COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 20, 2013 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
We're going to start now. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail and all the members to please take their seats. Thank you. I would like to also say for our guests and visitors if you have a device, be it a phone or any other electronic device that makes any noise, will you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you. Thank you for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Carmen Marshall, Chief of Staff and Minister to Adults of Bright Hope Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Before we pray, I'd like to just take a second to thank Council President Darrell Clarke for the privilege and Councilwoman Marian Tasco for the invitation. I appreciate the opportunity. Let us pray. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and heal their land. Our Father and our God, we thank you this morning for your goodness and your mercy by allowing us to be here. We lift up this Council to you and we ask you, Lord God, for your wisdom as they conduct the business of this Council and its citizens, Lord God, the City of Philadelphia. pray, Father God, that you will have your way here, Lord God. We pray, Father God, for the City of Philadelphia that we love, for its citizens and everything that concerns it. We pray, Father God, for your will to be done. We pray, Father God, that you will bless each person present, both individually and collectively. And in the name of Jesus, we thank you, Lord God, just for the opportunity to serve. Bless these, your people, Lord God, and all that will concern the City of Philadelphia and this Council. And, Father God, we will be careful to give you all the honor, all the glory, and all the praise. In Jesus' name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. Thank you for those inspiring words. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13th, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there is one request for leave of absence, Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome all our guests and visitors here today. We hope that your stay here is a pleasurable one, so much so that you please come back again. So, again, thank you. We feel honored that you've taken time out of your day to come down to see your government in action. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution recognizing the 2013 Next Generation of Leaders: Rising Stars. Would Stephanie Kosta, Esquire, and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Brown we have Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Sanchez also and Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much. In our continuing mission to create what I call a bench, next generation of women leaders, I'm thrilled this morning to present a group of women whom I believe will be ultimately sitting where we are running governments, running corporations across this town. I need to ask those ladies to young women that have been identified by my office whom we believe are going to be tomorrow's leaders. And building a bench doesn't start the day before, but years in advance so that we can groom them to indeed accept the baton for leadership. Additionally, A Few Good Men is a 1992 American drama film which was directed by Rob Reiner, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. It was adapted for the screen by Aaron Sorkin for his play of the same name. Many of you may remember it was a courtroom drama revolving around the court martial of two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine and the trials that came after that case. Councilman Jones is here representing all of the men in City Council, because it's our view that he is one of the few good men, along with these in Council, who believe that women have be at the table. So with that, we are delighted to recognize and congratulate the 2013 next generation of women leaders as recognized by City Council, identified by City Council.
Whereas, since 2005, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown has honored the Next Generation of Leaders: Rising Stars; and Whereas, the celebration honors women between the ages of twenty one and thirty nine, like me, who are on the incline of their careers and making a difference in their respective communities; and
Whereas, in 2013, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown will recognize eleven young women who embody leadership and exemplify being a Rising Star in their field of employment and community service; and Whereas, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is pleased and proud to 2013 recipients of the Next Generation of Leaders: Rising Star awards; and Whereas, Lorena E. Ahumada is an associate at Kleinbard Bell and Brecker LLP. She concentrates her law practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, employment litigation and counseling, and insurance coverage law. Lorena is on the board of directors of Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc., and is the past-president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania. She also is a Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association; and
Whereas, Shana Booker, a 31-year-old native of Philadelphia and a 2003 graduate of Philadelphia University, is in her tenth season with the Philadelphia 76ers and currently serves as the Marketing Manager. Ms. Booker assists with the day-to-day operations of the office, promotions and overall marketing efforts of the team. She also serves as the team's alumni coordinator, maintaining relationships with past players; and Whereas, Kristol Bryant began her professional career in 1999 when she became inspired to turn her love of cooking into a career. Later that year she was accepted into OIC's Opportunities Inn Program under the chief Chalie Schmidt -- under the Chef Chalie Schmidt. In spring 2012, Kristol was named the Chef de Cuisine of the restaurant that she helped open in 2006. XIX Restaurant is an American restaurant featuring Chef Kristol's cuisine and sweeping views of the city skyline on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at The Bellevue. Kristol has four children, Shawn, Faith, Emani and Amere, which she absolutely adores and loves fashion; and Whereas -- and this is special for me because you all know Anjali and leadership in my staff -- Anjali Chainani has worked for the City of Philadelphia since 2005, my office, and currently serves as Director of Legislation and Special Events for 3rd District Councilwoman, yours truly. She is a doctoral student at the University of the Sciences in Health Policy. Anjali's family is originally from New Delhi and Mumbai, India. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has called Philadelphia her home since 2001; and Whereas, Brigitte Daniel is the Executive Vice President of Wilco Electronic Systems, Inc., one of the highest regarded African-American owned cable operators in the nation. Founded by Will F. Daniel, Wilco has provided affordable cable and technology services to low-income communities, governmental and educational institutions in Philadelphia for over 30 years, along with remote surveillance and security Greater Philadelphia area; and
Whereas, Oshunbumi Fernandez is the CEO of ODUNDE, Incorporated.
We know it. ODUNDE produces the largest African-American street festival in the country, featuring up to 500,000 people; and Whereas, Lindsey Glasgow is a project engineer at Skanska USA where she has been working on a variety of complex construction projects for pharmaceutical and higher education industries. Currently she is working as project engineer on a major expansion of the University of Delaware's Eastern Campus Residential Hall Complex. Lindsey graduated from Philadelphia University, in the 4th Councilmanic District, with a Bachelor's degree in architectural in construction management; Whereas, Stephanie Kosta is an active trial attorney, representing a diverse clientele in complex business litigation, class action suits, and governmental relation matters. After graduating summa cum laude from Temple University, Stephanie received her law degree from Georgetown University. And Ms. Kosta is active in many civic charities and non-profit causes, having served on boards of directors such as the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Board and St. John's Church in Philadelphia, been appointed to Pennsylvania's Auditor General's Eugene DePasquale's transition team, providing pro bono counsel to children in crisis through the Support Center for Children Advocates, and is an active volunteer in the Law Counsel for Legal Diversity Mentoring Program and with City Year, particularly focusing on inspiring inner their dreams. Her favorite activity, however, is to be a mommy to her two small children, Olivia and Vivian, with her husband, Tommy; Whereas, Rasheedah Phillips, Esquire, is the 2008 graduate of Temple University's Law School and is currently employed at Community Legal Services as a staff attorney in the Housing Unit. In addition to her work at CLS, Ms. Phillips has served on boards of many community organizations and communities -- such as Communities in Schools, Friends of the Free Library, and has been featured as a guest speaker at graduation ceremonies and workshops to speak to her experiences of being a former teen parent. Ms. Phillips is also an author, with several published motivational essays and short fictional stories; and
Whereas, YingYing Shang is a 17-year-old High School senior and a Teen Advisor to the United Nations Foundation campaign Girl Advisor to the Board of Directors at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania and she writes for the Huffington Post on behalf of women's and minority's rights; now therefore be it Resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate the 2013 Next Generation of Women Leaders: Rising Stars, the women on the bench who will assume the baton. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to these young women as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown and signed and supported enthusiastically by all members of this legislative body. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
On behalf of the 2013 Next Generation of Women Leaders: Rising Stars, we are grateful and humbled by this distinguished honor. Thank you to Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and the entire -- all the members of City Council, the Moxie Women Advisory Board and all past honorees for your support and guidance. Thank you so very much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Thank you. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation welcoming His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. Would His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai please join the Councilwoman and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman. we have Councilman Oh and Councilman Kenney.
We want to recognize, and they're certainly invited to stand with us, Voffee Jabateh from Southwest Philadelphia, Dr. Vera Tolbert, and some other members of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs who may be here. We also want to invite a member of our own member. She's like a member of City Council for all the work she's done for us. That's Sade Olanipekun. We want her to stand with us. She certainly is Nigerian by birth, but has a brother in Liberia. And she will be visiting there next year, so we want her to meet Her Excellency and the Ambassador, and words when this is done. So come forward, everyone. And we have our guest Barbara Simmons, my goodness. So she came back from -- she's been teaching in Liberia for the last year. She went from the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and she's been teaching there, and she came back today. God bless you. Such a pleasure to have you. This is a wonderful honor for us and it is with great pride that we make this presentation. As you know, Stan Straughter is Chairman of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, and the work we've been able to do since founding it in around '05 or '06 is just phenomenal across the globe. So we say thank you to Stan and we love you. Citation welcoming His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Vice President of the Republic of Liberia to and recognizing him for his dedication in serving his country and people with exceptional diligence. Whereas, Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is a public-spirited patriot and dedicated public servant who has served his country and people well. His service to the nation, which spanned more than 35 years, included various positions in government, the private sector, agro-related, church and civil society; and Whereas, Vice President Boakai was born in a remote village of Worsonga in Foya District, Lofa County, on November 30th, 1944. Vice President Boakai has withstood the test of time and epitomized the Liberian adage which states, quote, "It does not matter where you are coming from, but where you are headed," end of quote. He is a radiant beam of hope for his hometown and a model citizen; and Whereas, Vice President Boakai is a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Liberia and Advanced Management Certificate GIMPA, Ghana. He speaks English, reads and writes Mendi and Kissi; and
Whereas, Vice President Boakai has been happily married since 1972 to Kartumu Y. Boakai. This union is blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter; and Whereas, Vice President Boakai was selected as running-mate to Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the 2005 General and Presidential Elections of the Unity Party ticket. Honorable Boakai was elected, along with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to chart a new course for Africa's oldest Republic which is just emerging from a long and bitter civil war; and Whereas, during the 2011 Presidential Elections, Vice President by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, now a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, to serve as her running-mate in order to continue the development agenda that they have already started implementing in the first term; and Whereas, Vice President Boakai has continued to work along with Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to restore law and order in Liberia, to ensure the reconstruction of the country, ensure that peace and tranquility exist in the country, encourage investors to take advantage of the investment climate in Liberia and ensure that basic social services are provided for the people of the country; and
Whereas, Vice President Boakai also serves as President of the Liberian Senate and he presides two days a week over plenary sessions of that body. He performs supervisory functions over a number of the Liberia National Lotteries, the Liberia Marketing Association, the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, and the National Commission on Disarmament Demobilization Resettlement and Reintegration; Whereas, as part of the philanthropic support to humanity, Vice President Boakai supervised and personally financed up to 75 percent of a 7-mile rural village road construction to Worsonga, Liberia. He worked with the Federation of Liberian Youth and the Danish Youth to construct a school for 150 students and clinic for a community of 10 villages. He also influenced the erection of an OIC project in Foya Kama, Liberia, by heading the fundraising for rural electrification of Foya Kama in Lofa County, Northern Liberia; Whereas, Vice President Boakai has served as member of chairman of many boards including Chairman of the Liberia Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Star Radio, founding member of the Bethesda Christian Mission, founding organizer-African Methodist Episcopal University, and President of the Monrovia YMCA; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby welcomes His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, to the City of Philadelphia and recognizes him for his dedication in serving his country and the people with exceptional diligence. Welcome and thank you for being here today. (Applause.)
We will now call forward our own Stan Straughter, who is Honorary Consul to Guinea as well as Chairman of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs. He will make other introductions and present His Excellency.
Let me thank the President of City Council, Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell, and all the members of City Council for always working with us. We call you. You respond. So I want to thank you and make sure the public is aware of all the work all of you do to help us. We appreciate you. Also, I want to just recognize the Honorable Gurly Gibson, who is the U.S. trade representative for Libera. The only African country with a trade office in the United States is in Philadelphia. Ms. Gurly Gibson, thank you very much. (Applause.)
Mr. Sam Slewion, who is also the Secretary of the Commission, and the members of the Commission here are also here with us. I also want to get a chance to introduce you to another gentleman who I constantly call, I'm sending him e-mails, His Excellency the Honorable Jeremiah Sulunteh, the Ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Liberia. (Applause.)
Mr. Don Dennis, who is the President of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania. I want to make you aware that we are all Liberians in that we have the second largest population of Liberians in the United States. They're in Pennsylvania. We are running close between Pennsylvania and Minnesota. I don't know why they go to Minnesota coming from Liberia, Excellency, but we are honored to have a fantastic group here with people like Voffee Jabateh and all of the others here. So without any further adieu, I want to say thank you for His Excellency for visiting Philadelphia. He will be visiting Drexel University this afternoon. He'll be visiting Lincoln University tomorrow and visit their campus. He's discussing education the School District of Philadelphia and having a business forum here also. So we are honored to have him. I want to thank you for taking some time from your busy schedule to be here, and thank City Council and President again. His Excellency Vice President of Republic of Liberia. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, the President of Council and the Councilmembers and the members of this distinguished community and members of our own delegation. I want to thank you for this honor and for taking this time. I understand this is the close of your session. We had to squeeze time in to have us. The City of Philadelphia has a great heart for African Americans, especially Liberians, many of whom are here receiving education and also working to help send remittances to their want to express our gratitude to you for the hospitality you granted us and for allowing us to be here at this time. We have benefited from here like you heard. Reverend Sullivan has been to Liberia, established the OIC. We benefited most of our young people. We want to say thank you to you for the people you are -- for the community and for this honor. We want to echo the blessing upon you and a strengthened relationship between the City of Philadelphia and Liberia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, like to take a second to recognize two groups of students today and as they watch us do our business as it relates to the future of public education. One group is from my alma mater, Overbrook High School, and I have six young men brought down by Mr. Manawana Swanns, founder of the West by Northwest Intervention Program, to my right. (Applause.)
The second group, Mr. President, was brought to my attention by your office, but they happen to go to Mastery Charter School also in my district in West Philadelphia, and they are participating in another mentoring program, in the Spark Program, which is sponsored by Duane Morris, and we are honored to have four young ladies representing that mentoring group as well. Would they please stand. (Applause.)
I think it's decide the matters of today that they see our government at work. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you so much, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I join Councilman Jones also in welcoming a group of citizens who have pumped up the volume, if you will, on this issue of education. We have with us this morning a group of parents and public school staff who have made the courageous choice to fast for safe schools. This fast in front of -(Applause.)
This fast in front of Governor Corbett's Philadelphia office carries on the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi who inspired Martin Luther King to be the change you the world. We applaud these brave fasters. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to take a brief moment and acknowledge a cultural icon in the City of Philadelphia who established one of the last but, if not, largest African American festivals in the City of Philadelphia. I just want to just acknowledge the CEO and Founder of ODUNDA, Incorporated, Ms. Lois Fernandez, just acknowledge her presence for being here. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilman. At this time, the next order of business is communications. The Chair delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 17, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 6, 2013; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2014; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 130325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works," by approving a Revised Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2014; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority certain land and improvements known as City-owned transit properties and further authorizing acceptance of title to certain real estate and improvements from SEPTA, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, sir. Do you have any additional messages, Mr. Decker?
Thank you very much. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Historic Preservation," by expanding the jurisdiction of the Historical Commission over sites within historic districts that were undeveloped at the time of designation of the districts and making conforming amendments to other sections.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractor Parking," by adjusting the fee for the issuance of Contractor Parking Permits.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the successful completion of the 113th U.S. Open golf championship at the Merion Golf Club, hosted by the United States Golf Association.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I introduce one resolution for which I ask for a suspension of the rules so as to permit consideration today. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the suspension? (Aye.)
A resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget -
Hold it, Mr. Decker. Actually, that was a request for suspension. Now move for -read the resolution. I'm sorry, Mr. Decker. Then we'll place it on the Calendar.
A resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2014.
That resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations," by revising fees for failure to answer a notice of violation and setting forth additional fees for mailing expenses associated with notice attempting to collect unpaid parking violations.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
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 a red light enforcement system at the intersection of Island Avenue and Bartram Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution today.
A non-privileged resolution urging the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office to initiate an investigation into the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole's policies and procedures that are a risk to the public safety of the citizens of Philadelphia.
Councilman O'Brien, do you want a suspension of the rules, because that traditionally -- those type of resolutions are traditionally held over for a week.
You request a suspension of the rules to allow reading, vote this week?
All right. Thank you. That will be on today's Final Passage -- did I get a second? (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
A privileged resolution recognizing September 12th as Barbara Chase Riboud Day in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution on your behalf and I am requesting a rules suspension so it can be resolved today.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to determine the status of the City's current public safety video surveillance camera program, and to explore what best practices in public safety video surveillance may be employed to enhance efforts to reduce crime and promote safety in the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by changing district boundaries and adjusting the fee for the issuance and renewal of resident parking permits.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing and Immobilizing of Parked or Abandoned Vehicles," by requiring that the owner or any person on behalf of the owner seeking the release of a vehicle that has been immobilized or impounded pay, or post a bond for, all outstanding parking violations for all vehicles registered to such owner.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer one bill, and I would like to be heard on the bill after it's read.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in the Resolution approved by City Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that there shall be established in the Legislative Branch of the City of Philadelphia Government the "Legislative Budget Office" by the addition of a new "Section 2-105" to "ARTICLE II LEGISLATIVE BRANCH - The Council - Its Election, Organization, Powers and Duties," "CHAPTER I THE COUNCIL;" renumbering current Sections 2-105 and 2-106; fixing the date for the special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and authorizing appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, was that a bill and a resolution? Just a bill. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I did previously on that Charter change introduce both a bill and a resolution. The resolution is fine. We have tweaked the language, and just as a reminder to my colleagues and anyone listening, that that Charter change has to do with providing City Council a budgetary function whereby we get the financial information at the same time that the department heads do instead of just at the last minute before we have to vote on the budget, so we can follow the budget process and better keep tabs on where the money is, how much money there is for fiscal accountability's sake. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Councilman. Thank you. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committees. Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole has seven resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 130504, entitled "A resolution appointing Mjenzi Traylor to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 130505, entitled "A resolution appointing Matt Canno to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and 130506, entitled "A resolution appointing Joseph Martin to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 130507, entitled "A resolution appointing Joseph Waldo to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 130508, entitled "A resolution appointing Joseph Corrigan to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 130509, entitled "A resolution appointing Greg Peil to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 130510, entitled "A resolution appointing Barbara Hogue to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of Resolutions No. 130504 through 130510 on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Resolutions 130504 through 130510 on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 130272, 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 Master Street, Second Street, Thompson Street, and American Street"; and Bill No. 130448, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by adding special provisions for the area bounded by 38th Street, Ludlow Street, Chestnut Street and 37th Street," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 130272 and 130448. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of day as to permit first reading of Bills No. 130272 and 130448. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee of Parks and Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 130412, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parks and Recreation,' by adding a new Chapter requiring an Impact Statement, Cost Estimate and Escrow for Repairs, before the issuance of any permit or license to use certain parks or recreation facilities"; and Bill No. 130459, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, under which the City would lease the East Park Reservoir West Basin and adjacent park land, and pursuant to which PAID would enter into a sublease for the Premises with the East Park Leadership and Conservation Center," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130412 and 130459. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 130412 and 130459. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh for a report from the Committee on Global Opportunities and Creative/Innovative Economy.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. The Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy issues a report pursuant to Resolution No. 120128.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Please read that report.
The Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy, to which was referred Resolution No. 120128, entitled "A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings to investigate how to fully take advantage of global opportunities and the creative/innovative economy to spur by increasing overseas investments, incubating technology and innovation, encouraging creativity, and attracting and retaining the workforce to create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs with benefits and improve the quality of life for all residents of Philadelphia," respectfully reports that the Committee held the hearings authorized by Resolution No. 120128 on October 9, 2012, October 10, 2012, February 25, 2013, and February 27, 2013 and that the Committee issues to the Council the attached report on the matters discussed at the hearing.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. There is no motion on my part since the report is issued, but I would like to thank State Senator Michael Brubaker of the Finance Committee who the State Senate's International Caucus for his support in producing this report and in holding hearings. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for your continued great work on these very important initiatives. At this time, we will proceed with a special order of business. Under a special order of business, a motion to withdraw Bill No. 130533, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Bill No. 130533 was introduced on June 13th, 2013 and was referred to the Committee on Streets and Services. I would now like to withdraw this bill from further consideration by the Council.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the of the bill.
Bill No. 130533, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 215 by striking from the City Plan Greene Street from Allens Lane to St. Georges Road."
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 130533 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 130533 be withdrawn. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 130533 is withdrawn. We will now consider an additional special order of business, a motion to withdraw Bill No. 130385. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. Bill No. 130385 was introduced on May 9th, 2013 and was referred to the Committee on Streets and Services. I would now like to withdraw the bill from further consideration by the Council.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 130385, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 11-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Construction Encroachments and Projections Over, On and Under Streets,' prohibit wheelchair elevators and related decks from being constructed any closer than three feet from the curb line."
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
I move that Bill No. 130385 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 130385 will be withdrawn. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar today: Resolutions No. 130535, 130536, 130537, 130538, 130539, 130542, 130543, 130547, 130548, 130549, and 130550. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: No. 130255-A, 120142-A, 120143, 120959, 130245, 130387, 120107, 130445, 130487, 130324, 120614, 120901, 130016, 130154, 130158, 130160, 130299, 130356, 130357, 130382, 130388, 130413, 130414, 130420, 130421, 130449, 130461, 130462, 130463, 130464, 130418, and 130415. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will consider those bills on the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the 2ND READING regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 120340-AAAA, 130182-A, 130458-A, 130417-A, 130455-A, 130178, 130179, 120651, which is being amended, 130180, 130456. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you so much, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment as follows: We're going to alter our public comment today. We have a very lengthy list. What I'd like to do -- I'm going to take the prerogative of the Chair -first I would like to thank representatives from Unite Here and there apparently is another organization here that doesn't have a name attached but they are together, and I want to thank representatives from Action United. Because we have such a lengthy list and under the rules of the public comment, Council is authorized to essentially cut off comment after several speakers on the same subject matter. So what I've asked those individuals from those organizations is to give a spokesperson from those particular organizations that we have identified. I would like to extend to those individuals five minutes for public comment since you have agreed to condense your list of witnesses today. On the other page, there is a long list of individuals who indicated that they are here on their own. I must tell you under the rules, if it's the same subject matter, we have the authorization and the right per Council rules to limit that comment in a continued basis. In layman's terms, that means at some point we have the right to cut that off. I will try to accommodate as many people as possible, but we do have quite a lengthy schedule today. And I don't want to have to cut people off, but I would like to accommodate. So, again, I want to thank those individuals from Unite Here and Action United and the other group that is identified here today. The public comment will go as follows: For those individuals who are here today, you will be given three minutes to speak. There's a podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a device on that podium. There is a light. That light will turn green when it is your time to speak. It will turn yellow when you have 30 seconds, and when it turns red, we ask that you please conclude your remarks. That means your three minutes are up. We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation, and, again, we really do appreciate you coming down and provide significant input into your governmental process. So with that, Mr. Decker, will you please read the name of the first individual. And, again, the individual speaking for Unite Here will be given five minutes as opposed to three and also from Action United will be given five minutes as opposed to three. Mr. Decker.
Earlene Bly, Michael Mullins, Marcia Teagle, Pat Norris, and Kate Goodman, speaking on behalf of Unite Here, commenting on -(Applause.)
-- commenting on Bill No. 130161. (Applause.) (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. President, City Council. My name is Patricia Norris and I work at Cayuga. I'm a food service assistant at Cayuga.
I'm Mike Mullins. I'm a parent of two sons who will be in second grade and kindergarten at Penn Alexander School in the fall, and I'm part of a fast for safe schools. We all haven't eaten since Sunday.
Good morning. My name is Marcia Teagle. I'm a food service manager at deBurgos School and I also haven't eaten since Monday.
Good morning. My name is Earlene Bly and I am a parent and I also have not eaten since Monday -Sunday night actually, and we are here today to speak on -- we're fasting for safe schools. And I have a teenage daughter who is in Roxborough High School. I also have a grandson that's about to start elementary school in the fall, and our main concern here today is the safety of our children. We are deeply concerned that when school starts up in September, our children will be left to fend for their selves basically. We have -- you have it where right now it's just going to be the teachers and maybe the principal in the school. Well, what about the support staff that's going to -- that's there to help the teachers? When the children are not in the classroom, that is when they are at their most vulnerable. When they are at lunch, when they're going from class to class in the hallways, when they're at recess, you know, we need someone there to monitor our children. If there's no one there, who is going to monitor them? The violence in the schools today is mainly being kept at a minimum -- I mean, there is violence in schools today, but I believe that it's being kept at a minimum because we have the student safety staff there. There is so many things that they prevent on a daily basis. I mean, personally I have gotten phone calls when my children were in elementary school about the stuff that was going to happen that was prevented because of the student safety staff, and I'm sure there's parents here today that feel the same way that I feel. You know, we need some -(Applause.)
We need the student safety staff and all of the support that the teachers have normally in the schools. You know, you're taking away the student safety staff, the counselors and others that is there to support the teachers to take care of our children. My main concern is that when my child enters that school building during the day, that she's being cared for and looked after through the course of the day and that she makes it home to me safely at the end of the day. I don't feel as though my child is going to be safe walking through the school hallways during the course of the day, because right now there's not going to be anyone there to keep an eye on her. The teachers are only going to be in the classroom. Who else is going to be there to look after my child and everyone else's child? That's what I would like to know. And right now -- we have facts that tell you that in elementary schools and in the high schools, those two are the most at risk. The violence in those schools like with assaults, with children trying to bring weapons in and all -- you know what I'm talking about. Everything that I am saying is that the children in elementary schools and the high schools are the most at risk, and this is where we need these people at today. When school starts in September, I would like to know that there is going to be some type of student safety staff, somebody there to keep an eye on my child and everyone else's child. Thank you. (Applause.)
One other thing. I would like to invite all the members of the City Council to come out to Broad and Walnut and support us. You know, we're going to be there.
Broad and Walnut today. I would like for everybody to come out and show us some support.
Julie Becker, Sarah Calderon, Colleen McCauley, and Debra Kimmelman. (Witnesses approached podium.)
And for the record, I understand they're representing PCCY; am I correct?
My name is Sarah Calderon. I am here -- thank you so much for the opportunity. This is my second opportunity to speak on behalf of proper school funding for our School District.
I am the mother of four, two currently in high schools here in the City. I have raised all my four children here in the City and educated them here. At my last testimony two weeks ago I promised to continue to collaborate with all efforts to restore the necessary funds for public education, and I closed my testimony with the hope that my City Council would pledge to do the same. Today I can report to you that I have paid a visit to our elected leaders in Harrisburg, along with an outstanding number of parents and children, visiting Representatives and Senators' offices, talking to staff, and speaking up on behalf of our children and our schools. After that visit, I received follow-up phone calls and I also made a number of phone calls to legislators and to you as well. I have been engaging in this task daily during lunch breaks at work. Regarding your efforts as City Council as a whole, I have continued to receive mixed reviews. Statements like the liquor by the drink tax didn't make it out of committee, Councilwoman doesn't think we have enough votes, the U&O has been pulled out, Councilman doesn't think that -(Audience members booing.)