Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 9, 2017 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting March 9, 2017
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. We're running a little late. If the members will take their seat and the visitors will retire behind the rail, we will get moving. Before we start, if there is anyone who has an electronic device that makes noise, ringing, vibrating too loud, anything of that nature, I'd ask that you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much for your cooperation. This morning to gave our invocation, the Chair recognizes Minister Michele Lawrence of Dare to Imagine Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. I'd ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Let us prepare our hearts and minds. God, we first thank you for who Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 are, for allowing us to see this day. It is an indication, oh God, that we still have purpose and we are a part of your perfect plan. So in this space, we ask that you enter, removing all anxiety, allowing us to be swift to listen and slow to speak. For while we represent different areas of Philadelphia, it is our intention to get on one accord for the advancement of this city. We know that you are able, for all that you have already done and demonstrated to us. And so we are confident that you are capable of bringing us to a new level in you and that our city will be all the better for it. So, God, let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in your sight. We ask this in the matchless and marvelous name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 (Amen.)
Thank you so much. We really appreciate those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Can we have quiet, please. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 2nd, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 stand approved. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no leaves of absence requested today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. On behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. It is totally unlike what's going on in Washington. So you probably will leave here more knowledgeable and I guarantee you much more pleasurable. So we hope that your experience here today is such that it really requires and want to make sure that you would like to come back again. So, again, thank you so much for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution honoring Barney Boyce as Grand Marshal of the 247th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Would Mr. Boyce and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests Stated Meeting March 9, 2017
And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Squilla, and Councilman Taubenberger. (Bagpipes playing.)
I think we should applaud that. (Applause.) (Woman singing.) (Applause.) (Gentleman singing.) (Applause.)
You may sit down. Thank you. So good morning. Dia dhuit. It is my honor to join all of you here today with friends and family of the Irish community, and I think we're all Irish as we approach Saint Patrick's Day, to honor our Grand Marshal of the 2017 Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Mr. Barney Boyce. Before beginning to read the Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 resolution, I just want to say a few words, a few words of appreciation of the men and women who make the Saint Patrick's Day Parade such a success and the ceremonies that happen. First I'd like to thank our Parade Director, Michael Bradley. (Applause.)
The parade does not happen without a great director such as we have here on the Saint Patrick's Day Parade as Michael Bradley. And our President of our Saint Patrick's Day Parade -- or Saint Patrick's Day Observance Committee, we all know Bill Ivers. Bill Ivers is a member of our City Council community. He is at all the ceremonies. He's at all of the groups. He freely gives his time like any other Board member, and he is in every single office of our City Councilmembers making sure that the show goes right. So let's hear it for our President, Bill Ivers. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 (Applause.)
We have our bagpipers, Joe Tobin and Karen Boyce. I want to thank you for the lovely Irish National Anthem. And our own Judge Lynn for our National Anthem right here. To all our Board members, past and present, and our Ring of Honors, I want to welcome you and thank you. The theme of this year's Saint Patrick's Day Parade is: Saint Patrick, protect and guide our police officers. And I can say and I can think and we can speak for each other, all of us here, that we are continued grateful for all of their services that our men and women of our Police Department, many of whom are Irish Americans, who protect us on a daily basis. So let's hear it for our men and women and our theme for our parade. (Applause.)
I'd also like to take a moment to recognize all Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Ring of Honor, many of which are police officers of Irish American descent and those who serve our public, great public servants, whether they are police officers, whether they are in our Irish communities, in Family Court, and many, many other ways that we protect our citizens of the City of Philadelphia. So as we take our time today and over the next -- course of the next week to honor Saint Patrick and the history of the Irish, we would all do well to remember the impact that the Irish have had on the City of Philadelphia and indeed this nation. With that, it is my honor to recognize Barney Boyce as Grand Marshal of the 247th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Whereas
Whereas, Barney Boyce was born and raised in Mallymore, Milford-County Donegal. He Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 States in 1957 and was drafted into the U.S. Army the following year, serving in Germany until 1960; and Whereas, Barney and his wife Carmel married in 1965 and settled in Upper Darby. They raised 6 children in the environment of Irish culture, with Irish music and dance receiving the highest priority in their children's activities. Barney owned and operated his own roofing company to support his family, a job he held until his retirement in 2007; and
Whereas, Barney and Carmel are extremely devoted members of the Irish community. They have dutifully served in a number of Irish organizations, including the long time membership in the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and as board members of the Commodore Barry Club. Barney has been a member of the Danny Browne AOH Division 80 for over 25 years; and Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Whereas, Barney and the Boyce family have been recognized for their contribution to the Irish Community, being inducted into the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored by the Saint Patrick's Day Observance Association in their Ring of Honor in 2009; and
Whereas, Barney and Carmel's children and 19 grandchildren -- that's a soccer team with a very deep bench -- carry on the tradition of Irish culture through music, dancing and sports, a reflection of Barney and Carmel's dedication to the Irish community that spans five decades; and Whereas, in addition to recognizing Barney's distinction as serving as Grand Marshal for this year's parade, the Ring of Honor this year will also include Jude Conroy, Gerard Dillon, John Dougherty, Sr., Robert Heenan, Michael Meehan, Thomas O'Donnell, and Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Boyle, Robert Hurst, James Lennox, William Maye, Edward Miller, Edward Monaghan, and Joseph Sullivan; now, therefore
Therefore, point of personal privilege. That's Bobby Heenan with the Operator Engineers, not me. And I'd also like to recognize one of our Ring of Honors that we should all be proud of. Joe Sullivan, who is Chief Inspector, has just been risen to Deputy Police Commissioner. (Applause.)
So, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and congratulate Barney Boyce as Grand Marshal of the 247th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Barney Boyce, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Boyce for remarks.
-- members of Council, thank you so much for this great honor. I'm the Parade Director for the Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day Parade. It was started in 1771, five years before this great country was founded right down the street here at Independence Hall. So it's a tremendous honor for me to represent the City of Philadelphia. And I'd like to thank our Board members for all their hard work, congratulate the Ring of Honor. But I have the opportunity to introduce our Grand Marshal. And with this great Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 about immigration, it's important to remember the contributions that these two fine immigrants made to our country, with six children, who are all here today and many of their 19 grandchildren. So I'd just like to say a few words about Barney. He came here in 1957, but right away served in our Armed Forces, and that's pretty admirable. All our veterans in the room, please, how about saluting our veterans with a nice round of applause. (Applause.)
He's been involved in over 40 boards in the last 60 years. He's very involved with the Irish Center, which is right here in Philadelphia in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. He's involved with the Irish Immigration Center. I could go on and on with all the different things. Probably his favorite thing is the Donegal Association of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 we do, I've always seen Barney and Carmel together, so we're not going to honor just Barney Boyce. We're going to honor Barney and Carmel Boyce together. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the 2017 Grand Marshal of the Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day, Mr. and Mrs. Barney and Carmel Boyce. (Applause.)
Well, first of all, I want to thank President Clarke and Councilman Henon for sponsoring this resolution today, and I'm highly honored, very grateful. As an immigrant from County Donegal, I came here 60 years ago and joined the -- I didn't join. I was drafted in the Army by Uncle Sam. I didn't know I had an uncle here called Sam, but I found out later I did, and he had a lot of nephews. Anyway, I'm very honored to be here accepting this award today, and Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 for a few more years to continue on my tradition and the tradition of the culture of Ireland and Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for many years. So I thank you all. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeants-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 7, 2017, I signed the following bill which was passed by Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Council at its session on February 23, 2017: Bill No. 160687-AAA. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Chapter 1-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Definitions, Construction, Penalties and Enforcement," to authorize the Law Department to standardize the appearance, numbering and formatting of The Philadelphia Code without need for further Code amendment, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much. And the next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions this morning.
A privileged resolution honoring The Agnes Irwin School and its Center for the Advancement of Girls in partnership with the Franklin Institute on the Occasion of the 3rd Annual STEM Conference, Sharing Solutions 2017: Advancing Girls in STEM.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States' Federal Trade Commission to delay the merger of the Rite Aid Corporation with Walgreens Boot Alliance until the impact of the merger is fully disclosed to the Citizens of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman -- Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer three bills, two on your behalf, one on behalf of the Administration, and one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance granting permission to Houston Small and Debra Wilson, owners and operators of Tasty Eats Food Truck located in the right-of-way on the east side of 13th Street between Norris Street and Diamond Street; and An ordinance granting permission to Stephen Ngo, owner and operator of the Royal Tea Food Truck located in the right-of-way on the north side of Norris Street between 13th Street and Broad Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 1-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Definitions, Construction, Penalties and Enforcement," to authorize the Law Department to standardize the appearance, numbering and formatting of The Philadelphia Code without the need for further Code amendment.
And those three bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
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 Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I have one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Johnson and now Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by amending Chapter 12-1200, entitled "Traffic Control Devices," to require a report, recommendation and appropriate safety improvements regarding hazardous intersections; and by amending Chapter Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 12-1400, entitled "Penalties and Procedure for Violations," to provide for a reward program.
And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I introduce one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution, one bill -- one resolution sponsored by Councilman Bobby Henon and would like to speak briefly on one of my resolutions, please.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for its contributions to the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and congratulating the Chapter for its 100th anniversary. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress to reject H.R. 785, also known as the National Right-to-Work Act, due to the legislation's negative impact on the ability of unions to bargain on behalf of working-class families.
Thank you, Council President. Most may or may not know that my dad recently retired after 30 years serving in Local 332 Laborers District Council union, and through his service and his work, he has provided my family an opportunity to live a good quality of life growing up in Point Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Breeze, South Philadelphia. And so today I'm introducing a resolution calling for the United States Congress to reject H.R. 785, also known as the National Right-to-Work Act, which will prevent employers and unions from entering into union security agreements. This legislation has a negative impact on unions' ability to advocate on behalf of working-class families. Unions are important to raising the standard of living for millions of hard-working citizens and their families. The power of collective bargaining has time and time again brought fair wages, better healthcare, improved workplace safety to workers, and transformed the relationship between employers and employees. The Right-to-Work legislation will allow non-union members to take advantage of the union-negotiated benefits without paying or repaying their share of the cost, disincentivizing union Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 membership. If unions lose the resources needed to stand up and negotiate for its workers, it undermines the essential role in protecting and uplifting working citizens in Philadelphia and across America. Thank you very much, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution, and I wish to be recognized after the title is read.
A privileged resolution calling for a hearing on Philadelphia's "middle neighborhoods," which are neighborhoods where housing is typically affordable and where quality of life - measured by access of high quality public amenities and advantageous employment, crime rates, and school performance - is sufficiently good that new home buyers are willing to play the odds and choose these neighborhoods over others in hopes that they will improve rather than decline, and to explore Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 potential intergovernmental policy solutions to stabilize and support these neighborhoods.
Thank you, Mr. President. As a former State Representative, Mr. President, for ten years and now as a member of this legislative body, I've long been an advocate for the issue of neighborhood preservation. We've often referred to it as neighborhoods that are on the tipping point. We can see them decline and/or be empowered and grow. But I'm now pleased to note for the record that academicians and other scholars and researchers have now defined these types of neighborhoods with the term "middle neighborhoods," and they are defined as areas that are not thriving enough to attract sustained private investment, yet not troubled enough to warrant concentrated public attention. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Paul Brophy, who is the editor of a new book entitled "On the Edge: America's Middle Neighborhoods," estimates that about 46 percent of Americans live in middle neighborhoods, and its contemporary Reinvestment Fund estimates that just about over 40 percent of Philadelphians live in these neighborhoods. And just for the record, I want to note that sort of Lawncrest, Lawndale, Tacony, West Oak Lane, Overbrook Park, and there are several other regions in the City would be categorized as middle neighborhoods. Some of the main challenges facing these neighborhoods are stabilization and housing preservation. In Philadelphia, for example, many of the residents of these neighborhoods have literally been consistent contributors to our tax base for decades, and yet many of them, particularly those who are at or near retirement, they no longer have Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 enough disposable income to make much needed home improvements. It will save us time, money, and effort if policy solutions focusing on preventing these neighborhoods from further decline are considered as opposed to waiting until they get further distressed and then we go looking for a cure. Several policy solutions already exist and thanks to your leadership, Mr. President, with the increase in the realty transfer tax and our efforts to try to use 60 percent of that to address the BSRP backlog and the $40 million to be used in efforts to help many of these residents to make those home improvements. So I just wanted to give a special thanks to Paul Brophy and the Reinvestment Fund and to say that I agree that the time is now to raise awareness of middle neighborhoods. Reinvestment Fund has readily available data with Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 their market value analysis tool, and experts have come together to highlight this issue by publishing On the Edge, and I look forward to having a healthy debate about how we can move in a proactive manner to address these issues.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. Today I have one bill co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Squilla -- Councilman Squilla, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Green, and Councilman Greenlee. I also have two privileged resolutions, one of which is co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Henon, Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Squilla, Councilman Green, and Councilman Johnson. And the second is co-sponsored by Councilman Henon, Councilman Green, Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilman Squilla. And I'd like to be heard on the one bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Income Inequality Initiative - Earned Income Tax Credit," by revising the City's EITC Policy, including by expanding it to include non-residents who work in the City.
I just want to reiterate something that all of you know I'm going to say anyway, but it's about EITC. And I also want to recognize Councilman Squilla, because on Saturday we had Squilla at the Villa in South Philadelphia. We had an event for EITC, and the Councilman came. And there's nothing more important than all of us I Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 think as elected officials when you think about this, there's $100 million sitting in Washington, DC that can go to 40,000 Philadelphians, and the refunds average $2,500. You can file back an additional three years, so it could be $10,000. Just to reiterate, a single parent with two children 44,000 of income or less can get a check up to $6,000. And I keep repeating this because I feel all of us should be getting the word out in our districts and to everybody, because there's nothing more important that we can do to help 40,000 Philadelphians to get this money to them. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman, and thank you for your dogged pursuit of the money. Appreciate that.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation to hold hearings to address Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 the City of Philadelphia's overspending on budgeted overtime, its effect and impact on the City's fund balance and pension obligations and to discuss steps and solutions towards making the City of Philadelphia operate more efficiently and effectively, including the establishment of goals, performance indicators and objectives so that the City Departments' progress can be measured and the City can be more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers and residents it serves.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage, and the bill introduced by Councilman Domb will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to hold hearings to discuss the progress made by the Office of Property Assessment concerning the assessment and valuation of real property in the City of Philadelphia and to ascertain ways in Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 which the City can continue to improve and build upon these efforts moving forward.
And that will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring March 6th through the 10th, 2017, National School Breakfast Week in Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Councilman. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution concerning the Affordable Care Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Act is read for a motion.
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 Thirteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress to preserve the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion as cutting back or repealing them would have disastrous effects on the health of Philadelphians and negatively Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 impact the economy of the entire Philadelphia region.
Thank you, Mr. President. Earlier this week we had a hearing on the concerns that so many providers, patients, just folks in general had around the Affordable Care Act and what's happening in Washington right now. At the time -- from the time that that hearing was held up until this very moment, we know that there are serious conversations happening in Washington, DC about this very important issue, and we would ask that both houses of Congress would recognize the American people, what they have to say, and to recognize this is simply too complex, too important to change so very quickly. We ask that folks pay attention to what's happening in Washington but, more importantly, we ask that our legislators in Washington hear what the Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 folks in Philadelphia and throughout the nation have to say. And as a result, I wish to move to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as for consideration at this time. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Councilman, would you like the record to be reflected that you voted no?
Let the record be reflected that Councilman O'Neill voted nay. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 The resolution passes. It will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer two privileged resolutions. The one about filmmaking is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Green, Taubenberger, Domb, and Bass. Thank you.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to Hold Public Hearings on the State of the Philadelphia Film Industry.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and commending Patrick Blessington for his distinguished Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 service to the City of Philadelphia as a Prosecutor in the Office of the District Attorney.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions -I'm sorry. Councilwoman, I forgot. I'm sorry.
Thank you. My fault. Today I introduce one non-privileged resolution.
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 Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 and improvements thereon, situate in the Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the next order of business will be reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 170090, entitled "An Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by J Street, East Tioga Street, and Kensington Avenue, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 170109, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Leverington Avenue, Mitchell Street, and Krams Avenue, for further conveyance," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 as to permit the first reading of this day Bill Nos. 170090, 170109. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170090 and 170109. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 161015, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 18 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commerce,' to require the Department of Finance or such other official as the Mayor may designate to report to Council certain aggregate information regarding tax benefits such as tax exemptions, abatements and credits and to report on assessments of the economic impact of such tax programs," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 161015. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 161015. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 2ND READING I note that those bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. Those bills will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 161114-A, 170051-A, 170190, 170211, 170215, 170216, 170217, 170218, 170220, 160895-A. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers where there is a podium. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the first name.
Michael Norton, commenting on Councilwoman Parker's resolution introduced today on middle Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 neighborhoods. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Michael Norton. I'm the Chief Policy Analyst at Reinvestment Fund, and thank you very much for inviting me to comment on Councilwoman Parker's resolution and support the Philadelphia's middle neighborhoods. Roughly 46 percent of the nation's urban populations live in middle neighborhoods. These neighborhoods typically receive little or no attention from mayors, city managers, and local housing officials, in part because they are not distressed enough to qualify for federal Community Development Block Grant funds and because financially stressed local governments seldom allocate tax dollars to neighborhood improvement strategies. And yet it is not possible Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 to overstate the importance of these neighborhoods as places that provide quality homes for many individuals and families, support a substantial portion of the local property tax revenues, and that are also susceptible to decline if steps are not taken to support them. Over the past two decades, Reinvestment Fund has conducted in-depth studies of local real estate markets in over three dozen cities across the country. These studies are designed to help local governments strategically allocate scarce public resources across a range of different neighborhood types, from the most distressed to the most vibrant. In the legacy cities we've done this work, there are a number of common features that generally represent middle neighborhoods. There are homes that are a significant portion of these cities' population. They are reasonably affordable to people with middle incomes. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 They are racially and ethnically diverse. Their residents are also relatively well educated. Real estate markets in Philadelphia's middle neighborhoods reflect a mix of stability and ongoing challenges. The majority of people purchasing homes in middle neighborhoods do so with FHA insured mortgages. Foreclosures remain elevated, but substantially below the recession peaks. An increasing number of residents rely on Housing Choice vouchers to supplement their rent. Affordability in these areas remain stable, but renters experience elevated rates of eviction compared to citywide levels. In Philadelphia, registered voters' party affiliation in middle neighborhoods is similar to that of the City overall, and what can be considered as frequent voters are most often found in these middle neighborhoods. Examples of middle Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 neighborhoods in Philadelphia include East Mount Airy, Burholme, East and West Oak Lane, Rhawnhurst, Germantown, Olney, Mayfair, Tacony, and Wynnefield. Like many neighborhoods throughout the country, these neighborhoods face a number of challenges related to ongoing sociodemographic and economic conditions throughout the region. These neighborhoods are in the middle, but the middle class throughout the country is shrinking. This shrinking contributes to observable patterns of economic segregation that concentrate increasing numbers of higher income and lower income residents in smaller spaces while middle neighborhoods face increasing pressure from above and below. Without clear space in public policy investment conversations, the future of middle neighborhoods as an opportunity -- as areas of opportunity is in doubt. Cities ignore their middle neighborhoods at their own peril. Unless Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 policymakers recognize and act to maintain the quality of life and stability in these areas, residents may well leave because their economic wherewithal allows them to find those opportunities elsewhere. Thank you.
Thank you. Clerk, can you read our next speaker, please.
Andrew Frishkoff, commenting on Councilwoman Parker's resolution introduced today on middle neighborhoods. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Andy Frishkoff. I'm the Director of Philadelphia LISC, Local Initiative Support Corporation. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you, Councilwoman Parker, for introducing the resolution. Philadelphia's middle neighborhoods are often very strong Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 civically. LISC tends to work with community development corporations. We work in these neighborhoods as well as lower income neighborhoods, but one thing you often find is that the community development capacity is not always there, and so the ability for you to support initiatives is sometimes hampered. But I want to point out a number of things that are already in place that can be knit together and supported by this body and by the Administration that can help support these neighborhoods. The Councilwoman referenced the new proposed home repair initiative, and anything we can do to increase access to loans for homeowners and for our good landlords in these communities is essential for stabilizing those properties. But there are also things that private sector can do. Jumpstart Germantown is an excellent model that can work in Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 neighborhoods where there isn't necessarily a community development corporation and where private sector can partner with civic groups to make sure that vacant homes are renovated and brought back to the market. And I know that there will be hearings on Jumpstart, thanks to Councilman Green, later this spring. I also want to point out the civic activity through Citizens Planning Institute. That can be fostered and strengthened to make sure that middle neighborhoods have strong community organizations and where there have often been longtime members who have been leading those civics, there are possibilities of training new, younger residents. And many of these neighborhoods are experiencing demographic change, and if we want these neighborhoods to stay strong, we have to support existing residents, but we also have to recognize that these are Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 neighborhoods where immigrants are welcome and where we need to make sure that we strengthen and open our arms to all the residents, both new and old. And then I want to point out that efforts of civic groups like the Friends of Neighborhood Education who are working, again, very often in middle neighborhoods, they need support. They need strength. They're still a fledgling group. But if we want to support neighborhoods, we have to look at the neighborhood schools. Thankfully, I think we're all excited by the prospect of Rebuild that soon will come. Rebuild on the one hand is an excellent opportunity to repair the civic assets in these neighborhoods, but it's also an opportunity to build the capacity of those civic groups, whether it's the Friends of the Library, the Friends of the Park or the active neighborhood civic groups. This is an opportunity to make sure that they stand Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 strong with you and with the Administration in preserving our libraries, our parks, our recreation centers. So I know my time is running short and there will be many other opportunities for us to talk further, but I just want to point out you have a number of things already in place here in Philadelphia. What we need to do together is strengthen them, knit them together, and help preserve our neighborhoods. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, would you please read our next speaker.
Kathy Fisher, commenting on Councilwoman Gym's resolution introduced today on Breakfast Resolution Day. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 name is Kathy Fisher. I'm the Policy Director at the Coalition Against Hunger. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about a critical, yet underutilized support for student health and learning, school breakfast. Decades of research has shown that school breakfast helps to increase standardized test scores, concentration, memory, and the amount of vitamins and minerals in a student's diet. It's been shown to reduce tardiness, absenteeism, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, and trips to the school nurse. Considering both District and charter schools, there are over 100 schools in the City reaching more than 70 percent of their students who participate in lunch with school breakfast. This week we celebrate the success of those schools and their ability to overcome obstacles to ensure that students have access to school breakfast. However, we also know that Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 there are many schools that lag far behind. More than 100 District and charter schools are on the other end of the spectrum, reaching less than half of the students who participate in school lunch with school breakfast. And this is at a time when large districts across America are making improvements in breakfast participation. In FRAC's "School Breakfast: Making it Work in Large Districts" report released last month, the School District of Philadelphia ranked 44th out of the nation's 73 largest school districts, reaching 60 percent of students who participate in school lunch with school breakfast. This is a respectable 60 percent, but it masks the fact that the high participation schools bring up the average for the many schools that are not making breakfast accessible to their students. The disparities in the number of children eating breakfast can be Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 attributed to how school breakfast is served and when. Schools that require students to arrive early and eat only in the cafeteria routinely have lower participation than those that make breakfast part of the day and that utilize effective service models, like Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab-n-Go, and Second Chance. This is why we're launching the Philadelphia School Breakfast Challenge to encourage schools to learn from the ones that are doing well, evaluate what models will work best for them, and implement new approaches in September of 2017. So we encourage all Councilmembers who have a relationship with schools in their district to encourage them to look at their breakfast programs and see how they can improve, because Philadelphia students deserve all the support they can get, and school breakfast is one of them. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 As a city, we must continue to make progress and make sure all our students start the day with the nutrition they need to learn. Thank you. And thank you to Councilwoman Gym for introducing the resolution.
Trecia Gibson, commenting on Councilwoman Gym's National School Breakfast Week resolution introduced today. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good morning. My name is Trecia Gibson and I'm a junior at Parkway West High School, and this is Zaire White and he's a sophomore at Parkway West High School. I just want to start off by saying good morning and thank you for this amazing resolution. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 School breakfast is very important, because we are in school and breakfast help us get our day started. If we have breakfast in the morning, we will have the energy to get through the day. We are encouraging all to eat breakfast in the morning and get the nutrients that are needed. This opportunity for us is very important because we are young entrepreneurs who are running a business named Rebel Ventures and we have been working with the School District to come up with a breakfast product to be in schools throughout Philadelphia. This is a very unique and great experience for myself to be able to be a part of creating products to be in schools and I am still enrolled in school. This breakfast product is called Rebel Crumbles. So we are encouraging all to be in breakfast in the morning and have a healthy meal. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Clerk, our next speaker, please. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel, commenting on 161114-A, 170211, 170215, and 170220. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. This is an official decree and writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate reaction and remedy. The rule of law keeps civilization civilized. The rule of law requires prosecution of any law that appears to be violated. All must follow the law. As George Mason, delegate to the Constitutional Convention asked, Can anyone be above the law? The path of lawlessness, the stealing of my home, and denial of due Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 process disrespects the numerous sacrifices of patriots and veterans alike. Veterans fight for a flag and the Constitution, not the elected monarchy. Public servants have taken the sworn oath to obey laws and govern by the consent of the government. The law requires immediate remedy of this breach of law. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, oath of office, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 708, 709, 711, 712, 716 and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965 and other lawsuits appear violated and, as such, require immediate prosecution of all involved. There can only be one law. I again call upon the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 1038 West Wyoming. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 23 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people of the United States require the laws and Constitution be enforced and this constitutional crisis to be immediately resolved. Jail is required for all who violated their oath or laws. It takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 3/9/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Clerk.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you. That concludes our public comment session. We will now move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 161114-A.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 3/9/17 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 161114-A is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170051-A.
A resolution approving the 2017 Strategic Plan, Performance Report, Acquisition Policies and Disposition Policies of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson one more time.
On behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 3/9/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Resolution 170051-A is adopted. Mr. Decker, 170190.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission.
Please note that this is a Charter amendment. It requires two-thirds vote. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 3/9/17 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Stated Meeting March 9, 2017 3/9/17 - STATED - 2ND READING