COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 16, 2014 10:40 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 ED NEILSON 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.)
The hour has come. We have established a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. Members will take their seat. We'll get started. Council will be in session. I would like to ask all guests and visitors, if you have a device, be it cell phone or some other type of electronic device, will you please turn it off or place it on silent. Thank you very much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Gregory Holston, Senior Pastor of New Vision United Methodist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Giving honor to this great Chamber, to Councilman Clarke, Chair of this Council, and all the Councilmembers who are here today. It's a great honor to be before you, and it is good to recognize that this practice of invocation is an honor that is done so that we can acknowledge God's presence in the midst of this great work that we do to build great cities all across this country. And so many people honor this process of invocation. So let's be mindful of that as we pray together today. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence with us today. We are praying for this Council and this Council session, God, that you will move in a mighty way here today, for the challenges are great, for we live in a city that has at the same time the best of times and also the worst of times; a city with booming economic opportunity, but at the same time a poverty rate that all -- in the top ten of all top ten cities in the country; a city that boasts some of the greatest education centers in the world, but yet has a public school system that is under attack and underfunded; a city that is booming in its center parts, but nevertheless has many sections that are suffering 40 to 50 percent poverty rates; a city with the greatest healthcare systems like the Temple healthcare system and University of Pennsylvania, but nevertheless we still have an infant mortality rate that is much too high. God, give us the courage today to deal with a city that's making millions for many, but yet 12.9 percent of our population live in deep poverty, only making $5,500 per year. God, give us the courage to deal with as we celebrate the children like the Taney kids who were in the Little League, but at the same time 40 percent of our children go to bed hungry night; a city with rich history of union organizing, but where workers at the airport and other places are denied an opportunity to organize and are still not getting a living wage; a city where new development is happening, high rises are occurring, and rehab is going on, but yet homeowners who have lived here for years are being pushed out and even homes are being stolen by unscrupulous developers. We live in this paradox. We live in these two realities. We live in these two cities today, and we pray for this Council, who has the charge today to try to bring together these two realities into one living reality, one living city shining on a hill that can make a difference in the world today. So we call on them to stand up with courage like never before, courage to stand up against the special interests and political interests that divide us and keep us separate; to stand up for and dispossessed and downtrodden, who need a helping hand from those who are in power today; to stand with courage to end the City of despair and to make us a city of hope; to stand and confront those enemies of our children here and statewide who will hold out and hold back financial funding for our schools; to stand up and stand forward and stand against those economic interests, to bring us together, to bring us hope, to bring dignity to our elders, to bring hope again to our children, to really build a city where people of all races and creed and religions can walk together and stand together and be together, to end the plague on mass incarceration and stand for a mass opportunity for all. We come and pray together now, God, that you will touch and heal and deliver and strengthen us so we make us truly a city of opportunity that will work for all. you and we give you praise for what you'll do here today. In the name of our Lord, we say amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Thank you so much. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the meeting of Thursday, October 9th, 2014, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 9th, 2014 be approved.
Thank you very much. It's been moved and Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 9th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (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 Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank all of our guests and visitors who have come to City Council today. We really appreciate the fact that you've come down to witness your government in action. We hope that your experience is truly a very, very good one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution recognizing October 2014 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Would Ms. Kelly Kroehle, Mr. Louie Ortiz and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Kenney, Brown and Councilwoman Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution recognizing October 2014 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and acknowledging the many organizations and individuals that work to prevent bullying, raise awareness about its significant lifelong impact and help young victims of bullying.
Whereas, the Federal Government has officially recognized bullying prevention with the creation of stopbullying.gov, a website created in partnership between the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice; and Whereas, a 2011 study by the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 28 percent of students grades 6 12 have experienced bullying in some form or another. Another study by the same agency in 2013 found that 20 percent of 9th through 12th graders have experienced bullying; and Whereas, the 2011 documentary, Bully, gained national recognition as a powerful tool to show children and teenagers the effects of bullying. Adding personal stories to statistics, this documentary is a positive tale of five students who faced bullying on a daily basis; and Whereas, LGBT young people are often subject to bullying by their peers. The 2011 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network found that 82 percent of LGBT youth had problems during the past school year with bullying about sexual orientation; 64 percent felt unsafe at school due to their LGBT identity;
And whereas, The Attic Youth Center is the only organization in Philadelphia exclusively serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Since opening in 1993, The Attic has served over 10,000 young people, and their programming aims to build community, reduce isolation, combat homophobia, promote knowledge and life skills and develop future leaders; and Whereas, The Mazzoni Center aims to provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBT-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals they serve. In addition to their more well-known services - such as a full array of medical, mental and behavioral health care and LGBT legal services - The Mazzoni Center is the primary coordinator of Gay Straight Alliance student groups citywide, providing empowerment and a critically important safe place within schools; and Whereas, the national organization GLAAD also supports initiatives for LGBT youth, and specifically supports #spiritday on October 16th. Participants in #spiritday are asked to wear the color purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. From its founding in the 1980's, GLAAD has worked diligently to promote understanding, increase acceptance and advance equality; and
Whereas, ending the bullying of all adults, teens and children should be a worldwide initiative, regardless of LGBT status or otherwise. The psychological effects of bullying can last throughout a person's life and in some cases is so severe that the person feels compelled to take their own life; and Whereas, standing up for every member of our society has been a social imperative for the Philadelphia City With this Resolution, Council once again stands for the vulnerable and the abused to say: we will not stand for this; we will get you the help and support you need; and we will not just stand up to bullies but work to create a world in which bullying does not exist; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby declare October 14th as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and acknowledge the many local organizations that work to both prevent bullying and help young people cope with the terrible mental and physical aspects of being bullied. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Attic Youth Center, The Mazzoni Center, and all other anti-bullying initiatives as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. the best we can to stamp out bullying in our society. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Kroehle and Mr. Ortiz for remarks.
That's me. How is everyone doing? I'm Louie Ortiz, Education Manager from The Mazzoni Center, and thank you for that great introduction of The Mazzoni Center. Today, since it's early in the morning, I want to invite the spirit of resilient youth into this room. Unfortunately, they can't be here because they're learning, but our program exists because youth are resilient. As much as I would love to stand here and celebrate myself and the great work of Mazzoni, the Allied Youth Safe Schools Youth Program would not be possible had it not been for the courageous youth, LGBTQ youth and allies who stand up to create change worked with one school who tried to start a GSA, but the principal told them that it was not allowed. Unfortunately, he did not know that that was illegal, but before we could even step in, the youth took it upon themselves to have other youth sign a petition. Over 500 other students signed the petition so that the GSA could exist. So when we think about anti-bullying, I also want people to think about the power and the courage that youth have to create change. A lot of times we hear statistics that make us sad, that make us angry, and while they need to be acknowledged and spoken about, we also need to stand, clap, affirm, love, celebrate youth who are creating change in the small ways that they do every day. And I also want to celebrate and acknowledge all the adults, parents who are creating change amongst themselves and creating young leaders, cannot do this without the love and support of teachers, administration, parents, and the community. And with that, I humbly thank you for this acknowledgment. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi there. My name is Kelly Kroehle and I'm the Director of The Bryson Institute's Attic Youth Center. I want to thank you all for having us here this today. This means a lot to us. So when we say the word "bullying," it's actually a word that carries about a thousand stories behind it. The most traditional and the one we acknowledge a lot is the story of a youth who assaults another youth while leveraging anti-gay slurs at him. But to us, bullying is also a lot more. Bullying is the story of the gender non-conforming or transgender youth who can't access a safe bathroom at school that by staff. Bullying is the story of the school-to-prison pipeline and how LGBTQ youth are impacted when they act in self-defense. Bullying is the story of the undocumented LGBTQ youth who does not see their story represented in mainstream LGBTQ organizing. Bullying is the story of LGBTQ youth who continue to face silence from their adult supporters because we don't have the resources to listen to their whole stories. So The Attic Youth Center, as said before, is Philly's only agency that's exclusively serving LGBTQ youth. We've been around for about 21 years as a comprehensive multi-service youth organization, and our mission is to create opportunities for LGBTQ youth to grow into healthy, independent, and civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, but also to promote the acceptance of them in the communities that impact them the most. host of services. We see about 60 young people come through our doors a day, young people just 14 to 23, and it's everything from after-school groups around slam poetry, LGBTQ history, peer-led HIV prevention, job readiness, case management, mental health for LGBTQ youth and their families, and a host of support groups. Recognizing, though, at the end of the day The Attic is well and good, but young people go home to their families, they go to their schools, they go to the doctor, they go to social service facilities, they go to work. The program that I work for with my colleague, Phantazia, is The Bryson Institute. So we go out to these spaces to expand these support networks by starting dialogue that's not necessarily comfortable for adults to have. We're not necessarily at a space where we know how to talk about sexual orientation, gender identity and young people. So held these conversations around empathy and education with over 48,000 people in Southeastern PA, really identifying that this has to be a collective effort to hear their stories. We can't just keep small containers for their stories. So that's the context in which we think about bullying. That's the context in which we identify that bullying isn't just the interpersonal antagonizer, but it's the depletion of safe spaces for LGBTQ youth to tell their stories. So when we think about moving forward, we have to do so individually, but we also have to do so organizationally and institutionally to work and to dialogue and to build at all levels so that stories can be told in all spaces. Thanks again for having us today.
Thank you very much. That concludes our presentations for today. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Thank you. Mr. Decker, will you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on October 14, 2014, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 2, 2014: Bill No. 140609; and that on October 14, 2014, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 9, 2014: Bill No. 140715. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Dr. Jay S. Feldstein to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion; and A resolution confirming the appointment of JoAnn Epps, Esquire, as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2019; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to accept from The School District of Philadelphia title to a certain approximately .81 acre parcel of land known as 3600 North 11th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with a provider of codification, editing, and marketing services to produce printed and electronic versions of the 11th edition of The Philadelphia Code and the 2015 Reprint of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, with periodic supplements to each, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Mr. President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three bills and one resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 25th Street, Oxford Avenue, Glenwood Avenue, and Ridge Avenue.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 25th Street, North College Avenue, West College Avenue, Girard Avenue, 31st Street, Master Street, 32nd Street, Jefferson Street, 31st Street, and Oxford Avenue.
And an ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to accept from The School District of Philadelphia title to a certain approximately .81 acre parcel of land known as 3600 North 11th 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 Twenty-Ninth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I have one privileged, two non-privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring, recognizing, and commending Susan G. Komen Philadelphia and Sisters for the Cure for striving to make a world without breast cancer a reality throughout the Philadelphia Tri-State area.
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.
And a non-privileged resolution amending Resolution No. 140528, approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2015.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution today.
A privileged resolution declaring Thursday October 16, 2014 as World Food Day in Philadelphia, and join the global community in a commitment to come together to eradicate hunger and recognize the service of the many volunteers and organizations who work to end hunger in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution and one bill. I want to salute Councilman Greenlee for raising the issue. This bill is co-sponsored by Greenlee and Blackwell.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new Section 19-1808, entitled "Authorization of School District Nicotine Products Tax," and by amending Chapter 19-3700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products Tax," by increasing the rates of the existing tax and by authorizing the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the privilege of selling at retail electronic cigarettes and nicotine solutions.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October as Health Literacy Month.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions, one privileged, non-privileged and one on your behalf.
A non-privileged resolution confirming the appointment of JoAnn Epps, Esquire, as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2019.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Jay S. Feldstein to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion, for the term ending January 5, 2017.
And that resolution will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by prohibiting group day cares in certain residential zoning districts.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Knights Road, Red Lion Road, East Keswick Road, Morrell Avenue, East Crown Avenue, and Clarendon Avenue.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution on your behalf and one bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising the Center City East Overlay use regulations for Personal Credit Establishments.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Horticultural Society 2014 Flower Show for winning 17 awards, including being named the world's best event, by the International Festivals and Events Association.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution Honoring Anthony H. Gordy on the Occasion of his Retirement from the City of Philadelphia Streets Department.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Organizations, Institutions, and Hosts of the 8th Council District's Community Summer Events for their Commitment and Dedication to Building Community, Supporting Youth and Families, and Providing Safe and Positive Summer Activities.
That resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilman Squilla and Councilwoman Bass.
A privileged resolution Celebrating, Honoring, and Thanking American Veterans of the Korean War.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Celebrating, Honoring, and Thanking American Veterans of the Vietnam War.
And that resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We will now entertain reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports eight bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 130879, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions relating to the City Avenue Overlay District as it pertains to signage"; and Bill No. 140487, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by changing the street frontage requirements for lots with residential zoning districts"; and Bill No. 140633, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 15th Street, Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 25th Street, and Diamond Street"; and Bill No. 140646, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Regulations,' to revise the boundaries of 'Area 1' and 'Area 2'"; and Bill No. 140647, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spruce Street, 4th Street, Pine Street, 2nd Street, South Street, 3rd Street, Lombard Street, 5th Street, Pine Street, and 6th Street"; and 140648, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Oregon Avenue, Delaware Expressway, and Front Street"; and Bill No. 140652, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cedar Street, Venango Street, Gaul Street, and Tioga Street"; and Bill No. 140719, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rising Sun Avenue, Geneva Road, Westford Road, and Tabor Road," 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 the eight 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 permit first reading this day of Bills No. 130879, 140487, 140633, 140646, 140647, 140648, 140652, and 140719. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The 2ND READING ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now have consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee have been deemed to have had a first reading and they will be placed on our Second and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 140728, 140784, 140785, 140786, 140790, 140793, 140520, 140634, 140650, 140640, and 140641. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, we'd ask that you, if you have not already done so, sign up at the table to my left. If you have, your name will be called. You will go to the podium in the middle of the Council. There's a device on that podium. When the light on that podium turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to those guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first individual.
Patrick Duff, commenting on 140785. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. I just moved back here from Los Angeles, so this Council meeting kind of is a little bit different than I'm used to, especially here in the City of Philadelphia since the First Amendment was signed here. I think it's a little odd you guys don't allow just open public comment. You can cut me off if you want, and I understand that, but, you know, open public comment is something that even small cities across America, they have. And this city is the one we signed the First Amendment, and I can't just come and tell you about my thoughts and my problems when you're in a meeting? That's a problem. And it's actually a violation of the Sunshine Act.
Sir, do you want to testify on a bill or resolution on the Calendar?
I wanted to come address a different issue, but I'm shocked and appalled that the Council doesn't allow open public comment, and the fact that -
It's open, but the rule is that I can only comment on the agenda item, which, as I said, in the First Amendment -- it kind of reminds me at the Liberty Bell where they have a free speech zone at the Liberty Bell. The First Amendment didn't say you can only have a First Amendment in a certain zone. And I just want you guys to maybe reconsider this and maybe put actual open public comment inside of your Council 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING session, because you might learn a little bit from your citizens. They got a lot to say. All right?
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 140728.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2025 Federal Street. 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140728 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 140784.
A resolution approving the City's acceptance of a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $30,000,000 and authorizing the Director of Housing to enter into 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING agreements with HUD necessary to receive the grant award.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140784 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140785.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2031 through 33 North Seventeenth Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140785 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140786.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING 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-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and 140786 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140790. 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
A 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-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140790 is 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, 140793.
A 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-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 140793 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 140520.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding the corner of Pleasant Street and Chew Avenue, abutting the Pleasant Playground, as a permissible location.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140634.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by revising provisions relating to the operation of farmers' markets on both sides of the 3500 block of Ryan Avenue.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140650.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to change the amount of time that a boat, motor home, truck camper or vending cart may be parked in any on-street parking space.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140640.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," to require that each Economic Opportunity Plan include information concerning the Equity Ownership (as defined) of the contractor, developer and/or recipient of financial assistance required to submit the Plan; participants (as defined) engaged by the contractor, developer and/or recipient of financial assistance; and the eventual owner or owners of the project or contractor which the Plan relates; and requiring periodic reports for the purpose of updating Equity Ownership information.
This bill has been read on two separate days. 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 140641.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," to revise the Credit for New Job Creation by changing the minimum wage requirement in the definition of "New Job"; and by providing an additional Special Tax Credit Opportunity for Job Creation in the form of a multi-year tax credit for certain new jobs created in 2015.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution honoring, recognizing, and commending Susan G. Komen Philadelphia and Sisters for the Cure for striving to make a world without breast cancer a reality throughout the Philadelphia Tri-State area, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution declaring Thursday October 16, 2014 as World Food Day in Philadelphia, and join the global community in a commitment to come together to eradicate hunger and recognize the service of the many volunteers and organizations who work to end hunger in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Neilson.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing October as Health Literacy Month, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
And a resolution 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Honoring Anthony H. Gordy on the Occasion of his Retirement from the City of Philadelphia Streets Department, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Organizations, Institutions, and Hosts of the 8th Council District's Community 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Summer Events for their Commitment and Dedication to Building Community, Supporting Youth and Families, and Providing Safe and Positive Summer Activities, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution Celebrating, Honoring, and Thanking 10/16/14 - STATED - 2ND READING American Veterans of the Korean War, introduced by Councilman Oh.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution Celebrating, Honoring, and Thanking American Veterans of the Vietnam War, introduced by Councilman Oh.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is also adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our Calendar for today, and we will now have speeches on the part of the minority and the majority. Are there any speeches on behalf of the minority? (No response.)
Any on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Most of you may know and some of you may not know that I've been a vegetarian for like maybe the last two or three years. No; actually since 2008. And so I've been working with an organization called the Humane League of Philadelphia. They are the sponsors of Meatless Monday. They're going to be providing lunch over in the Caucus Room. So if you want to try a little something different in terms of your eating habits or maybe try a little bit of food that I may eat that's vegetarian and vegan, I want you to join us across the hall. Thank you very much, and it feels good to be back.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman
Thank you, Mr. President. It might be hard to believe, but I haven't had meat in four months. No meat, no chicken, no fish. Oh, no; fish, but no chicken or pork. I lost 15 pounds. It took ten points off my top and bottom number on my blood pressure. (Applause.)
Even though my face still gets red, I'm sorry. This week, the City Controller criticized the Philadelphia Department of Public Property over pretty much a mundane issue that's being argued back and forth. Elected officials are wont sometimes to get some publicity by going after people who work for a living in our City government. And that's fine. That's their right to do. But I just want to state for the record that I think the Department of Public Property under Bridget Collins-Greenwald is a a terrific commissioner. The folks who work for her are dedicated. They're at every single public event in our city. They work 24 hours a day sometimes to get ready for events on the Parkway and in our neighborhoods. They run this building and they run all the other City buildings on a shoestring, and anything we ask them to do, they do with enthusiasm and are helpful as can be. So the last couple of times they've been criticized, once on this issue of contracting and the other time on this phone number that seems to be a mystery to the Controller but no one else, 686-5665 -- I've been calling it for 24 years -- I just think they get caught in the middle of the politics that we deal with. But I just want these hard-working Philadelphia City employees to understand we appreciate what they do. We appreciate this commissioner. She's a terrific commissioner, top notch, and I for the record that I appreciate the Department of Public Property and their efforts. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President. I agree with all he has said about Public Property and the Commissioner, her willingness to help us. I agree with his comments up to how we eat. I had a Philly cheesesteak yesterday, so -
So I got to do better. But certainly we admire him and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and all who have gotten there. The rest of us have to work on it. But we met with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and to the body the issue that negotiations need to continue. There have not been negotiations with the PFT since July 1st, and we feel that we need to call for those negotiations. My understanding is that many of the issues put on that the School District has cut in terms of pensions and benefits were issues that were on the table, but there have been no opportunities for discussion since the School District has not been willing to meet with them. I know that they will have this afternoon a rally at 4 o'clock in front of 440 North Broad, and I say to my colleagues that if nothing happens in the next week, we will certainly introduce a resolution next week asking for negotiations to continue so that life may get better in the City when it comes to educating the children in our city. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I just want to say we were very excited yesterday to host our First Lady in the mighty 50th Ward. It was a great day, and it was good to have her come see one of our outstanding rec centers in this city, and we appreciate all those who came out. I want to announce that this evening at another recreation center -we use them for a lot of community meetings -- the Sturgis Recreation Center at 200 North 65th Street, we're having a property tax and deed workshop, and that's being sponsored by State Representatives Parker, Evans, and myself, and it begins at 7 o'clock, and we ask all of our listeners -- they don't have to be in the 9th Councilmanic District. Anyone who lives in the community, in the area or any part of the to come and take part of the information that is disseminated here about how to change a deed and how to detect deed-related scams and where to get help with deed and property tax issues and property tax programs and payment plans. So that is this evening at 7 o'clock at the newly opened Sturgis Recreation Center, 200 North 65th Street. That's 2nd and 65th Street.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. That concludes our speeches on the part of the minority and majority. And with that, I will recognize Councilwoman Brown for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It's seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Council is adjourned. Thank you all very much. ) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. m 1:7 79:23 45:24 48:4 amen 7:5,6 approval 7:1,14 39:7,21 52:12 80:4,14 adhere 42:19 amend 24:15,24 approved 7:20 55:6 33:10 38:5,18 8:4,12 award 47:3 B adjourn 79:19 adjourned 79:22 39:3,10,17 approving 28:11 awards 34:14 B 1:18 38:9 80:3,11,13 amended 39:23 45:19 46:20 awareness 9:21 back 6:9 9:15 ADJOURNME...