Thank you, Councilman Oh, for letting us speak. I'd just like to say I think that this accessible taxi is long overdue. And I'm going to tell you like I just told them in Harrisburg not too long ago. Because if I was going out to lunch with a couple of you, four or five of you can get in one taxi. I would have to wait, and y'all go along and probably have drinks and hors d'oeuvres, but I would have to wait until an accessible taxi come along, because there's not many, and most of them hang out at the airport. So I'm glad that you're allowing more to come along. And with Pennsylvania being one of the tenth largest states, I think it's disgusting and long overdue. Thanks.
German Parodi, commenting on 140734. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, President Clarke and Councilmembers. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak today. I'm here to thank Councilman Oh and the supporters of this bill that is going to be petitioning the Assembly in Harrisburg to give us 300 more taxis in addition to the 150 they just gave us in 2010. We should begin seeing them in December. I really personally -- I just used an accessible taxi yesterday morning and it was gratifying finally being able to call a taxi and for it to arrive faster than I know regular taxis that my friends have asked to my house. So that is great, and knowing that -- but that's just me. We're just starting this. There is over 50,000 people in Philadelphia, our community, that have claimed that they use wheelchairs, and we only have, what, eight now. We will have put in some 45 in December, and this 300 more, in addition to everything else, would really be a significant step in Philadelphia being a global city. We just had the Wheelchair Games and, sadly, we didn't have enough wheelchair-accessible taxis for them. But they'll be here. We have the Convention Center that brings the Flower Show, the Car Show, many different conventions there that people with disabilities will come. There is a social forum 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING happening in Philadelphia next year, and one of its themes is disability, and we expect 10,000 people to come to that. We need these wheelchair-accessible taxis. Thank you, Councilman Oh, and I hope that every Councilperson here votes for this and that the Assembly gives us what we need. Thank you.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now consider bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 140726.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 Forty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140726 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140727. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
A 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 Twenty-Ninth and Forty Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140727 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140734.
A resolution respectfully requesting that the Pennsylvania Legislature authorize an additional 300 taxi medallions to provide modern, green, wheelchair accessible taxi cabs with bike racks to meet the existing needs of Philadelphia's underserved ridership and using the proceeds to reduce the wage tax.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140734 is adopted. Mr. Decker, could you please read the title of Bill No. 130693.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by prohibiting the use of automated purchasing machines for the purchase of personal property.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 130693. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I now move for the 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded Bill No. 130693 be amended. All those in favor of that amendment say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 130693 has been amended. It will placed on our Second and Final Reading Passage at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 140609.
An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING additional operating funds for the School District of Philadelphia for Fiscal Year 2015 only, approving the issuance by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, to finance such additional operating funds; 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.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A 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, introduced by Councilman Kenney. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Pasquale "Pat" T. 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, introduced by 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is also adopted.
And a 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 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING nickname for the Neshaminy High School athletic teams, a derogatory term for Native Americans, introduced by Councilman Kenney.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 140514, entitled "An ordinance 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING 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," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of special business at this time.
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
Councilwoman, just for clarity's purposes, just from a technical perspective, I just want to make sure, the motion was to adopt the resolution that will allow us to do special business; am I correct?
That's what I thought. And that motion was moved and properly seconded. Let's take the vote one more. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and we will be in special business later on in this Council session. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a resolution honoring the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia on the occasion of their 60th Anniversary, introduced by Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Rules to hold public hearings to investigate 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING the preservation and development of industrial land in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution congratulating Kevin Vaughan on his retirement from the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez on 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring The Moorish Science Temple of America on its 100th Anniversary, introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.
The 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring Dr. Donald Schwarz for his service as Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity and Health Commissioner, introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a 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, introduced by Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution, please. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing October 1st as Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Day in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown on behalf of Council President Clarke.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Yes, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing October as Parent and Family Appreciation Month, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating John McNesby on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department, introduced by Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a 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, introduced by Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution acknowledging the work of GEAR UP in increasing the number of students prepared to enter and succeed in higher education, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution congratulating and honoring Hill Freedman World Academy Middle School and Norwood-Fontbonne Academy for winning the National Blue Ribbon School Award, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing and honoring Art-Reach for the ACCESS Admission Initiative which connects underserved populations with Philadelphia's arts and cultural institutions, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution declaring October 24, 2014, to be 10/2/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day in Philadelphia to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and oriental medicine, introduced by Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to special business, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion regarding special business.
Thank you, Mr. President. We are asking that the rules be suspended to permit consideration of special business and we move that the Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 140514 was passed. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. Mr. Decker, please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your resolution adopted October 2, 2014, 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 return local control of Philadelphia schools, as proposed by a petition presented to Council and approved for submission to the electors," for the purpose of reconsideration by the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 140514 was passed.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 140514 -
All in favor please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which 140514 was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair now again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 140514. A copy has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 140514 be adopted. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 140514 has been amended. This bill will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council.
Mr. President, I ask to be recognized to submit a bill on behalf of the Administration that I just received.
Okay. Let me conclude the special business. Mr. Decker, hold on one second.
Councilwoman, could you just make a motion to suspend the rules to allow the introduction of the bill at this time.
That parliamentary procedure is awesome. All those in favor? (Aye.)