COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
We have established a quorum. The hour has come. I would ask that the visitors and guests please reside behind the rail. Council will come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Bishop Carolina B. Harris of the Ephesians Christian Fellowship Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask that all members please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Before I do the invocation, I would like to thank the President for allowing me to come this morning and to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for inviting me to come and do the invocation. This is a very awesome request, and I just want to thank Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com today, thank all the Councilmembers for allowing me to come and do this. At this time, we're going to bow our heads to pray. Father, we thank you. We just thank you today. Thank you because we are still in the land of the living, and we are grateful because you have allowed this congregation to be here today. Today we come and we say -- we just put the love of God out there. We come and we said let love abide, let unity abide, and let the peace of God abide in this place. We thank you for the opportunity, and we ask your blessing upon this meeting today. We ask you, oh God, that you will forever look down on this City, this City of Brotherly Love. Let this Council, this body of government, bless them and help them to understand that this is an awesome assignment that you Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com them with. And I thank you, Lord, because you have placed them here for such a time as this. And I thank you. And I ask you, Lord, to bless them. Give them that spirit of love and unity and peace. I release today, I release the spirit of love among every Councilmember. And I just want to thank you, and I give you peace and I give you love. In Jesus' name. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Bishop. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Bishop. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8th, 2012. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 8th, 2012 stands approved. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there is a request for leave of absence from Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Jones. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to welcome and thank everyone for being here today. We hope your experience here today is a good one, and we look forward to you coming back. So please enjoy as we conduct the business of the people of the City of Philadelphia. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution proclaiming March, 2012, as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia. Would the Honorable Renee Caldwell Hughes and those Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com the Councilwoman at the podium. (Guests approached podium.)
Resolution proclaiming March, 2012, as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, the American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by dedicated volunteers that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies; and Whereas, compassion, courage, character, and civic duty are inherent in the Red Cross mission to prevent and relieve human suffering, and the City of Philadelphia shares those grand ideals; and Let me add before I pass the mike on, that it's a special privilege for me. I've always wanted to do this, because we have the only Red Cross House that we fought to get at 40th and Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com of Philadelphia. Thank you.
And whereas, the Red Cross is chartered and authorized by Congress to act in times of need, providing compassionate assistance to people afflicted by personal, local or national disasters; and Whereas, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter is the leading volunteer agency meeting the needs of thousands of individuals and families throughout the greater Philadelphia region affected by 760 disasters last year, 576 in Philadelphia alone; and
Whereas, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter provided the greater Philadelphia region with vital information to help residents prepare for the first major hurricane to affect the area in many years. Volunteers and employees set up and staffed three Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 48 hours to house 300 people and their pets seeking shelter from Hurricane Irene; and Whereas, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter provides a worldwide emergency communication link and other casework services to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families in the greater Philadelphia region, 24 hours a day, every day of the year - a total of 1,872 times last year; and
Whereas, in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, the American Red Cross trained and certified nearly 109,000 people in vital, lifesaving skills including CPR, AED, first aid, water safety and HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as disaster preparedness skills; and Whereas, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter fulfilled its commitment to spotlighting National Preparedness Month by providing Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com education programs free of charge to millions of Southeastern Pennsylvania residents and businesses;
Whereas, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter operated 17 Red Cross Clubs in the region and trained nearly 50,000 youth in Red Cross Trainings including HIV Prevention, Disaster Preparedness, First Aid and CPR, and International Humanitarian Law. Southeastern Pennsylvania youth programs also reached over 75,000 youth last year through distribution of disaster preparedness information as well as community service opportunities and service learning projects; now therefore be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, does hereby proclaim March, 2012, as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia in special recognition of the Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com American Red Cross, its staff and volunteers, and we encourage all citizens to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of the American Red Cross. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition.
The Chair now recognizes Judge Hughes for remarks. JUDGE HUGHES: Thank you so much, President Clarke. I am beyond thrilled to be here. I feel like I'm at a family reunion. So many of you built my careers. So many of you have worked with me as we have built our own careers. You have always been so amazingly good to me, and I thank you. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com in an official capacity to thank you for being so wonderful to the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We don't receive any City funding, but we wouldn't exist without this partnership that we share with this City. We share this powerful partnership that allows us to uplift our citizens at times of disaster. As Councilwoman Blackwell laid out some of the statistics for you, I need for you to understand how real this is and how powerful it is. Three to five times a night we go out to help the families of our region. And, in fact, last night there was a fire here in Philadelphia that displaced three families. Two of them are staying at our unique, one-of-a-kind, the only in the nation Red Cross House, which sits in Councilwoman Blackwell's district. (Applause.) JUDGE HUGHES: It would not Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com her support and faith in us. And that Red Cross House allows these families to stay together. It minimizes the trauma that they experienced having been burned out of their homes. We exist by the generosity of Americans. We exist because you give your time, your talent and your treasure to help your neighbors. Philadelphia truly is the City of Brotherly Love, and that's why this American Red Cross chapter is so powerful, because we know that during difficult times, our government, our neighbors, our people will come together to help our families. So on behalf of my team, on behalf of this region, I thank you so much for recognizing the American Red Cross. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Council at ease.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Shuler's Gym and eleven year old Rasheen Brown for winning the Silver Glove National Championship for two years in a row. Would Percy Custus and Rasheen Brown and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.) (Guests approached podium.)
Mr. President, this gives me great pleasure, because I'm always reminded of the late and great Lucien Blackwell whenever I see Percy Custus, whenever I'm at Shuler's Gym, whenever I go to fights there, and I'm always reminded of his love. He loved Percy like a son and loved that gym, and so this is a special privilege for me. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com and eleven year old Rasheen Brown for winning the Silver Glove National Championship for two years in a row. Whereas, on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, eleven year old Rasheen Brown won the Silver Glove National Championship in Kansas City, Missouri for the 70 pound weight division for the second year in a row; and Whereas, Rasheen is a Philadelphia public school student at James Rhoades Elementary School located at 4901 Parrish Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That is also the school Lucien Blackwell attended. And whereas, Rasheen has been training at Shuler's Gym for the past five years since 2007; and Whereas, Shuler's Gym was founded in West Philadelphia at 750 North Brooklyn Street in 1994 by owner and head trainer Percy "Buster" Custus; and Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Whereas, James Shuler was one of the most dominant amateur fighters in history and Shuler's Gym has become the epicenter of boxing in our City of Brotherly Love; and Whereas, Shuler's Gym recently hosted the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Tournament which includes East and Central Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware; and Whereas, Shuler's Gym is the home of International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight champion Steve "USS" Cunningham; the Chambers boys, heavyweight contender "Fast" Eddie Chambers and younger brother, junior welterweight prospect Steve "Showtime" Chambers; light heavyweight title challenger Yusaf Mack; former junior middleweight IFB champion Robert "Bam Bam" Hines; former junior middleweight IBF champion Buster Drayton; and numerous upstarts and amateurs; and Whereas, the impact of giving Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com is invaluable for the generations of youth that will become our future leaders; now therefore Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, recognizes Shuler's Gym and eleven year old Rasheen Brown for winning the Silver Glove National Championship for two years in a row. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 9th of February 2012, and it's signed by President Darrell Clarke, certainly introduced by myself and agreed to and signed by each and every member of City Council. Thank you. We love you, Bus. (Applause.) Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
The Chair now recognizes Mr. Custus. Recognize you, sir. Please proceed.
First, I think little Rasheen Brown want to have something to say to you guys.
I want to thank God for my time, and I want to thank my family, my mom and brothers and sisters, and everybody from the Shuler's Gym for supporting me and my Uncle Bus for training me all the time I was boxing, and I want to thank everybody for coming out and for supporting me. (Applause.)
This is his teammates right here. They just went out to the U.S. Nationals. This guy medaled. This guy did the same part out there. We just came out from where they was going to the Olympic trials. They medaled out Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Steve Foster and Joshua Jones. I ain't good with names. (Applause.)
We also got, that they didn't mention, we got Nate Miller up here, Robert Hines, Buster Drayton and numerous other guys. Mr. Rob Murray is going to introduce everybody to us. He's better with the microphone than I am.
Good morning. First of all, I want to thank Councilman -- all the Councilmembers, especially Jannie Blackwell and the President Darrell Clarke, who is from my area, North Philadelphia. First, I'd like to stress the importance of what James Shuler's gym does. When you look at Rasheen, who is 11 years old, who travels to Kansas City Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com plane, gets off the plane, fights three or four times a day and brings home medals and brings home such a great distinction to the City of Philadelphia, for 11 years old, and he is not really what we like to say in the City as the minority; he's the majority. Because there's tremendous amount of young people in this city who are looking for opportunities to do the same things that you don't read about, you don't hear about. The only time you hear about them is when they do something wrong. I think that Percy Custus should be commended for his duty in this community. Underneath the gym there is a daycare center where he takes them in from five months old, and then upstairs he takes the young people in from six years old. This young man has been in the gym since he was six years old. He's an honor roll student. He's a disciplined young man. And all of this discipline Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com situation, learning to defend yourself at an early age. And it's so, so important. If you look at Robert Hines or Buster Drayton, who is a former world champion, Robert Hines, who fought since he was nine years old, wound up being a world champion. These young men are now back in the gyms training the next person to come along. Now, we're not looking for the next Joe Frazier, God rest his soul, or the next Ali. We're looking for the next good human being who is going to be a process of being a good person in this community in Philadelphia. And I think that it has to be done, more of these satellites, like Percy Custus has, is a safe haven for young people, young boys and girls who come in that place, and we need to have more and more of that in the City of Philadelphia in some of these vacant buildings and establish some of these gyms and stuff like that, and it will reduce our crime rate. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Applause.)
We'd like to recognize some of our champions up in here today. We got Buster Drayton. Raise your hand. (Applause.)
We got Frank Walker over there. He was one of our national champions. Frank Walker. Raise your hand, Frank. (Applause.)
We got Nate Miller, IBF, light-heavyweight champion. (Applause.)
We got Robert "Bam Bam" Hines, IBF, junior middleweight champion. (Applause.)
And we got Steven Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com older champion, national champion. (Applause.)
And we got Joshua Jones, another champion. All these are products of the James Shuler Boxing Gym. And there's still more that didn't show up today, but it's a lot of guys that came out. And, like I said, like my little nephew, on behalf of Ms. Blackwell and Mr. Blackwell, a lot of these things is possible too with their support and stuff and the way they help us out all the time. We wouldn't have been as far as we are. So we'd like to thank them. Come here. (Applause.)
The Chair would like to recognize Councilmember Johnson.
Thank you, Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com wanted to also just, first and foremost, commend Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for honoring this fine young man, Rasheen Brown. And also I'd just like to acknowledge and also commend more than likely the volunteers and mentors who stepped up to the plate at Shuler's Gym to support not only this young man but the countless other young men who have come through this boxing program that I'm very familiar with. And this is just a fine example that if we continue to invest in our young people and make young people a priority, make young people a priority as we decide to divvy up our resources, we will never have a safe city if we don't invest in young people first and foremost. So, Rasheen Brown, you keep up the good work. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and the members of the Shuler's Gym, I commend you, and God bless. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease, please. (Council at ease.)
Council, we just wanted to recognize some of our support that's with us all the time. This is my mother. Mom, raise your hand. And my sister Connie. Okay. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you all and congratulations. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill Nos. 120050, 120101 and 120111; and I am pleased to advise you that on March 14, 2012, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 1, 2012: Bill No. 120012 and 120013; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into a lease agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, to continue leasing to SEPTA certain land and improvements located in the area Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Avenue, 33rd Street, and Dauphin Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Councilman Squilla, did you want to be recognized?
Yes. I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to have an announcement of some visitors who are here today. Unfortunately my light wasn't working, so I wanted to get your attention. We'd like to welcome -- we'd like to please welcome the Executive Director, teachers and over 30 students from the Center for Literacy located at 399 Market Street. They are here as the guest of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and I. So I'd like you to please stand up and be recognized for your great achievement. (Applause.) Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
The messages that have been read will be printed in the Journal. Are there any other communications?
You have none? Thank you. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution, which I'd like to be heard next week.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Civil Service to hold public hearings on industry practices for private security officers working across the City of Philadelphia concerning their right to join labor unions and organize for improved terms and working conditions.
Thank you. That resolution will be referred to next week's Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two privileged resolutions and one bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the southwesterly footway area of East Service Drive from a point approximately eighteen feet northwest of Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Health Sciences Drive to a point approximately two-hundred twenty-seven feet further northwestwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of May 6th through May 12th as Martin Delancy Week -- Martin Delany Week.
Thank you. That resolution will be placed on today's Final Session 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 Fifty-Second Ward of the Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Session Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to enter into a lease agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, to continue leasing to SEPTA certain land and improvements located in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, 33rd Street, and Dauphin Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding a permissible location the sidewalk and west curb lane of the west side of the 1400 block of Ridge Avenue, from Fairmount Avenue to North 15th Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating The Reverend Canon Thomas Wilson Stearly Logan, Sr. for over 73 years of devoted service to the Episcopal Church, and on the great occasion of his 100th Birthday.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Session Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 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 Sixteenth and Eighteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Councilman Henon, did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Tasco -- I'm sorry; Henon.
Thank you, sir. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Johnson.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to examine the prevalence and implications of intergenerational households in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Committee to hold hearings to examine the effectiveness of current ordinances in addressing illegal dumping and littering in Philadelphia's business corridors and to explore ways to collaborate with City agencies to address this problem.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Sanchez.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by York Street, Front Street, Second Street and Berks Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, two Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com resolutions, one privileged and one on your behalf.
An ordinance repealing Chapter 21-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Police Advisory Board."
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Police Advisory Commission.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com resolution also naming the loop located at 33rd and Oxford Streets, currently listed as part of Reservoir Drive, as "Tony Langford Way."
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish an independent Police Advisory Commission, and to provide for the Commission's funding, appointment, powers and duties, including, but not limited to, the duty to investigate complaints alleging misconduct by members of the Philadelphia Police Department.
That resolution will be referred to committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Mr. President, I have no bills or Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports two resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 120074, entitled "A resolution appointing Nancy Winkler to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority"; and Resolution No. 120075, entitled "A resolution appointing Emily Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com of Directors of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, sir. These resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration for our next session of Council. We will now have a special business order. We will now proceed under a special order of business.
Mr. President, point of order. We have a report from committee.
I have two bills that need to be reported out of committee, Public Property.
I'm sorry, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Henon. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee of Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 120084, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for certain land and improvements located at 300 East Hunting Park Avenue"; and Bill No. 120140, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain tract of City-owned land situate at 332 through 52 East Tioga Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon, if any, all under Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That particular report will be placed on today's Final Session. We seem to have some slight confusion up here on the committee reports. (Pause.)
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 120084 and 120140. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Aye.)
The ayes have it. They will be placed on today's First Reading Council session. I believe the Chair -- I believe Councilman Green also has a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 120007, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapters 19-2600, 19-1500, and 19-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled, respectively, 'Business Privilege Taxes,' 'Wage and Net Profits Tax,' and 'Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Tax on Wage and Net Profits,' by providing certain exclusions Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com definitions"; and Bill No. 120104, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 110343, entitled 'An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2012 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works,' by approving a Revised Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2012"; and Bill No. 120105, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works of a Renewal Amendment to Service Agreement for Gas Storage and Transportation Under Rate Schedule GSS with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120007, 120104 and 120105. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
Those bills will be placed on today's First Reading. Any other committee reports, Mr. Decker?
There being none, thank you. We will now move to a special Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com of business. We will now proceed under a special order of business, a motion that Council consider the vote by which Resolution 120150 was adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Center City Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel No. 46 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2017 through 2023 Chestnut Street.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council reconsider Resolution 120150, which was adopted by Council at its session on Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 8th, 2012, and that the resolution be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120150 was adopted is reconsidered. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The vote by which Resolution 120150 was adopted has been reconsidered. This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 2ND READING our next Council session. We will now consider the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 120179, 120180, 120181, 120183, 120184, 120192, 120194 and 120018. All other resolutions and bills are being held. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Councilman. Before we consider these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action today. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up, we ask that you please do so now with the Sergeant-At-Arms table to my left. You will be called in the order for which you signed up. You have up to three minutes to speak. There is a podium which you will see that indicates when your three minutes are up. The yellow light will go on when you have 30 seconds left, and when the red light goes on, the mike will be terminated. Mr. Decker, I please ask you to read the name of the first speaker. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Joey Temple, commenting on 120018. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Joey Temple. I'm here in support of Ordinance Bill 120018, naming the "Robin Hood Dell East" after my mentor and teacher, Georgie Woods. I'm in support of this bill totally, but, Council President, you know me. I wouldn't be what I am without saying a little bit about the history of Georgie Woods. Thirty years ago I was an ex-gang member in North Philadelphia. Georgie Woods turned my life around and made me who I am today. My young brother over there that's doing the sound on WURD, we were all students of Georgie Woods. The only problem I'm going to have to say about this whole situation and all you who are here, Georgie Woods made you what you were and taught you Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com about the political structure, but in the year of 2009 when he left this planet through the grace of God, I believe that a lot of injustice was done and not a lot was done in his favor. When we had the hearings and it was all nice and cool, they had an amendment they added to add Georgie Woods' name -- make sure it changed, but not right away, only in 2015. That's the only problem I have. Why wait until 2015, when one of your former Councilmembers passed and within a year his name was up on the Drive. I think Georgie Woods' name should go up on the Robin Hood Dell immediately or at least May the 11th, the day of his birth. So I say to Councilman Jones, who I beat up a lot to introduce this thing, to Councilman Cindy Bass, to my Kenyatta and especially you and Councilwoman Tasco and my aunt, Jannie Blackwell, I thank you for having the Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING courage to bring this thing and make it a reality, but I just hope and pray that y'all put Georgie's name up immediately and not 2015. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Temple. Mr. Decker, any other names?
Thank you. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 120179.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Joint Committees on Licenses and Inspections and Public Safety to hold hearings on the issue of negligent landlords, problem rental properties and their effects on the surrounding community. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Henon.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
Resolution 120179 is passed. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120180.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding impact of the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program on Philadelphia. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120180 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120181.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 110453, approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING for Fiscal Year 2012.
The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120181 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 183.
Resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole Council to hold hearings regarding the impact of the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 through '13 state budget on all City of Philadelphia government services and Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING infrastructure, and services provided by governmental and quasi-governmental entities.
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120183 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 184.
Resolution appointing a five person committee entitled the "Economic Opportunity Review Committee" pursuant to Section 17-1607 of The Philadelphia Code. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. 120184 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120192.
A resolution condemning the actions of the Pennsylvania State Senate in authorizing the passage of House Bill 934, requiring citizens to produce and display specific designated photo identification before being able to exercise their fundamental and Constitutional right to vote in state Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING and federal elections.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120192 is adopted.
Mr. President, I'm sorry. I will be voting no on that, and the reason being, I voted urging the Senate not to vote for this. However, I believe that condemning them is a little strong, too strong for me, and I think it's unwise. If it had Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING been expressing our disappointment, it's another legislative body that we depend on for a lot and would like to have a good relation with. I just think that language does mean something when it's traveling, whether it's to Harrisburg or Washington. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the gentleman. The vote is 16:1.
Mr. President, I do join in with the Minority Leader on this issue. While I do not support what has become the voter ID law in terms of the difficulties that arises in confirming the identification of the person, I do also believe that we should have expressed our disappointment as opposed to condemnation. Thank you. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair thanks the gentleman. We have a revision. The number is 15:2. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 194.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to investigate and hold hearings on the impact of prioritizing prison space in secure facilities for violent offenders and offenders with illegal guns as a means of decreasing serious crimes while examining the efficiency and effectiveness of alternative means of housing non-violent and low risk offenders.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120194 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 120018.
An ordinance naming and designating the "Robin Hood Dell East" located at Ridge Avenue and Huntingdon Drive as the "Georgie Woods Entertainment Center."
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please read the roll.
Councilwoman Bass. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
Mr. President. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair would like to recognize Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to briefly thank all of my colleagues that are here for voting for the passage of the renaming of the Robin Hood Dell. I know that Joey, who is like a Godson to Georgie Woods, wants it a little quicker than the law would have it, but it has been the tradition to wait ten years to allow for the passage and expiration. And I wanted to cite one other thing. Georgie Woods in 1967 ran for City Council, and on the night of the election, the Primary Election -- by the way, as a republican -- believed he had won office, only to find out in a recount that he had lost the next morning. So he was a Councilman for a night. But if he'd have made this body and had been alive today, I would think he would be Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING proud, A, of the renaming of the Dell, but I know for sure, as sure as the sun and the moon are in the skies, that he would be against the voter ID passage at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He would have been all on top of the homelessness issue that we face today and feeding the homeless. We know where he would be on equal access to contract opportunities for women and minorities. So it is more than the renaming of a capital structure in our city, but rededication to social activism in these Chambers. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution recognizing the week of May 6th through May 12th as Martin Delany Week, Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and congratulating The Reverend Canon Thomas Wilson Stearly Logan, Sr. for over 73 years of devoted service to the Episcopal Church, and on the great occasion of his 100th Birthday, introduced by Councilman Greenlee for Council President Clarke. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/15/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution also naming the loop located at 33rd and Oxford Streets, currently listed as part of Reservoir Drive, as "Tony Langford Way," introduced by Councilman Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
There are no other resolutions on the Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you, sir. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Seeing none, are there any speeches on Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to remind my colleagues; in particular, the Serious Six, as they are coming to be known, that the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors wants to have a brief meet and greet with us. We have been moved to Room 317. I think it's a wonderful opportunity to talk to stakeholders as we discuss the upcoming City budget and particularly the AVI legislation. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to speak briefly today about the move to full value or the Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com say that this is an important issue that City Council will be taking up during this budget season. It is made possible by the creation by City Council of the Office of Property Assessment, which was an office placed -- which was a separately created office instead of an office placed under the Revenue Department, as the Administration had suggested when we created this bill. I think we want to try to have we and the public as fully informed as possible about the consequences of this move prior to making it. And I also want to suggest that AVI can and should be done on a revenue-neutral basis. By that I mean we should collect the same dollars next year as we collected last year. If we do not, we all know what that is. If we were to collect $90 million more under the current tax structure, that we would have to increase millage, and that would be a tax increase. If we were to collect Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 90 million more dollars already having been at AVI, we would have to increase millage, and that would be a tax increase. In a transition year, collecting $90 million more is still a tax increase. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. First let me thank our colleague Jim Kenney for the beautiful flowers. It's appreciated. Each and every here he remembers us at this time, Saint Patrick's Day. We say thank you. The second issue I'd like to mention is the passing of Congressman Donald Payne. And certainly we extend our sympathies. He and late Lucien Blackwell traveled all over the globe, Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Africa, and certainly we extend our condolences to his family and the people he represented. The third issue is this voting rights bill. I'm hopeful that people will realize -- it doesn't happen until the General, and that maybe folks will look at this voting by absentee ballot. That is an option to us. To have to have an original birth certificate, photo ID and an original birth certificate, not even a copy, for many seniors who don't even know where their birth certificates were and who don't have birth certificates depending on their age and how long ago they were born, it's just ridiculous. This whole issue with this Bill 934 that's been signed is just unfortunate and unfair. So I hope that people will consider absentee ballot applications, which certainly are our right to do. The last thing that I'd like to mention is this feeding on the Parkway. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com this is my issue. I commend you, Mr. President, for the Philabundance trip we had, tour we had, and the fact that we contributed, because feeding is down. Money is down to feed people in need. And, you know, one of my staff said to me today, My goodness, what if Jesus were here during this time trying to spread some fishes and some loaves of bread, we'd be in trouble, because you'd have to have a license for that too, I guess, or be penalized and issued to permit. You know, it's amazing to me that one has to give -- we have to share and we give, but yet that giving that one takes out of one's own pocket, one's own reserves is now being regulated such that you can get fined up to $150 after two mornings, and there's no feeding in public parks. Of course, I'd love to see the City all over every public park given Fairmount Park in the City to regulate it. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com that we have decided that we're not allowed to feed the hungry, and such that I see this notice that came from downstairs that talks about a predictable schedule for the hungry. And I'd like to know how we can determine when someone is hungry and why we would even want to regulate it this way. It seems to me that if we're concerned about the Barnes Foundation that we all support, if we're concerned about Family Court, if we're concerned about hotels, why don't we do something. Because once you regulate it and let everybody leave City Hall in the northeast corner and see the porter toilets and outside, that's another issue, but once we decide that we're going to regulate it and feed those people right outside our entrance, the northeast corner, they're going to eat and then go back to where they be downtown. That's not the issue. We have Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com people sleep. We have to look at sheltering people. The Scripture tells us we have to feed people. When that time comes for me, I want to be in the front of that line when I'm asked, What have you done to feed somebody, what have you done to clothe somebody, what have you done to provide shelter. And certainly I am -(Applause.)
-concerned because the issue is, where are they going? In my district, we have the only 365-a-day shelter that's open all the time, a nighttime shelter. We have the only one in the City. So once you say a few people can eat here and then they go back to the places they were, what are you going to do then? Then what are you going to do, step it up? Do we go back to this criminalization of the homeless that we went through many years ago where homeless could be fined $50 for Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com homeless, which was also ridiculous. And then we came up with a plan to force health people out first and then they could call the police, who wanted to criminalize it or lock the homeless up. It just doesn't make sense. If you want to do something for homeless people, have places where they can go, then you have to invest in more shelter beds. You have to tell them where they can be. Just to further criticize -- this is a negative approach at dealing with people in town who are hungry, because people congregate where services are. If you want to do something, let's always do things in a positive manner. Do them in the spirit of love and respect for all people that God created, not to criticize people and say if you feed them out of your pocket, out of your resources, that you can get fined after a couple warnings. It just does not make sense. We have to do what we can to Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com are all one people under God, and we have to realize we have to do the right thing by people. Let's come up with positive solutions, not negative things. What about -(Applause.)
What about churches? What about schools who feed, who have public service as part of their curriculum? What are you going to tell the schools? Have you told them you're not allowed to feed? You're not allowed to bring your students down on the Parkway and you're not allowed to have them learn how to serve people by feeding the homeless? I just don't understand. All the issues that are involved in helping other people are not dealt with in this hastily -- at least for me, because I learned about it ten minutes before press conference. In this kind of action that's negative, that threatens to fine people, that tells people you're not Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com help other people, who is going to tell me when I cannot stop and give somebody something? Or I was told yesterday, Well, they come up with vans, and these vans, you know, Occupy Philly. They didn't find anybody Occupy Philadelphia. In vans people could have food. Well, Fresh Grocer is one of mine. I got four Fresh Grocers. They deliver food to people. Just because food is delivered in a van doesn't mean that it's not good food. All of the sudden, we have this big concern to make sure that everybody washes their hands, which I want to see, and we make sure that people have to have everything just so. It just does not make sense. I would hope those who have come up with this -- and I thank you, Mr. President, for appointing me to be on this committee -- would realize that we have to do things the right way if we want a positive end result. You can't, Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com again, try to make those in need be victims of the system that hurts them, because there's another issue afoot. So I would hope that those who have come up with this order would reconsider this and realize we have to love our brother. We have to do what we can to service them, and that is our purpose as people on this earth and certainly as elected officials. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I've been in this body over 20 years, and one thing that I've learned from Councilwoman Blackwell is that she is consistently there for people who are disadvantaged. And I remember in my early years here, we banged heads quite a Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com bit, and I learned a number of things from her and her advocacy, and I admire her continued consistency in this issue. And I know that her participation in that committee will bring about the best end possible. Also, I'd like to thank her for recognizing these flowers today. I'd like to wish everyone Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I'd like to first say the flowers were purchased from a wonderful florist at 40th and Market called A Green Thing, a very talented, very talented florist named Connie Lee. And I think it's important we keep our purchases in the neighborhood and in the City of Philadelphia. So I'd like to thank her for her talent. Also, as a result of Saint Patrick's Day observance, I just would like to mention the fact that when the Irish first came here back in the 1840's, '50s and onward, there were signs in windows around our city and our country Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com said, No Irish need apply. We were not the most well-liked or respected group of folks that ever came through the doors of this country. We persevered. We have a terrific culture of literature and politics and music and wit, and we persevered in this country, as many people who are trying to persevere in this country are doing today. So I would like to ask all hyphenated Americans that have been here for generations, when you look into the face of the new immigrant that's in our city and in our country today, you maybe try to harken back to the time when you were treated the same way as they're being treated and maybe try to stop that, reverse that trend and, again, treat each other as brothers and sisters. So Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all. Enjoy yourself. (Applause.)
Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I know I'm going to be calling him into a spirit of debate, but I think it's important. I want to acknowledge the work that this Council also did on the property assessments, and remind folks how very important this AVI situation and this decision for us to do this this year, how important it is. We heard it last night at Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's budget hearing that he hosted where folks were concerned about the potential increases, but definitely wanted the system fixed. I must remind my colleagues that in 2010, we put a moratorium on the property assessments because we also wanted it fixed, but that decision cost us millions of dollars in the last couple of years. We did it partly because of Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com the housing market, but we did it because at that point we pledged to fix the system quickly and to the best of our ability. I'm not going to play semantics with whether this is a tax increase or not. This is what I do know: Governor Corbett cut $44 million in safety-net programs for the City of Philadelphia. This proposal by the Mayor doesn't even supplement any of those cuts. There's going to be a huge cut in services to people in the most need. Governor Corbett has cut and the state has cut over $600 million to the School District of Philadelphia. Notwithstanding all our challenges there, I'm not prepared to say that I'm not willing to put money at the School District. So whether the Mayor wants to call it an increase or not, the fact of the matter is, we need, this Council, needs to come up with more resources so Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com care of all these folks. So I am prepared to do and create the political energy for us to get this as right as possible. It will not be perfect, and I don't think any of us should expect it to, but I want to deal with this and at the same time be fair to all those people who are going to lose their safety net and to the School District who needs the funding. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Councilwoman Sanchez for her comments and for, as always, being at the forefront of these issues and working on AVI, and I look forward to working with you and all of our colleagues on that. But I also wanted to make a Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Blackwell and thank her for her hard work. People who are homeless and who live in poverty, a growing number in our city, deserve respect, they deserve dignity. And it calls into question when we espouse a new policy that doesn't seem to be respectful or dignified on their behalf. So I think that it's definitely something that needs to be looked at with a very critical eye and something that I encourage all of my colleagues here on Council to pay attention to. Also, I just wanted to mention House Bill 934, the voter suppression bill, also known as the voter ID bill. There's no question that this was done during a presidential year to attempt to suppress votes. I think it's just a terrible piece of legislation. It's been thrown out in other states. It's been a waste of taxpayer dollars. It's been a waste of our legislators' time. I don't believe that this is what we ask when we Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Harrisburg, that this is the kind of thing that we're asking them to do, to waste people's time and waste money. And so as it's been thrown out in other states, I look forward to it being thrown out in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well. And so let the lawsuits begin. Thank you.
Councilwoman Sanchez, I think that the debate is getting ready to start. Councilmember Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no debate or quarrel with Councilwoman Sanchez. I am in violent, violent agreement with what she said today. The Administration is combining or conflating two issues, AVI, which is a move to full value, which is Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com law, and revenue. They are separate and distinct issues. As we move to AVI, we should have that debate and make sure we have as full information as possible. As we talk about additional revenue, as Councilwoman Sanchez said, we should have a discussion about whether or not it is needed. The Administration sends us a bill every year. It is a bill that says I want this amount of revenue and that will be raised by this millage rate. Our job is to determine what revenue we provide and what millage rate we set. If we're sending more revenue than the previous year, that is a separate discussion, and that revenue, how that money is going to be spent, whether or not it's going to be spent wisely, needed, what it's going to be spent for, that is the hard work that this body is going to do, in addition to and separate from moving to a full value or AVI property system. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com issues; they are separate issues. And I think that distinction is lost as we try to say AVI means more revenue. It does not. That's up to us. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I want to first start off by just echoing the support for Councilwoman Blackwell in regards to addressing the issue of the non-feeding of homeless individuals in the City of Philadelphia, and for me being a community activist and a public servant prior to me becoming an elected official, public service is something that is very dear to my heart. And every year we always get calls from students that want to feed the homeless. They say we're Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com project to get involved in, and usually that service project is going down on the Parkway and feeding the homeless. And I hope we never get to a point, particularly as a city, where we're so professional that we become inhuman in our actions. These are people, regardless of their circumstances, regardless of how they end up in life. I would think if it was in their own power, they wouldn't be homeless. And so, Councilwoman Blackwell, you have my full support why you serve on the committee, because we never want to get to the point where we're so professional and cute that we can't just help those most in need. And particularly we're a democratic city and so we don't want to have punitive legislation and policies that hurt those most vulnerable. On another note, I want to also just thank Council President and all the Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com up for the budget hearing yesterday. I think it was good for the public, particularly in the Southwest part of my district, in the 2nd Councilmanic District, to have an opportunity to come out and have their voices heard, their concerns heard and their issues heard as we take into consideration their priorities of our budget moving forward. So thank you very much, and thank everyone for participating. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Any other speeches? (No response.)
There being none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a motion to adjourn.
I'm Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Council President. I just want to add one other thing to the AVI initiative. As we go forward, the problem with always collecting taxes off the people who pay them is a major concern, and the City, as you know, there is delinquencies of taxes that are out there that we don't collect, and that's a major problem that we heard during the hearings last night and even during some of the meetings that we go to along the way, community meetings. And it's sad that people think that only people -- we only go after the people who pay taxes. I think it's time now that we look at the people who don't pay the taxes and go after them. And we have over $472 million in unpaid taxes to the City of Philadelphia that we could collect and not have to raise one single tax here in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. Discover Works Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. m. Thank you very much. com CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on March 15, 2012, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. m 1:7 93:10,22 93:20,24 allowed 3:10 applications attention 27:14 93:25 ADJOURNM... com 42:8 44:16 92:22,24 70:18 72:10 23:17 24:12 communicatio... com Congress 8:6 cost 83:23 68:2,10,14,17 Councilmanic 83:24 Congressman Council 1:2,10 68:24 69:5,9 91:6 courage 7:15 72:22 2:2,5,9 3:23 69:12,17,24 Councilmember 53:2 Connie 25:16 4:15,17,18,19 70:18 71:3,6 4:9 23:24 course 74:22 81:15 5:7,13,16 6:2 72:10 80:14 28:18 31:7 Court 75:14 consequences 6:10 10:21 82:25 83:10 33:18 34:8 CPR 9:18 10:12 71:15 11:11,14 13:24 84:24 85:13 35:12 36:3,9 create 85:4 consider 47:4 13:25 14:2,3 86:14 87:11,14 36:16,23 38:23 created 71:8,12 49:3 50:4,5 17:5,17,23 89:8 90:25 39:6,13,20 77:20 53:14 73:22 18:2 23:22 91:15,19,25 41:25 54:5 creation 37:20 consideration 25:4,6,8,11,19 92:4 93:3,8,12 55:5 56:4 57:6 71:6 26:19 30:21 26:6,9,15 27:5 93:16,19,20 58:3 59:4 crime 21:25 33:2 41:12 28:2,6,13,22 Councilman 61:20 65:4 crimes 61:14 91:10 29:8,17 30:5 1:11,12,12,13 68:5,25 70:21 criminalization considered 41:4 30:12 31:3,11 1:13,14,14,15 80:17 87:17 76:23 43:3 45:21 31:22 32:9,18 1:15,16,17 89:11 93:6 criminalize 77:6 consistency 81:4 33:8,15,19,22 4:25 5:2,20,21 Councilmemb... com 16:4,7,12 17:7 33:11,13,18,19 86:16 important 21:4 29:15 52:21 18:12 19:23 41:20,25 42:2 households 71:3 81:16 introduced 20:17,23 23:7 43:16,17 54:5 34:18 83:9,12,14 17:21 67:2,24 24:9,24 54:6 63:13,14 housing 61:17 improved 29:7 68:23 gyms 21:10,24 herewith 26:18 84:2 improvements introduction Hines 16:22 huge 84:13 26:25 30:24 28:16 40:3 H 19:11 21:5,7 Hughes 6:25 31:19 33:5 invaluable 11:5 Hall 1:6 75:17 22:19 11:15,17 12:25 42:16,25 17:2 hand 22:7,12 history 16:4 human 7:18 includes 16:9 invest 24:15,19 25:15 51:13 21:14 34:15 including 9:18 77:10 hands 79:16 HIV 10:11 54:22 10:11 38:16 investigate happen 73:7 HIV/AIDS 9:19 humanitarian increase 71:24 38:17 61:10 happened 13:2 hold 29:2 34:16 7:10 10:13 71:25 72:3,5,8 inviting 2:23 Happy 81:10 35:2 53:22 11:2 84:7,23 invocation 2:10 82:22 54:22 56:22 hungry 75:4,7,8 increases 83:18 2:20,24 3:1 hard 86:3 88:22 61:10 77:15 independent involved 78:19 harken 82:17 home 16:13 20:3 Hunting 42:16 38:13 90:3 Harris 2:12,19 20:4 26:8 Huntingdon indicates 50:19 Irene 9:4 Harrisburg 60:7 37:19 38:12 62:15 individuals 8:13 Irish 81:23 82:2 87:2 homeless 66:9 hurricane 8:23 89:18 issue 53:23 hastily 78:21 76:24,25 77:2 9:4 Industrial 42:14 60:18 66:8 haven 21:19 77:7,9 78:17 hurt 90:22 42:21 71:3 72:21 head 15:24 86:4 89:18,25 hurts 80:3 industry 29:3 73:5,19 74:2 heads 3:6 80:25 90:5,13 hyphenated information 75:20,25 76:13 health 30:2 homelessness 82:13 8:22 10:17 80:4 81:4 34:15 54:22 66:8 88:6 89:17 77:4 Homeowners I informed 71:14 issued 74:14 hear 20:12,13 54:24 IBF 16:14,23 infrastructure issues 78:19 heard 28:21 homes 13:7 22:16,19 57:2 85:22 87:24 83:15 91:8,8,9 honor 20:24 ID 60:19 66:5 inherent 7:16 88:3 89:2,3 92:12 honorable 6:25 73:12 86:17 inhuman 90:8 91:9 hearing 83:17 26:19 ideals 7:19 initiative 55:25 91:3 honoring 24:5 identification 71:2 92:6 J hearings 29:2 32:13 67:19 58:23 60:21 injustice 52:5 J 1:16 34:16 35:2 Hood 51:8 52:17 identified 47:15 Inspections James 1:14 52:7 53:22 62:13 65:10 IFB 16:21 53:21 15:14 16:2 54:23 56:22 hope 6:15 53:3 illegal 35:4 intergeneratio... 19:23 23:7 61:10 92:13 73:21 79:20 61:13 34:18 Jannie 1:11 heart 89:23 80:5 90:5 immediately Intergovernm...
com 34:9 63:16,17 L 1:10 94:14 limited 38:16 15:17 72:24 51:16 89:11,12 labor 28:25 29:6 line 45:19 76:7 members 2:16 Johnson's 83:16 laid 12:12 lines 29:20 M 2:18 9:9 24:24 join 7:2 14:13 land 3:9 26:24 link 9:8 Mack 16:20 26:6 38:18 29:6 60:17 31:18 35:20 listed 38:4 68:21 22:22 40:17 64:20 Joint 53:20 42:15,23 Literacy 27:18 major 8:23 92:9 91:2 Jones 1:14 5:20 landlords 53:23 literature 82:7 92:12 men 21:9 24:11 5:21 6:3 19:3 lane 32:5 littering 35:4 majority 5:23 mention 19:10 23:6 36:23,24 Langford 38:5 little 18:7 23:11 20:8 64:20 72:22 73:25 40:6,8 49:14 68:22 51:13 59:24 70:2 81:22 86:15 49:18 52:20 language 60:6 65:12 making 71:16 mentor 51:8 63:18,19 64:24 late 14:19 72:24 live 86:4 man 20:22,25 mentors 24:8 65:4,5 68:23 law 10:13 60:19 living 3:9 24:5,10 messages 25:25 68:25 69:2 65:12 88:2 loaves 74:11 Management 26:4 28:7 Josh 18:19 lawsuits 87:9 local 8:8 45:14 MICHAEL 1:19 Joshua 19:3 Leader 60:17 located 15:14 manner 77:18 MICHELE 23:5 leaders 17:4 26:25 27:18 Maps 35:18 94:14 Journal 4:1,22 leading 8:12 31:19 35:20 March 1:7 4:23 microphone 5:4,9,17 28:8 learn 78:16 38:2 42:16 5:4,9 6:23 7:6 19:15 JR 1:11,14 learned 78:22 62:14 68:20 10:23 26:14,16 middleweight Judge 11:15,17 80:21 81:2 location 32:5 48:2 93:9,21 16:21,22 22:19 12:25 learning 10:19 lock 77:6 94:7 Mid-Atlantic junior 16:17,20 21:2 Logan 32:15 MARIA 1:16 16:8 16:22 22:19 lease 26:22 67:20 MARIAN 1:17 mike 7:22 50:22 31:15 long 73:17 MARK 1:17 millage 71:24 K leasing 26:24 look 3:21 6:16 market 27:19 72:4 88:13,15 K 1:12 31:18 19:24 21:5 81:13 84:3 Miller 19:10 Kansas 15:9 leave 5:23 6:9 73:9 76:2,3 Markets 32:4 22:16 19:25 75:17 82:14 85:22 Martin 30:10,11 million 71:22 keep 24:21 leaves 5:1,19 87:6 92:19 66:25 72:2,7 84:9,16 81:16 led 7:10 looked 86:11 matter 84:24 92:21 Kenney 1:14 Lee 81:15 looking 20:10 94:7 millions 10:4 28:18,19 63:21 left 50:14,21 21:11,13 90:2 matters 50:7 83:24 63:22 72:17 52:3 loop 38:2 68:20 Mayor 26:2 mine 79:10 80:17,18 legislation 70:16 Lord 4:3,5 84:11,22 minimizes 13:5 Kenyatta 1:13 86:21 90:22 lose 85:9 mean 60:6 71:19 minorities 66:11 52:23 83:16 legislative 34:25 lost 65:22 89:4 79:13 minority 20:8 kind 78:23 87:3 60:3 lot 23:9,12 52:5 means 61:14,16 60:17 69:22 know 13:15 legislators 86:24 52:5,21 60:4 89:5 94:21 minutes 50:17 51:11 65:10 let's 77:17 78:4 lots 30:23 33:4 medaled 18:22 50:20 78:22 66:3,9 71:21 license 74:12 love 3:13,14,22 18:25 misconduct 73:15 74:2,7 Licenses 53:21 4:6,9,11 13:13 medals 20:4 38:18 74:15 75:7 life 51:17 90:11 14:23 16:6 meet 70:11 mission 7:17 79:6 81:5 83:7 lifesaving 9:18 17:24 74:22 meeting 1:3 3:19 Missouri 15:9 84:8 92:10 light 16:19 77:19 80:8 4:23 5:4,9 8:12 mom 18:11 known 70:9 27:13 50:20,22 loved 14:23,24 93:24 25:15 86:17 light-heavywe... com 88:19 51:7 62:13 61:17 Olympic 18:25 Oxford 38:3 Month 6:23 7:7 68:20 North 15:23 once 75:16,20 68:21 9:25 10:24 Nancy 40:21 19:21 32:8 76:18 O'Brien 1:15 months 20:19 Nate 19:10 51:16 one's 74:18,18 10:6 36:9,10 moon 66:4 22:15 northeast 75:18 one-of-a-kind 63:24,25 moratorium nation 12:22 75:23 12:21 O'Neill 1:16 6:5 83:21 national 8:9 northwest 29:25 onward 81:24 6:6 8:18 38:23 morning 2:3,4 9:25 14:10 northwestwar... open 76:16 38:24 59:19 2:11,22 19:16 15:4,8 17:9 30:4 operated 10:8 64:3,4 51:5 65:22 19:7 22:11 Nos 26:12 43:20 opportunities mornings 74:21 23:3 49:22 10:18 20:11 P Mortgage 54:24 Nationals 18:22 note 49:5 90:24 66:11 Parcel 47:14 mother 25:14 nays 64:19 notes 94:6 opportunity park 42:17 motion 47:4 nearly 9:17 notice 75:5 3:18 57:23 74:23,24 91:21 10:10 Notwithstandi...
com Pause 43:14 Philabundance Planning 26:10 pray 3:6 53:3 41:18,23 42:3 pay 86:14 92:8 74:4 plate 24:9 predictable 75:6 42:6 43:7,15 92:18,19 Philadelphia 1:2 play 84:6 prepare 7:13 43:18,23 44:3 Payne 72:23 1:6 6:19,24 7:8 please 2:8,17 8:22 44:6,13 45:24 peace 3:15 4:7 7:19 8:2,15,16 6:17 7:2 14:12 prepared 84:19 46:5,10,14,17 4:11 8:21 9:2,11 18:4 25:7 26:3 85:3 46:23 47:18,23 penalized 74:13 10:22,24 12:19 27:16,22 40:14 preparedness 48:6,10,13,18 Pennsylvania 13:12 15:13,15 47:6 50:12,24 9:21,25 10:2 48:21 49:19 1:6 8:11,20 9:6 15:23 17:6,18 53:17 54:18 10:12,17 50:2 51:11 9:15,23 10:4,8 19:21 20:5 55:19 58:16 present 1:9 6:22 53:7,11,12 10:14 15:16 21:16,22 26:7 61:6 62:10,22 14:7 54:2,9,13,16 16:10 26:23 29:5 30:19 66:20 PRESENTAT... com Primary 65:19 84:11 quite 80:25 recognized 27:8 30:20 32:25 printed 28:8 proposed 56:23 quorum 2:6 27:23 33:12 47:9,11,12,13 prior 71:16 proposing 37:18 recognizes 2:11 reduce 21:25 89:21 38:11 R 4:24 5:20 6:4 referred 29:11 priorities 91:10 prospect 16:18 rail 2:8 6:21 11:15 30:6 31:23 prioritizing proud 66:2 raise 22:7,12 14:6 17:6 18:3 32:10 35:24 61:11 provide 38:14 25:15 92:23 28:17 29:12 37:11,23 38:8 priority 24:16 76:10 88:15 raised 88:13 31:6 33:17,24 38:21 40:19 24:17 provided 8:20 ran 65:17 34:7 35:11 42:10 44:17 prison 61:11 57:2 Rasheen 14:8,11 36:2,8,15,22 regarding 26:11 private 29:3 provides 7:11 15:3,7,12,19 38:22 39:5,12 54:23 56:22 privilege 7:22 9:7 17:7 18:7 39:19 40:5 regardless 90:9 14:25 44:21 providing 8:7 19:24 24:5,21 41:24 43:16 90:10 privileged 29:16 9:25 37:14 rate 21:25 45:18 46:2 47:20 regards 89:16 30:8 32:12 44:25 45:6 88:13,15 49:14 54:4 region 8:15,21 37:2,25 public 15:13 reached 10:15 55:4 56:4 57:6 9:11,15 10:9 problem 35:7 29:2 30:18 read 20:12 26:4 58:3 59:4 12:17 13:20 51:22 52:12 32:23 34:15 28:7 40:15 61:20 67:4 regular 6:13 53:23 92:7,12 41:22 42:3,4,9 47:7 50:25 68:4,25 70:3 regulate 74:24 proceed 18:5 42:9,12,20 53:18 54:18 70:20 72:12 75:9,16,21 41:15 47:2 50:1,6,6 51:1 55:19 58:16 80:16 83:3 regulated 74:19 proceedings 52:1 53:22 61:6 62:10,19 85:15 89:10 relating 37:19 94:4 54:22 61:9 62:23 66:20 91:20 93:5 relation 60:5 Proceeds 55:25 71:14 74:22,23 reading 43:20 recognizing release 4:8,8 process 21:15 78:10 89:20,22 44:8 46:7,19 13:21 14:7 relief 7:11 proclaim 10:23 91:4 94:15 49:1,8,9,13,16 15:2 30:9 relieve 7:18 proclaiming punitive 90:21 49:21 50:8 66:24 81:9 remarks 11:16 6:22 7:6 purchased 53:1,16 54:1 recommendat... remember produce 58:22 81:12 55:1 56:1 57:1 26:10 40:11 80:24 products 23:7 purchases 81:16 58:1 59:1 60:1 41:7 42:5 43:6 remembers professional purpose 49:15 61:1 62:1 63:1 44:15 45:23 72:19 90:7,18 80:10 64:1 65:1 66:1 reconsider remind 70:7 Profits 44:22,25 purposes 45:7 67:1 68:1 47:24 80:7 83:11,20 program 24:12 pursuant 26:7 ready 87:16 reconsidered reminded 14:18 54:25 55:23 57:24 real 12:14 48:15,24 14:22 programs 10:3 put 3:13 53:4 reality 53:3 recount 65:21 renaming 65:9 10:14 84:10 83:21 84:20 realize 73:7 78:3 Recreation 66:2,12 project 90:2,4 79:23 80:7 26:21 31:14 Renee 6:25 projects 10:19 Q really 20:6 red 6:23 7:7,9 renewal 45:16 properly 5:8 qualified 37:15 Realtors 70:11 7:17,24 8:5,10 47:12 54:10 59:10 quarrel 87:20 reason 59:21 8:19 9:5,16,22 rental 53:24 properties 53:24 quasi-govern... receive 12:6 10:7,8,10,23 repealing 37:7 property 30:18 57:3 recognition 11:2,6 12:4,5 report 40:6,15 32:23 41:22 question 62:20 10:25 11:10 12:22 13:3,14 41:19 43:9 42:4,9,12,20 86:7,18 17:14 13:21 50:22 44:11 71:7 83:11,22 quicker 65:12 recognize 11:4 rededication reported 41:21 88:25 quickly 84:5 18:4 22:5 66:14 49:6 proposal 37:16 Quinones-San...