COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 8, 2011 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Elizabeth Colton of Grace Church and the Incarnation. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Please let me take just a quick moment of personal privilege to thank the Councilwoman for her invitation to be here and also to bring greetings from the people in the neighborhood of Port Richmond in her district. I also want to thank the 32 years of devoted service. And as I was thinking about how the people in our district would remember her, my mind went immediately to the children of our church, who will remember her as the Water Ice Lady, because when we have a back to school blessing in September, she kindly provides the water ice, which might seem like a very small thing, but on a hot Sunday summer afternoon, it's a wonderful thing. The adults, I'm sure, would thank her for many more substantive and wonderful accomplishments on her behalf. As we pray for the people of this city, I invite you to respond after the petition we ask with these words: Be present to them. Let us pray. For the homeless and wayfarers of the City, Gracious God, be with them on the road, we ask... (Be present to them.)
For those who anxious, discouraged and unemployed, encourage them and strengthen them, we ask... (Be present to them.)
For those who refuse to see the plight of others, for the smug and the contented and the satisfied, give them a thirst for justice, we ask... (Be present to them.)
For all those who work on behalf of the City for their dedication and steadfast devotion, give them renewed strength, we ask... (Be present to them.)
For the members of this City Council who do the work of the people every day, easy and controversial, simple and complicated, give them a spirit of patient perseverance, we ask... (Be present to them.)
For those who will retire, Councilman Frank Rizzo, Jack DiCicco, Councilwomen Anna Verna and Joan Krajewski, that they may enjoy the fruits of their labors on behalf of this city. Give them energy for this home stretch, we ask... (Be present to them.)
And we ask, God, in our midst, come close to us and help us come close to you as for a fraction of time we step back from the activities of this day. May we treasure such moments with you, moments when we can bring to you the things we are doing and find new meaning for them and new strength for doing them, and moments for recalling how we are meeting you already in the stuff of daily living and engagement, when faith is tested and compassion is translated into action. Send your blessing upon this City Council of the great City of Philadelphia and grant that as the day goes on, if we forget you, you do not forget us, oh God. name of the one who worked tirelessly for justice on behalf of others, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for her invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 1st, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 1, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 1st, 2011 be approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. I don't know whether it's me this morning, but the noise level is awful. People should not be standing against the wall. There are enough vacant seats, and that's where the noise comes from. Please take a seat. No one is allowed to be standing. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez, who will present a citation honoring Captain Cram and the officers of the 26th Police and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. We all know about the challenges that the City faces with our high rate of poverty, our crime, and I am pleased that throughout my tenure in City Council, one of the areas where I focus the most is public safety, and I'm pleased about the types of partnerships that we have established on the ground. Today I rise to recognize the 26th Police District and the officers who join Captain Christopher Cram that, under his leadership, have provided us with some piloting and some effective crime strategies, prevention strategies in the community. With the Captain is Officer Javier Cortes, Ronald Fred, Jonathan Ramos and Edwin Carrera. These officers and under the leadership of Captain Cram time Commissioner Ramsey has wanted to put forth community strategies, this Captain has volunteered to do those pilots in the community in the 26th Police District. We've seen some incredible decrease in crime, but in addition to the crime, Captain Cram is one of those captains that will walk an alleyway with me, who will go to a meeting with three people or 400 people, because he cares. And that's why today I recognize him, because when we started the public service areas and now Philly Rising, Captain Cram has always gone beyond the call of duty. It is not just about making people feel safe, it is about building that community trust with the police officers, and these officers walk the beat, know their neighborhoods, know their block captains, have joined us in massive cleanups of alleyways and, more importantly, help the community reclaim what is one of our bright small parks in a shining example of the Mayor's commitment to Greenworks. We have a garden area. We have a spray park. We have a handball court. It's space for everyone in the community. And these neighbors did not believe that this space could be theirs if it were not for the leadership of Captain Cram and some of our other partners in the community, including APM and other non-profits in the area. We hope that this continues to serve as a shining example as the Mayor expands Philly Rising throughout the City of the fact that neighbors and residents can reclaim their communities and that the Police Department is a strategic partner in that. So the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize and honor the 26th Police District, under the leadership of Captain Michael Cram, for his dedication in serving the community. law enforcement career when he entered the Police Academy in 1993 and began working in the 25th Police District in 1994. The Captain has moved through the Police Department serving in the 14th, 15th and 26th Police District posts. Captain Cram has always worked tirelessly to support his community, and recently worked alongside community leaders and advocates on reclaiming an abandoned park on North 5th Street in Philadelphia. He led the 26th Police District in helping to fight and the community to fight and prevent criminal activity in this neighborhood, transforming what was once a detriment to the community in the Rainbow De Calouros Park and Handball Court, which has become a symbol of hope and optimism in the community. Whereas, Police Captain Cram has made his family and his community proud. He is being recognized and work and commitment to the field of law enforcement. Therefore, by virtue of this, the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes Captain Cram and his officers who join him today for their determination, commitment and passion for serving their community. We offer our sincerest gratitude and services and thanks for their years of service. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Captain Cram for remarks. CAPTAIN CRAM: Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you for inviting me today. I just want to really recognize the guys that are doing the work in the neighborhood. These four heroes behind me are doing things you won't find in any police manual, any kind of text about community police. They're the definition they're the reason why we're reclaiming a neighborhood that was really under siege. And I'd also like to thank the Councilwoman, because anything we need from her and her staff, she's right out there with us fighting about the battle to really help the citizens of Philadelphia. And this city that I think -I've been all over the world with the military. This is the greatest city in the world, and I love it. I was born here, and I plan on never leaving. So I want to thank you and thank the Councilwoman. And let's give a big round of applause for these guys. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones, resolution honoring the Overbrook Monarchs. Would Dana Hutchins and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
The price of success is hard work. Dedication to the job at hand will determine if we win or lose. That motto could be right outside the doors of Council, but it is the motto of the Overbrook Monarch Football Team. Ain't that right? (Applause.)
Today we will be honoring and celebrating the Overbrook Monarch Football Team, their win in the 65-pound American Conference Championships by defeating the Plymouth 27 to nothing. (Applause.)
Whereas, on the heels of the football field and equipment shed being vandalized, the Overbrook Monarchs 65-pound team went on to have a spectacular 2011 season consisting of eight wins and one loss. And we're still looking for those folks. Most importantly, on Saturday, November 26th, 2011, the Monarchs defeated the Whitemarsh Spartans winning the 65-pound American Conference Championship; and
Whereas, led by Head Coach Richard "Bam" Carr, Offensive Coach Eric Edwards and Defensive Coach Coach Curt -- not our Curt -- the 21 member football team closed out their final game of the season with an aggressive and unique offensive strategy. Mirroring a popular formation from the 1940's and '50s, the Monarchs offensive team ran a "single wing" formation leaving the Plymouth Whitemarsh regroup; and
Whereas, the Overbrook Monarchs embody the motto, "The price of success is hard work. Dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." Through this mindset, the Monarchs have embraced all those qualities that matter to building a team - pride, team work, sportsmanship, quality work ethic, discipline and awareness - in all of their athletes; and
And whereas, through the foundation of these guiding principles, the Monarchs have been successful in developing the next generation of leaders through athletic and academic achievement. With winning several conference championships in different weight classes and demanding excellence in the classroom, these coaches give our youth the opportunity to that promotes a healthy and an active lifestyle on and off the field while preparing them for a productive future; now therefore
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors and celebrates the Overbrook Monarchs Football Team on winning the 65-pound American Conference Championship by defeating the Plymouth Whitemarsh Spartans score 27 to 0. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Head Coach Richard "Coach Bam" Carr as evidence of our sincere admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Coach, I wanted you to know my colleagues here were anxious to read this citation to you even though they're from different districts because you whooped up on their the line. COACH CARR: Actually, Ms. Hutchins is going to speak.
Good morning, City Councilmembers and visitors. My name is Dana Hutchins and I'm the team mom for the Overbrook Monarchs 65-pound American Team. On behalf of this organization, the coaches and parents and our coach, Coach Bam, we would like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones and City Council officials for this opportunity to be here today. We count it a privilege and an honor to be presented with a resolution honoring our team for their dedication and hard work this season. We have had a very long season, with practices starting at the end of July. So all of the hard work and sleepless early Saturdays have paid off. The 65 American team has managed to beat Plymouth Whitemarsh with a score of 27 to 0, and the team that we lost to our very first game was Plymouth would like to say our children: Naseem Baily, Devon Pedon, Anthony Morton, Brylan Brown, Issaq Harris, Naja Carter, Camaj Lewis, Zahir Rawls, Shaeon Nixon, Donovan Jackson, Edward Duese Harrison, Uybad Steed, Glenn Delee, Jalen Killing, Jaquil Jackson, Jaylen Dorse, Mark Wilberforth, Jordan Minor and Deonnis Gerald. (Applause.)
Thank you. Is this Mr. Carr? Did you want to say a few words? COACH CARR: No.
Okay. Fine. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 7, 2011, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 1, 2011: Bill No. 110782 and Bill No. 110783; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Oak Lane Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 1802 Seventy-Third Avenue and 7271 Pittville Avenue; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 702 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2234 through 36 Palethorp Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 706 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 1236 through 40 North Randolph Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Area, designated as Parcel No. 98 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 1218 East Oxford Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 56 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 3738 North 10th Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 112 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2007 Street; and A resolution approving the Second Amended and Restated Parking Garage Development Agreement and Lease of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Police Department to donate all bicycles recovered by the Department from the streets of Philadelphia, and unclaimed by their owners after ninety days, to the Police Athletic League on an annual basis, so that this charitable organization may identify and distribute said bicycles to disadvantaged children throughout the City of Philadelphia during the annual holiday season, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Police Department to donate all bicycles recovered by the Department from the streets of Philadelphia, and unclaimed by their owners after ninety days, to the Police Athletic League.
We want these children to have bicycles for the holidays.
I request that the rules of Council be suspended so as to consider this resolution at the end of today's Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution also naming the eight-hundred block of Fifty-Third Street "Dr. Jimmie Ellis Way."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Oak Lane Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 1802 Seventy-Third Avenue and 7271 Pittville Avenue.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolutions.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 706 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 1236 through 40 North Randolph Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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, Nineteenth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 702 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2234 through 36 Palethorp Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer four resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the titles.
A resolution approving the Second Amended and Restated Parking Garage Development Agreement and Lease of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Market Street East Urban Renewal Area.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 112 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2007 Sepviva Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution amending Resolution No. 110453, approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. No. Councilman Clarke, do you have any bills or resolutions?
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 98 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 1218 East Oxford Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 56 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 3738 North 10th Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Sixteenth, Thirty-Second and Forty-Ninth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Sixteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam Chair, the Committee of the Whole reports three bills and four resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 110835, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by further providing with respect to conditional zoning approvals"; and Bill No. 110844, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, Subcode 'A,' The Philadelphia Administrative Code, to make certain technical amendments, to further provide for penalties, and to transfer the current schedule of fees relating to zoning matters from the Zoning Code to the Administrative Code and to revise such schedule"; and Bill No. 110845, entitled "An ordinance repealing Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' and replacing it with a new Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning'; and making conforming changes to the Zoning Maps of the City"; and Resolution No. 110852, entitled "A resolution appointing John Smithson to of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion"; and Resolution No. 110853, entitled "A resolution reappointing Bernie Prezenica to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion"; and Resolution No. 110854, entitled "A resolution reappointing Matthew Schure to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion"; and Resolution No. 110855, entitled "A resolution appointing Jeffrey Goldstone to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110835, 110844 and 110845. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution Nos. 110852, 110853, 110854 and 110855 will be Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports five bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 110793, entitled "An ordinance approving the tenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2 and Unit No. 3, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Parrish and Fifty-Second Street, including the sixth amendment to the urban renewal plan and the third amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of one property for commercial and residential uses"; and Bill No. 110798, entitled "An ordinance approving the fortieth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Front Street and Spring Garden Street, including the thirty-second amendment to the urban renewal plan and the twenty-eighth amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately 49 properties for residential, institutional and related uses"; and Bill No. 110826, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by amending Section 9-1004, entitled 'Contractors,' by requiring that certain information be reported to the Department for certain construction projects, and providing for the posting of certain information at the construction site"; and Bill No. 110842, entitled "An ordinance repealing an ordinance (Bill No. 110083), entitled 'An ordinance amending Section 14-1607 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Special District Controls for the Center City Commercial Area,' and Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulated Uses'"; and Bill No. 110847, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of the Aria Health System - Torresdale Campus (formerly Frankford Hospital), located at 10800 Knights Road, by allowing for the construction of a building addition to be used for emergency and outpatient services," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council
Madam President, I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110793, 798, 826, 842 and 847. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Councilwoman Tasco for a report on the Committee on Finance.
Madam President, the Committee on Finance reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 110876, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Director of Finance to enter into a multi-year agreement or agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, and other parties as necessary concerning the parking garage project constructed as part of the overall Market Street East-Gallery II Redevelopment Project, the agreement between the City and PAID, as amended, originally authorized by Bill No. 546 (approved June 15, 1993), and further authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Director of Finance, where necessary or prudent, to enter into ancillary agreements with any or all of PAID, the RDA, Parametric Garage Associates, a new lender to Parametric, and other parties under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam Chair, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110876. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Appropriations reports one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 110877, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund relating to the Council," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill 110877. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Law and Government reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 110716, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Standards of Conduct and Ethics,' to include Life Partners among the family members listed application of various ethical rules, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110716. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 110831, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to accept title to all that lot or certain piece of ground with the buildings and improvements, if any, thereon erected located at 4810 North 7th Street"; and Bill No. 110839, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire certain land located generally along the east bank of the Schuylkill River between Sears Street and South 34th Street, including land in the vicinity of the eastern end of Grays Ferry Bridge"; and Bill No. 110848, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-200 of The Philadelphia Code ('Sales, Leases, and Other Grants of City-Owned Buildings and Facilities') to require that notice of the pending transfer of City-owned lands and lands owned by certain quasi-public agencies be posted on such lands prior to their transfer"; and Bill No. 110875, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail, for the purpose of incorporating the acquired land into the Kensington & Tacony Trail for public recreation use," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110831, 110839, 110848 and 110875. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 110836, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' to expand the 'Plan '10' and 'DC Plan' to cover additional employees pursuant to an arbitration decision"; and Bill No. 110841, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' by further providing conditions under which an employee or any designated beneficiary may be disqualified from receiving any retirement or other benefit or payment," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110836 and 110841. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, to which was referred Bill No. 110784, entitled "An ordinance repealing Chapter 21-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Community Development,' and replacing it with a new Chapter 21-1100 that restates and revises the policy of the City of Philadelphia regarding its Community Development Block Grant program; expands the scope of the Chapter to incorporate related housing and community development programs; requires a preparation of an annual Consolidated Plan for the City that covers, not only Community Development Block Grant funds that the City receives under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, but also all other funds from other sources that the City receives for housing and community development programs; and establishes requirements and procedures relating to the preparation, content, publication, amendment, approval, oversight, administration and implementation of the Consolidated Plan," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110784. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on the Environment.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on the Environment reports one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on the Environment, to which was referred Bill No. 110829, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Code,' by providing for the manner of payment to building permit fees when a solar electric or photovoltaic system is installed," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110829. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that bills just reported from committee with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 110761, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land known and numbered as 1925 through 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING 33 West Venango Street thru to Pacific Street."
And Bill No. 110762, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germantown Avenue, Hartwell Lane, Shawnee Street, and Southampton Avenue."
And Bill No. 110763, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-1613, entitled 'Germantown Avenue Special District Controls,' by providing certain exceptions and controls for eligible mixed use projects."
And Bill No. 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING 110827, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Traffic Code,' by further providing with respect to valet parking permit fees; and by authorizing the establishment of hotel loading zones and providing for penalties for illegally parking in such zones; all under certain and conditions."
The Chair agrees. The bills just read will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco regarding a motion concerning Bill No. 110836.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 110836 at this time. (Duly seconded.) 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING
Thank you. I believe that was in the form of a motion, which will have to be voted on. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 110836. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.) 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 110876 has been amended. Bill No. 110876 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. I'm sorry; 36. I'm sorry. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller regarding a motion concerning Bill No. 110763.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 110763 at this time. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 110763. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 110763 has 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING been amended. Bill No. 110763 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for next week. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a motion on Bill No. 110835.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 110835 at this time. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Madam President, I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 110835. A copy of the 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. The amendment incorporates technical changes regarding the two-step conditional zoning permit process with respect to notice that must be provided to registered community organizations and also sets forth a clear number of days upon which a notice must be posted at the property, which is five days. I move for the adoption of this amendment. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 110835 has been amended. Bill No. 110835 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for 12/8/11 - STATED - 1ST READING next week. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will propose an amendment to Bill No. 110876.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill 110876 at this time. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer an amendment to Bill No. 110876. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 110876 has been amended. Bill No. 110876 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for next week. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Passage Calendars: Bill Nos. 110275, 110681, 110768, 110781, 110733, 110758, 110787, 110788, 110789, 110830, 110832, 110308, 110309, 110520, 110647, 110663, 110720, 110721, 110734, 110735, 110736, 110737, 110738, 110765, 110767, 110785, 110786, 110794, 110795, 110796, 110797, 110849, 110610, 110833 and 110834. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilwoman Tasco. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we 2ND READING will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Madam President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 110878, 110879, 110880, 110881, 110882, 110883, 110884, 110886, 110887, 110888, 110889, 110890, 110130. 100011 is being amended. And in addition to calling up on the Second Reading is 110712.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already done so, you can sign up with the Sergeant-of-Arms to my left. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have up to three minutes to speak. Now, I notice that there are approximately 30 people who want to speak on the one bill. I would ask that Councilwoman Brown, who will be introducing amendments today on that bill, explain what those amendments are so perhaps we can avoid the repetition of people coming up to the microphone talking about the bill as is and as you know it to be. So, therefore, I don't think that we would be out of order in asking Councilwoman Brown to please state what the amendments will involve. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Point of order, Madam President. I need to be excused for about five or ten minutes. If a vote comes up in my absence, I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions, but I do expect to be back before the public comment period ends.
And how many minutes did you say? Eight minutes. So I can time you? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Eight and a half.
Oh, okay. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for allowing me to speak briefly and update the many sides that have been interested in the Lead Poisoning and Disclosure Bill. These amendments which I am offering today in no way make for a perfect bill. These amendments today, it is expected, will move us closer towards a better bill. And let me add a footnote. We're at a critical juncture with this measure. By way of background, it was introduced January 2009. We've been meeting with all sides of this issue for the past 18 months on a regular basis, and the option to move forward with the bill in its current form, in my view, guarantees defeat. It's not an option for me, Madam President. I've opted instead to consider amendments that have been offered by all sides of the issue. Some of those amendments are acceptable and within the scope of the bill; other amendments were not acceptable and were not in the scope of the bill. They'll have to be dealt with at a later time in another bill next year, which I expect to deal with. So today I'm introducing amendments to help further build the needed support for this bill so that we can ensure passage a week from now. What are the amendments? Instead of casting the net very, very wide to include every landlord in the City of Philadelphia, we've opted instead to narrow the scope and limit the scope of the bill only to those rental properties which will have children seven years of age and under residing in the home -- six, same thing. So let me repeat that. No longer are we casting the net to the world. We're narrowing the scope of the bill to include only those landlords who rent properties to families that have children six and under, because the initial purpose of the bill was, last year there were 1,100 children poisoned by lead, and with that as a reality, we need to do something. So I need to say thank you to the advocates, the medical professionals I've spoken with on the phone and the real estate community for helping to make additional adjustments. We've listened to all sides, and today we're offering that amendment to narrow the bill so that the scope is now limited only to those who rent to children six and under. I need to -- I'd be remiss not to say thank you to the co-sponsor of the bill, Councilwoman Tasco, and to Councilmembers Sanchez, Goode and DiCicco, who have given me ideas and counsel along this road. Also know that the door has just been opened. The scale of this issue is much bigger than I ever imagined. The number of unlicensed landlords in this city is atrocious, and we're going to deal with that, but this bill deals with one thing, disclosure to tenants wherein you say this property is lead free, which is the highest standard, or lead safe. So I introduce those amendments, and I would ask my colleagues to please consider them and I ask for the needed support. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of the first speaker.
Please come to the microphone and give your comments. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Madam President, members of Council. My name is Darrell Zaslow. I am legal counsel to HAPCO, the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia. The bill which Councilwoman Brown has introduced presents a momentous potential to strike a powerful blow against childhood lead poisoning. The bill, from our perspective, began as a powerful blow against property owners, but after years of work, I've been at it for over 20 years and years of work on this particular bill, we have an opportunity here to allow something to occur which will improve the circumstances for everyone. There's been enormous effort by owners, child advocates, tenant advocates, most significantly the Councilwoman, Councilwoman Tasco and her staff, Councilwoman Sanchez and Miller, who listened to unlistenable testimony from our side for hours and hours on end, Councilman Green who we met in the hallway and listened to us, Councilman Clarke who we met in the hallway and gave us a fair hearing, Councilwoman Blackwell who heard us in the hallway briefly. It was all very much appreciated. It would be disingenuous for me to say the property owners are happy with this bill. We have yet a great many concerns. You may hear concerns from the other side that they're not happy either, yet this is a compromise, Madam President, that we officially, speaking on behalf of the property owners of Philadelphia, will do our best to implement successfully. There's something more that's required. It's important to remember that childhood lead poisoning is a problem, a social ill which money can solve, and we're going to be asking for a resolution from this Council at the appropriate time when as a united community of tenant advocates, landlord advocates, child advocates, that we are going to the state with a recommendation for a funding source to actually put money into solving the problem. I note Dilworth Plaza. It's going to be fabulous, Madam President. We all love this building. I love this building. Yet $50 million of not your money -- I know it's not coming from Council -- $50 million represents putting $5,000 in repairs into 10,000 houses. Somewhere in our government there is money. Dilworth is going to be great. We need to focus on children and properties here in our city as well. Madam President, thank you for your service, and thank you to all members of Council who participated with us, and thank you, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
I've done my best, Madam President, to short-circuit a hundred people on our side who wanted to speak today. They may wish to address you, as is their right, but I've attempted to tell you the official position of HAPCO and the property owner community.
My name is Christine Young Gertz. I'm the Government Affairs Director of the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia, and this morning I want to voice the support of the Apartment Association for this Lead Paint Disclosure Bill as it's going to be further amended this morning, especially and including that it is narrowed in its scope to units where children age six and under will live. These changes will reasonably limit the application of this legislation to the one group it is intended to help, without overly burdening the City's entire rental community with crushing costs. I especially want to thank Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Tasco for their unwavering commitment to fairness and open discussion of the very serious issues this bill presented for owners of rental housing. I appreciate knowing going forward we can rely on the open dialogue you have facilitated. The changes to the definition to target housing and the other amendments to this bill warrant giving this bill a chance. They place the bill's focus where it should be, on the children it is intended to help. As we've discussed in many of our meetings, the Apartment Association and its members do not want a single additional child to suffer from lead exposure. Thank you for your willingness to fine-tune the provisions to assure it reaches those it intends to help in a way that will not cause irreparable harm to those to whom it does not apply. I am hoping this bill helps, and I am looking forward to further work with you, and the Apartment Association is on board with what Mr. Zaslow just suggested, a joined effort on the part of everyone to seek the funds and allocate them to further address the problem of exposure to kids of lead paint hazards. Again, thank you very much.
Councilwoman Brown and members of City Council. My name is Victor H. Pinckney, Sr., President of HAPCO. I'm here today to speak in favor of Councilwoman Brown's lead paint bill. I would first like to thank the Councilwoman for the time and effort that she and her staff have put into the drafting of this bill, her willingness to allow HAPCO, the Greater Philadelphia Apartment Association, the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors and various other stakeholders to participate in the drafting of same. HAPCO has been allowed unprecedented access to the Councilwoman and her staff for almost two years as we have jointly tweaked this bill. I am quite sure that if her legislative aide, Kathy Gilmore, never hears from HAPCO or receives a phone call or e-mail from one of our members, she would be a happy camper. But seriously speaking, while both sides of the argument concerning this bill are not totally happy, we feel progress has been made. We feel that we can take the Councilwoman at her word when she says she is willing to help find funding to make the necessary repairs for owners of rental properties and owner-occupied properties must do to help in the problem of lead poisoning in kids. But one must show that Philadelphia has one of the lowest incidents of lead poisoning for a city of its size, and we are willing to partner with the City to reduce that number to zero. Property owners cannot do it alone. We need access to funding that is being provided in every other city that has been mentioned in testimony by both sides of this argument. With funding -and if I dare say some future tweaking of this proposed legislation -- we would be able to reach that zero number. Hopefully in the future any proposed legislation concerning housing, HAPCO will be given a seat at the table. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. All you have to do is ask. Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councilwoman Brown and Council, for listening.
Wait a minute. Is this a witness to testify? Are you testifying?
Good morning, President Verna, Councilwoman Brown and City Council. I'm Christopher Somers. This is anti-climactic from the committee hearings, but I wanted to come here as a taxpayer. I'm a member of GPAR. I'm also a realtor and owner of Re/Max Access, and I have some concerns about this bill. And I guess my primary concern, it's a health bill being masked as a real estate bill. And with the amendments, obviously a lot of people are happy with the bill, and myself, it makes me a lot more happy, but I think there's still a lot of flaws with the bill and I would still like to see not the bill be in existence at all and maybe kind of go back to the drawing table, although I know that's not going to happen. But I think my five points I'd like for people to consider, maybe not with this bill due to its being to pass, but with future bills moving forward. This bill is going to cover so few properties in its current form. It's almost like why are we doing it? I understand the purpose of children, but moving forward, I think when we have a bill, we want to protect -- if we want to protect children, we want to cover all properties, so when we're not covering owner occupants and we're really not covering City properties and PHA properties. When I'm out there every day and seeing these properties as a realtor and as an investor myself -- I own a number of properties. I represent clients who own properties. These types of properties are the ones that really kind of have the biggest issues and they're not being covered, has a concern to me. So I kind of look at it more as the City collecting revenue unnecessarily when all the properties aren't being covered, has a big concern to me as a taxpayer and as an investor as well. And I think when you kind of punish the landlord and you punish businesspeople, that's really not what we're trying to do to make the City a better place moving forward. I think we want to incentivize investors. We want to incentivize businesspeople to invest in the City and to invest in these areas that need it most, and I think one of the unintended consequences that this could have is people like myself and other investors maybe not taking the risk to take these chances and invest in the communities that need it most. And when you think about that, some of the people that own these properties might say, Well, maybe I might just sell properties that I already own. And in a fragile real estate market that we're in, the last thing that we need is more inventory on the market. I think what we need is, we need incentives for people to purchase properties, and we also need more incentives for homeowners to purchase properties, because with these rents the way that they are and with rents going to increase as a result, a lot of these people that are renting in these properties might be able to own a property and participate in homeownership and be accountable -- or not really accountable, but more empowered to be part of the community.
Hi. My name is Carolyn Boxmeyer, and although I'm a member of HAPCO, I'm representing myself as a concerned mother and landlord. And I need you to listen up, because today I'm going to solve your budget woes and the lead problem. Thank you very much for amendments to Bill 100011 and thank you for working with us. Please don't be offended when I say this, but I know you may think that the bill no longer has teeth, but I suggest that it has none for this reason: It targets only those one-quarter of the landlords in this city, one-quarter, who are licensed and already obey existing laws protecting young children and protecting everybody from lead in the home. I suggest two important actions that will help. One is systematically canvassing the unlicensed rentals, the three-quarters of those rentals that have probably produced the 55 percent of children that tested with high lead. I suggest systematically canvassing them and getting them into compliance. This will do two things. This will generate tax revenue. How many are not paying their business privilege and their net privilege tax because they're under the radar? Let's get the tax revenue and let's protect the children from lead. The second important action I suggest is two-pronged. PSAs, telling people the simple ways they can protect their children from lead, the good parenting, the good housekeeping, the good feeding. And the second prong of that is getting the health -- all the health courses in all the high schools, private and public schools, to do maybe two hours of lead education for the high school children, because they're going to have children some day and we need to protect them right now. That's all. I really didn't want this bill at all. I think we could solve the lead problem by the education and the PSAs and getting the unlicensed landlords in compliance with existing laws that will protect our children from lead. Thank you very much and thank you, City Council, for all the work and the hours that you put up with us. Thank you.
Good morning and thank you very much. My name is John Featherman. I'm a realtor at Prudential Fox & Roach. I specialize in residential rentals. I'm also an instructor at Temple University. I'm a licensed instructor of real estate where I've been teaching real estate and landlording since 2004. The bill, as amended, is a bill that will hardly increase to the illegal discrimination against families with children. By adding an amendment that puts on that families with children of six years and under will have to have this test applied to them, this will lead to illegal discrimination by landlords of those that have children. And while it was well-intentioned, it will increase one of the fastest growing forms of discrimination in this city. Furthermore, this legislation unfairly targets landlords while it gives an exclusion to the City of Philadelphia, to PHA, to Section 8 and to others who have increasing cases of lead paint exposure. Unless and until we include every single property in Philadelphia, including schools and including commercial properties, the people who vote yes for this legislation will have blood on their hands.
Good afternoon. I'm here to ask Frank DiCicco for the three bills that he is going to be introducing as far as parking regulations in South Philly to reconsider and take the time before you introduce them to go into the neighborhoods of South Philly and enlighten the seniors that are out there. I've spoke to your office. I spoke to Sean. He told me these things have been there for a while and the Parking Authority came to you to present this bill to regulate this parking. I say to you that, yes, South Philly has been taken over by the permit parking idea, because a lot of the yuppies have moved in there and they think it's a great way to hold the parking space, but those seniors who lived there all their lives are unaware of all this nonsense, and, in fact, when you go to visit your mother, like I did mine, and did not see the sign that was posted and parked your car, if you're only there one to two hours, you get a ticket. That's not fair to them. Take the time to go down to those neighborhoods, let those seniors know, because I'm here for them. I was aware of this. I went to the Senior Citizen Center at 10th and Reed, like you should have done, let them know what was happening, and they asked me to come speak to you. They want you to reconsider before you allow the Parking Authority to put that regulation there. I know you can get it removed. So I'm asking that you let those petitions come to me. I'll work on it, and remove them. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Mike Lynch. I'm a landlord in Philadelphia. I'm happy to see that I've been excluded now from the bill, because I don't have any children living in any of the apartments that I own, but I still believe this is a wrong bill to be introducing and I wanted to speak to that. The argument that has been put forward by everyone here is that children who are lead poisoned, it's the responsibility of the landlord, and that's just incorrect. My house has lead paint in it. My kitchen cabinets have lead paint in them. My children, one graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr. But the point is is that just because there's lead in the home does not mean that that is a problem for the children. It is a matter of parental responsibility of keeping houses clean and it's not something that should be legislated. Thank you very much.
That concludes the witnesses on our list. Is there anyone else who has signed up to provide public comment on today's agenda? (No response.)
Seeing no one, that concludes today's public comment period. Thank you. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to please read the titles of all of the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon an objection, and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will now read the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 110275, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1402 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parking in Residential Districts,' and Section 14-1607 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Special Controls for the Center City Commercial Area,' by adding to both Sections special provisions relating to the area bounded by Walnut Street, Twelfth Street, Thirteenth Street, and Sansom Street"; and Bill No. 110681, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1629 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Yorktown Special District Controls,' by specifically amending Section 14-1629(3), entitled 'District Boundaries'; and Bill No. 110768, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Temple University, located on the block bounded by 11th Street, Berks Street, 12th Street and Norris Street, by allowing for the construction of a new building addition for use as the Science Education and Research Building"; and Bill No. 110781, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Food Distribution Center District,' by revising the height restrictions"; and Bill No. 110733, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of one or more supplements to an existing service agreement (or a new service agreement on substantially the same terms) between the City and the Redevelopment Authority relating to a comprehensive neighborhood transformation program"; and Bill No. 110758, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Privilege Taxes,' to rename the Business Privilege Tax the Business Income and Receipts Tax and the Business Privilege Activity License"; and Bill No. 110787, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a guaranteed energy savings contract with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for the implementation and evaluation of energy conservation measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater or other consumption or operating costs at specified City properties"; and Bill No. 110788, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance and the Commissioner of Public Property, in cooperation with The Philadelphia Municipal Authority, to undertake a project relating to the evaluation and implementation of energy conservation measures at City Hall, the Criminal Justice Center, the Municipal Services Building and the One Parkway Building"; and Bill No. 110789, entitled "An Philadelphia Municipal Authority to enter into agreements for programs, evaluations, facility alterations or upgrades designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater or other consumption or operating costs at specified City properties"; and Bill No. 110830, entitled "An ordinance amending the ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended July 1, 2004, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works by revising the Philadelphia Gas Works Pension Plan"; and Bill No. 110832, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Free Library of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement for the leasing of personal computers and associated equipment"; and Bill No. 110308, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Grant Avenue at Academy Road"; and Bill No.
110309, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Bustleton Avenue at Byberry Road"; and Bill No. 110520, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan No. 285 of a right-of-way for drainage purposes in the area lying southeast of Roberts Avenue and southwest of Fox Street"; and Bill No. 110647, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of the westerly ten feet wide Street from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street"; and Bill No. 110663, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 204 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Slocum Street from a point approximately one-hundred forty feet northeast of Chew Avenue to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 110720, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Thomas Jefferson University to construct, own and maintain various encroachments of light bollards at 901 Walnut Street"; and Bill No. 110721, entitled "An ordinance authorizing New Kensington Community Development Corporation to construct, own and maintain various encroachments of light columns located at the intersection of Girard Avenue and Columbia Avenue"; and Bill No. 110734, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Neighbors of Association, located at 933 North 65th Street, to construct, own and maintain an encroachment of a sign on the traffic island located on Lebanon Avenue at the intersection of Wynnewood Road"; and Bill No. 110735, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Durfor Street, south side, 11th Street to 12th Street"; and Bill No. 110736, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Jessup Street, west side, Mifflin Street to McKean Street"; and Bill No. 110737, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Camac Street, west side, Shunk Street to Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 110738, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Bainbridge Street, both sides, 11th Street to 12th Street"; and Bill No. 110765, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of on a portion of City Plan No. 228 by striking from the City Plan Markle Street from Ridge Avenue to a point approximately four-hundred one feet northwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 110767, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to construct, own and maintain a passenger boarding platform, passenger shelter and other miscellaneous encroachments on the public sidewalk located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Delaware Avenue"; and Bill No. 110785, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Vientiane Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4728 Baltimore Avenue"; and Bill No. 110786, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Aksum to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4630 through 32 Baltimore Avenue"; and Bill No. 110794, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to All Seasons Car Wash & Lube, owner of the real estate located at 6722 Ridge Avenue, to relocate, use and maintain a thirty-five feet high aluminum flagpole within the public right-of-way of Ridge Avenue"; and Bill No. 110795, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Ridge Avenue from Vine Street to the intersection of Eighth Street and Race Street"; and Bill No.
110796, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Sanjay Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of Eleventh Street and Market Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of Eleventh Street and Market Street"; and 110797, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the southerly forty feet five inches wide portion of Race Street from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to Water Street"; and Bill No. 110849, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to Alan Krawitz owner and operator of Say Cheese Philadelphia lunch truck located on the east side of West Norris Street between North 12th Street and North 13th Street to install, use and maintain certain electrical wires, conduits and appurtenances in, under and over the east footway of the east side of West Norris Street between North 12th Street and North 13th Street"; and Bill No. 110610, entitled "An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Bouncers,' to require that bouncers establishments be registered and receive proper training, to prohibit employers from employing unregistered or untrained bouncers"; and Bill No. 110833, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Home Inspection Business,' by changing the title to 'Inspection Businesses,' by adding sections regulating licensing of Fire Alarm Systems Inspectors, Electrical Inspection Agencies, and Electrical Inspectors"; and Bill No. 110834, entitled "An ordinance adding Sections 9-1005, entitled 'Fire Suppression System Contractors,' and 9-1006, entitled 'Electrical Contractors,' to The Philadelphia Code to provide for licensing of fire suppression system contractors and electrical contractors.
Thank you. These bills having been read on days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. At this time, the Chief Clerk will pleas call the roll.
Aye on all bills. A majority of members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110878.
A resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Original Richard Allen Committee for its Dedication to Improving the Quality of Life for At-Risk Philadelphians, Including Feeding the Hungry, Clothing Families through Clothing Drives and Mentoring Youth.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110879.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Upland Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 4 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 4743 Upland Street.
12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110880.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING 110880.
-- No. 110881, entitled "A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Melville Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 2A and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 4508 Rear Kingsessing Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110882.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Melville Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 2B and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 4510 Rear Kingsessing Avenue.
Thank 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110883.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of Greenway Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 27 and also sometimes identified by house number and 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING street address as 4916 Kingsessing Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110884.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110886.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 110453, approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110887.
A resolution recognizing and honoring ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania on their decades of work promoting Puerto Rican culture, education and leadership development in the Philadelphia Puerto Rican and Latino Community, and their recent successes serving as stewards at Stetson Middle School and Olney High School.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110888.
A resolution honoring and celebrating the Overbrook Monarchs Football Team on winning the 65-pound American Conference Championship by defeating the Plymouth Whitemarsh Spartans 27 to 0.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110889.
A resolution supporting the Mayor's Commission on Aging Strategic Plan for 2013 in order for Philadelphia to become a leading City in being age-friendly.
Thanks again, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110890.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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 Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110130.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide a credit against the tax for owners of condominiums and cooperatives and planned community units who do not receive regular City refuse, recycling and bulk item collection services.
This bill having been read on two different days -12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
-the question now is shall the bill pass finally. I'm sorry. Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to be recognized to speak against this bill. This is a refund of tax dollars for a service that is not taken advantage of by citizens. The cost of a condo is discounted up front at the purchase based on the amount of the condo fee, which includes trash collection in many cases. No one person benefits enough on a yearly basis to make it worthwhile to set a precedent to reimburse them for an unused service or for the General Fund to be reduced by millions. What about citizens who don't use the school system or police or fire? I'm happy to look at an RFP to provide a citywide condo trash pickup, 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING and I believe that that would be likely less expensive than this bill. This bill, however, is bad policy. It is also a choice Council would be making that the best place to spend these millions is not schools, not tax refunds that create jobs, not homeless, not lead remediation, not police or rec centers, but instead payment to condo owners. As we are asked to set millage in connection with the full value which we will be next year, we will wish we had these millions in the General Fund. It's a tax refund creating no jobs. This is a poor use of these millions, and I urge my colleagues to vote no.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will now read 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of 110275 -- the Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill 100011.
An ordinance amending Chapter 6-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Lead Paint Disclosure," to require a certification that a property is lead free or lead safe before it may be rented to a tenant.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of an amendment, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. We will now consider Bill No. 110712.
An ordinance amending Chapter 6-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Asbestos Projects," by providing that no person or affiliated persons, as defined, may be both a licensed asbestos contractor and a certified asbestos project inspector.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read any other additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution 12/8/11 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Philadelphia Police Department to donate all bicycles recovered by the Department from the streets of Philadelphia, and unclaimed by their owners after ninety days, to the Police Athletic League on an annual basis, so that this charitable organization may identify and distribute said bicycles to disadvantaged children throughout the City of Philadelphia during the annual holiday season.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Are there any other resolutions to be considered?
Thank you. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Every year around this time, Toys for Tots collects new unwrapped toys to distribute to needy families at Christmas. Last year, Philly.com, Toys for Tots distributed 113,000 toys, but this year they think they will fall short of that total. Marine Staff Sergeant Mark Palos, the Toys for Tots coordinator for Philadelphia and Bristol, Pennsylvania, told Philly.com, We are way undersupplied. We are running out of toys, and people keep requesting them. We just don't have enough to give them. So this is where you come in, or all of us come in. Toys for Tots is currently accepting gift drop-offs at every Philadelphia Fire Department station, station house, and will be set up outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center from December 14th to the 16th. A full list of additional drop-off locations are available on Philly.com. So I'd urge everyone to in this particularly difficult holiday season, let's see what they can do to get that number back up. you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I once again point to Washington, DC to encourage those in Congress to pass the payroll tax cut now. This reduction in the payroll tax cut in 2010 reduced it from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent, giving roughly 160 million workers an increase in earnings immediately. According to the U.S. Today, on average the tax cut saves at least $1,000 per person and $2,100 per married couple. This tax cut benefits the famous 99 percent that we've grown to know and love around here. Furthermore, the payroll tax cut does not put in jeopardy Social Security. To quote President Obama, Social Security has been falsely about our nation's debt and deficit. According to the Washington Post, Social Security Trust Fund is running a $2.6 trillion surplus. I'm going to say it again, $2.6 trillion surplus. So this payroll cut benefits most Americans. It doesn't -- no party favorites or special interest. It benefits blue states, red states, R's and D's. So let's do our business. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to certainly commend Jim Kenney for his statement on Toys for Tots. Many of you know how I feel about homelessness, and we every year -- the good Lord uses us to give out 3,000 toys just on our level, helps us, too. So many people around the City, we thank them all. We already have in our possession over 500 toys. So we're well on our way for our fair on the 20th that many of you attend and support. So we certainly associate ourselves with his comments, and it's a wonderful time and we are always -- we're always gratified and overwhelmed and grateful for all the support that we find that happens. People are willing to give, as long as we find a way they can do so. I also wanted to mention that we put on everybody's desk our Echoes for Africa notebooks, and we have them available for anybody else who would like them. We started Echoes of Africa maybe a dozen years ago and even before we started the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs. That's about seven years old. This is about maybe 12 years old. And, as you know, the Mayor's Commission partners with at the Zoo yearly now. And so it is just that with this -our communication system in this world, the world is a small place, and America, thank God, is the greatest country in the world and we welcome and work with all people. And so we are happy today to just give you a little memento to remember some of our friends and neighbors, some born here and some born overseas. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief, but I'd like to just share with you some comments about my friend and State Representative Dwight Evans, who was selected to participate in a study tour, a U.S. South African tour, Transparency Program, sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the U.S. Department of State during the early part of November. The delegation of lawmakers from across the country had an exciting and busy agenda with visits to Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Wanfanten (ph), Cape Town, Free State and Pesho (ph). Representative Evans presented a workshop at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, entitled "Oversight Over the Executive." He shared insights from his 20 years of experience as Democratic Appropriations Chair of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Representative Evans also provided an overview of the Pennsylvania and U.S. Constitutions. He also served as leader for the day for the three days during his study. He also had the opportunity to do many meetings and site visits with government, education, educational economic development leaders, including and Children's Hospital in South Africa. Dwight Evans also spent time trying to garner some international support for his signature public policy initiative, the Fresh Food Financing Initiative. He had an opportunity to speak with Bill Lindbergh, the U.S. Consultant General of Cape Town, South Africa about the fresh food impact and possible replication in South Africa. Evans saved the best for last, the chance to do some shopping at the local Shop Rite Market in Johannesburg. Representative Evans first met Nelson Mandela in 1993 in Philadelphia, Bright Hope Baptist Church, during a visit arranged by former Congressman Bill Gray, and he had an opportunity to go to South Africa in 1994 as a trustee of the Suspension Board. He enjoyed his trip, and he's trying to connect Children's Hospital with the Nelson Mandela Hospital in South Africa. work in the United States, in the City, as well as in South Africa.
So we applaud him for his efforts, and thank you very much.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing no one, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 15th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council Thursday, December 15th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on December 8, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)