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.