COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 19, 2014 11:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
This is the beginning of a great day. We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. The members have taken their seat, and we will get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Jose A. Diaz-Martinez of Christ Church and St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please rise.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, in your word you have given us a mission of that holy city through which the nation of the (unintelligible) glory. Behold and visit, we pray that cities of the earth, especially the City of Philadelphia. Renew the times of good to our regard which for our city life send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression; that these may prevail with righteousness and justice with others; and that men and women from the different cultures and with the different talents may find with one another the fulfillment of the humanity. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Reverend Diaz-Martinez speaking in Spanish.)
Thank you very much. Before we start, I would ask if anyone has an electronic device that rings, buzzes or does whatever, that makes noise, I would ask that you please turn it off or turn it on silent. We appreciate your cooperation. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 12th, 2014. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 12th, 2014 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 12th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. You all will understand why I'm smiling in a moment. We're going to recognize a very special guest today. The Chair recognizes Councilman
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you, sir. At this time, I would like to recognize -- I want to recognize Councilman Jones. Let's get the introductions.
We are pleased and proud to have a lot of guests observing us in action today, Judge Dumas, President Judge Kevin Dougherty, but one that I've met several years ago. The President of Erie's City Council is here with us today and I'd like to introduce Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilman. And, Council President, one Council President to another, thank you appreciate you being here, and I'd love to get an opportunity to come to one of your sessions. Thank you so much. At this time, I'd like to recognize Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I too would like to just recognize that in our audience today are three veterans, Chris Diaz, who is President of the Drexel University Veterans Club, 800 members, Navy Corpsman who served with the Marines; Bob Wagner, former Captain with the Special Forces; and Dave Henderson, Captain who served three tours, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, here to observe and also to support the veterans VA hearing that we'll have over the summer. Thank you very much.
Thank you. I ask them to stand up. Just hand. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for your service. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I'd like to welcome to Council Mr. Edwin Goff, Board of Directors, as well as students from the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center. They are here with us today.
Thank you and welcome. Thank you for being here today. We have no other recognitions. At this time, I would just like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome want to thank you for coming down to witness your local government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to come down to see us. We hope that today is a pleasurable experience, so much so that you want to come back again. So, again, thank you very much, and have a good time today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution honoring the students and teachers of Academy at Palumbo School. Would Dr. Adrienne Wallace Chew and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Kenney, we have Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and I believe Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution honoring the students and teachers of Academy of Palumbo High School in South Philadelphia for their achievements in prizes in Samsung's nationwide Solve for Tomorrow contest which includes $140,000 in new technology for their school. (Applause.)
Whereas, Academy at Palumbo is a School District magnet high school located in South Philadelphia whose mission includes raising the aspirations of each student, developing universally applicable problem solving techniques, acquiring technological skills and instilling a life-long passion for learning that includes a rich cultural arts experience; and Whereas, earlier this year, teachers Klint Kanopka and Susan Lee put together a team of 15 students to compete in Samsung's nationwide Solve for Tomorrow contest. Samsung created the contest to raise awareness and interest in schools across the country in the areas of, we know, Science, Technology, Math, also known as STEM; Whereas, the Palumbo team used local crime data to create an algorithm to map out the safest route from one location to another, and specifically the safest routes to their school. The team gave values to streets surrounding their school on the level 1 to 5, with streets with recent crime reports rated higher, or more dangerous. The students also completed a survey of all students to determine where the students come from, and how much of their commute is spent walking. The data and subsequent algorithm can be used by students and all Philadelphians to find the safest routes for them to take them throughout South Philadelphia; and
Whereas, on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014, with much elation and excitement, the students learned that their project was chosen as one of the five winners out of more than 2,300 schools participating throughout country; and Whereas, led by school principal Dr. Adrienne Wallace Chew and teachers Lee and Kanopka, the Palumbo team included students from all high school grades, 9 to 12. The team members are: Aigner Andrews, Jason Barr, Eva Biegalski, Emmanuel Cruz, Yagouda Diallo, Steven Geiger, Tuong Lam, Lydia Le, Kimberly Ly, Tarzan MacMood, Tiffany Ng, Deanna Polsz, Van Sam, Amy Tran, Quyen Truong, Alex Wallace, Diyaaldeen Whitaker, Emmanuel Williams and Ming Wu. I hope I did some of them right. And whereas, accomplishments like this further illustrate just how exceptional our young people can be when given the necessary tools and direction. We need to continue to highlight our many successes as we make sure we give every student in our school exactly what they need to succeed; now, therefore
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby honor and commend the students and teachers of Academy at Palumbo High School in South Philadelphia for their achievements in winning one of five prizes in Samsung's nationwide Solve for Tomorrow contest which includes $140,000 in new technology for their school. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Dr. Adrienne Wallace Chew, Ms. Susan Lee, Mr. Klint Kanopka and the Academy at Palumbo Solve for Tomorrow team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations and thanks for your hard work. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Dr. Chew for remarks. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'd like for recognizing our students for their achievements, and I'd also like to thank my students to continuing to achieve in spite of the best wishes of the State of Pennsylvania. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution honoring the Honorable Abram Frank Reynolds. Would Judge Reynolds and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilwoman Marian Tasco and also Councilman Denny O'Brien and Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Folks, can I ask you to hold your voices down a little bit, please. Jones and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez will also join the Councilman.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said life's most persistent question is what are you doing for others. As I reflect upon my path in life, I think about how I grew up in the streets of Point Breeze, South Philadelphia, graduated from Edward Bok High School, went on to Mansfield University where I received my degrees in criminal justice, dual minors in philosophy and sociology, decided to come back to the City of Philadelphia to serve my community by attending the University of Pennsylvania Fels Center of Government and also had the opportunity to go on to Harvard Business School where I participated in a non-profit leadership program for non-profit leadership and board management, had the great a state Senator and decided to run for state Representative and answered the call to come back home to my City of Philadelphia, becoming the first African American Councilman representing the 2nd Councilmanic District of Philadelphia. And when I think about my experiences that I normally share with my young people, I have to think about my experience and the path that have gotten me to this point in life, and I think about a gentleman who I've met on this path who offered some stern words of encouragement, some stern words of advice that helped me become the young man who I am today, and that gentleman is the Honorable Frank Reynolds, judge of the Family Court, who I wanted to take time out of my busy schedule to acknowledge him for his advocacy and his work with dealing with juveniles, steering our young people on the right path and allowing them to have a clear make smart decisions and smart choices, they can also have a career such as a Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, born and raised in South Philadelphia. And so at this time, I wanted to sincerely show him that I appreciate those encouraging words that he has offered me as a juvenile to kind of put me on the path and in some cases probably even save my life when we look at the issue of youth gun violence being the number one killer of African American young men. And so I want to sincerely take this time and thank my colleagues for being here as well as Judge Dougherty as well as Judge Lori Dumas and also my good friend, Mr. Benny Price. Honoring, recognizing and commending the Honorable Abram Frank Reynolds for his efforts to promote justice, adequate representation, and healthy development for youth. Whereas, Judge Reynolds began 30 years ago as an assistant public defender. He was appointed to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in 1986. In 1992, Judge Reynolds became the first state supervising judge to be appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; and
Whereas, for seventeen years, Judge Reynolds served the City of Philadelphia as a Family Court judge and Administrative judge of the Philadelphia Family Court. Judge Reynolds' hands-on leadership of the Juvenile Court from 2000 to 2003 served as a national model; and
Whereas, during his tenure, he instructed young attorneys entering the courtroom on the importance of proper court procedures and preparation. At least 507 young assistant district attorneys reaped the benefit of Judge Reynolds' direction. Over the course of his career, Judge Reynolds remained in Family Court; he was appointment to a more prestigious office; and
Whereas, Judge Reynolds enlisted in the military in 1959. He served our country on active duty on several tours between 1959 and 1965. Judge Reynolds was a briefing specialist at Langley Air Force Base with the Air Command unit until 1959, a highly decorated reconnaissance unit; and
Whereas, throughout his career, his Honor has inspired youth to achieve. Judge Reynolds is a certified tennis teaching professional in a tennis program that provided over 100 scholarships and produced five American Tennis Association National Championships; and
Whereas, Judge Reynolds is a recipient of Pennsylvania's Outstanding Judicial Leadership Award in 2003 from the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission and the Philadelphia Bar Association's Thurgood founded the National Conference of Black Lawyers in Philadelphia. In 2006, he earned his LLM degree at Temple's Beasley School of Law; now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize and commend Judge Abram Frank Reynolds for his efforts to promote youth development, representation, and justice. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Judge Abram Frank Reynolds as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. And on behalf of the members of City Council, Your Honor, I'd like to officially present you this citation. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Judge Reynolds for remarks. JUDGE REYNOLDS: Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you all for lending me the most important packages of my life. It was great raising your children. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. Before we proceed, I'd like to recognize a good friend of ours and thank him for continuing to provide a safe and secure environment. I'd like to recognize our good sheriff, Sheriff Jewell Williams. How are you, sir? (Applause.)
Thank you for being here. I feel much safer. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who honoring Marq Temple. Would Mr. Temple and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilwoman Cindy Bass.
Julius Hayes, come on up. All of those with Marq, we want to come forward. We weren't letting you out. We had a pastor of Bible Way. We're glad to have Pastor Damone Jones and all of those renowned leaders who are here with their individual organizations and their titles and their leadership roles in the community. Thank you all. I'm going to let Marq figure out how he's going to introduce all these folks. Resolution honoring and recognizing Marq Temple for his leadership and lifelong dedication to the children and youth in Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement after 33 years Philadelphia Department of Human Services.
Whereas, Marq Temple was born and raised in the Strawberry Mansion Section of North Philadelphia; and Whereas, Mr. Temple, after graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Howard University in Washington, DC and returned to Philadelphia to successfully obtain his Master of Social Work Degree from Temple University; and Whereas, Mr. Temple was united in marriage to his wife Darlene and is the proud parent of two daughters, Autumn and Jada, and proud grandparent of two grandsons, Devon and Jalen; and Whereas, in 1981, Mr. Temple began his career with Philadelphia's Department of Human Services as a Youth Counselor; and Whereas, Mr. Temple's passion, Philadelphia's youth help him ascend through the ranks from a Youth Counselor at the Philadelphia Youth Study Center to Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, where he oversaw the daily operation of the City's juvenile detention facility; and Whereas, during his career, Mr. Temple has met and interacted with many people, but none more important to him than his late mentor, former Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, Clarence D. Holmes, Sr.; and
Whereas, during his career, Mr. Temple played a pivotal role in the Youth Study Center becoming the first ACA accredited facility in Pennsylvania. More importantly, Mr. Temple oversaw the successful relocation of Philadelphia's Youth Study Center from its old location at 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue to a state of Services Center in West Philadelphia; and Whereas, Mr. Temple is proud to say that he has committed his entire working adult life to the betterment of Philadelphia's youth through his 33 years of service with the Philadelphia's Department of Human Services; and Whereas, Mr. Temple has served thousands of youngsters through his career and continues to make Philadelphia a better place through his affiliations with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, the Juvenile Detention Center's Association of Pennsylvania, the FBI's Citizen's Academy, the Philadelphia Chapter of Concerned Black Men, Inc. and Hiram Lodge No. 5; and Whereas, Mr. Temple believes that, quote, "if given an opportunity, it is our duty and responsibility to make a positive impact on a young person's life; for in this work some kids get arrested, rescued, we must be there to lift and guide them back on the right track," end of quote. Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors and recognizes Marq Temple for his leadership and lifelong dedication to the children and youth of Philadelphia on this occasion of his retirement after 33 years of service to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition. And we certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on June 5th, 2014, and we are proud, Cindy and I, to have been able to introduce this on behalf of the President and that each and every member of City Council was proud to sponsor it. (Applause.)
Wow. Thirty-three years is a long time and doing a lot of stuff. Thank you, Mr. President and the members of this body. It's an honor to be here. As you see, I have a lot of folks with me. And one in particular is my -- this is my oldest aunt. (Applause.)
And this is her first time in City Council. So some other folks have told me that this is their first time here, so I'm very pleased that I had the opportunity to get them here to see our folks in action, as the President said. So I have a lot of folks here. I have my wife, my children, and Pastor the Youth Study Center, came when I started. He wasn't a pastor then. He's been ordained during that period of time. And my brother. You know my brother dearly, and all my friends. I'm very humbled to be here to receive this. Not to be longwinded, but our children, as they said, is the reason for our work. So many times you don't understand it until it happens, until you see it. At the Center where when I was growing up in North Philly when most of my brother's friends were at the Youth Study Center, we had a good time. The streets were a little safer. So I got an opportunity to work with those folks. To make it even more challenging is when you get a kid that you're leaving work at 4 o'clock or 10 o'clock at night and a kid comes with a plastic bag and you ask him, Why are you here? And he says, I have nowhere to go. So they came back there. tells you, I lost my mother. I lost my mother and father on the same day, that the father was abusive and killed the mother, and the police came and took the father. This is what a young daughter said to me. So she lost both her parents on the same day. Or a kid that says, Mr. Temple, if you -- you want to help me? You have to go back to my birth. These are the kids that were coming through the Center. These were the challenges that we had to deal with, at least for me in the last 33 years. And then there's the remarkable ones where I didn't tell the young lady to come, but she came to the Center one day and she's smiling in my face, and she's with a group of students that are touring from Temple, and she's smiling like I'm supposed to know her. And then when she tells me her name, I'm like, Oh, my God. She did a 360. Here she is graduating from Temple with a social work one of my first social work clients at the Youth Study Center, and now she's going on to get her Master's Degree. So there are a lot of successes that we do, a lot of folks that we touch through the years that make it worthwhile. So I am very humbled and very honored to get this recognition. It's been challenging, and I'm quite sure that there's a lot more work to do, because the struggle continues, and all these folks behind me are the folks that make it happen. They're friends of mine, they're family members, but they all care for our children. So thank everyone for coming and supporting me, and thank my dear Councilwoman. (Applause.)
And my Councilwoman and Mr. President. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution honoring the Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team. Would Coach Robert Moore and those accompanying him join the Councilman at the podium. Also joining Councilman Squilla is Councilman Kenney. According to record, not known for his basketball prowess.
It's almost afternoon, so we'll get started here. We have a great opportunity to recognize a great high school basketball team that this is not only their first championship that they have received, but it's a very good job done by this school and by the coach and the players. So honoring and congratulating Boys Basketball Team, The Generals, on winning their 2014 PIAA AA State Championship and District 12 City Title for the AA classification. Whereas, The Generals, led by Head Coach Robert Moore, named AP Coach of the Year in Pennsylvania, finished with a record of 28 and 5;
Whereas, the Varsity Basketball Program at Constitution High School was started only a mere 5 years ago and the team has advanced to the state playoffs every year of their existence winning 114 games each in that period and two state championships over the last three years. They won 3 City Titles in four years and 1 Public League Championship in 2012; Whereas, The Generals defeated West Catholic to win the District 12 Championship and went on to defeat Seton LaSalle to win the PIAA AA at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA 61 to 59; and Whereas, The Generals were led by Juniors Ahmad Gilbert, named 1st Team All Public League by the coaches, A Division 1 MVP, 1st Team All City, 1st Team All Public League by the Philadelphia Daily News, Associated Press 1st Team All State and AP Player of the Year for Pennsylvania, and Kimar Williams, named 1st Team All Public League by the coaches, 2nd Team All City, 1st Team All Public League by the Philadelphia Daily News and Associated Press 1st First Team All State; Whereas, based on their past performance, it is safe to assume that The Generals from Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team will only get better with time; now, therefore, be it
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate the Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the 2014 PIAA State AA Championship and the District 12 resolved, that a engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Constitution High School Boys Basketball Team as further evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
I'm not used to this, but thank you. My name is Isaiah Jordan. I'm a player for Constitution. I'd like to thank the Chairman for giving us this award, the District 12 Chairman for always being by our side; the coaches who helped us not only mold as young men, but also will help us with our future in becoming men; our parents, and everybody for just recognizing us. It's a small school, and knowing even though we're small, we can still do things. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I just wanted to thank everybody in the City, City Council especially, for continuing to make sure that athletics stay viable and the School District continue to support Philadelphia School District schools like Constitution High School, small magnet schools where kids like Isaiah and our other students get an opportunity to get the best education possible, go on to college and become future leaders of our great city. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 12, 2014, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on June 12, 2014: Bill Nos. 140383, 140409, 140410, and 140489; and that on June 17, 2014, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 5, 2014.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any other communications in your possession?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of myself, Councilperson Blackwell, Tasco, Reynolds Brown, Sanchez, and Bass, I offer one resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to hold public hearings into the possible investment of City Funds and Pensions Funds with the Pax Ellevate Global Women's Index Fund and other similar entities that support and promote gender diversity in the board room and in company management.
Thank you. That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills on my behalf and a resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Section 5 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 130079), approved May 8, 2013, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 39th and Sansom Streets Corporation trading as Cavanaugh's Leprechaun to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 119 South 39th Street," to extend the time for compliance with certain terms of the ordinance.
And an ordinance authorizing Brandywine Cira South to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 2930 Chestnut Street.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the potential benefits of establishing a program, entitled "School-Based Family Services," through which the Philadelphia School District's schools would function as neighborhood-based community hubs.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution 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 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution 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 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And that resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Forty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. That resolution will be heard on the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," Chapter 1600, entitled "Water and Sewer Rates," by providing for installment payment agreements.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," Subcode A (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) and Subcode PM (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), by amending requirements applicable to vacant premises.
And that bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions today.
A privileged resolution honoring the life and mourning the loss of Lewis Katz.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings examining the need for a strategic plan for prescription drug boxes throughout the City of Philadelphia to take back expired, unused or unwanted prescriptions and the effect these boxes will have on the battle against prescription drug misuse.
That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution on your behalf.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation to hold hearings to examine the potential benefits of establishing a fiscal oversight entity for the School District of Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill, three resolutions, two of which are privileged, one is non-privileged, and I'd like to ask to speak on the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of additional operating funds for the School District for Fiscal Year 2015 only, 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 additional operating funds; 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.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to conduct public hearings to examine the status, growth, achievement, and policies of Charter Schools throughout the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution congratulating and honoring Soledad Alfaro-Allah for being named Philadelphia's Youth Poet Laureate.
That will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress to support the re-designation of the railroad station located at 2955 Market Street, commonly known as "30th Street Station," to the "William H. Gray III 30th Street Station."
Councilwoman, do you want to ask for a suspension for that particular resolution?
Do not, Mr. President. I want to hold that until the fall.
Okay. Great. So that will be on our next session of Council. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I beg for my colleagues' indulgence as I speak on the number one issue facing the City of Philadelphia. I thank you to you and my colleagues for the early morning conference calls, the late night evening meetings, continuous feedback in a very fluid environment to continuously do what is essential and necessary to put students first. The funding package I introduce today is the result of what I call shuttle diplomacy in a continuously fluid environment. I make no mistake, while we are 16 individual members, collectively, collectively under the leadership of Chairman of the Education Committee, Jannie Blackwell, we share one singular goal, to give our students the education that they are entitled to as a fundamental right of this city. Your quote, Mr. President, Council has been singularly focused on securing appropriate resources for our schools from the state. The bill introduced today authorizes an additional borrowing of funds by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, on behalf of the City, which will result in an additional $30 million going to the School District. The 30 million is intended to support the School District operating budget for Fiscal Year '15. Understand still that the 27 million authorized in Bill No. 140512, which Council will approve today, is for Fiscal Year 2014. The state legislation that authorized the City to extend the 1 percent sales tax will provide that the first 120 million in proceeds each year go to the School District. Any additional proceeds are to be used for our city's pension fund obligations. For the first four fiscal years, the first 15 million of the City's share will be used to pay debt service incurred by the City for the benefit of the School District. Therefore, it's anticipated that the City will cover the $30 million contribution through the sales tax proceeds. To you, Mr. President, thank you again for your leadership. There is no question that you have been a strong and steady voice advocating for the School District of Philadelphia for it to use the tools and resources available. We trust that the School District will follow through with plans to sell the vacant buildings that they've been authorized to sell and then work with Councilmembers who have an interest in those sales of those buildings. To be clear, today's funding package does not release the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from meeting its state constitutional obligation. We also want listeners to know that we're not giving up on our request from Harrisburg to give us the authority to add the $2 per pack cigarettes. Your regular checks to Harrisburg with members of your staff are not to be unnoticed by members of this Council as you continue to focus on the number one issue facing this city. To Mr. Wolf, you should know that Philadelphia is not alone in our outrage over Governor Corbett's cuts to public education. Sharon Ward, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, stated, and I quote, "Pennsylvanians are worried that our schools are in crisis. " Further, eight in ten, or 77 percent, of voters are concerned about cuts in funding for public education in Pennsylvania, with nearly half of all voters at 48 percent concerned as well. And when you look at women, the concern is even greater. Eighty-five percent are concerned and 55 percent are very concerned. So to Mr. Wolf we say the Commonwealth deserves more. Our students deserve more when it comes to the funding of public education. In closing, let the record show for the fourth year, City Council is stepping up to the plate to deliver additional needed funding to support our schools. We know that the success today is 1,000 percent linked to the success of this city for decades to come.
We also know that education is the single best weapon to reduce crime and poverty while we grow our economy. In closing, I'll quote again Vice President Joe Biden who said it well and I think captures what this debate is all about: "Don't tell me what you value. " Today's funding, additional funding package, illustrates that once again City Council is standing firmly on the side of the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, along with all members of Council, for your continued support for the very important thing called an education for the young people of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, we should underscore that. All members of Philadelphia City Council. Thank you.
You're welcome. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
A privileged resolution authorizing hearings to be conducted by the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to investigate methods to enhance new and emerging local artists' access to locally subsidized arts, entertainment, and cultural venues in Philadelphia.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding the corner of Byberry Road and Barbary Road, in the parking lot of the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church, as a permissible location.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution. I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion.
An ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tour Passenger Carriers," by eliminating a Tour Passenger Loading Zone on the west side of 12th Street between Market and Filbert Streets.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Walnut Street between 5th Street and 6th Street to "World Heritage Way."
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes -
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules be suspended to allow final passage on today's Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution just read will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions, one privileged, one non-privileged.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Streets and Services and the Environment to hold hearings on the feasibility of and benefits to the City of residential food waste recycling including its impact on environmental quality, hunger prevention, economic savings and job creation.
That resolution will be on this 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 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on the next session calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution. I'd also like to be recognized for a motion after the title is read.
A non-privileged resolution condemning actions of the terrorists who kidnapped three Israeli teenagers.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a motion that the rules be suspended so that the resolution may be considered on today's Final Passage Calendar. And a copy of the to all members of Council.
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules be suspended to allow reading on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports nine resolutions 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 of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 140525, entitled "A resolution approving the appointment of Asia Coney as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Housing Authority"; and Resolution No. 140526, entitled "A resolution approving the appointment of Ethel M. Wise as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Housing Authority"; and Resolution No. 140549, entitled "A resolution appointing Jania Daniels to the Board of Directors for the Germantown District"; and Resolution No. 140550, entitled "A resolution appointing Dennis S. Pickeral to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 140551, entitled "A resolution appointing Gwang Han to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 140552, entitled "A resolution appointing Justin DiBerardinis to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 140553, entitled "A resolution appointing Kathleen N. Paulmier to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 140578, entitled "A resolution approving the appointment of Julia Danzy as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Housing Authority"; 140592, entitled "A resolution appointing Romulo L. Diaz, Jr., to the Board of Directors for the Center City District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of Resolution Nos. 140525, 140526, 140549, 140550, 140551, 140552, 140553, 140578, and 140529 on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit of Resolutions No. 140525, 140526, 140549, 140550, 140551, 140552, 140553, 140578, and 140592 on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee of Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports one bill and one resolution with no recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 140514, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled 'Referenda Approved by the Voters,' by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to abolish the School Reform Commission and return local control of Philadelphia's schools"; and Resolution No. 140527, entitled "A resolution submitting to the electors of the City an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled 'Referenda Approved by the Voters,' by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to Commission and return local control of Philadelphia schools, as proposed by a petition filed with the Council," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill and resolution to Council with no recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 140514. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bill No. 140514. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution No. 140527 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Works, to which was referred Bill No. 140515, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones," by designating the Cecil B. Moore Housing Opportunity Zones pursuant to the 1500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative"; and Bill No. 140516, entitled "An ordinance establishing a new Chapter of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Affordable Workforce Housing Opportunity Zones," authorizing the designation of the City in whole or in part as a Workforce Housing Opportunity Zone; establishing definitions; and authorizing disposition of publicly-owned zone properties for nominal consideration, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of those bills of this day. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 140515 and 140516. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be on our First Reading Calendar for today. That concludes our reports from 6/19/14 - STATED - 1ST READING committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that all the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules will be placed on our First Reading Calendar. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker will please read any other bills on our First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 140511, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with the issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions; providing for obtaining the consent of the electors to increasing the indebtedness of the City; and fixing a day and providing for arrangements for holding the election for obtaining such consent.
The Chair agrees. And this bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage at our next session of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar: Resolutions No. 140580, 140581, 140582, 140583, 140584, 140585, 140586, 140587, 140590, and 140591. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries and we will now consider -- we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now again recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Again, thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: No. 140437-A, 140408-A, 140438-A, 140442-A, 140444-A, 140277, 140222, 140226, 140227, 140231, 140354, 140443, 140445, 130922, 130905, 140382, 140386, 140387, 140388, 140389, 140412, 140415, 140441, 140446, 140454, 140482, 140483, 140490, 140492, 140450, 140448, 140141, 140449, 140452, 140274, and 140510. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. We will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. 2ND READING The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you once again, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions and bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: No. 140596, 140146-A, 140147, 140434, 140512, 140377, 140417, and 140488. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will have our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are here today to testify on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar, if you have not already done so, I would ask that you sign up at the table to my left. Your name will be called. You will given an opportunity, three minutes, to testify on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar. You will go to the podium in the middle of the Council. There's a device on that podium. There's a light. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, I would ask that you please conclude your remarks. Thank you so much for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, would you please read the first name on the list.