for certain buildings used for education.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This bill was sponsored by all the women of Council, as Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 well as Councilmembers Johnson, Domb, and Green and is the first of a series of package of bills that takes a look at how the City can improve and address water safety and testing. Earlier this week the women of Council held a press conference that talked about what it meant to elevate the conversation around water safety in our city. I want to especially acknowledge the leadership of Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Blackwell, who have led on this issue for so long, and to thank my Co-Chair, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who held a wonderful set of hearings on understanding water safety in our city. And we left the hearing knowing that Philadelphians deserve answers and protections when it comes to the issue of lead poisoning. There should be no question about the safety of our schools and child care centers. We should know that renters and homebuyers should know what risks they face and that all of our Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 residents have clear pathways to remediation. Ever since the Flint water crisis has happened, we have put renewed focus on the irreparable harm that lead poisoning can cause, especially in young children, and what we're trying to do now is take a 50-year-old conversation like lead poisoning and reenergize that and reinvigorate it with a renewed vigilance and attention where it matters and when it matters. And just very quickly, I'd like to say that in January of 2016, of this year, a national publication came out talking about Philadelphia and asking the question, Is Philadelphia worse than Flint, and today the headline on that same national publication says that Philadelphia is leading the way on water safety and testing, and I'd like to thank all the members of Council for helping lead us through that and show that we can really change not only the circumstances Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 for our young people and for our City residents, but we can change the national dialogue about how we look at cities. Thank you very much.
And a non-privileged resolution condemning the racist, sexist, xenophobic, and anti-American values that have been espoused by Donald Trump during his bid for the United States Presidency, which are at odds with the deeply-held values of the City of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
We were wondering whether that could be a privileged resolution.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 Taubenberger.
Good afternoon, Council President and colleagues. I have two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilwoman Parker and Councilman Domb and also co-sponsored by Councilman Green, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Domb, and Councilwoman Gym. Thank you very much, Council President.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia Business Journal and their 2016 "40 under 40" Class.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Aging to conduct public hearings regarding financial abuse of senior citizens in Philadelphia. Stated Meeting June 9, 2016
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer six non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution reappointing John Connors to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Jeff DeVuono to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 and A non-privileged resolution reappointing Ronald Bowlan to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Darrell Adams to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Joseph Coradino to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Tom Zepf to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
Those six resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two Stated Meeting June 9, 2016 non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution nominating 25 individuals for consideration by the Mayor as appointees to the Commission on Parks and Recreation.