COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 2, 2014 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. We're going to start now. We have a quorum. I'd ask that all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail, and if the members will take their seat, we'll get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Laverne Adams of Cathedral of Praise Community Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. I'd like to ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you, Councilman Clarke, for your introduction and thank you, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, for the invitation to offer the invocation before City Council today. Let us pray. Father in heaven, you commanded us in your word to pray for those leaders us. You told us to pray for them so that we could live quiet and peaceful lives. Therefore, today we pray for our Mayor and for the various levels of City officials and, in particular, for this assembled Council. I pray that your matchless grace would be present and available to each and every Councilperson. I pray that your presence would be seen and felt in their homes and in their daily activities in which they are engaged. May they always remember that you are the unseen force that is available to lead and guide and to provide and to protect. I pray for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being so that they will be healthy and strong in their leadership to us. I pray that they would be provided with whatever they need in order to serve their constituents with honor and integrity. I pray for their families that you have given them to enjoy. And in any have a deep need, I pray that you would fill that need with your mercy and your grace. Today I pray for their children. I pray for their children so that they would be privileged to experience the feeling of being completely loved and cared for. I pray that as their children enjoy this experience, it would serve as a reminder of the obligation of every Councilperson to desire the same wholesome experience for every child in the City of Philadelphia. The scriptures tell us that we should train up a child in a way that they should go so that when they are older, they will not depart. And so today help every member of the Council to remember their vitally important responsibility to make the necessary decisions for the appropriate training of our children to become contributing citizens in our city. wisdom to find the resources necessary to make real learning possible in every educational facility throughout this city. And so with every vote that is cast today, let them be cast with the conviction to always seek outcomes that are in the best interest of our children. For every choice that relates to housing and building better neighborhoods, let those votes be grounded in the assurance of safety for all of our children. For every vote regarding economic development, let those votes be made to secure the bedrock of financial security for all of our children. And for every decision made to increase the delivery of social services, let those votes be rooted in the conviction to ascertain the healthy emotional and physical well-being of all our children. And, God, we know in their doing so, the Council will fulfill the were appointed to serve, which will provide positive outcomes, not for just this moment in time, but so that our children, our most precious resource, are preserved and prepared to thrive in the next generation. It is in the name of your holy child Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen and amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend, for those inspiring words. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. Before we proceed, I would like to ask anyone in the audience who has a device, phone, whatever, that makes any sort of noise, would you please turn that device off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much. The next order of business is of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 25th, 2014, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 25th, 2014 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 25th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence, and the
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are two requests for leaves of absence, one from Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and one from Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. And on behalf of the minority, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you very much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank all of our guests and visitors here today. We hope that your stay here is a wonderful stay. We really appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day witness your government in action, and we hope that what you witness is so pleasurable that you actually come back again. So, again, thank you for coming down. We really appreciate you taking time to do that. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution to Women Against Abuse. Would Jeannine Lisitski and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, we have Councilman Bill Greenlee and Councilman Jones and Councilman Neilson.
Thank you very, very much, Council President. I'm going to take the prerogative of the mic and invite my colleague Councilman Jones to provide opening remarks and really put in context for us why today's declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month deeply matters.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I think it's appropriate because all our female members of Council have made us a work in progress, men to be enlightened by the fact of what's going on, none better than my colleague Councilman Greenlee, but I guess by getting the mic, she's saying that I'm most improved, and so I'll take it that way. Whether it's Kenyatta Johnson and Councilman Greenlee fighting for more beds for shelters in the budget last year and making all of us prioritize that or whether it is getting better understanding of the complete spectrum of what domestic violence is as opposed to just its stereotypes, this Council has evolved to the point in understanding and now recognizing it in other acts. Whether you're a sports star and think you are above the law or whether you are a child that was raised by a grandparent forgotten, lost their way, we are beginning to recognize it in all of its forms, and we are thankful to you and thankful to all of our enlightened colleagues to make it a priority of this Council. Thank you very much.
Very well said, Councilman Jones. Whereas, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is being sponsored locally by Women Against Abuse and through their sponsorship, they are encouraging everyone to help to increase the awareness of domestic violence in our homes and communities and decrease its negative impact on Philadelphia; and
Whereas, in 2013, the Philadelphia Police Department responded to more than 100,000 domestic abuse calls and domestic violence. It is not just a local problem but a national issue, where more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or States, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that women experience two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year, and the victims of several intimate partner violence lost nearly 8 million days of paid work each year; and Whereas, founded in 1976, the mission of Women Against Abuse is to provide quality of compassionate service, in the manner that fosters self-respect, independence in persons experiencing intimate partner violence and to lead the struggle and end domestic violence through advocacy and community education; and
Whereas, Women Against Abuse, in partnership with Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House's Bilingual Domestic Violence Program, and Women in Transition, have formed the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative that provides a comprehensive continuum of domestic violence and their families in Philadelphia, which includes housing, legal aid, counseling, medical advocacy, and behavioral health services; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides education and training to the community about domestic violence issues and resources and has partnered with the City of Philadelphia to operate the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline, and in Fiscal Year 2014, approximately 10,000 calls were answered through the Hotline; and
And whereas, to support victims of domestic violence, City Council championed the opening of a second 100-bed safe haven for survivors of domestic violence that opened in the summer of 2014, which will enable victims to take the crucial first steps to reclaim their lives and move forward towards a higher and brighter future; and Whereas, to ensure a more holistic approach to addressing violence in our community, Women Against Abuse partnered with its sister agencies and the Deputy Mayor of Health and Opportunity to develop a strategic plan to respond to domestic violence in Philadelphia, which will be completed this fall; and Whereas, to support a coordinated community response to domestic violence, Women Against Abuse will hold its 7th Annual iPledge Press Conference on October 3rd at noontime in LOVE Park as a community awareness initiative to promote knowledge about domestic violence and to build community support so that Philadelphians will take a stand against violence; now, therefore, be it resolved
That the City Council of Philadelphia declares and recognizes this month October as Domestic resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership and the representatives of Women Against Abuse as a sincere expression of this Council's gratitude, appreciation for raising the public awareness regarding domestic violence. Introduced by members Tasco, Reynolds Brown, Greenlee, Ed Neilson, and Jones and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations on your important continued work. (Applause.)
I want to thank first Councilwoman Tasco for sponsoring the proclamation and Councilmembers Greenlee, Reynolds Brown, Neilson, and Jones for also sponsoring and all of the have always opened their arms and their ears to listen to how we can work together. We are honored to be here again this year to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month here in Philadelphia. This has been a monumental year for improving access to services for survivors in our community. As you know with the leadership of City Council, this summer we were able to open our second 100-bed safe haven, and we are thrilled at the critically needed doubled capacity that this provides. However, once again, we were unable to meet a record-breaking number of housing requests last year when we turned away over 11,000 requests for safe shelter. Those were from women and children fleeing violence in their home. So while the new safe haven will mean safety for hundreds of additional women and children, it still falls short of meeting the need in our community. But that no one intervention will solve the complex issue of domestic violence. To that end, we have been working alongside other advocacy organizations and City agencies to create a truly coordinated community response to domestic violence, one that will recognize the need to integrate and coordinate all of our efforts to ensure that no matter where a victim turns, they will get the help they need. With the City, we have embarked on a formal strategic planning process to identify strategies that every City agency and community institution will take to be a part of the movement towards ending domestic violence. This plan will be completed very soon, in the next few months, and we will be eager to share it with you. While today's proclamation officially marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we have been around domestic violence following the Ray Rice NFL incident and other incidents. This incident was horrific but, unfortunately for us, not shocking. This happens every day in our community, and every Philadelphian deserves the same level of concern that has been paid to this high-profile case. It is critical that our local community be able to respond to every cry for help, tens of thousands of them each year that happen in our own city. While domestic violence is in the national spotlight, we must continue to build momentum to ensure that violence remains unacceptable. Whether it happens in our streets or in our homes, it's the responsibility of our entire community. So many of you have asked how can you help. We need not only your silent support, but your active commitment to ending violence in Philadelphia. We hope that you will join 7th Annual iPledge Press Conference at noon at LOVE Park. This campaign is a citywide social awareness movement that calls on Philadelphians to get involved in speaking out against domestic violence. There is something each of us can do. So let's make the most of this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tell us why you pledge. Join us for the press conference and, most importantly, stay involved throughout the year. We believe and we know that together we can end violence and we can create a safe and healthy community. Thank you so much for your commitment to being part of this transformation.
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will present a resolution on my behalf to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly. Would Ms. Julianne James and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, we have Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President, for offering Councilman Greenlee and I this opportunity to speak on behalf of this organization, as it has great sentimental value for me. As the caretaker of my 88-year-old mom, I am well in touch with what Little Sisters Friends of the Elderly Day do every day in Philadelphia, and I get a chance to say publicly that the work you do is vitally important for those of us who are fortunate enough to still have our so know that what you do, as is evidenced in this resolution being presented by President Clarke, does not go unrecognized. Recognizing October 1st as Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Day in Philadelphia. Whereas, in 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons; and Whereas, the theme of International Day of Older Persons 2014 is, quote, "Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All," end quote; and
Whereas, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly, Philadelphia Chapter began celebrating the International Day of Older Persons three years ago to raise awareness of elders' needs; and Whereas, founded in France in 1946, Little Brothers - Friends of the organization dedicated to relieving loneliness and isolation among older adults; and Whereas, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly motto "flowers before bread" expresses the belief that friendship and personal support are as important as the provision of food, clothing, and shelter; that hearts starve as well as bodies; and
Whereas, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly reduces isolation by providing a personal support and visiting program as well as telephone visits, social activities, birthday visits, holiday celebrations, mental health screening and advocacy for needed services; and Whereas, currently, there are Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly programs in seven cities and one rural area in the United States and in seven foreign countries; and Whereas, Little Brothers - Philadelphia history began in 1990 when a group of Philadelphia community volunteers was approached by the Little Brothers' national office to start a local chapter due to Philadelphia's high percentage of senior citizens; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Chapter of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly serves over 500 senior citizens, many of who are frail and homebound. Little Brothers offers a variety of ways for volunteers to connect with this population, and now, therefore be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that this City Council does hereby recognize October 1st as Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Day in Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership and the Friends of the Elderly Day as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Council President Darrell L. Clarke and supported by all members of Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Day. (Applause.)
Good morning, City Council, President Clarke, and my sorer, Blondell Reynolds Brown, the entire Council for supporting Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. Hi, Jannie. It is indeed an honor to receive this proclamation. Though we started in 1990, we seem to be the best kept secret in Philadelphia. So we hope this proclamation will wake us up again and wake others up to let us know -- let are still here trying to make a difference in the lives of those individuals who would otherwise be isolated and alone. So you can look on our website and see how you can help us. We'd be anxious to receive your call or your response to our e-mail. This is not a monthly thing. It's a daily thing that we do. Now, declaring October 1st as Older Persons Day is truly a tribute to the City of Philadelphia. It let's us know that you realize that we want to one day be 100. Okay? We don't want to say less than 100. And we want to do it with the support of others around us. So thanks again, City Council, for recognizing those who are a little less fortunate today than we are. God bless you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing October as Philly Plays Scrabble Month. Would Ms. Marciene Mattleman and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we also have Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you. Resolution recognizing October as Philly Plays Scrabble Month. Whereas, literacy of its citizens is important to the City of Philadelphia, for its workforce, for parents, for their children, and for the City's economic vibrancy; Whereas, After School Activities Partnerships, ASAP, has used show that literacy is achieved in many ways; and Whereas, research has shown that Scrabble expands word usage, dictionary skills and comprehension while having fun; and
Whereas, during October, adults who love the game of Scrabble and are eager to share their skills with young people, either for pleasure or as competition, can foster learning and create a love of words and their meanings; and Whereas, those who enjoy playing competitively will have the opportunity to be involved in non-rated championship matches, bringing excitement to the City and, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Philadelphia City Council recognize and honor PNC Bank and Comcast, who support Scrabble as a means of developing a more literate population, and declare October as Philly Plays Scrabble Month.
Further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be presented to After School Activities Partnerships and its sponsors, PNC Bank and Comcast, as sincere sentiments of our legislative body. And we note that this was signed and agreed to by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Mattleman for remarks.
Good morning, everybody. Thanks to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, we're back again telling the public that Philly Plays Scrabble Month in Philadelphia is a first, the only one in the country. And thanks to Cindy Bass for coming forward as well and all of you who share our initiatives and give contribution to the Activities Fund to make sure that they continue. important? Jannie already told you. It teaches word usage, dictionary skills, activity, but it also teaches strategic thinking where people can see the consequences of their actions of every move, and you know how important that is, how it transfers to other parts of their lives. We hope you recognize this directory, all of you. You have it in your office. If you want more, please call. It has a thousand sites in here where kids 1st to 12th grade can get involved in safe structured after-school activities. It was published as a supplement to the Daily News, but under the leadership of Justin Inniss. He'll call you. We also have it online. It's updated online and as part of the City's 3-1-1 system. The City has more than 100 Scrabble clubs under the leadership of Earl Joseph with us today, our travel coordinator. And PNC and Comcast are sorry, but they're so busy doing whatever they do, nobody could come today. Call Earl to organize after-school clubs for kids and help recruit volunteers to teach Scrabble anywhere in the city. How many of you play Scrabble, online, for fun? Good. That's good. Well, let me just tell you what happened to me the other day. I used two new words, selfie and tweet, and I won. You should try them. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bill: Bill No. 140519. And I am pleased to advise you that on October 1, 2014, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on September 18, 2014: Bill No. 130950-A and Bill No. 140377-A. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to expand the scope of "Plan '10" and "DC Plan" to cover additional employees, including employees represented by District Council 33, and certain employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, to change contribution rates, and to make technical amendments, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Do you have any additional communications, Mr. Decker?
Thank you very much. Next we will have introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine proposals presently in the state legislature that seek to regulate Transportation Network Companies in the Commonwealth and the potential need for such services in cities of the first class.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Pasquale "Pat" Deon, SEPTA Board Chairman, for his years of service to the Authority and after he was chosen to receive the 2014 Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award by the American Public Transportation Association.
That resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the members of the Neshaminy High School Playwickian Editorial Board and their student advisor Tara Huber for taking a stand against racism and bigotry by refusing to continue to publish the traditional nickname for the Neshaminy High School athletic teams, a derogatory term for Native Americans.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills on your behalf, one on my own, one privileged and one non-privileged resolution and wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution re-calling Bill No. 140514 is read for a motion on that resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by adding a new section, permitting and regulating Pop-up Shops within designated areas.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to expand the scope of "Plan '10" and "DC Plan" to cover additional employees, including employees represented by AFSCME, District Council 33, and certain employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
And an ordinance authorizing Old Nelson PA Four doing business as Old Nelson Food Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 3020 Market Street.
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, Twenty-Fourth, Forty-Sixth and Fifty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 140514, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled 'Referenda Approved by the Voters,' by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to abolish the School Reform Commission and to return local control of Philadelphia's schools," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
That will be on today's Calendar. I'm sorry, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the appropriate resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that it be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
The ayes have it. Sorry, Councilwoman. I assumed that people would vote for it, that's why I skipped the actual formal version of the suspension of the rules. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 18th Street, Diamond Street, 24th Street, Norris Street, 25th Street, Ridge Avenue, Glenwood Avenue, Diamond Street, 25th Street, Sedgley Avenue, Dauphin Street, and Glenwood Avenue.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Broad Street, Diamond Street, 18th Street, Glenwood Avenue and Lehigh Avenue.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill, one privileged resolution, and one resolution to be referred to committee.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by creating a new Mayfair/NCA Overlay district, the requirements of which shall apply to all commercially zoned properties in the area bounded by Frankford Avenue (both sides), Meridian Street, Rowland Avenue, Rhawn Street, Lexington Avenue, Solly Avenue, Revere Street, Holme Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Bustleton Avenue, Lardner Street, Leonard Street, Lardner Street, Revere Street, and Benner Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia on the occasion of their 60th Anniversary.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Rules to hold public hearings to investigate the preservation and development of industrial land in the City of Philadelphia.
That will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilwoman Marian Tasco, I have three privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution congratulating Kevin Vaughan on his retirement from the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring The Moorish Science Temple of America on its 100th Anniversary.
That will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring Dr. Donald Schwarz for his service as Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity and Health Commissioner.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and two resolutions unprivileged.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the preparation of language access plans for all City agencies; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
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 Seventh, Sixteenth, Nineteenth and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the adoption of language access plans by all City agencies; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
That will also be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution on behalf of all Councilmembers.
A privileged resolution joining the nation in recognizing October 2014 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and commending the PA Breast Cancer Coalition for its efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 140145-A (approved June 19, 2014), entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2015 Capital Budget," by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 140144-A (approved June 19, 2014), entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2015 through 2020 inclusive," by adding and revising certain projects, amounts and sources.
That bill will also be referred to committee. And the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution on your behalf co-sponsored by members Goode, Bass, and Greenlee and one resolution co-sponsored by members Blackwell, Goode, and Greenlee.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 1st as Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Day in Philadelphia.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October as Parent and Family Appreciation Month.
And that will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I introduce one non-privileged resolution today.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of all Councilmembers.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating John McNesby on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-613 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Junk Dealers," to establish additional requirements in connection with engaging in the business of a junk dealer.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by reducing the number of vendor locations permitted on the east side of 5th Street, from Arch Street to Market Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Team Philadelphia on their participation and dominance in the Federation of Gay Games 9 which took place in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio August 9, 2014 through August 16, 2014.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three privileged resolutions, two of which are co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
A privileged resolution acknowledging the work of GEAR UP in increasing the number of students prepared to enter and succeed in higher education.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution congratulating and honoring Hill Freedman World Academy Middle School and Norwood-Fontbonne Academy for winning the National Blue Ribbon School Award.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Art-Reach for the ACCESS Admission Initiative which connects underserved populations with Philadelphia's arts and cultural institutions.
And that resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer a privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Cindy Bass, a non-privileged resolution, and a bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Charter relating to establishing and defining a new method and qualifications for appointing and electing the members of the Board of Education along with new standards and policies to ensure efficient management and educational excellence.
And a privileged resolution declaring October 24, 2014, to be Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day in Philadelphia to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and oriental medicine.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter in preparation for the return to local Philadelphia control of the Philadelphia School District by providing for a new method and qualifications for appointing and electing the members of the Board of Education of the School establishing new standards and policies to ensure academic excellence, financial responsibility, and efficient, economical, and effective operation and management of the School District of Philadelphia.
That will be referred to committee. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next, reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 140715, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and approving the modification of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the refinancing of certain bonds, approving the issuance by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, or in a combined series with certain other authorized indebtedness, to refinance certain bonds; and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 140715. (Duly seconded.)
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. 140715. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now have consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill 2ND READING just reported from committee with suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. It will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 140726, 140727, 140734, 130693, and 140609. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar, we would ask that you sign up to the table to my left, if you have not already done so. Your name will be called. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council. And there is a device and a microphone on that podium. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When that light turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.
Excuse me a second. One more time, I'm going to ask if anybody has a device that makes any kind of noise, would you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much. (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. Good morning, City Council, and thank you for letting me speak. I'm not sure. I took a chance and came here today on hoping that they would speak about the public school system and the funding that is not going to the public school system and hoping that a resolution would be solved. A couple months ago I spoke in City Council and, Councilwoman Blackwell, thank you, who very much tried to help me. My grandson, who is severely autistic, has been out of school for the last six months of the school year last year. He was hurt in the public school system because he was overdosed by the principal because the Mayor took the nurses out of the school. And what I want to know today is what has been done in resolution to help children with special needs and where's the money going to help my grandson and other children who have been part of this minockery (ph) that has been going on in the public school system. For six months, we have called the public school system and the School Board and the Mayor's Office in hoping that they would help us get my grandson back into a school. Not one phone call was returned to us. Nothing. Then all the sudden we got a notice in the mail that they're taking us to court for truancy. So I want to know what has been done to resolve this as far as the SRC, as far as putting the public school system back in the hands of the parents and so forth, what bill is being resolved today to help my grandson and other children who are in our situation.
Thank you very much. And, again, thank you, Councilwoman Blackwell, for all the help that you've done for my family.
Ronald Blount, commenting on 140734. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. President. On behalf of the 5,000 taxi drivers in Philadelphia, we're here to support Resolution 140734. We believe that with better service, the citizens of Philadelphia, visitors coming in here will make our city a more global city. One of the aspects of this resolution that we really admire, that it looks at taxi drivers. Taxi drivers, as you know, in the City are working 12 to 16 hours a day. According to the Parking Authority, are making below the minimum wage. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, are doing one of the most dangerous occupations. So this resolution looks at a way of providing some sort of driver relief or disability coverage for drivers when they're injured out there on the job. So not only do we want to have great taxicabs in the City, we also want to have healthy and safe taxi drivers. Thank you, sir.
David R. Alperstein, commenting on 140734. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. President. My name is David Alperstein. I'm the Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Taxi Association. As you know, Philadelphia is a world-class city in nearly every way. We are a tourist destination for our arts and our history and an academic hub and a center for global commerce, but residents of and visitors to the City of Brotherly Love often encounter one aspect of our city that is hard to love - the condition of our taxi industry. We lag behind many cities in the quality and safety of our cabs, the impact on the environment, how accessible they are to the disabled, and how widely they are available to all. Now, thanks to you, Councilman Oh, the resolution being discussed today hopefully will initiate ways to improve the taxi experience for everyone who is a passenger, driver, taxpayer or visitor to Philadelphia. The Greater Philadelphia Taxi Association hopes to help in that effort and are here in support of this resolution. Let's make Philly cabs greener. There are no energy efficiency requirements or mandates that our cabs be green vehicles that are less burdensome on our environment. This must change. Like steps taken to make our fleet of official cars and trucks more green, so too should we have requirements that our cabs live up to those standards. In recent years, technology companies have created apps which have forever changed the taxi and delivery industry. Because of their sheer existence, there must be a demand for service and lack of supply. We will need to lead this modernization of the industry with the use of a citywide universal application in order to better compete with the unregulated, potentially dangerous companies. These apps can give passengers access to applications to pay for and summon a ride and let passengers give instant feedback on the quality of their experience. This will in turn lessen the amount of cash on hand by drivers, which can decrease violence on drivers and create a better experience for the citizens and visitors of the City. With that, we are in full support of this resolution, and thank you very much for your time.
Mr. Decker, prior to the next witness, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I respectfully request leave from the Chamber. I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Good morning, Mr. President, City Council, and thank you City, Councilmembers. I'm here to speak about Bill 140609. It is innovative and necessary. Education is where citizen formation begins. Like PGW, it is an economic platform, the basis of a science-driven economy. In regard to finding solutions for funding of education and other City operations, I ask the City Council to consider the resolution creating the Philadelphia public bank. In finding the permanent solution to financing and funding government, I ask the political system to confront the Federal Reserve Bank, who has allowed the private-sector finance to run roughshod over government and school districts across the nation. Every day the sequestered Congress enables the Fed's unrelenting unemployment, unlimited bailout system to operate the collapse of the national economy is the national security crisis. Unemployment, low wages, labor strife are weapons against a civil society and the national economy, the nation itself. We must work to motivate the Congress. Congress must confront the Fed. Put it into reorganization in the U.S. national bank credit system. Fund the redevelopment of the United States, activating the full employment policy, reversing the greatest depression, as the national security demands. The survival of the population depends upon it. Thank you.
Good morning. I would like to speak (unintelligible) sensible taxicabs. (Unintelligible). This gives us more options to come and call your offices (unintelligible).
Yes. I am here to speak about the accessible taxis, and I want to say that we've been fighting for more accessible taxis for the past ten years and it is a relief to know that we are being taken seriously about this and, you know, good to know that my whole work or our hard work and persistence pays off. And I want to -- you know, with the growing number of disabled citizens in Philadelphia, the need is there for accessible taxis. And even if somebody with a disability, even if somebody is disabled for a month, a year, even their whole life, everybody needs to know that at some point in your life you will need some assistance, and having accessible taxis is part of that assistance and independence. And I also would like to let you know that I've been to the other major cities in this great country and to let you know that Philadelphia is way behind on accessible taxis. And you want to make the City a more friendly place for tourism and everything like that. Well, you need to consider people with disabilities in that decision-making. Thank you.
Hello. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Councilman Oh for introducing 140734, which provides affordable and accessible taxi service to wheelchair-bound individuals who solely or heavily depends on services such as Paratransit, which I think is a great service, but may be convenient when it comes to booking last-minute transportation. That's all. Thank you.