Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 1, 2016 10:46 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats; visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I would ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rabbi Shawn Zevit of Mishkan Shalom. He is here today as a guest of Councilwoman Cindy Bass. I would ask that all guests, visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Good morning. ) Shalom, Salaam, well and peace to all of you. Thank you for the honor of being able to stand with you today. These are times in which we really need to stand with each other. Even if we're seated in our hearts Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 and souls, we need to stand with each other. It's an auspicious day in the Jewish Calendar. It's actually the new month today. The new month of Kislev which contains within it the ancient holiday of Hanukkah. And so this month proceeds a month that was considered the empty month because it has no holidays. Some of us may be carrying a sense of emptiness ourselves. But this new month which peaks in the darkest day of the year is exactly when we light candles for liberation and rededication and freedom from all parts of oppression. So riding the wave of Thanksgiving to be here today and this confluence in the Jewish calendar is a very, very powerful piece. Want to read a couple of quotes, and then I am going to end with a melody in honor of a recently deceased Jewish artist that I have put to Psalm 77. And I know you will all join me in the chorus or even lip sync depending on your own proclivities there. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 The duo of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Reverend Dr. , linked arms and literally walked physically side by side in this world for civil rights. We have on our third floor of our synagogue in Manayunk, Roxborough a picture of the two of them in their marches dedicated in the third floor to social justice in this world. Our own home at Mishkan, which means a sanctuary of peace, has opened its gates in July to CB Community School, a school for kids in the foster care system, predominantly kids of color. Those 70 kids are now our rental partners and our partners in peace and coexistence that moved in July. We are hugging each other even tighter these days and glad that the graces of the universe have brought us closer together across race and religion and various lines. " These are the times we are being asked to stand for. I was proud both as the co-chair of the Clergy Caucus of Power with Reverend Mark Tyler of Mother Bethel and our newly appointed executive director Reverend Greg Holsten as of two weeks ago of power, as well as brothers and sisters who are at -just finishing up at Thomas Paine across the seat, taking a stand for Standing Rock to bring all their regards into this room with us today, as well. And we recently released as the Board of Rabbis, a Philadelphia statement before Thanksgiving which I wanted to adapt as part of the prayer here this morning, and then we will end with the psalm. As Jewish leaders, we strive to teach the values which have sustained our people for centuries. Seeing each individual created in God's image, deserving respect, care, and compassion. Liberty and justice for all is a Jewish value. So, we focus our Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 hearts riding on the wave of this Thanksgiving to take a stand against racism, racist emails, graffiti, assaults that have shaken our own Philadelphia community. Hate has no place in America, least of all in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. As faithful Americans, we are absolutely committed to the safety of all. We Jews treasure freedom and know that hate damages the hater as well as the hated. Our faith has sustained us through centuries of slavery and oppression, discrimination and bigotry. Our gratitude for freedom demands that we stand with others and oppose all who attempt to intimidate or threaten our neighbors. So as we gather on this day around tables large and small, let us welcome each soul who sits with us as a member of one human family, seeing God in one another. Offering prayers of gratitude in many languages, we lift our voices in thanks for living in this land, in this City of freedom and opportunity.
Let us rededicate Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 ourselves as you open this session to preserving the freedoms that sustain us as Americans, saying no to hate and discrimination and joining with others who like us believe that our greatest strength is our diversity. This year, our song is one of hope that we can build a city and a bridge of love between our brothers and our sisters all over the land. And in my heart today as I address you, I think of the toll booth operator who I pass through the other day. This is a day to lift all our eyes and make connections, to not pass one relational moment and opportunity. And this older African-American woman as she took my ticket and we had the transactional exchange, I said, how are you doing today? She said, I'm having a hard time. We got to pray. And I said, yes, we'll pray, but we're also going to march together and we're going to stand together because prayers are one thing. But we need action, too. And her arm reached out of the Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 tollbooth and grabbed mine and would not let go for a whole minute saying, yes, we must do this together. I may never see you again, but you are in my heart from this moment on. And that's the type of work that is ahead of us. So in the memory of Leonard Cohen who passed recently and in the words of Psalm 77, I hope you will join me on the chorus of this to conclude this opening prayer. ) "God who can be trusted with power and who may act in your place, those with a passion for justice, those speak the truth from their hearts, who have let go of selfish interest and go beyond their own lives. "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. "Who see the wretched as their family and the poor as their flesh and blood, they alone are impartial. And worthy of the people's trust, their compassion lights up Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 the whole world, and the kindness endures forever. ) Blessed be your work.
Thank you, Rabbi, so much. Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, thank you, Rabbi. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2016. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2016 be approved.
Can I get a second? Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2016 be approved. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. As you heard in the Caucus Room, he is blessed to have another addition to his family as his wife just gave birth to a child today. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 (Applause.)
All right. Leave will most definitely be granted. And this Chair recognizes Councilman Oh on behalf of the minority.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Chair thanks the gentlemen. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business, and I would like to welcome and I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down and witness their government in action. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one, but also a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So again, thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown who will present a resolution on my behalf recognizing the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Sorority, Incorporated. Would Lorina Marshall-Blake and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Brown we have Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and Councilman Derek Green. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. As you can see, we are graced this morning with the gracious ladies in pink and green.
America's oldest African-American sorority in the country. Move ladies -- you can continue to move swiftly and join us in the front here. (Guests continue to file to podium.)
So, it's a wonderful pleasure for me to present the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Incorporated in their chosen selected gracious colors of pink and green. And we should be advised that every Thursday we are graced with members of this sorority, women in leadership here in the City including Evelyn Sample-Oates who is the chapter mem -- charter member of Omega Mu Omega and also Stephanie Sipps who every Thursday graces us, as well. It reminds us that there are women of your sorority every day making a difference for those in our city. So, what a pleasure it is for a me as a member of a sister sorority known as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated to have the pleasure to welcome you all. (Laughter.)
Yes. Yes. Yes. Indeed. Indeed it is. And so, this morning we are recognizing and honoring the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on its 90th Anniversary. Let's underscore that, bold with exclamation points. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
On its 90th Anniversary and celebrating the Omega Omega Chapter's history, their accomplishments and their ongoing unwavering commitment of service to all mankind.
So before I start with the first "whereas clause," I need to say a special thanks to Council President Clarke and to my soror Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for allowing me to participate in this presentation. It is not by happenstance. Councilwoman Reynold Brown knows it was the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated who presented this Delta prior to her becoming a Delta with a Book Scholarship when it was very much needed when she was in high school. (Applause.)
And those are relationships that you never forget no matter what colors you wear. Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first Greek letter Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 organization for African-American women founded at Howard University on January 15, 1908, has grown from an initial group of 16 founders to its current membership of 283,000 with a global strength of 993 chapters; and Whereas, the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1926; and Whereas, Omega Omega is the chapter of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, founder of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Philadelphia, listen, the chapter of noted Philadelphia educator and philanthropist Ruth Wright Hayre and the chapter of our former City Councilwoman Augusta Alexander Clark. And AKAs, you will understand this, Gussie who was although the second African-American woman elected to this body, she was the first democratic African-American woman elected. And if you knew Gussie Clark, she didn't wear second of anything well. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 (Applause.)
And as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, it is a pleasure to be here. (Laughter.)
I'm often told that you can't spell Kappa Alpha Psi without the Kappa which is combined with AKA. So, I'm always reminded by that. They started it first before we came along. I'm always told by a number of the ladies here in the room about that. Whereas, the Omega Omega Chapter will celebrate 90 years of service and sisterhood through programs which have provided educational opportunities, addressed health concerns, examine economic and environmental issues, assisted in meeting the needs of the young and the elderly, provided leadership training, saluted the arts, foster sisterly relations and extend its hand to the world community; and Whereas, Omega Omega Chapter has collaborated with and supported numerous Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 civic, professional, religious and fraternal organizations. And since 1995, has provided more than $1.5 million in scholarship assistance to hundreds, hundreds of deserving young scholars and community-based organizations through its annual day of sharing; and Whereas, the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is a distinguished group of 485 professional women whose vision and tireless efforts create a bond of sisterhood and committed service for the benefit of communities around the world and will continue to work diligently to reach goals and fulfill requirements set forth by the international program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Now therefore be it,
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor, recognize, congratulate, celebrate and lift up the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Sorority, Incorporated on its 90th Anniversary, and celebrate the Omega Omega Chapter's history, their accomplishments and unwavering ongoing commitment of service to all mankind. Further resolved, that in gross copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership and membership of Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by our President Councilman Darrell Clarke and supported by all Members of the Philadelphia City Council. Let's lift up these amazing women. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Lorina Marshall-Blake for remarks.
President Clarke Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 and all the Members of City Council of Philadelphia, family and friends, it is indeed our honor and we consider it a privilege on behalf of the almost 500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omega Omega and, as mentioned, over 280,000 other members throughout the country, our National President Ms. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson and our Regional Director Meredith Henderson and our Former Regional Director Evelyn Sample-Oates who is with us today to stand before you today to receive this resolution of honor and celebrating 90 years of service to this region. Through our international office, as already been mentioned, our targets launching new dimensions of service, educational enrichment, health promotion, family strengthening, environmental ownership and global impact. And our signature programs, a Send Youth Enrichment Program. We also had our community impact days. We were building 1,908 playgrounds, not by ourselves but with others. And we Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 have done two ourselves. We were active with the voting on November 8. And again, we did the singalong right here in City Council. But as it's been stated, we are the oldest Greek letter organization founded in 1908 at Howard University under the leadership of our Founder Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. And it's been said that leadership is about believing 100 percent in yourself and 200 percent in the people you are asking to follow. So again, we have continued to follow Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and all the other leaders. And we must remember to always remember to remember all those who have gone before us. And there are great leaders who were members of Omega Omega Chapter who have been mentioned, but one who is no longer with us. But I'm sure she's up there giving the Lord direction who was my sponsor 25 years ago, Councilwoman August Alexander Clark. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
And then great leaders Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre, the superintendent of the Philadelphia Public School District. And then we have a member who is the oldest, was the oldest member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Soror Winonah Peters Greene who was 110 years old. She just transitioned last month, but she's still with us. And she said to us in a recent video that -- with pearls of wisdom, she said: "Time makes the difference, and the difference is time." And then added to that we have to learn how to give time, time. And again, words were note -- there is no time like the presence to make a difference in someone's life. For over 90 years we have stood flatfooted and determined to make this world a better place. Dr. Maya Angelou would say, people won't remember what you said and they won't remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. And today you have made us feel extra Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 special in our pink and green. And she would also say that we must learn to put a rainbow in someone's cloud looking every day to make it a better world. So today, again, you have made us especially proud that you took the time to honor our 90-year history of service to all mankind. Again, I'd like to thank all the members of Alpha kappa Alpha Omega Omega Chapter who are with us today. And especially Kathleen Lacey and Crystal Lacey who have been leading the 90 year commitment, our celebration. And also, I'd like to acknowledge Carlene Neal and Carol Parkinson Hall for all their hard work on helping us to put together this resolution. It has been said, as I end, that life is the greatest of all statements. Make sure yours speaks volumes. And again, on behalf of Omega Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, we do thank you for this acknowledgement today of our past, our present and we're most excited about our future commitment to this City, to this Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 state, to this region, to this world. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. And again, congratulations. Let me recognize Councilman Oh real quick because I know he wants to recognize -
Yeah. Thank you very much, Council President. She might have left the room. But I just want to recognize that among the group of distinguished ladies was my third grade teacher or Reverend -Reverend Dr. Del Rio Lagonz Berry from Longstreth Elementary School, Southwest Philadelphia.
We will see you a little later to get the real story about the Councilman. Thank you. Yeah, we are going to get the hook up over here, find out the real deal about the Councilman, the Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 young Councilman. Chair, at this time, would like to recognize Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. As a former educator, it is truly a delight for me to introduce students who ran for president at my elementary school. In fact, I had the sentimental experience last of week being inducted into the Morton McMichael School Hall of Fame. So, these young people ran for president. And they included Jahil Outlaw who is an eighth grader recently selected to the McMichael basketball team and wants to be either a chef or an actor. I would say do both. Then we have Alexis Martin, also an eighth grader. She a female young lady who ran for president attended -- attends Morton McMichael School and aspires to be -- work with children and a professional dancer. We want to ask Elijah Cummings to also stand up. An eighth grader who wants to enter the field of professional game Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 designing. He wants to be a techie. Malik McClenney, a fifth grader at the school aspires to be what is called an astrophysicist. And then we have Isaiah Fletcher, a sixth grader who enjoys playing video games and aspires to be a professional illustrator and artist. Let's salute Philadelphia's next generation of leadership. (Applause.)
Thank you, young people. And then lastly, we have with us this morning a friend of the office Henry Slomanski who is joining us and delighted to be a part of these proceedings along with parents. And a gentleman who certainly understands that there is no time like the presents. Let's salute Henry Slomanski. Stand up. (Applause.)
Thank you, Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And thank you for coming down and congratulations. The next order of business is Communications. And the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, if you can please read those messages.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter and today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills. Bill Nos. 160896, 160916, 160917, 160918, 160919, 160920, 160921, 160947, 160950, 160951, 160966, 160967, 160969, 160970 and 160973. And I'm pleased to advise you that on November 30, 2016, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 on November 17, 2016. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body; A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 2217 South 5th Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Kensington Redevelopment Area identified by house number and street address as 3031 Collins Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses as 125 South 46th Street, 127 through 129 South 46th Street, and 133 through 135 South 46th Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 1900 North 23rd Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to accept title to all or portion of parcels that constitute the Waverly Street Community Garden located in the area bounded by 12th Street, Waverly Street, South Quint Street and Pine street; and Amending Chapter 15-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Fairmount Park System to include the Waverly Street Community Garden among the areas designated as part of the Fairmount Park System; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades and a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating the easterly house line of University Avenue from a point Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 approximately 545 feet north of Cherry Boulevard to a point approximately 236 feet further northwardly therefrom a variable distance eastwardly; thereby, widening said University Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. Next order of business is the Introduction of Bills and Resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I introduce this morning one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you, Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Councilwoman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9 of Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), entitled 'Fees,' and Chapter 14-1000 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Historic Preservation,' to provide for fees for review by the Historical Commission of certain permit and other applications and requests for approvals.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground and the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
This week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two non-privileged resolutions and one privileged resolution for Kwanza signed by everyone except Kenyatta who had priorities. Thank you.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Kwanza, and specifically recognizing the work of Kwanza Co -- of the Kwanza Cooperative in Philadelphia in keeping the traditions of Kwanza alive in our city, thus solidifying the cultural significance of Kwanza to our citizens and to future generations.
And that will be in this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated within the Twenty-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses as 125 South 46th Street, 127 through 129 South 46th Street, and 135 -- 133 through 135 South 46th Street.
Also next week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
Thank you President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and four resolutions.
And ordinance authorizing EB Realty Management to construct, own and maintain a building encroachment at 699 North Broad Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal for portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 1900 North 23rd Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a condition fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated on the 28th and 33nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf I offer one bill. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
An ordinance adopting an amendment to the articles of incorporation of the Philadelphia Energy Authority increasing the number of members on the Authority's Board from five to seven as proposed by the Board in a resolution adopted November 30, 2016.
Referred to Committee. Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Councilman. Chair recognizes, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have four non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the 23rd Ward of the City of Philadelphia; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Those four resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Janet Parrish from the Philadelphia Gas Commission on the occasion of her retirement for her decades of service to the citizens of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on the Environment to hold hearings regarding adoption and achievement of a zero-waste goal for the City of Philadelphia.
Also on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 President. I have one non-privileged resolution. And I wish to be recognized after the title is read.
A non-privileged resolution acknowledging the Administration for publicly declaring their commitment to prioritizing diversity and inclusion for the upcoming Rebuild Initiative by setting attainable participation goals for the project, and further recommend organizational strategies and various policy proposals that must be employed in partnership with the building trades, unions and City Council that will bolster efforts to attract and retain local Philadelphia-based union workers as well as increase the number of minority, women and disabled-owned business enterprises with the long term goal of sustainably increasing diversity in the building trades.
Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, for many years we have had Philadelphia mayors, present and former members of this legislative body including Councilmembers Blackwell, Goode and yourself, Mr. President, and many others along with various advocates and members of our citizenry who have grappled with the seemingly impossible task of ensuring that there is an equitable sense of diversity and inclusion in the awarding of overall City contracts and in diversifying the building trades, which benefit greatly from doing business in the City of Philadelphia. And while our recent budget discussions and the Mayor's proposal of the Rebuild Initiative have seemed to expedite this discussion and put it on the front of public policy discussions, I thought that it was necessary to begin a discussion about what I thought that this body would like to see included. And any solution that is proffered to accomplish what we all hope we Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 can achieve, and that is diversifying the trades. Let me thank you, Mr. President, Councilmembers Blackwell, Gym, Green, Squilla and Quinones-Sanchez for signing on as cosponsors of this resolution. And I needed to state for the record that I in no way, shape or form view this as the all encompassing silver bullet that will achieve what we hope and diversify the building trades and increasing the number of minorities and women that are doing business in the City of Philadelphia. However, you have to blame my ten years of having to work in a highly charged impartisaned environment in Harrisburg for the formula that I'm accustomed to using when you are trying to achieve an affirmative outcome regarding the difficult issue. And the way to do that is to not wait until Rebuild is sort of unveiled, or the way we attempt to get to the 40 percent goal that the Administration has committed to, wait until the program is unveiled and then Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 criticize what we think is weak and/or wrong about that process. So, what this resolution does is simply just highlight some areas that we hope that the Administration along with the building trades will work in partnership with this legislative body in order to achieve the diversity and inclusion goals that the Administration has agreed to. And while I won't read the entire resolution, I quickly just for the benefit of the public want to go through some of the concepts that are listed here. The first is, obviously, the continued partnership and the enhancement of it with career and technical education here in the School District of Philadelphia. But next extremely important is the talk about pre-apprenticeship programs that are neighborhood based. And for me, it is extremely important to identify that the pre-apprenticeship and the recruitment process cannot begin with the building trades. It is extremely important that Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 places of worship anchor institutions, community-based organization that extremely credible in our communities have an opportunity to participate in that recruitment process because that will be the point of entry to training. So, I want the public who is watching to think about whether or not you can go to Sharon, Deliverance, Enon, Mother Bethel, Second Macedonia or Triumph. And there you can go to sign up and express your interest in being recruited. They are documenting via performance measurement the number of people who sign up to be recruited. And then those who are accepted that meet the eligibility requirements are then forwarded to the pre-apprenticeship programs that are literally based in our neighborhoods. In addition to that, I want to just note that pre-apprenticeship programs won't be enough. Because we know a lot of people who are grown and they have families and they've been working for 20, 30 and 40 years as trades men and women. But they are just not Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 members of unions in the building trades.
It is our hope that some sort of executive apprenticeship program could be established similar to what the building trades already have in existence via something called a Challenge Test that will expedite an admission process to gain membership into the union for those who are experienced via this Executive Apprenticeship Program. Next, we did mention performance management, but none of this works, Mr. President, if the numbers aren't tracked. If we don't know how many people have attempted to participate, how many people who have made it through pre-apprenticeship and the Executive Apprenticeship Programs and how many people have actually become journey apprentices and journeymen and members in the unions, those numbers have to be recorded. In addition to that, as it relates to the 40 percent goal, the building trade should be prepared to come together and state how many new people of color and women Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 that they will need to meet that 40 percent minority and women participation goal with Rebuild. But I want to state for the records that the building trades can't come in and tell us how to do that without the administration, via it's project designers along with the engineers providing them estimates for how many people it would take to actually do the work that Rebuild will consist of. In addition to that, I will tell you that we have all heard over and over from Philadelphians that they are frustrated when they see non-Philadelphians working on construction and development projects in they neighborhoods. And a major bone of contention for me is that anyone who gets the opportunity to make 37 or 40 dollars an hour get access to retirement security and health benefits, they too could decide that they want to move out of Philadelphia. Because I will dare say that if you talk to members of the building trades now, many of them were once Philadelphia residents who Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 when they began to receive and earn that salary and have the economic security that they could to take care of their families, they moved to areas outside of Philadelphia. So, for us to work through this process and not incentivize Philadelphia residency and home ownership, that doesn't make good economic sense and is not worth taxpayer dollars in my opinion. In addition to that, access to transportation needed to get to construction sites has often been cited as a barrier to employment. No need to reinvent the wheel. We can get government agencies, quasi-government agencies such as SEPTA, PATCO, PennDOT together to figure out are there any strategies from a transportation perspective that we can come up with to help get workers to these jobs. In addition to that, this issue that I'm going to mention, the issue of misclassification, I heard a number of people mention that they think the diversifying the building trades is an Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 impossible task and a feat and it will never happen. And what I said to them is that I know that this has been a long and arduous fight. I just said to one of our former colleagues this morning, if I adopted the notion and the belief that this was an impossible task, that would mean that the fights of people like Leon Sullivan, Charlie Bowser, all founders of the black political form were in vain. Because while we have made some -- some incremental progress, it hasn't been at the level that we would all aspire to be. But I don't think that the answer is saying we just need to increase the amount of non-union work available, and that is the way we will get more minorities, women and those who are disabled into the building trades. Because if we accept that response, we are saying that the lower wages not being guaranteed and an annual income via a retirement security that we have been working on and talking about in this body and the benefits to take care of your families are not guaranteed.
Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 And I needed to say to my colleagues, and I wanted to share this, when you hear me talk about the misclassification of employees, it's not because I -- anybody had to brief me or because I had to read a white paper. I was a staff member for Councilwoman Marian Tasco in this body and we had just finished the NTI process. And the contract was awarded to a company based in New York. And I won't name their name, but they were to do important work which was the last phase of demolishing homes in the Logan sinking homes area where almost a thousand families had been uprooted because their homes were built on ash and cinder. And this company received extra points in the scoring of their application because they committed to hiring residents from the community. And at that time, we had advocated for them to higher laborers from our local Laborers 332 which actually lived in the neighborhood. And the firm, before they were awarded the contract, said yes to any and everything that you can think of. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Mr. President -- Mr. President, when the firm got out to demolish the first house on 6th Street in the Ninth Councilmanic District in Logan, we got calls from residents from Let's Love Logan, Mike Heyward and Sonya Brian saying everything that they committed to is off the table. I went out there as a staffer to see what the workforce looked like. And the workforce was from New York, and they didn't speak English. And with that being said, Mr. President, it was my first time on the construction picket line. And Vince was my partner at Local 332. And we recruited members who spoke Spanish fluently and were Latino and Hispanic from the Logan community. And they joined us. And we did what people didn't think we could do. Those native Logan residents who were from the Latino and Hispanic community talked to those workers who were working for this company, and they asked them are you earning prevailing wage? Are you receiving retirement benefits? And do you have Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 healthcare? And while those workers wouldn't talk with us because I wasn't a fluent Spanish speaker, they did talk to those people who spoke their language fluently and the answer was no. With that being said, we have to make the misclassification of employees an important part of this process because I would not want anyone in Philadelphia to be taken advantage of because they need employment. They need employment, but they are being misclassified as independent contractors so that the construction company can get around paying wage taxes and business taxes and paying the employee what they deserve. In addition to that, I think the Attorney General and our City's District Attorney should be involved in that process. And finally, we all have seen Comcast, PECO and many of our corporations in the City. They provide us with something that they usually reference as a annual report. And in this annual report, they usually Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 document contributions that they have made to neighborhood-based organizations in the City of Philadelphia and volunteer efforts that their respective companies have engaged in. Now we know that the building trades, they do something similar to this via the LM-2 that they use in reporting their efforts to the Department of Labor. But our City administration should find a way to make the reporting of those efforts a annual part of the City of Philadelphia's process for informing residents on what the trades who are benefitting from doing work in the City of Philadelphia are actually contributing to our respective communities. Finally, Mr. President, let me say this. There are going to be some people who are going to thoroughly criticize this resolution as just being soft as a marshmallow. They have a right to their opinion.
There are some who I've spoken with who said Cherelle, how dare you attempt to outline how you think the pre-apprentice, executive apprentice or any of these kind of Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 programs should be designed. And what I have said to them is that I'm not going to wait until Rebuild and its implementation process is rolled out to simply criticize it. I wanted this to be a starting point for discussion to offer some very concrete recommendations for what we hope will be included in the final Rebuild process. I want to say again to the cosponsors of the resolution, particularly to you Mr. President and to all of my colleagues, thank you so very much for your patience today and bearing with me and sharing my perspective. It is very important to me that the spirit and intent behind this resolution was very well known and clear for the benefit of the public. So, thank you all. )
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you, Councilwoman. That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Domb. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
Thank you, Council President. Today I have one bill on your behalf.
An ordinance to amend Chapter 16-900 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Philadelphia Workforce Housing Opportunity Zones by modifying the definitions.
That bill will be referred to committee. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good morning, Council President. No bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I have one privileged resolution that is cosponsored by Councilmembers Blackwell, Sanchez, O'Neill, Reynolds Brown, Domb, Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Henon, President Clarke, Councilmembers Jones, Squilla and Oh. And I would like to be heard before the vote on that.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to conduct hearings concerning the Board of Health proposed regulations relating to the Tobacco Retailing License, and further asking the Administration and the Board of Health not to move forward on any regulations pertaining to the Tobacco Retailing License until Council can conduct hearings on the impact these regulations could have on businesses and the surrounding communities.
Thank you, Council President and fellow colleagues. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Today I introduced the aforementioned resolution calling on Philadelphia's City Council Committee on Health and Human Services to conduct hearings on the Board of Health's regulations pertaining to retail permit on selling tobacco and tobacco-related products. I first want to commend my fellow Councilperson Cindy Bass on the resolution she introduced a few weeks ago that commended the Board of Health on passing these regulations, especially pertaining to violations on selling to minors and no permits within 500 feet of schools. I think we can all agree on those are very much needed regulation. My resolution today pertains to the density issue regulation. With over 1,800 current businesses in the City of Philadelphia with a permit to sell tobacco products, this new regulation could possibly stop new businesses from investing in our neighborhoods, devalue current businesses, especially many of our mom and pop stores Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 that rely on their business as a means to provide for their families. And as the son of delicatessen owners, I fully understand. I look to transfer and may look to transfer this business to either their children or eventually to sell their business as for their retirement. This may be the only pension that these people have. Many of our -- many of you probably already know that the Board of Health can pass regulations without these body's input. I, one, firmly believe as a person put into office by the citizens of Philadelphia, especially these mom and pop stores, that we need to have a serious and open conversation on how this density regulation will impact not only our businesses, our business owners but our surrounding communities here in Philadelphia. Before I was elected to Council, for 23 years I was the President of the Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Many of those businesses and neighborhood businesses, people I dealt with on a daily Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 basis, have reached out to me. And I believe that many you ask -- that are asking me for their help on this matter. Hence, I have introduced this resolution today. I believe that all our citizens have a vested interest in the future and prosperity of the City of Philadelphia have a right to come before elected officials and give their proposed -- and give their personal stories on how this specific regulation will impact. I look forward to having a great hearing and appreciate the support of my colleagues on this resolution. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
I assume when that comes up, there will be other times to speak if it's coming up later today, right?
I mean, usually, if it's coming up today, I would have thought the debate would have been or the Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 comments would have been made when it was called up at the end of Council.
Yeah. I'm very, very accommodating kind of Council President, so he asked me.
He asked me could he do it now, so I'm going to say yes.
You're absolutely -- yeah, you're absolutely correct, Councilman.
Thank you, Councilman. Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions or speeches. (Laughter.)
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and four non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City to accept title to all or portion of the parcels that constitute the Waverly Street Community Garden located in the area bonded by 12th Street, Waverly Street, South Quint Street and Pine Street; and Amending Chapters 15-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Fairmount Park System to include Waverly Street Community Gardens among the areas designated as part of the Fairmount Park System.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 renewal of a portion of the East Kensington Redevelopment area identified by house number and street address as 3031 Collins Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2217 South 5th Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner on Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the 25th Ward of the City of Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming South 3rd Street between West Oregon Avenue southerly to its terminus as Stonehouse Lane.
And will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. I'm going to recognize Councilwoman Bass because I do believe she has something on behalf of Councilman Johnson.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions on behalf of our new father in Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committees on Commerce and Economic Development and Legislative Oversight to hold hearings examining the City's diversity and inclusion strategy for Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 the planned $300 million investment in the Port of Philadelphia and the economic impact in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committees on Commerce and Economic Development and Legislative Oversight to hold hearings examining diversity and inclusion in SEPTA Capital Project spending and its economic impact in the City of Philadelphia.
Also on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution adopting a report issued by Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Council's Public Health and Human Services Committee findings and recommendations to address Philadelphia's heroin epidemic.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Eleventh and Twelfth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying a conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated on the Seventeenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution condemning the recent statements of President-Elect Donald J. Trump, which undermine faith in America's democratic institutions, constitutional values and individual rights.
And that will Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution, one bill. I'd like to be heard on the bill after the title is read or at some point today at your choosing.
I might as well do it right after the bill is read. I will to not be overly long, but I can't say I will be real short.
An ordinance authorizing City officials to follow articles of incorporation to establish nonprofit corporation that shall be called the Philadelphia's School Teachers Reimbursement Fund for the purpose of reimbursing personal money spent by teachers of the Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 School District for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment needed for their classrooms.
Thank you very much, Council President. I mean, I think the issue of -- and the very difficult challenge of education is a concern to everyone in this building, Council, the Mayor's office and the SRC. And it's a -- it's a difficult struggle on how to -- how to improve education. And we often here -- I always heard about the fact that some teachers through their commitment to their classroom use their own personal funds. Some are wealthy and some are not, but they use their own money. The problem that I also see from that is that we in City government, we don't exactly know how much it costs to operate our schools because we don't have any way of tracking how much personal contribution is being made for necessary items. This Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Council passed two resolutions, one honoring Leslie Grace of the Nebinger School and one honoring Jayda Pugliese of the Jackson School. The thing about both of them is they raised money for necessary equipment through crowdfunding. Leslie Grace, the first art teacher in 15 years had no supplies. Through crowdfunding, she raised $20,000 for her classroom. And Jayda Pugliese raised over $6,000 for her classroom. But there are a lot of teachers who spend a hundred dollars, a thousand dollars. And we don't know, and they have no way of being reimbursed. We have a great example in the Philadelphia Cultural Fund where money is put into a nonprofit and people can apply for funds for their art projects and programs. All I'm saying here is that if a teacher has spent money already for necessary items for the classroom, it's not extravagant. I am sure they got the best bargain possible. It's coming out of their own pocket. They now have a source where Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 they can submit for reimbursement. And the Committee will look and see whether it's worthwhile and how much can be reimbursed. Maybe not all of it, maybe none of it, but we will at least have a record of how much they spend and will have a process whereby teachers who spend their own money can now get a reimbursement. And maybe they will do more of that but, you know, that's money directly into the classroom. So, that's the reason that the ordinance is introduced. I think it is something that all of us really feel strongly about. And I appreciate the opportunity to introduce it. Especially thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell with all the hearings and a strong advocate in Councilwoman Helen Gym that has further brought light to the needs. And I hope this is helpful. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilman. And that shall be referred to committee.
And a privileged Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 resolution recognizing and honoring Ralston Center for improving the health and quality of life of older Philadelphians on the occasion of its 200 Anniversary celebration.
Thank you. And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We will now move to our reports on the Committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports ten bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules which is referring to Bill No. 160720, An Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions" to add a new chapter limiting the use of a restrictive covenant or usage restriction that prohibits a purchaser of property from using the property as a grocery store; Bill No. 160808, an ordinance amending the Institutional Development District Master Plan of the University of Pennsylvania, by allowing for the construction of the New Patient Pavilion located at 1 Convention Avenue; and Bill No. 160916 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 Comly Street, Frankford Avenue, Benner Street, Brous Avenue, Deveraux Avenue, Battersby Street, Robbins Street, Hawthorne Street, Hellerman Street, Sackett Street, Knorr Street, Rowland Avenue, Tyson Avenue, Crispin Street, Saint Vincent Street, Leon Street, Sheffield Avenue, Erdrick Street, Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 Cottman Avenue, Charles Street, Tyson Avenue, Erdrick Street, Longshore Avenue, Charles Street, Deveraux Avenue and Hawthorne Street"; and Bill No. 160919, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled, 'Zoning and Planning,' by providing for medical marijuana dispensaries and growing/processing facilities"; and Bill No. 160920 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 Spring Garden Street, 6th Street, Callowhill Street and 9th Street"; and Bill No. 160921, entitled "An ordinance to amend Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District,' by creating the Logan Triangle/NCA Overlay District"; and Bill No. 160947, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 by 2nd Street, Berks Street, 3rd Street, Indiana Avenue, 2nd Street, Huntingdon Street, Howard Street and Dauphin Street"; and Bill No. 160951, 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 Marshall Street, Rockland Street, 6th Street, Roosevelt Boulevard, Wingohocking Street, 11th Street and Loudon Street"; and Bill No. 160966, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Chapter 14-300, entitled 'Administration and Procedures,' by changing the composition of the Civic Design Review Committee and adding additional criteria for review"; and Bill No. 160969, 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 Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the Schuylkill Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 River," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. 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 the ten bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved an properly seconded that Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 160808, Bill 160916, 160919, 160920, 160921, 160947, 160951, 160966 and 160969. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 (No response.) Ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today: Bill No. 160720 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at the next session of Council. Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which is referred Bill No. 160326, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tax Review Board,' by providing a limited exception to the requirement that all hearings be public"; and. Bill No. 160810, entitled "An ordinance Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 amending Chapter 19-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Realty Transfer Tax,' by closing certain loopholes, including by amending the definition of 'value' as it relates to acquired real estate companies, the definitions of 'real estate company' and 'acquired real estate company'"; and Bill No. 160872, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Hospital Assessments' to make changes to conform to State Law, including by providing an exemption for certain cancer hospitals"; and Bill No. 161001, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Fifteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series of tax-exempt or taxable Airport Revenue Bonds or Notes of the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 161014, entitled "An ordinance Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 authorizing and approving the execution and and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of the City of Philadelphia's affordable housing preservation programs, approving the issuance by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, to finance such programs; and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement", respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 160326, Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 160810, 160872, 161001 and 161014. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill Nos. 160326, 160810, 160872, 161001 and 161014. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
The ayes have it. And these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for report from the Committee of Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report. Stated Meeting December 1, 2016
The Committee on Appropriations, to which is referred Bill No. 161010, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfer in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, the Water Department, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants, the Water Fund, the County Fuels Tax Fund, the Special Gasoline Tax Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 161012, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered the Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 same, and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the Rules of Council be suspend so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 161010 and 161012. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly second that the Rules of Council be properly suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 161010 and 161012. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports four bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which is referred Bill No. 160678, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by revising and improving the City's contracting and procurement process, including by providing certain notices to be posted by the City relating to contracting decisions"; and Bill No. 160840, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter on wage equity prohibiting employers from inquiring about salary history, including definitions, duties, penalties, posting Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 requirements, a private right of action and other related items regarding wage equity"; and Bill No. 160971, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the award of certain contracts based on best value to the City"; and Bill No. 160972, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-1404 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Eligibility for Non-Competitively Bid Contracts and Financial Assistance,' to provide for requirements relating to contracts awarded pursuant to the proposed best value provisions of the Home Rule Charter"; and Resolution No. 160981, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the award of certain contracts based on best value to the City," respectfully reports it has considered the same and Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 160678, 160840, 160971 and 160972. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded to allow the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 160678, 160840, 160971 and 160972. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. And these bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar of the day. Resolution No. 160981 will be placed on Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports four bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the reports.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which is referred Bill No. 160867, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Vacant and Surplus Properties,' by incorporating an irrevocable power of attorney in all deeds"; and Bill No. 160973, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire an approximately 3.4 acre property known as Stated Meeting December 1, 2016 4848 Island Avenue"; and Bill No. 161005, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey a parcel of land commonly known as 3550 East Allen Street to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 161006, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-1700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia Land Bank,' to exempt the Land Bank from certain municipal claims and charges," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day, Bill Nos. 160867, 160973, 1601005 and 161006. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 1, 2016