COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 13, 2013 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. The hour has come. It appears we have a quorum. I would ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail, and the members have taken their seat, so we're going to start the Council session. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. G. Daniel Jones, Senior Pastor of the Grace Baptist Church of Germantown. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
May we quiet our hearts and look to the Lord. Eternal God our creator, this morning, we acknowledge your presence, your might, your sovereignty, and your majesty. We are prayerful that the divine spirit of our God be revealed Further, we ask your blessings upon our Council President, the Honorable Darrell L. Clarke, and each Councilperson over whom he presides. Also, may each elected official under the sound of my voice continue to deliberate, reason, and govern reflecting the best interests of both our city and citizenry. Prayers are also ascend for our Mayor, his cabinet, and staff. May our entire elected and appointed municipal offices receive gladly your guidance, direction, and intercession. Our commissioners in their respective areas of public service need your influence in determining a direction of doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. We pray for municipal commonwealth and national economic recovery. May the employment rate increase while the unemployment rate decreases. of all of our social ills, and may our Council serve as instruments of restoration. Faced with limited resources, revenue, budgetary constraints, limited commonwealth and national appropriations and allocations, may we maximize the needs while the needs of our community are maximized. We pray for a breakthrough. We need creative, we need creative civic minds working together, and may your spirit be reflected. May this session be successful, and by the time of adjournment, may we see demonstrations of wise Council, thoughtful decision-making, sensitive recommendations, and information of helpful policymaking for the good of the whole. We pray this morning in this Council Chamber, the seat of municipal government. In the name of the holy one, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before we start our Council session, I would ask a favor of all our guests and visitors. If you have a device of any type that makes noise, be it a ring, be it a song or whatever, I'd ask that you please turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6th, 2013 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6th, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there is one request for leave of absence by Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
Leave shall be granted. 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 dispense with the regular order of business and take this time to welcome and thank all of our visitors and guests here today. We hope that your day is a pleasurable one. There apparently is going to be a concert at some point and maybe in the hallway, in the Caucus Room, so we'll give you the time of day at the appropriate time. So I want to thank you guys and thank you for coming down. We hope that it's such a pleasurable one that you come back again. Thank you so much. At this time, the Council recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution congratulating the Chess Team. Would Stephen Shutt and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And we have Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Brown joining the Councilman. Councilman, please proceed.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's great to honor some more champions in the City of Philadelphia. This is a resolution congratulating and honoring the Julia R. Masterman Middle School Chess Team on winning the 2013 United States Chess Federation's Kindergarten-Through-8th Grade National Championship. Whereas, Julia R. Masterman School has a longstanding championship chess tradition, winning 10 National Titles since 1991; and Whereas, on April 5th through the 7th, Masterman's Middle School Chess United States Chess Federation's Quadrennial Super National Tournament held in Nashville, Tennessee; and
You'll see in a minute why they gave me this particular paragraph. Whereas, Masterman's Chess Team triumphed over more than 5,000 other students from 49 states to win the Kindergarten-Through-8th Grade National Championship; and Whereas, the team, led by Coach Stephen Shutt, a retired teacher, and Assistant Coach Gregory Shahade, a Masterman Alum and professional chess player, consists of 8th graders Alexander Wlezien, Shira Moolten, and Alejandro Budejen-Jerez, 7th graders Angel Joshi Hernandez-Camen and Srisa Changolar, 6th grader Nalin Khanna, and 5th grader Torin Kuehnle; and Whereas, Alexander -- I apologize. I hope I came close in at Thank you. Whereas, Alexander Wlezien was undefeated in the tournament with 5 wins and 2 draws, placing 2nd in the tournament individually and is also the Pennsylvania State Middle School Champion; (Applause.)
Whereas, Angel Joshi Hernandez-Camen and Nalin Khanna finished tied for 20th place respectively in the individual tournament; and Whereas, the future of Masterman's Chess Team is likely to carry on its winning tradition with 5th grade students Hayden Keller, Manas Narula, Zak Kingsley and Yuva Gambhir finishing in 10th place respectively as a team in the Kindergarten-Through-9th Grade under 1,250 rated division; now therefore be it
You see, I arranged it. I didn't have to say all those names. Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate and honor the Julia R. Masterman Middle School Chess Team for winning the 2013 United States Chess Federation's National Championship. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Julia R. Masterman Middle School Chess Team further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This resolution was sponsored by Council President Clarke, introduced by he and myself, and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations.
I want to thank President and members of City Council for students from the Julia R. Masterman National Championship Middle School Chess Team. Although I did officially retire after 42 years of teaching in the School District of Philadelphia, I volunteered to continue coaching the players on the Chess Team. I must say that this is one of the brightest, most enthusiastic, and highest-achieving teams with which I have ever had the privilege of working. And I have seen many strong and dedicated young scholastic players. Having participated in the development of players representing ten national championship teams from Masterman and seven national championship teams from Roberts Vaux, I can say that there are a great many talented students eager to be challenged in the School District of Philadelphia. Regardless of their economic and ethnic background and whether they attend a magnet or neighborhood school, students thrive on variety of ways to challenge a student besides the three R's. Recently a strong invitational scholastic tennis tournament was held in Florida. Only three players from Delaware Valley, only one of which was from Philadelphia, qualified to participate. That 12-year-old Philadelphian was from our school. Another student who graduated 2010 rode in the Philadelphia Bike Race nine days ago. Competing against some of the top professional riders in the world, he came in 36th. In high school he and other students went on group rides conducted by another teacher. Masterman's Robotics Team won Rookie of the Year honors in its first season. Many other teams have professional programmers and engineers guiding their students, but Masterman has two teachers, willing to spend many hours after school. Their hard work proved to efforts of our lead student engineer and programmer were rewarded with an acceptance to attend Cal Tech in the fall, although he did turn it down to go to a special program at Penn. Another former student is on the United States Ultimate Frisbee Team, which won the world championship the last two years, first in Prague, then in Tokyo. Now, what do all of these students have in common? They all had goals, dedicated themselves to achieving them, and were rewarded with memories they will cherish a lifetime, memories that they will retain far longer than any test grade. Think of self-confidence they will take into future challenges. Education is more than just the three R's. It is about the total person. And you do not have to be -- to know all there is to know about a subject to teach it, I can tell you that. Now, I'm not a vouch for that. Our tennis coach is not a great tennis player. The teacher taking students on group bike rides would never win any races, and our robotics teachers will be the first to tell you how little they know about robotics, but you can have success with teachers. Nurture their interests, open the door, point the way, motivate and help the students take those first steps, and they will do the rest. There is an old Chinese saying, the mark of a good teacher is when his students surpass him. Now, you'll have to excuse the masculine pronouns now, but, remember, this is an old Chinese saying. Now, if this is true -- and I suspect it is from all accounts -- I must be a pretty damn good teacher. As I look at my championship team standing here behind me, I'm very proud of their accomplishments. Yet I know they are representing many other are following their own interests and achieving their own dreams, many without fanfare or adulation. And, finally, I would just like to reintroduce the players, properly pronouncing their names so that we may know.
Starting with Shira Moolten, an 8th grader; Alejandro Budejen-Jerez, also an 8th grader; Angel Joshi Hernandez-Camen, a 7th grader; Joshi -Josh. Just supposed to be known as Josh. And Srisa Changolar, 7th grade; Nalin Khanna, 6th grade; Torin Kuehnle, 5th grade; and Alex Wlezien, who will be competing against the state champions of every other state in the union, all 50 of them, in a big tournament in Madison, Wisconsin this August. They call the tournament the Champion of Champions. This is our Chess Team. Thank you very much. )
Thank you so much. Great work. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution honoring the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Would Mr. Lennard Zimmerman and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Johnson we have Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Bass also.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. (Good morning.)
In the culture, there is a proverb that says if you do not know your past, you cannot know your history. If you do not know your past, you cannot know your history. And so celebrating the rich diversity of this city, today I would like to recognize an organization that has worked tirelessly to support and educate the Jewish community and the community-at-large through programs for the poor and elderly and through efforts such as the Annual Holocaust Memorial program that takes place each year on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which honors the more than 6 million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered by the Nazis. I became affiliated in attending the Memorial while serving as a State Representative in the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, and every year I would come to this event and really would be energized, educated, more importantly, informed regarding the rich culture, not only here in the City of Philadelphia but also a part of American history. And so in reflecting upon the Jewish experience and also a somewhat similar experience experienced by African Americans, I wanted to take some time out to recognize them for the importance of really recognizing your history and educating the importance of knowing your past will definitely have an impact on determining where you are going in the future. I'd like to thank all of my colleagues for being here with me today. And the resolution reads: Honoring, recognizing and commending the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for its contribution to the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community and Jewish communities throughout the world. Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a local chapter of Jewish Federations of North America, an international organization which provides a variety of services to support and facilitate connections between the North American Jewish community, Israel, and World Jewry; and
Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's mission is to mobilize financial and volunteer resources to address the community's most critical priorities in Philadelphia, Israel and overseas; and Whereas, it is the vision of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia to promote the global Jewish community by encouraging participation in Jewish life, religious programming, and educational leadership opportunities for young adults; and
Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia also emphasizes caring for those in need through programs for seniors and by providing services to financially initiatives, hunger relief and social action; and Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia works to build connections between Jewish communities in Greater Philadelphia and Jewish communities throughout the world through Israel advocacy, international hunger relief, security programming, and support for seniors, children and immigrants worldwide; and
Whereas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia raises Holocaust awareness through educational resources, creative arts contests, youth symposiums, and other initiatives; and
Whereas, through a partnership with Jewish Families and Jewish Schools, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia administers the Passport to Israel program, which provides students from the opportunity to experience an educational visit to Israel; now therefore be it
I want to also acknowledge the hard work of my good friend Robin, who is probably a tireless, passionate, and enthusiastic advocate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors, recognizes and commends the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for its contribution to the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community and Jewish communities throughout the world. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And at this time, I would like to present to Robin and Mr. Zimmerman of the members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Zimmerman for remarks.
Good morning, and thank you so much for giving me the honor of representing the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia during this very special ceremony. I am Len Zimmerman, Federation's Chief Development Officer. On behalf of our board, our staff, and the entire Jewish community, I express my deep gratitude to Councilman Johnson, Council President Clarke, and all of the members of City Council for recognizing the important work we do in the Greater Philadelphia region, in Israel, and around the world. For more than a century, the Federation has helped both Jew and non-Jew to lead richer, more meaningful of programs and services that improve educational opportunities, enhance the quality of life for older adults, provide nourishment for those who are hungry and food insecure, allow adults with disabilities to live independently, and countless other critical, important goals and objectives. We owe our success to the generosity of our fellow Philadelphians and to the wonderful relationships we have forged with community leaders like yourselves. I cannot emphasize enough how humbled and pleased we are by the resolution that you have introduced today. Please know that this public recognition will motivate us to work even harder to make this community a more vibrant and vital place for our children, our grandchildren, and for generations to come. Thank you again. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-Of-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read the 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, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 130410, 130420, 130421, 130448, 130450, 130454, 130459, 130460, 130461, and 130463; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 1410 North Fifty-Sixth Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified as 1736 through 54 North American Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1347 through 51 North Front Street including 1352 North Lee Street; and redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2211 Blair Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Auburn Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 2118 East Monmouth Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1901 through 09 and 1911 through 15 North Thirty-Third Street, 3210 through 12, 3211 through 19, 3216, 3220 through 26, 3223 through 37, 3230 and 3236 Arlington Street, 3225 through 3227 and 3233 through 37 West Berks Street, 3310 through 3214, 3217, 3220, 3223 through 25, 3224, 3228, 3229, 3232 through 34, and 3233 through 37 Monument Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 54th and Columbia Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1717 through 25 North Fifty-Fourth Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 215 by striking from the City Plan Greene Street from Allens Lane to St. Georges Road, all under certain terms and conditions.
Decker, do you have any additional communications?
Thank you, sir. Before we proceed with the introduction of bills and resolutions, the Chair would recognize Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I would be remiss, we have an opportunity here to salute three young people who I believe are going to be moving in and occupying our seats to take over this government and corporations in the City. Often Melanie Shaw and Melanie Lassiter talk about how important it is that we develop a bench of young professionals. So I want to, in that spirit, I want to thank Paul Deegan at PIDC for taking on three interns that look like Philadelphia, and I'd be pleased to salute them and ask them to stand. Christopher Jacks, who is a senior at Cornell University. Raise your hand, Christopher. Natalie Diaz, a senior at LaSalle University, and Matt Howell of LaSalle University. The next bench of professionals. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. And welcome. At this time, we'll have the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to examine street harassment in the City of Philadelphia, particularly the strategies and campaigns of the non-profit group Hollaback, which works to bring attention to the issue on behalf of women and LGBTQ individuals of all ages.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill, one privileged and one non-privileged resolution, and I'd like to speak on the non-privileged resolution that is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilman Jim Kenney.
An ordinance authorizing the Brandywine Cira Post Office to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 2970 Market Street.
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 Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution supporting the Diversity Visa Program and urging the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to preserve the Diversity Visa Program as an integral part of the comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
Councilwoman, would you prefer to speak now or at the time of the vote?
Thank you. We introduced this resolution because there is a move afoot to change the Diversity Visa Program. We need it preserved. In order to change it, they're talking about a merit-based system that would mean one has to speak proficient English, have a higher level of education, employment experience, business entrepreneurship, and already existing ties to come to this country. I mean, America is America. This is supposed to be the land where people can try to realize their dreams and have an opportunity to an opportunity at the tree of life. That is why we have a Constitution and that is why people when they come and see the border and see the lady with their arm up in our harbor, that we believe so much in it. And so we introduce this to make sure that we never lose sight of the fact that all people deserve a right to try to achieve their dream in this country. And so certainly we urge support of this resolution at the appropriate time.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1901 through 1909 North Thirty-Third Street.
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-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1347 through 51 North Front Street and including 1352 North Lee Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I have two resolutions, one privileged.
A privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending WURD Radio for its ten years of service as "The Voice of the Community."
Thank you. 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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution that I am co-sponsoring with Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Goode. It's non-privileged. And I have one bill that I am introducing along with my Council colleagues Councilman Henon and Bill Green, and it's co-sponsored by Councilman Jones, O'Neill, Squilla, Johnson, and Reynolds Brown. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, hold on one second, please. Okay, Mr. Decker. Please proceed.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Tax," by providing certain exclusions; revising certain tax rates; and creating certain fresh food tax credits.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose legislation that would weaken existing protections against predatory lending and harm the citizens of our Commonwealth by legalizing high-cost, small-dollar loans, commonly known as payday loans.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Councilman Squilla, would you like to...
Thank you, Mr. President. I do offer two bills -two non-privileged resolutions. But I need to be excused for personal reasons, but I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions, except on Bill 130181. And Councilwoman Sanchez, Vice Chair of the Streets and Service Committee, will read the report from Streets and Services.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave is granted. Mr. Decker.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Auburn Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 2118 East Monmouth Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2211 Blair Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill co-introduced by Councilmembers O'Neill, Oh, Kenney, Henon, and Squilla providing for tax lien sales. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by authorizing the assignment or transfer to third-parties, real estate tax claims either absolutely or as collateral security, for an amount to be determined by the Department.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution to amend the Charter and I'd like to speak on it.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's power to enact provisions Council considers necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of a Minimum Wage and Benefits Ordinance, including, but not limited to, provisions mandating that minimum wage and benefits requirements be passed along to subcontractors on City contracts and subrecipients of City financial assistance.
That bill will be referred to committee. (Applause.)
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's powers to enact provisions Council considers necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of a Minimum Wage and Benefits Ordinance.
That resolution will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. On March 12th, Brian Abernathy, then Chief of Staff to the Managing Director, testified before the Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee. He stated that while Council's ordinance indicates that these provisions should apply to subcontractors and sublessees, the Administration does not believe it is bound by those provisions and, therefore, has not extended the provisions past prime contractor and lessees. He concluded his testimony by saying, "Finally, know that even if provisions were somehow legally extended, the Administration would likely issue a blanket waiver for all covered companies." And last month, the City Solicitor issued a formal legal opinion explaining the Administration's position. Our legal counsel, past and present, believe that the City Solicitor's opinion is invalid. But last week, a representative from the Law Department defended language in the Airport Lease Extension even though it conflicts with Council's ordinance and stated that to change their position, we have to change the Charter. Today 15 members of Council sponsored legislation to clarify our authority. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes -(Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution this morning.
Mr. President, the record should reflect that Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Chair of the Education Committee, is the co-sponsor.
And the record will reflect that also. Thank you.
A privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to investigate strategies and offer recommendations for the adaptive reuse of school buildings that will become shuttered as a result of recent school closures, mergers and relocations and urging the Administration to include Councilmembers in all efforts to work with the School District of Philadelphia, City agencies, communities, and developers in repurposing those buildings.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Three resolutions, one on your behalf and co-endorsed by all members of Council.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a "Special Investigating Committee on Demolition Practices in the City of Philadelphia" to investigate safety problems and identify solutions related to the oversight of demolition projects in the City and, in furtherance of such investigation, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents.
Thank you. Hold on one second, Mr. Decker, please. Thank you. Councilman, we would like to -- assuming we all would like to vote on that today, I'm going to ask that you ask for a motion to suspend the rules to allow a vote on that resolution today.
I'd like to offer a motion to suspend the rules so that we can consider that motion today. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 54th and Columbia Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1717 through 25 North Fifty-Fourth Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
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 West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 1410 North Fifty-Sixth Street.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 215 by striking from the City Plan Greene Street from Allens Lane to St. Georges Road.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. My apologies. I have one non-privileged resolution on behalf of the Administration.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the redevelopment Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1736 through 54 North American Street.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports eight bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 120107, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by providing for the preparation of Fiscal Impact Statements regarding pending legislation and directing the Finance Director and City Controller to provide such statements upon request"; and Bill No. 120142, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by requiring the implementation of an electronic option for conducting and processing all City-related interactions or transactions and to report on the work processes for all such interactions or transactions"; and Bill No. 130445, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes and Collections,' and such other appropriate, to reduce the net profits tax burden on certain existing and new businesses, for the purpose of generating growth in existing businesses, the birth of new businesses, and the creation of jobs"; and Bill No. 130451, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax,' including by providing for special tax provisions for manufacturers"; and Bill No. 130456, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Redevelopment for a Community Development Block Grant"; and Bill No. 130458, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Keystone Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area,' by providing for additional zones or subzones"; and Bill No. 130485, 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 issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions"; and Bill No. 130487, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Tax,' by revising the alternative receipts tax computation," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the eight bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120107, 120142, 130445, 130451, 130456, 130458, 130485, and 130487. All those in favor please say aye. (Aye.)
The it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. 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 two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 130251, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 13-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Water Rates,' and amending Chapter 13-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sewer Rates,' by providing for an independent rate-making body and processes and procedures for fixing and regulating rates and charges"; and Bill No. 130324, entitled "An 2-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Recording of Deeds,' and Chapter 10-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fees,' by adding duties for the certification of deeds, providing for tangled title assistance, providing for certain fees and making certain technical changes," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 130251 and 130324. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bills No. 130251 and 130324. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla, who is not here, so we will recognize Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 20 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 120614, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by permitting sidewalk sales on a portion of Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 120901, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Ricardo Mejias to construct, own and maintain various rights-of-way encroachments at 4004 North 5th Street"; and Bill No. 130016, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-722 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of Dumpsters,' by revising certain requirements for dumpsters"; and Bill No. 130154, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Bharat Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets, to construct, use and under the southwest corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets"; and Bill No. 130158, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on 7th Street between Lehigh Avenue and Somerset Street"; and Bill No. 130160, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on the 2700 block of North 7th Street between Lehigh Avenue and Somerset Street"; and Bill No. 130299, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Nirlesh Desai, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of 17th and Chestnut Streets, to construct, use and maintain conduits in and under the northeast corner of 17th and Chestnut Streets"; and Bill No. 130356, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Sabrina's Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 908 through 12 Christian Street"; and Bill No. 130357, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Jerry's Bar to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 129 West Laurel Street"; and Bill No. 130382, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Girard Leopard Cafe, doing business as Bubba's Texas BBQ, to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 19 through 21 West Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 130388, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by eliminating a previously designated vendor location on the East side of 5th Street, from Ludlow Street to Chestnut Street; and by adding to the list of locations that shall not be designated for vending 5th Street, from Ranstead Street to Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 130413, entitled "An of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 119 by relocating the easterly curbline of Hutchinson Street, from Girard Avenue to Thompson Street"; and Bill No. 130414, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Hutchinson Street between Thompson Street and Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. B. Sweets & Treats doing business as Sweets & Treats to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 3138 Richmond Street"; and Bill No. 130421, entitled "An ordinance authorizing RRD Management to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 1300 Lombard Street"; and Bill No. 130449, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Atul Amin, owner and operator of the newsstand located on 17th and JFK Boulevard, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of 17th and JFK Boulevard"; and Bill No. 130461, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mekong River Restaurant to construct, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 1120 South Front Street"; and Bill No. 130462, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by amending the permissible locations"; and Bill No. 130463, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Fond Bistro doing business as Fond Restaurant to construct, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 1537 South 11th Street"; and Bill No.
130464, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Greene Street, west side, Windrim Avenue to Roberts Avenue," considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the 20 bills that were just read into the record. (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 the 20 bills just reported from committee. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills will be on the First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on License and Inspection.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Licenses and Inspection reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 130418, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Subcode PM (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code),' by providing requirements relating to the exterior maintenance of buildings, revising definitions, and making technical changes," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 130418. (Duly seconded.)
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. 130418. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be on the First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez again for a report from the Committee of Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Committee on Public Health and Human Services, we report one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 130415, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the 'Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law,' by providing a limited period of time during which certain Drinking Establishments may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section prohibiting smoking in certain places," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 130415. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended -- I haven't been up here in a while. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit reading this day of Bill No. 130415. All those in favor will say 6/13/13 - STATED - 1ST READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have been read in its first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 130143, entitled "An ordinance continuing the Aramingo Avenue Shopping District, a neighborhood improvement district, and 6/13/13 - STATED - 1ST READING amending the District's boundaries in an area generally including the east and west sides of Aramingo Avenue from 2700 Aramingo Avenue to 3995 Aramingo Avenue and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Aramingo Avenue and for which Impact Community Development Corporation, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, is the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District."
The Chair agrees. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green regarding a motion concerning Bill No. 120142.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 120142 at this time.
Is there a 6/13/13 - STATED - 1ST READING second? (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 120142. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment.
Bill No. 120142, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 6/13/13 - STATED - 1ST READING of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by requiring the implementation of an electronic option for conducting and processing all City-related interactions or transactions and to report on the work processes for all such interactions or transactions."
The ayes have it. Bill No. 120142 has been amended. Bill No. 120142 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for next week. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell regarding a motion concerning Bill No. 6/13/13 - STATED - 1ST READING 130458.
Thank you very much. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered to Bill No. 130458. It has been circulated. (Duly seconded.)
Having been moved and properly seconded, all those in favor? (Aye.)
Thank you very much. I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 130458. Again, this has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been and properly seconded. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)