Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 120827.
An ordinance amending Chapter 15-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Playgrounds," by providing for an annual report containing details of any and all reported violations of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING take place on the grounds of any Park or Playground.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 120828.
An ordinance amending Chapter 15-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Recreation Centers," providing for an annual report containing details of any and all reported violations of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which take place on the grounds of any Recreation Center.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130065.
An ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Property," by providing for a prohibition on firearms and deadly weapons in or around City-owned or City-occupied facilities.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to speak really briefly on this particular bill. This is something that is very timely that we're talking about this today in light of having our Attorney General Kathleen Kane here earlier today and applauding her for closing the Florida loophole. When we talk about guns and gun safety, I think that she's done a fantastic job, and we want to duplicate 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING those efforts wherever we can here. We want to do our part. Also, it's timely because just recently the Governor of Colorado just signed a gun control package which places new restrictions on firearms in a state that's very similar to Pennsylvania and which has a proud tradition of gun ownership and self-reliance. The goal of this bill is common sense and it's basic. We just don't want guns on City properties. We don't allow guns in this building, and the goal is to extend that, especially protecting our young people at City rec centers and playgrounds. If it's a good thing to protect us, why wouldn't we extend that to all of our citizens? And so I know that there are some concerns regarding the bill regarding reenactment and the use of firearms in different ways, and I think that this bill has been fantastic because it's a collaboration between the 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Administration and City Council. And so we're certainly willing to hear what other folks have to say and work into the language any additional regulations that we need to to protect those who want to do reenactments and that sort of thing. So I just wanted to make a mention of that. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just wanted to explain that I'll be voting against it because I do not believe we have the legal authority and I have my concerns about the constitutionality. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 15; the nays are two. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Thank you so much. At this time, we'd like to see -- I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, do you have additional resolutions.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold public hearings to review promotion procedures within the Philadelphia Fire Department, as it relates to Budgeted Uniform Vacancies, prior to the expiration of the Published Promotion Eligibility Lists for Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain on May 25, 2013, introduced by Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing April 27th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day, introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
And a resolution recognizing and honoring the 2012 LaSalle College High School Football Team, introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. That resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and acknowledging Delta Sigma Theta on the occasion of its Sixth Annual Philadelphia City Council Day, introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING urging the Philadelphia Delegation of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to oppose House Bill 790 and the proposed privatization of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Wine and Spirits Stores, introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
Absolutely. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Very briefly, I'd just like to say that as the debate goes on in Harrisburg relative to the issue of privatizing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Wine and Spirits Stores, I'm calling on our Philadelphia Delegation and other legislators across the state, if they will listen, to not pass the legislation. The state store system is an asset that currently generates more than $500 million annually, providing a steady 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING and increasing source of revenue to the state treasury. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board also serves an important role in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Pennsylvanians by ensuring that only appropriate age-responsible parties are able to purchase retail liquor. The final thing I want to say is that the proposed legislation to privatize state Wine and Spirit Stores may also have a significant and detrimental impact on the City of Philadelphia through the proliferation of numerous additional alcohol establishments throughout the City and in its various communities and neighborhoods, causing a negative impact on the public health and safety of Philadelphia and its citizens. So that's why I've introduced this legislation and ask all my colleagues to vote, and hopefully we will have some impact. Certainly I hope 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Delegation has taken a stance against it. And we were worried earlier about all the drugstores that opened up in the various communities that would end up being liquor stores. We still have that fear. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I just wanted to commend Councilwoman Tasco for bringing to light this issue. We're talking about 3,500 jobs, middle-class, family-supporting jobs. And it's amazing to me that the Governor raises the issue that 800 million will go for education by selling more alcohol in our community. 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING So it's booze for books, and I think that's a false choice and one that we should not be suckered into. And I just -- it just galls me to think that in a city where we had last year 331 murders, most of those murders were conducted under some type of influence of drugs or alcohol, that this Governor would put this upon us and fill our prisons once more as opposed to our colleges with a booze for books choice. And I commend you, Councilwoman Tasco, for raising this issue. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Kenney, are you okay? Thank you. Councilwoman, can you make a motion again.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. Thank you. 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution proclaiming March, 2013 as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I make a motion to move the resolution, to adopt the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. 3/21/13 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring, recognizing and commending Faatimah Gamble for her commitment and dedication to helping impoverished communities and families across the nation, and her advocacy for healthy lifestyles, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I make a motion to adopt the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you so much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. First I have an announcement. On March 22nd, which is tomorrow, down at the Navy Yard, I will be hosting a forum on investing in our region's infrastructure as a pathway to stimulate jobs and our economy. We will have a luncheon and the keynote speaker will be former Mayor and Governor of the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, and the symposium will focus on how do we invest and make long-term comprehensive investment in our infrastructure such as our bridges, our roads, our transportation system as a means to stimulate jobs in our local economy. And we still have some seats available, so rather it's Councilmembers and/or those who are listening to this announcement are invited to participate. Contact my office and make sure they RSVP. To the matter at hand, Council President and colleagues, my staff and I weeks have been attending AVI meetings throughout the 2nd Councilmanic District. Every one of them has been packed with people who are concerned, confused, angry, and frightened about AVI. I met a gentleman on a fixed income with a disability who received a new assessment of $475,000. He mentioned that he cannot afford to pay a tax bill that will increase to $6,000 all in one year. If he hasn't lived in the area for more than ten years, like many of the people in his neighborhood, he may not be eligible for meaningful proposed relief measures. At a meeting with Councilman Mark Squilla, we asked and did a small poll of the residents in the room and we asked them how many believe that their assessments were inaccurate, and more than 90 percent of the people in the room raised their hands. The assessments, which we have been reviewing from block to block and in some cases from house to house, seems like they're all over the place. Many people don't understand how the City arrived at these values that were set for their homes. Some of them don't know how to fill out the first-level review forms. Still others don't know how to interpret the information on their new assessments. AVI is supposed to be about making sure that everyone pays their fair share, but this cannot happen, but this cannot happen as long as the assessments which the tax bills will be based are inaccurate. Some are of the belief that we should simply forge ahead and correct errors and work out the kinks along the way. I and a number of my colleagues are of the belief that we should slow down, do what's right, do what's fair, and do what makes sense. This means providing accurate assessments for all properties and supporting measures such as the one proposed by my colleague Councilman Mark would, in the very least, allow people to phase in or gradually absorb the increases in their tax bills and, most of all, remain in their homes. After we know we have accurate assessments, we can provide relief measures such as gentrification relief in a hardship deferral bill, which I propose, which will support individuals who may not be eligible for the other types of various reliefs and cannot afford to pay the huge increase all in one year. Currently, from my perspective, AVI suffers from a legitimacy problem. The program is promoted as being accurate and fair, but thus far after attending countless, countless community neighborhood meetings, it seems like it's inaccurate and unfair. Taxpayers and my constituents don't think their assessments are accurate and, furthermore, don't understand why the City doesn't collect delinquent taxes to pay more. As mentioned in the City Council hearing yesterday, the City should budget for increased revenues if this Administration is serious about collecting taxes. If the Administration is committed to collecting 50 million in delinquent taxes, the Administration could come down much significantly.
I'm looking forward to also meeting with my Council colleagues and the Philadelphia Delegation on Monday morning to make sure in Harrisburg we are aggressively advocating on those bills that were proposed on behalf of City Council in the State House to provide a level of tax relief and/or measures that will soften the blow of us going to AVI. And also I just want to encourage and make sure that even our Council at-large members are also playing an active role in making sure that all members and all residents throughout the are significantly impacted by us going to AVI are playing a critical role in making sure that those constituents receive a level of tax relief and/or measures that can soften the blow of AVI. Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to publicly thank Archbishop Charles Chaput for his recent decision to allow an 11-year-old wonderful young lady from Bucks County to play CYO football next year. There was an indication earlier that she would be banned from the team because of her gender. After two years of playing, after being selected as an all-star, after being accepted by her teammates and coaches, she was given the blow that she able to play the sport that she loves. So Archbishop Chaput made the right decision, and I admire him for his decision. But I'd also like to say a word or two about Caroline Pla, who was the young lady who took on the battle to exert her rights to be all that she can be regardless of her gender. And I think that what she shows all of us is that this is a struggle that goes on every day at every level. Councilwoman Brown has talked about issues relative to corporate boardrooms. This is on a CYO football playing field. There is no reason in the world why anyone should be denied any opportunity to do anything they want because of their gender, under any circumstances. And she has stood up on national television, has accomplished a great number of signatures nationwide, and has really struck to her guns, along with her parents' help, to get the right outcome in this particular situation. So I admire her. I acknowledge her efforts, and I just want everyone -I think we understand this, that young women like her who show us the way, women can do anything they want to do. They can play any sport they want to play, go to any school they want to attend, do any job or career they want to do. They can fly an F-18 fighter jet if they are so qualified. And I think that we need to reinforce that in our young women every day and in our young men so they understand the role, the equal roles, we all should have. So kudos to Caroline Pla, her parents, and kudos to Archbishop Chaput, and I hope she has a successful football season next year. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the rest of this body and fellow colleagues for the last two days of long tax delinquency hearings in the Council of the Whole. I think the focus on this issue is critical in supporting our great city services and our city employees that go out there and provide a great service, who, by the way, still don't have a contract, on a daily basis when our water mains break and when our teachers are educating our students, and many of the other services that need additional funding, priority funding. And I think the result of these, we're going to find some creative ideas, which also fellow colleagues such as Councilwoman Sanchez, Bill Green and you, Council President Clarke, who have introduced delinquency issues in the form of legislation that's going to change -- policies and the way we prioritize our tax delinquency and our collections. So I believe that we are headed in the right direction, and, again, I want to thank my six -- or five fellow freshmen colleagues who introduced resolutions, and I think we're going to be able to put together some suggestions and steps moving forward and present it to you, Council President, and see if we can make a difference in changing for the better the way we collect our tax delinquencies. So thank you.
Thank you. And thanks for the Serious 6 and their continued great work. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
What are you going to call us? You got a name for us?
I was trying to think of an appropriate name for some of the veterans.
I'd just like to remind my colleagues and the public that tomorrow the Public Health and Human Services Committee will hold hearings regarding the impact of the Commonwealth's failure to expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. That hearing will take place in this Chamber tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. And right after Council today, my colleagues, we will have the chief staff of the regional director of the federal Health and Human Services Department to brief us on the details of the bill. So we ask you to come into the Council Caucus Room after this meeting. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. That concludes the speeches on the behalf of -- the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Yes, Mr. President. I'd like to thank Councilman Kenney for introducing, along with Councilman Squilla, a resolution calling for hearings on the Fire Department's promotion practices. If anybody can figure them out, I challenge them, but hopefully some people come out of that hearing, and I'd be glad to co-sponsor it with Councilman Kenney, and I will do that. Thank you.
We'll make sure that that's indicated on the resolution. And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just wanted to in fact Colonel Jack Tobin had to take another flight, but he will be arriving this afternoon to attend this evening's reception, if anybody is available to come by Jane G's Restaurant at 1930 Chestnut Street, 6 o'clock to support the Special Forces Association. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. There are no other speeches. I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Brown for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 4th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday April 4, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Council is adjourned. Thank you. ) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. ) A 87:10 88:6 89:3 allow 82:13 100:3 applications 100:23 ability 34:17 89:24 94:11 102:17 43:23 asset 90:24 able 28:19 91:8 95:9 96:10 allowed 12:2 apply 111:20 assistance 16:22 103:2 106:10 adoption 38:7 all-star 102:23 appreciate 15:13 16:25 25:2 absence 5:18,24 56:24 86:23 amazing 29:3 appreciation Assistant 11:8 6:8 87:18 88:15 92:22 27:18 19:2 Absolutely 90:12 89:13 93:24 Ambassador approached Association 14:19 absorb 100:4 advance 18:9 21:12 52:15 54:21 15:25 16:3 abuse 10:20,22 Advisory 52:22 amend 70:16 73:6 appropriate 17:25 18:6,14 abuse/neglect advocacy 10:10 amended 47:8 33:11,23 41:15 18:18 19:8,18 10:25 16:4 19:9 39:19 49:9 42:20 91:7 109:9 Academy 31:18 95:15 amending 32:24 107:6 assumptions 53:7 accept 20:15 advocate 11:10 33:14 42:23 approval 4:1,20 attached 47:9 accepted 102:24 advocating 10:20 43:2,16 48:25 approved 5:3,8 49:10 accompanying 101:16 67:22 75:20 5:16 17:8 18:3 attempting 53:20 7:5 14:21 22:3 AED 26:8 78:13 81:7 67:23 attend 104:10 accomplished Affairs 46:9,12,21 American 7:24 approving 56:13 109:5 103:22 affect 25:18 21:25 22:19,20 April 36:23 54:19 attending 98:3 accurate 99:23 affirmative 59:24 23:5,21 24:5 87:12 109:18,24 100:18 100:6,17,23 62:12 65:5 25:6,14,21 26:6 Archbishop Attorney 7:3,4 accurately 111:5 67:17 70:11 26:12,21 27:8 102:16 103:3 8:15,17 9:10,17 acknowledge 73:2 75:16 78:9 27:11,14 39:9 104:19 10:5 11:8,18 104:4 81:2 86:4 94:13 area 25:19 51:19 12:10,17,21 acknowledging afflicted 25:3 ancient 4:2,4 56:17 70:19 13:2,4,7 15:6 37:12 89:5 afford 98:10 and/or 97:20 73:9 98:13 81:19 acres 53:4 100:13 101:19 102:6 areas 54:10 70:18 Attorneys 10:12 act 24:25 107:15 Affordable 111:22 73:8 Attorney's 10:5 action 6:17 16:16 107:15 angry 98:6 armed 25:25 at-large 101:23 active 101:24 African 7:23 announced 11:22 54:24 Auction 67:25 additional 50:17 afternoon 109:4 announcement arms 53:13 audience 51:19 83:5 86:8 91:16 agency 25:8 97:4,21 Army 14:19 16:8 authority 35:19 105:18 age-responsible annual 37:14 16:10 17:5,11 42:15 45:11 address 56:18 91:7 75:22 78:15 17:16 19:10,13 56:14 83:19 addressing 23:18 aggressively 89:6 arrive 8:10 authorized 24:25 adjourn 109:15 101:16 annually 90:25 arrived 99:4 authorizing 33:25 adjourned 109:18 ago 4:4 21:2 anybody 108:13 arriving 109:4 35:16 41:9 109:23 110:7,9 agreement 11:23 109:6 articulate 55:12 42:11 43:3 45:7 ADJOURNME...