Good afternoon. Thank you for allowing me to take several minutes of your precious time. I support Bill 180 -- I'm sorry. Diane Monroe, 1117 Mount Vernon Street. I support Bill 180830 for amending the Philadelphia House Home Room Charter to hire new class of employees as public safety and enforcement officers. And that one of the duties will be to patrol playgrounds. I am also advocating that there is a great need to patrol the playground located between 10th and Lemon Street and the 1000 block of Mount Vernon Street, which is in great need of rebuild and repairs. This playground has been on the forgotten list too long, and need to be placed on the City's Recreation Department rebuild list. This playground only has two swings, no Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 sliding board or monkey bars. This playground has been in poor condition for decades. And the children as well as families do not feel safe to sit or to play there. The neighbors have created a committee to fix this playground up and to bring it to where it once was years ago. A place for families and children to be able to play, sit and enjoy associating with one another. Patrolling the playground would be a great deterrent for people using it as a hangout for drug usage. Patrolling the playground would bring a feeling of safety to the community. I also support Bill 190163. I also advocate that such properties be used to build affordable and workforce housing. Also, advocate that seniors should be -- all seniors should be qualified for the senior tax free program. You have seniors who make one penny too much to qualify, even though you have Homestead and LOOP. It's still not enough for the seniors caught in the middle. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 (Applause.)
Good afternoon, Council. It's okay. It don't matter how you say it. Good afternoon to all the Councilmembers. First of all, I would like to than Councilwoman Bass and those people who co-sponsored the tax amnesty bill and dealing with taxes. One of the things is that Philadelphia has been named the poorest, biggest City in the country. I'm sorry. I'm Imam -
Imam, do me a favor. Because you signed up to talk about a land bank, can you just start out saying you're here to talk about -
That's what you signed up for because that bill is not on the Final Passage.
Okay. They signed me up under the wrong thing, but I will talk about the Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 land bank if you want me to.
My name is Imam Suetwedien Muhammad, resident Imam of National Muhammad of Philadelphia for 30 years, and also the General President of the Muslim League of Voters for the Delaware Valley. So, you want to talk about land bank. Land bank, that is good. I think right in line with that. I also want to mention that Philadelphia's been named the poorest, biggest city in the country. It also had 45 percent of its residents living under the poverty level, okay, with a $313 million surplus. Twenty-six cranes is in the -- is operating in the City right now as we speak building skyscrapers. And we just ask the question, with $313 million surplus, why is 45 percent of the people living below the poverty level. Sheriff sales, $168 million a year in sheriff stales. They taking homes in record numbers that great grandmom paid for, for 45 years. 30-year mortgage, a 15-year refinance. And then they come and take the home for $5,000. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 Unacceptable. So, we here really this morning, again, we just like to thank Council and those who have enough gumption to even deal with the poverty. And eat -- the poverty is so big in each and every district in this City: 41 percent, 36 percent. We got -- we have to change that. It's not fair. So, we come down here this morning to support the bills that have been putting out on behalf of that. And we just want to say really that it's time for us to change the City. A great leader once said that the eyes of America is on Philadelphia. Well, he said the eyes of the world is on Philadelphia. And he said when Philadelphia comes together, the world will come together. It's time for Philadelphia to come together, get its act together. The country started here in this great City. If we want to make this City great again, make it great for everyone. That's what we should do. Make it great for everyone. (Applause.)
Ten year tax abatement, Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 and all we asking for is a little breathing room. You got land bank, you got lots all over the City and so forth. But they taking homes in record numbers. And we just ask really, just for a little breathing, just for a little breathing space. And again, we just -- for Philadelphia to be the poorest, biggest city in the country, we need to do something about that. We come down here this morning because we figure that you all are supposed to be the gatekeepers. You all supposed to be looking out for the people. You are supposed to be guarding the entrance of the people. And we really don't see that happening, you know, in this City for the common people. It's like we been forgot. Homelessness at record numbers. Murders at record numbers. Four people are being murdered in this City every night. Four people being murdered in the city. Got the highest murder rate in the City in the last ten years. And all we hear is no suspects, no motive. No suspects, no motives. So -
-- we want this to be changed. Last thing I want to say is, we not going anywhere. We going to be here until these bills get passed, until this stuff is straightened out. We going to be here until whatever time it take. That's how long we going to be here.
Thank you, Imam, for your testimony. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I am Dr. Cora Turpin. I am from Northern Liberties. I am here for about the sixth or seventh time regarding transfer of property and cost of taxes. I am going to be commenting on Bill No. 190163. This is the beginning when the properties are transferred for development to occur. We understand that. I am all in favor of improving the City. My problem is that once Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 the properties are transferred and development takes place, the actual value initiative goes up for every resident in that area. They don't have to improve their properties. They just have to live where these expensive buildings are being developed. I am one of the concerned citizens of Philadelphia. I have been here several times requesting that somebody have a decent conversation about the devastating effect this AVI is having on the senior citizens. Why Council will allow taxpaying seniors to be foreclosed on and become the people who take taxes because they need to be cared for once the foreclosures happen. I don't know. I can't understand the reasoning for that. You have taxpaying seniors. You need to put a freeze on that AVI for people 65 and older because their incomes do not increase after that time. You need to keep them paying taxes. You have allowed for abatements and all kinds of tax considerations for the very poor and for the very rich. It is the middle income people who are paying the taxes all their lives that are being adversely affected, also. And we need to Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 have whatever it takes to freeze those taxes on the AVI for people 65 and older regardless of income.
Yes. Good afternoon. I spoke to somebody, a few people, some time ago. Arnold Neubauer. And I'm here today to discuss the idea of financial literacy. A lot of people these days do not know the meaning of financial literacy. They think that an I-R-A or an IRA and a mutual fund is something -- Ira, could be somebody that lived down the street. (Chuckles) I'm sorry. Anyway, I am here to introduce myself as who we are, what we do and how we can benefit the entire financial committee. What we try to do is make individuals and families financial Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 literate. Most families who are not financial literate, they don't know a thing about IRAs, mutual funds. And we work in areas of finance. And ladies and gentlemen, I am here today and -to explain to you the ideas of mutual funds. And I have some things here to show you that -there are three sheets here. My goodness. What we are, what we do and how it can benefit us. The rule of 72, what we do, our score. And what we try to do is show you how we can reduce people's bills, credit scores, insurances, savings, et cetera. And retire anywhere between 3, 4, 5 million dollars when they are young and go into early ages. My credit score is roughly 797. And I have some things that I would like to pass out. And I'd also like to address some other people -- yes. My purpose for here to come today is to meet with some constituents and hope the neighbors reduce their bills. And when we do, we can pay the individuals that we work with anywhere between 2, 3, 400 dollars for two, three, four hours worth of work part time. This is what we pay. So, we reduce people's bills. We Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 educate them financially, and we pay the person part time who already has a regular job making 5/10 dollars an hour, 15 dollars an hour, 2/300 dollars for two/three hours' worth of work. That's part time. If he is with us -(At this time, Councilman Greenlee sitting in as Chair.)
Thirty seconds. Thirty seconds. If he is with us for about three years, his income goes to between 150,000/200,000 dollars a year.
Sir, I have to call it. Because we are trying to be fair to everybody. We are giving everybody three minutes. Thank you. If you have written testimony, you can give it in. We will make sure it gets on the record. Mr. Decker, our next speaker, please.
Commenting on 190102 and Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 190115.
My name is Kate Esposito. I'm here as co-chair of Powers Economic Dignity Team in support of Resolution 190115. We all know how poor Philadelphia is. We all know that too many people are working too hard yet still living in poverty, especially black and brown workers. And we all know that Harrisburg turns its back on this City as it tightens the grip of wage preemption. Anything less than $15.00 as a minimum wage is unacceptable. Families would benefit tremendously in the City if we could raise that wage to $15.00, increasing physical and mental health, educational outcomes while decreasing food insecurity and stabilizing family life. Paying less than a living wage when corporations and their CEOs benefit from extravagant tax breaks is equivalent to wage theft. Philadelphia should have the right of self-determination in raising the wage to help lift this City out of poverty and create a more perfect City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. I look forward to voting on this Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 resolution on May 21. And want to thank Councilmembers Parker, Reynolds Brown and Squilla for making this possible. (Applause.)
Danny Baudes commenting on 190102 and 190115. (Approaches podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Danny Bauder from the Germantown section of Philadelphia, which is the best neighborhood in Philly. Sorry. Here on the bill from Councilperson Parker. I applaud the steps that City Council has taken so far for establishing a $15 minimum wage for City workers and contractors. Now is the perfect time for us to come together as a City and show the legislature in Harrisburg that we have a united voice and that enough is enough, and that workers deserve a raise not just in the City of Philadelphia but across the Commonwealth. For too long, workers here in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania have been Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 held in poverty by our pathetic minimum wage. And I am here on behalf of, you know, the AFL CIO and our president Pat Eiding. But more so, on behalf of my 150,000 sisters and brothers in our labor movement together to stand up asking you to vote yes on this bill. Thank you very much.
Commenting on a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Parker today authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings regarding parking workers deserving a living wage.
Hello. My name is Mike Hardaway. I'm here to speak on the resolution Councilwoman Parker introduced regarding parking workers. I live in West Philly. Until recently, I worked for the parking company Town Park. I worked long hours for low pay, but I came in every day and did my job. I started speaking up for better pay, better working conditions and Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 for a union because I want a better life. I want to be able to pay my bills and lead a dignified life. I wanted my employer to listen to our concerns and approve things for my coworkers and me. But when Town Park saw that I spoke at a rally to raise the wage for parking workers, they fired me. I feel like I was targeted for speaking up, and I lost my job. I filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board. I wish I -- I wish I could say I was surprised, but this is not the first time I experienced poor treatment and bad working conditions. Working in the garages is hard work. You're in the heat and in the cold. The fans and the circulating systems do not always work. In fact, recently circulation was down and debris from the neighborhood construction site flew right into my left eye. The company responding by saying I was not eligible for workers comp. Before I worked in the parking industry, I worked at Wal-Mart. I got a leg injury and experienced the same poor treatment. I thought Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 that the parking industry with all the money it brings in would be better than Wal-Mart, but it is not. The parking industry makes a lot of money and gets away with paying their workers very little and treating us poorly. I was making 11 an hour because I was a cashier, but many of my co-workers made 7.25 and some even less. A lot of my coworkers are immigrants and are afraid to speak up. Many of my coworkers have families to support and are desperate to hold onto their job or they will literally be put out on the streets. This is especially wrong when you consider the parking industry in Philadelphia made $453 million in revenue last year. My coworkers and I want to make these good jobs. We don't want a hand out. We are fighting to lift ourselves out of poverty. I am asking Council to investigate the parking industry. Their profits should not depend on our poverty. I want to thank Councilwoman Cherelle Parker for her leadership in standing with us. Thank you. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019
Joe Danihel commenting on 190163 and 190115, 180830 and 181163.
Okay. This is the official decree of the people and writ of mandamus pro rata; as such, requires immediate action remedy. Last week, state representatives, the Boyds commissioner, District Attorney, Mayor, and numerous other officials were personally informed that every week Council, Mayor, Governor and others transfer private property of the government probably illegally. The Ides of March is remembered for the removal of the tyrants from government. Council stated, all I had to do to get paid for my stolen home was to file for trial by jury. Trial by jury has been filed for eight times. Has trial by jury been imposed an unconstitutionally denied. By oath, constitutional law bound officials eight times. Clearly, this Rico-style conspiracy to deny rights requires the Attorney General prosecute. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 U.S. Attorney General McSwain correctly identified failure to perform a known duty or task is illegal and causes great harm. Military people know this actions as treason. While the main causes of 1776 was the theft of private property by the government. The Attorney General cannot deny equal protection of the laws, 14th Amendment. The Constitution requires immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987; 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28; 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902 and other laws listed in SCOTUS, 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call on the Federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their Constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home 1038 West Wyoming Avenue, the denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property right for 25 years is egregious, extraordinary oath violating and requires immediate remedy. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a Constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot use sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require oath, Constitutional law be enforced and jail is require for all who violate oath, Constitution or law. I remind Council, takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow all this corruption.
There are no other speakers in the Public Comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. We will now consider the Calendar for the day's bills and resolutions. And, Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190163.
A Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. 190163 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 180830.
A Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the mandatory establishment and hiring of a new class of employees within the Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 civil service system to be designated as "Public Safety Enforcement Officers," setting forth the duties of such employees and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors.
Where is -thank you. Want to make sure everybody is here. This is a -- sorry. Need my script. Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted because Resolution No. 180830 is an amendment to the Home Rule Charter, requires two-thirds vote. Therefore, the question is, shall the resolution be adopted. Mr. Decker, please call the role.
Aye. Ayes are 13. The nays are 4. Two-thirds of all members of Council has voted in the affirmative. Resolution No. 180830 has been adopted. Thank you. Mr. Decker, 190115.
A Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent living wage.
Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion on this resolution.
Move for the adoption, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Because this Resolution is -- 190115 is an amendment to the Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. Therefore, the question is, shall the resolution be adopted. Mr. Decker, please call the role.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. Majority of members having voted in the affirmative, Resolution No. 190115 has been adopted. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 180818.
An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia, a proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the mandatory establishment and hiring of a new class of employees within the civil service system to be designated as "Public Safety Enforcement Officers;" setting forth the duties of such employees; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is, shall the bill pass finally? Mr. Decker, call the role.
Councilman Henon is Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 voting nay. Councilman Johnson?
Aye. The ayes are 13, the nays are 4. Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 Majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 190102.
An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of The City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter calling on the General Assembly to provide for a decent, living wage as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill having been heard on two separate days, the question is, shall the bill pass finally? Mr. Decker, call the role?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. Majority of the members present voting in the affirmative. The bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution recognizing JP Morgan Chase and Company for its decision to divest from the private prison industry introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye? (Ayes.)
Those opposed? (No opposition.) Stated Meeting March 14, 2019
And a resolution authorizing the Committees on Legislative Oversight and Children in Youth to hold hearings to examine issues relating to missing and exploited children and youth in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye? (Ayes.)
And a resolution honoring and recognizing and congratulating Robert "Meek Stated Meeting March 14, 2019 Mill" Williams for his philanthropic and criminal justice reform endeavors; and naming March 15 through March 17, 2019 Meek Mill Weekend in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilman Johnson on behalf of Council President Clarke.
Chair again recollect recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor, say aye? (Ayes.)