COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 7, 2011 10:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Leslie Leung of the Chinese Christian Church and Center in Chinatown. He is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Shall we pray together. Our Heavenly Father, the creator of the world, we come to your presence today. I give thanks for all these ladies and gentlemen whom you have chosen to serve the City of Philadelphia. diligence and commitment to this noble task. I pray that with their leadership, they will make this city a safe place to live, where students can be nurtured to excel in education, new immigrants can find peace and be settled, and hard-working people can find jobs to raise their families. I also pray that this city will become a place of opportunity for entrepreneur to start their business, and young professionals will be drawn to build up the City to flourish as well. Today at this meeting, I pray for your presence. You are the teacher and the counselor. May you guide our dear Councilmembers as they go through today's full schedule. Bless them with a unifying spirit and a servant's heart as they engage in discussions for the bills and resolutions for final passage. I pray for wisdom and discernment for them to make sound on the agenda, enthusiasm and energy to carry out the resolutions, and also compassions and love as they retire from their meeting and go back to their districts to reach out to people they care for. We understand it is by no means easy for our dear Councilmembers to move a great city like Philadelphia forward to become even better, but with your strength and power, they can do and achieve all things and make a difference for this city. In your great name, we pray together. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Pastor for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of of the meeting of Thursday, March 31st, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 31st, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 31st, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Councilmembers, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Leonard Thomas. Would Mr. Thomas and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilman Clarke and Councilwoman Sanchez. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, everyone. Today we're here recognizing, honoring, celebrating someone that we all know, but I'll tell you, we didn't know about the "Butch" part. We're here thanking Leonard Thomas on the occasion of his retirement as a United States postal worker and letter carrier for City Hall. Whereas, Leonard Thomas has been employed by the United States Postal Service for 42 years and seven months; and Whereas, during the past twelve years, Leonard has served Philadelphia City Council as its letter carrier;
Whereas, Mr. Thomas steadfastly performed his duties in a professional, courteous and gracious manner every single day;
Whereas, Leonard Thomas provided all City Council offices excellent and reliable service on a daily basis, for which he was much loved and appreciated; and Whereas, the motto, as translated from an ancient Greek word of Herodotus describing the Persian system of mounted postal carriers circa 500 B.C. and engraved on the outside of the James A. Farley Post Office building at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street, New York, "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom couriers from the swift completion of appointed rounds," can be said of Mr. Thomas; and Whereas, Mr. Thomas will be truly missed by all members of City Council and their staff, as well as by all of those whose paths he crossed at City Hall;
Whereas, Mr. Thomas officially retired from the United States Postal Service on Tuesday, February 1st, 2011. Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors and thanks, celebrates Leonard Thomas on the occasion of his retirement as a United States postal worker and letter carrier for City Hall. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Leonard further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Mr. Thomas, I want you to know that we certainly miss you. You always were very courteous, and I know my staff always thought very highly of you. And I certainly want to wish you the very best. At this time, I would like to recognize you for a few words.
Oh, you can do that. You always want to do something.
Thank you very much. We're very fortunate this morning to have the Postmaster of the City of Philadelphia and some of the colleagues that worked with Leonard. So, Mr. Joseph Kinney, Postmaster of our great city, would you take a minute and introduce some of your colleagues. And also, Leonard, you'll take family.
Mr. Thomas, we should have done this for you before you retired and maybe you could have gotten a raise.
Thank you. I'm here with the Manager of Leonard, William Penn at William Penn Annex, Wendy McCraig-Coleman, and his Supervisor, Frank Nukowski. I would like to thank President Verna and the members of City Council. It's an honor for me to be here today, first because I was born and raised in this great city of ours and also to represent the Philadelphia Postal Service as the City Council of Philadelphia passes this resolution, recognizing the outstanding service of retired Postal Service letter carrier Mr. Leonard Thomas. I would like to thank Councilman Rizzo for introducing this resolution and all members of City Rizzo in this special honor for Mr. Thomas. As Councilman Rizzo stated, Mr. Thomas served the Postal Service for 42 years and seven months, and he is just one of the many dedicated and hard-working postal employees who serve the Philadelphia area with pride and deep commitment to providing our customers with the best possible service. I know that our employees are the best in the City, but this resolution does confirm that and truly fills me with pride that one of our own has served the City of Philadelphia with dignity and professionalism, and for that, I thank you.
To Council President Verna, Councilman Frank Rizzo, to members of City Council and their staff, to all dignitaries, to my family, friends, co-workers and to other guests, good morning. (Good morning.)
It is truly a pleasure to be back in City Hall and to see so many familiar and smiling faces. As I stand here looking out at you, the lyrics of a song come to mind. Now, I'm not going to sing the song, but it goes like this. "Old friends, it's so nice to see you again. It doesn't matter where you've been, but welcome into my heart again." Being here to accept this resolution is a very humbling experience for me and it is one that I will never forget. As you take this time to honor me, you also are honoring yourselves, for you have shown to me in the past that not only are you a body of hard-working men and women, but you are a thoughtful, caring and compassionate body as well. Over the course of my 42 years with the United States Postal Service, I people is one of the most gratifying things one can do. When you serve people and you serve them well, they in turn begin to serve you. I found this to be true in the 29 years I served as a letter carrier in the Kingsessing community, and I found it also to be true in the 12 years I served you and the wonderful people in City Hall. While serving as your letter carrier, your acceptance of me turned into more than a business relationship, but one more like a family one. As I entered your office each day, we shared so many things in such a short time. Although our conversations were brief, they were always filled with substance, and I looked forward to this each and every day. As I would leave your offices, I would leave with a little part of each and every one of you. For those precious moments, I thank you. It is those hold dear in my heart and mind and as I leave you and enter into this new phase of my life. It has been a wonderful and enlightening experience, as well as a pleasure to serve as your letter carrier. So to Councilman Frank Rizzo, to the members of City Council and your staffs and to all the wonderful people that work in City Hall, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor and this resolution. In closing, I would like to leave you with yet another lyric from another song, and it says, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." Well, I want you to know that I consider myself one of those people who need people. So I thank you, I thank my family, my friends, my co-workers and the United States Postal Service for making me one of the luckiest people in the world this morning. May God continue to one of you. I love you all, and I will never forget you. (Standing ovation.)
Quickly, I'd like to introduce to you my family this morning. I am blessed to have two of the important women in my life. First of all, I have my mother, Doris Bunch. (Applause.)
My two daughters, Melita and Adita. My youngest daughter is in Arizona and she couldn't be here, but she is here in spirit, she promises that. I also have my oldest granddaughter, Aneisha. In her arms this bundle of joy is our latest gift to us from God and me and my wife's first great-grandchild, Ashante. (Applause.)
My friend of 30 years, who has been more to me -- more than a friend, more like a brother, Mr. Morty Carter. (Applause.)
And, finally, I have -- I can't forget Cindy, another friend that's like family to us. (Applause.)
And, finally, the fine people from the United States Postal Service that made sure that when I came down here, I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, and I have with me Mrs. -- the Manager of William Penn Annex Post Office, Ms. Wendy McCraig-Coleman, and I have my Supervisor of Carriers, Mr. Frank Nukowski, and a special guest, this was a surprise to me, Postmaster of Philadelphia, Mr. Joe Kinney. Thank you so much. Thank you all so much. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring West Philadelphia High School's Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering. Would Simon Hauger and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Madam President, this is a long time coming. It's hard to get kids out of school. That's where they're to be. And we are very, very happy, and a special thanks to Simon, who is also my neighbor.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution honoring West Philadelphia High School's Hybrid X Team for being among the top finalists in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Contest and recognizing team member Brandon Ford for a special invitation to sit with First Lady Michelle Obama at President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address. Whereas, the West Philadelphia High School's Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering formed the Hybrid X Team to compete in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Contest to build a car that would get to 100 miles to the gallon; and Whereas, the Hybrid X Team gained national attention for a surprisingly strong showing in the contest, finishing among 21 finalists out of 111 entrants for building a Ford Focus that achieved 65 miles to the gallon; and Whereas, West Philadelphia High School was the only high school to enter the competition, which included automakers, entrepreneurs and some of the nation's most prestigious universities; and Whereas, the team's performance in the contest earned them an invitation to President Barack Obama's announcement of a new math and science initiative in September 2010, but, unfortunately, team member Brandon Ford, 18, forgot his student ID and was not allowed to enter the White House with his team; and Whereas, hearing of Brandon's misfortune, President Barack Obama's technology adviser, John Holdren, called Brandon to invite him to join First Lady Michelle Obama at the State of the Union Address in Washington; and Whereas, during the trip to the Capitol, Brandon and his mother, Linda Jackson, had the opportunity to meet U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Holdren; and Whereas, while in Washington, the White House asked that the four team members attend the unveiling of President Obama's, quote/unquote, "Change the Equation" program; and Whereas, the winner of the $5 million grand prize was so impressed with the team that he invited them to build an electric version of his winning design; now therefore, be it Resolved, that the Philadelphia City Council hereby honors West Philadelphia High School's Hybrid X Team for being among the top finalists in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Contest and recognizes team member Brandon Ford for a special invitation to sit with First Lady Michelle Obama at President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of this of the Hybrid X Team's hard work and outstanding achievement. Certification, that it is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 3rd of March 2011. It is certainly signed by Anna Verna and sponsored by each and every member of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman Blackwell, and thank you, Council, for having us here today. Thirteen years ago when we started this after-school program, none of us imagined that it would end up with a trip to the White House to be honored by the President. None of us imagined that we'd be competing as the only high school in the world to build a vehicle 100 miles per gallon, and none of us imagined that we'd be beating teams like MIT, Cornell University or billion-dollar automakers like Tesla, and even though we didn't win the competition, in many ways we feel like we did. We made it to the semi-finals, and we stood alongside the best engineers and inventors in the world and we showed what our students are capable of when they're given an opportunity. And I want to thank City Council for honoring us. I want to thank Councilman -(Applause.)
Thank you. I want to thank Councilman Kenney for his long-term support and, of course, Councilwoman Blackwell. We really appreciate all the City has done for us. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green, who will present a resolution recognizing "Philly Tech Week." Would Christopher Wink and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Green is being accompanied by Councilman Goode. Also Councilman O'Neill is joining Councilman Green. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. It is time for us during Philly Tech Week, organized by the gentleman behind me and the technology community in Philadelphia and website Technically Philly, to try to recognize and promote entrepreneurialism in the City of Philadelphia. We are 15th out of 15 in entrepreneurial activity of all the major cities in the country, and so we want to the people who are in the City of Philadelphia, living under our tax environment and creating and growing businesses and the people who cover them, which is Technically Philly website. Proclaiming the week of April 25th, 2011 to April 30th, 2011 as "Philly Tech Week," and honoring the broad Philadelphia technology community. Whereas, the Philadelphia technology, innovation, and creative communities are important and valued contributors to the region's economy, culture, and future; and Whereas, the Philadelphia technology community, with leadership from technology news site Technically Philly, has organized a series of scheduled events around technology and innovation in Philadelphia called "Philly Tech Week," which is scheduled from April 25th to April 30th;
And whereas, this community includes valued social and non-profit groups; arts, cultural, and academic institutions; early-stage investment, incubation, and membership organizations; startup entrepreneur ventures; companies of various size and stripe; hackers, coders, designers, developers, and other civic-minded technologists; Whereas, these groups include Independents Hall, Philly Startup Leaders, Hive 76, the Hacktory, Non-Profit Technology Resources, Science Leadership Academy, Geekadelphia, and the Videogame Growth Initiative; Whereas, these institutions include the Wharton School of Business, University of the Arts, and Temple and Drexel Universities; and
Whereas, these organizations include the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the First Round Capital, Genacast Ventures, Ventures, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners; and Whereas, these businesses include Comcast, Ticketleap, Venmo, SEER Interactive, Azavea, Packlate, P'unk Ave, RJ Metrics, Chariot Solutions, Duck Duck Go, and Little Giant Media; and Whereas, this community features world-renowned institutions like University City Science Center, the Franklin Institute, WHYY, and the Enterprise Center; and
Whereas, this community hosts events like the Science Festival; Philadelphia International Arts Festival; Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise conference; Ignite Philly; TEDx Philly; Switch Philly; Barcamp Philly and Junto; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it declares the week of April 25th, 2011 to April 30th, 2011 as "Philly Tech Week"; participate in the series of scheduled events, conversation, and action around technology and innovation; and commends the broad technology community for creating jobs, increasing the size of the community, and remaining committed to the betterment of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Philly Tech Week as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This was introduced and passed by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman Green. Thank you, Councilman Goode. Thank you, Councilman O'Neill. Thank you, Councilman Green, for introducing it and all of Council for say two very quick things about the technology community. First, how important it is to note that this is not just gadgets or websites. This is a community who creates -- that creates jobs, that increases access to lower-income individuals and can help make government more transparent and efficient. I secondly also want to say that Philly Tech Week is meant to be a bolster of that community. You went through that resolution and there are probably, I would hope, more proper nouns in that resolution than most resolutions. It's because there are a lot of people in this community. We're just starting to collaborate, and Technically Philly, we're a small part of that. We're a new site that's hoped to try to bring a lot of these communities together, and Philly Tech Week ought to be a bigger, bolder part of that. This is the first, and I support. So thank you so much for the support, Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to recognize a group that is visiting us this morning from Excel Academy from the 6600 block of Bustleton Avenue. They are here with their teacher, Jefferson Barry, and the senior government class. If they could stand. Watching government at work. They will be touring City Hall and then having a conversation with me later this morning. So if you could stand. (Applause.)
Welcome. Kenney, who will present a resolution recognizing Toppers Spa. Would Richard Keaveney and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Kenney is being accompanied by Councilman Clarke.
Thank you very much. This is a resolution recognizing and honoring Toppers Spa Salon as it celebrates 30 years of doing business in Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan region. Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon will commemorate their 30th anniversary -- or has already -- April 1st, 2011; and Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon, founded by lifelong Philadelphia resident Richard Keaveney, first began doing business in Philadelphia at the historical Bourse Building on April 1st, 1981; and Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon was one of Philadelphia's first entrants into the emerging day spa industry, and gradually expanded to an additional location within Philadelphia, at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Experiencing success on two sides of our great city, Toppers Spa Salons acquired the commercial real estate which occupies most of the east side of 19th Street, between Chestnut and Sansom, and built a nearly 20,000 square foot day spa, the largest of its kind in the metropolitan area; and Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon has grown to include locations in Wayne, Pennsylvania; Bucks County; Marlton, New Jersey; and Dover, Delaware;
Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon has shared its success with hundreds of charitable organizations by donating goods and services, and in particular has been a long-time corporate sponsor of MANNA, the Philadelphia-based non-profit that prepares and delivers ill people living in and around Philadelphia; and Whereas, Toppers Spa Salon and its nearly 250 employees, many of whom are residents of our fair city, look forward to the next thirty years of providing personal care services; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby honor Toppers Spa Salon as it celebrates its 30 years of business success in Philadelphia and the tri-state area. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Toppers Spa Salon as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. Thank you. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I am told I can redeem this towards a real estate tax credit on those 19th Street properties. So hold on to that.
I think it was DiCicco, I think. In 1987, I ran for City Council against Leland Beloff, Jimmy Tayoun and Joe Smith. Yes, I was a very naive 20-something. Looking out at this distinguished Council, I have to think, Thank God someone stole my nominating petitions on filing day. I'd much rather receive a proclamation than to sponsor one. Philadelphia, while it can be a little more friendly to small business, it is one of the country's best secrets. It is an awesome place to live and work and do business, and all of us should be of the 1st District, I want to have special thanks to Frank DiCicco. He has served our district honorably and very, very well, and thanks to Councilman Kenney for sponsoring us and to all the Council for supporting this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 5, 2011, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 24, 2011; and I am transmitting herewith for the considerable of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of an irregularly shaped parcel of land currently used by the Philadelphia Zoo for parking, along with the improvements thereon, in an area generally located on the south side of Girard Avenue, east of North 38th Street and north of the Philadelphia Zoo, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of an irregularly shaped parcel of land currently used by the Philadelphia Zoo for parking.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing Imhotep Institute Charter School as 2011 PIAA Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Boys Basketball Champions.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution also naming the 2700 block of North Bonsall Street as "Joan Ray Way."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. Do you have any bills or resolutions?
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and five resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance authorizing Francisco Hernandez to construct, own and maintain an enclosed set of stairs attached to 657 East Allegheny Avenue that will encroach upon the sidewalk of "F" Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Bernard Roth to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair -- Councilwoman Sanchez.
It will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions.
Do you have more? All right. Would you please read them. I didn't hear how many were being said.
And a resolution appointing Kenneth A. Youngblood to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Jonathan Clodfelter to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing John Quinn to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Nidia Mezalick to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I still have no bills or resolutions.
Very well. By the end of the day, you may. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the Energy Coordinating Agency and the John S. and James L. Knight Green Jobs Training Center on the successful graduation of their 1000th trainee.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tour Passenger Carriers," to provide for tour passenger loading zones of a specified size in certain locations.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the west side of the 1600 block of East Moyamensing Avenue.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill jointly co-sponsored by Councilman DiCicco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-918 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking for Auto Sharing Organizations," by providing for reserved spaces for car rental companies.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING reports from committees, and as there are no reports from committees today, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 110246, 110247, 110248, 110249, 110250, 110251, 110252, 110253, 110255, 110188 -
I'm sorry. It's a mistake. 253 will be withdrawn. 254, 110254, is coming up for final passage, 110255, 110188, 110189 and 110145. As I said before, Bill No. 110253 is being withdrawn.
I'm sorry, Councilwoman. I believe we must call up Bill No -- or Resolution No. 100314, top of .
Okay. Let me just repeat for the record, please. 110253 will be withdrawn. 110254 will go forward and Bill Nos. 100314 and 110002 are being amended. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to be heard. If you have not done so, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table to my left. You will be called in the order in which you have signed to appear on the sign-in sheet. You will have exactly three minutes to speak. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
I rise to embellish 100247. Whatever you decide ultimately to do, each problem has a best solution. I hope you'll find it, go at it aggressively. If it doesn't work, make adjustments. My 72 years on the planet tells me that that's the only way to go, and shuffling papers and making do is not going to solve that problem. Thank you for listening.
Thank you. We appreciate your coming in with your comments.
Good morning, Madam President and ladies and gentlemen. I'm Robert Taylor, a resident and citizen of South Philadelphia. I'm commenting today on Ordinance 110116 and 110118, parking regulations. As you may know, recently 32 people were arrested in the wee hours of the morning for parking violations, yet this body seems to pass parking legislation at a rather quick pace. However, what happens at the end of the day can end up having people arrested. Therefore, this whole process should be treated with great care. Quote, "The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom." John Locke. Crimes are based upon mens rea or malicious intent, such as murder, robbery, which trespass upon other citizens' rights. Nearly every bill that passes with rules suspended. Nearly every bill is not debated on the floor. Nonetheless, they should be debated because it is important and because people are losing their freedoms based upon much of this legislation. Unalienable rights are very important; that is to say, life, liberty, property, et cetera. These are natural rights granted by our creator, 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Declaration of Independence. This scofflaw deadbeat label dehumanizes the non-criminal public. Many of us are floating from paycheck to paycheck, such as single mothers, widows, college students trying to further their education and mechanics raising their families. Why should they be subject to what we thought we had abolished years ago, which are debtors prisons? Quote, "The more laws that are written, the more criminals are produced." Chang. Recently, this body debated forcing private employers to pay for sick time for all of their workers. This was due to the fact that many workers cannot afford to take time off to address their illnesses. However, the same issue applies to many of those dealing with the constantly increasing parking regulations, except this body can remedy the situation by merely passing fewer laws. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Quote, "He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression, for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself." Thomas Paine. This city is often called the City of Brotherly Love, thus I make an appeal to heaven that we don't have another 32 people arrested for non-crime. Amen.
Thank you very much. Does the Chief Clerk have anyone else to comment?
Thank you. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding Resolution 110246. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 110246 be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell regarding Resolution 110247.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell regarding Resolution 110248.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski regarding Resolution 110249.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 100 --
Oh, I'm sorry. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco regarding Resolution 110250.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller regarding Resolution 110251.
Thank 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Madam President. I move that this resolution be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode regarding Resolution 110252.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read Resolution No. 110253.
A resolution declaring April 11th through the 15th, 2011 Philadelphia Youth Commission's Youth Voter Registration Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I make a motion to withdraw Resolution 110253. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 110253 be withdrawn. All in favor will say aye. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Councilwoman Brown -- I'm sorry. We will now consider Resolution 110254.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the City of Philadelphia on its recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the top 20 cities in the country with Energy Star certified buildings.
Councilwoman Brown. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. The Chief Clerk will please read Resolution No. 110255.
A resolution urging the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact an amnesty program for the Traffic Court of Philadelphia whereby drivers who have lost their driving privileges for failure to pay outstanding traffic violations can have those privileges restored upon payment in full 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING of all outstanding traffic fines.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110188.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Michael H. Reed as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING 2015.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110189.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Judge Phyllis W. Beck as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING November 16, 2012.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution 110189 be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 100314.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for a mandatory Budget Stabilization Reserve, and providing for the submission 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. It's my intention to amend the resolution this morning. The amendments have been circulated to the members of Council. They are technical in nature, and I move their adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment proposed by Councilman Kenney regarding Resolution 100314 be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110002. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Chapter 15-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks," by prohibiting the transfer or conversion of outdoor public park and recreation land in the City to other uses or to third parties unless certain procedures and requirements are met.
Thank you, Madam President. I make a motion to amend Bill No. 110002. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the amendment proposed by Councilwoman Brown be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 4/7/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 110145.
An ordinance authorizing 217 West George Street Limited Liability Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 217 West George Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move -- it's a roll call.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill of business is the consideration of the Suspension Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 100715 be removed from the Suspension Calendar and placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Mike Scotese, owner of Grey Lodge Pub, to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 6235 Frankford Avenue.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 100715 be removed and placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. Bill No. 100715 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I passed a flyer out -- my office passed a flyer out just a few minutes ago, and I just want Councilmembers and the public to know that the Penn Program on Documentaries and Law presents 2011 Rough Cut Video Festival, and this is Tuesday, April 12th, 2011. The films start at 6:35 and then they'll have another series of films that start at 8:35, and it's two screens, at 34th and Chestnut Street. It's free and it's free food. And one of the subjects of -- one of the films that's actually going to be shown --
Councilwoman, just a minute. The noise level is much too high. Please continue.
Okay. Thank you. I just wanted everyone to know that one of the films that's going to be 6:35 is ban-the-box legislation in Philadelphia, and then it will also be shown at 7:30. It's a 30-minute film, and people are just welcomed to go and encouraged to go to see this film, this video clip. This is all a production that comes out of the Penn Law School. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. In the words of one of our students, cutting education funds ignorance. Today, Madam President, I come to you as a former public school teacher of third graders, as a product of the public education in the Commonwealth and as a product of one of our state's public institutions, Penn State University. The great Marion Wright Edelman once stated, If we don't stand children, then we don't stand for much. I join the many who stand for children in response to Governor Corbett's budget proposal that slashes education in an unprecedented manner, a budget that cuts both basic education and higher education throughout the Commonwealth. Depending upon who you talk to, the facts are somewhere between 1.1 and 1.6 billion will be cut. That equals 25 percent of the Philadelphia Public School District to the tune of 293 million, yet Philadelphia represents only ten percent of our state's population. And further it slashes the universities that comprise our state system of higher education by 50 percent. Why would we be concerned about this? President Barack Obama in December 2010 stated and we learned alarming new information about American students and how they measure up against the rest of the world. We're No. 14 in reading, No. 17 in science, No. 25 in math. President Barack Obama said that these stats should serve as a wake-up call for America. And our United States Education Secretary Arne Duncan stated, quote, "We live in a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy and our children today are at a competitive disadvantage with children from other countries." With our children already falling behind, the elimination of $1.1 billion in resources will put us on a fast track to further decline and some might argue a faster track when it comes to building prisons. Thankfully the outrage is not falling on deaf ears. In March 2011, Franklin & Marshall College polled Pennsylvania residents, and here were the findings: 81 percent oppose balancing the budget on the back of state and local school districts; 72 percent oppose cutting funding for our public universities. Further, Pennsylvanians polled, and what were the responses? Sixty-two percent of Pennsylvania residents favor taxing companies that extract and sell natural gas, a proposal that would generate over $4 million by 2016. According to the state Budget and Policy Center, Pennsylvania is only one of the top 15 natural gas-producing states that do not have a drilling tax. Repeat. Pennsylvania is only one of the top 15 natural gas-producing states that do not have a drilling tax. Our current Governor is allowing natural gas extractions to come into our state, make a huge profit from their companies, many of their companies outside of Pennsylvania, compromise our environment and drinking water, all for free. I stand with those who challenge both Governor Corbett and the leaders in Harrisburg to consider what the priorities are, reduce our children's companies from outside Pennsylvania to get richer on the backs of our kids. The good news, however, Madam President, is that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have told university officials and students that they will fight for more funding in the final spending plan. So in closing, again, I join the many parents of thousands of students that were at the School District building, teachers, educators and then citizens who just care who are waking up and acknowledging this unprecedented, ugly scenario that we currently look at when it comes to the Commonwealth public education system. I thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. I can give my speech of the majority in one sentence today. I want to commend Mayor Nutter for helping us retain Commissioner Ramsey in the City of Philadelphia. I think he's done a great job for the last three years and three months, and I'm proud that we're keeping him. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 14th, 10:00 a.m., 2011. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 14th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.) 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 April 7, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)