Stated Meeting, December 4, 2014

Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 4, 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 COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

We're going to start now. I'd ask guests and visitors to please retire behind the rails. We have a quorum and we will begin. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rabbi Solomon Isaacson of Congregation Beth Solomon Community Center. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. I would ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)

Many people question the existence of the Almighty because they haven't seen a miracle. Well, I'm going to show you a miracle, because I'm going to be very brief. We approach the holiday of Hanukkah, which is the spirit of light. com) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 for the eight days that the oil burned that was supposed to burn only one day. But there's a special prayer that we say in honor of Hanukkah in our synagogues for those eight days, and what we say is, you delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the wanton into the hands of the diligent students of your beloved Bible. We take a look at what the miracle is that took place. And the miracle was the belief in the Almighty, the belief into the impossible. Many of us in life encounter situations. They tell a story of an individual who was at home and he was making a wedding, and he sent his friends to go pick up a special gentleman. com) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 they brought him to the wedding and they asked, What happened? And he explained they were about to be killed, him and his family. And they asked the man who made the wedding what was so special about bringing him. He said, One day I'm walking down the street and I couldn't find the money to make this wedding and I met this gentleman, and he helped me. Ladies and gentlemen, we see the hand of God many times in life. We enjoy the hand of God, but we need to deserve that hand. And, you know, they tell a story of an individual who was involved in a storm and he was standing there and the water was rising, and everybody asked him to come and go. He says, Don't worry, the Almighty will help me. And now the water is above the roof and a boat comes and they said, Come in, come in. com) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 then, of course, he drowns, gets to heaven. He says to God, God, you were supposed to help me. He says, I did. I sent people and I sent the boat and I sent the helicopter. Nobody told you not to take advantage of it. But the reality is that many times the Almighty does send us. We just have to recognize God's hand. We have to recognize the ability to take advantage of the Almighty. God is there. His telephone is never busy. He's always answering. Maybe not at the time that you want, but at the right time. And later on we realize that that was the right time. I'd like to take the opportunity to say a prayer, not only for us but for those brave soldiers who are fighting on behalf of our beloved country. com) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 armies of the United States of America, who stand guard over our land and other places of the world. May Hashem, the Almighty, cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the holy one blessed as he preserve and rescue our fighting men and women from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may he send blessing and success in their every endeavor. May he lead our enemies under their sway and may he adorn them with the crown of salvation and with the diatom of triumph. May there be fulfilled for them the verse, for it is the Almighty, your God, who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you. And let us say amen. )

And now, of course, we need to say a prayer for our country. May he who grants salvation to Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 toreros, whose kingdom is a kingdom spanning all eternities, who releases David, his servant, from the evil sword, who places a road in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, may he bless, safeguard, and preserve, help, exalt, make great extol and praise high our beloved President and Vice President and all the officials of this land and, of course, our great City Council of the great City of Philadelphia and especially the President and especially Kenyatta. Where are you? Raise your hand. Okay. The king who reigns over kings in his mercy, may he sustain them and protect them from every trouble, woe, and injury. May he rescue them. May he gather peoples under their sway and cause their enemies to fall before them. Wherever they turn may they succeed. The king who reigns over kings in his mercy, may he put into the heart and into the heart of all their counsels Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 compassion to do good on behalf of us. In their days and ours, may you all respond and say amen. (Amen.)

Thank you and God bless all of you, and I hope today's meeting is a special success so you remember that I was here.

Thank you, Rabbi. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you all very much. Thank you. We're going to proceed. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 20th, 2014. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 20th, 2014 be approved. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 20th, 2014 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved, and it shall be noted in the record. 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, a leave of absence has been requested by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Thank you, sir. Leave shall be granted. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 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 today for taking time out of your day to come down and witness your government in action. We hope that your stay here today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much for being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution on my behalf honoring the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 2014 Flower Show. Would Drew Becher and those accompanying him please Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 the podium. And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Councilman Bill Greenlee.

Thank you. This is a great occasion and we should be honored here in Philadelphia to have somebody like PHS in our city promoting what they do best, and for them to receive awards not only here in the City of Philadelphia but throughout the country is an amazing feat. So today we're honoring and congratulating the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 2014 Flower Show for winning 17 awards, including being named the world's best event, by the International Festival and Event Association. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Flower Show received 17 awards for excellence from the International Festivals and Event Association, a non-profit association for producers, Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 festivals and events, at its 59th annual convention and expo for the 2014 presentation of "ARTiculture"; and Whereas, during this year's annual expo, held on September 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, the PHS Flower Show took home five Gold Awards, five Silver Awards, and seven Bronze Awards including the top prize, the Grand Pinnacle Gold Award for the world's best event; and

Whereas, this was the greatest number of prizes ever received by the PHS Flower Show in the IFEA contest, which includes entries from the Kentucky Derby Festival, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, Indianapolis 500 Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, the City of Dublin Irish Festival, Edmonton Heritage Festival, Ludwig van Beethoven Festival in Krakow, the Rotterdam Festival, and the World Gourmet Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Singapore; and Whereas, the Flower Show was recognized in a variety of presentation, programming and promotional categories. The prizes included Gold Awards for the show's Entrance Garden, community outreach program, green practices at the event, show merchandise, and full length TV promotion; and

And whereas, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show provided inspirational and informative displays, educational presentations, and entertainment. The 2014 Flower Show attracted 230,000 visitors from around the world to the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the 2015 presentation entitled "Celebrate the Movies," which will celebrate the movies from February 28 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will surely be a must attend event and will achieve the same level of success as "ARTiculture"; Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors and congratulates the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for winning 17 awards for its 2014 Flower Show including the top prize, Grand Pinnacle Gold Award for the world's best event by the International Festivals and Events Association. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. And it's really presented by Council President Darrell Clarke and all members of Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Becher for remarks.

Well, first of all, I'd like to thank City Council and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 on this amazing honor. Running an organization like PHS that is an institution here in Philadelphia that also in this country is such an honor, and to receive this award internationally on the Flower Show that we all know to be just this wonderful event but now we have this great award that everyone knows in the world is the best event. So another chalk-up for Philadelphia on our march to being the world's best city. So I want to thank all the staff at PHS that makes this possible and our wonderful Board that let's us do what we want to do and be able to do it in the right way and raises a lot of money for us to make it happen. So, again, I want to thank you all, and let you know that the Flower Show raises money to go right back into your all communities. We actually fund tree planting, community gardens. All of Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 happen because of the Flower Show. So thank you so much for this wonderful award and thank you for the recognition here in this great City Council. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I need to be excused from Council Chambers. I wish to be recorded as voting aye on all bills, resolutions, and amendments.

Thank you. Leave shall be granted, sir. Thank you, Councilman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 members of the Neshaminy High School Playwickian Editorial Board. Would Tara Huber and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Kenney, we have Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilwoman Tasco. Please proceed, Councilman.

Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution recognizing and honoring the members of the Neshaminy High School Playwickian Editorial Board and their student advisor Tara Huber for taking a stand against racism and bigotry by refusing to continue to publish the traditional nickname for the Neshaminy High School athletic teams, a derogatory term for Native Americans.

Whereas, in the October 2013 issue of the Neshaminy High School Playwickian, the Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 vote of 14-7 decided to cease printing the word "Redskin," the traditional nickname for their sports team. In an editorial for that edition, the Board said, quote, The word 'Redskin' is racist and very much so. It is not a term of honor, but a term of hate, end of quote; and Whereas, after the Editorial Board was published, both the Neshaminy High School principal and the Neshaminy School Board moved to stop the editors from editing out the use of the word, arguing that they didn't have the power to censor speech of the students. The editors have argued that if the word were offensive to other minority groups, they would have the power to edit that language; and Whereas, in June 2013, the Neshaminy School Board voted to strip some power from Playwickian editors, and instead pass it along to school administrators to determine what should Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 published, arguably in violation of Section 12.9 of the Pennsylvania Administrative Code, which is Students' Rights and Responsibilities; and

Whereas, just this month, the Playwickian's Editor-in-Chief, Gilliam McGoldrick, was suspended from her Editor's position by the school administration for one month for again refusing to publish the offensive word; and Whereas, also, the paper's faculty advisor, Tara Huber, was suspended without pay by the district Superintendent Robert Copeland for failing to stop the students from going through with their ban. Huber has been honored by the National Liberty Museum here in Philadelphia, and was named Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania School Press Association. Huber was also recently elected President of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers; and Whereas, the national debate Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 derogatory sports team nicknames has been intensifying in recent years. Also in October 2013, President Obama, speaking about the Washington Redskins, said, If I were the owner of the team and I knew there was some name of the team - even if it had a storied history - that was offending a sizable group of people, I'd think about changing it. This July U.S. Attorney Eric Holder called the Redskins name offensive and said it should be changed; and Whereas, also this July, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office cancelled six federal trademark registrations for the Washington Redskins on the grounds that the team name is disparaging to Native Americans, and therefore in violation of trademark laws banning offensive or disparaging language; and

Whereas, the Playwickian personnel who were influential in taking this courageous Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 are: Reed Hennessy, Madison Buffardi, Jackson Haines, Corey LaQuay, Emily Scott, Allison Kaufman, Timothy Cho, and Gillian McGoldrick. Also, these young people have received assistance from their advisor Tara Huber, Gayle Sproul, a pro-bono attorney from Philadelphia, Frank LaMonte and Adam Goldstein, both of the Student Press Law Center; Whereas, when our young people take a stand on an important issue such as racism and bigotry, and they should be rewarded and congratulated, not vilified and denigrated. These young men and women, and their faculty advisor, deserve our praise for standing up not only for what is right and just, but also for standing up for their own journalistic integrity; now therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby honor and recognize the members of the Neshaminy High School Playwickian Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 student advisor Tara Huber for taking a stand against racism and bigotry by refusing to continue to publish the traditional nickname of the Neshaminy High School athletic teams, a derogatory term for Native Americans. We want to thank them for being here from Bucks County. We tell them never conform. Always stand up and do what's right, and you'll help change the world and make it a better place. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Ms. Huber for remarks.

Hi. First of all, thank you for having us here. Originally when we were told that we were permitted to speak, I was going to stand up and let you guys know how thankful we are that you recognized us and recognized what we have been fighting for for the past year. But while I was drafting that, I realized Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 I'm thankful for. At any sort of award ceremony, I'm not thankful for the recognition. Though getting awards is cool and being recognized has led me to meet such amazing people as Mary Beth Tinker, I'm not thankful for being recognized. Since day one I knew that we were right. I knew that what we were doing was, in a sense, small but, even still, on the right side of history. And whether there are thousands of people behind me or just the few editors, my parents, and my advisor, we're still right. It was scary going to high school and feeling like we weren't welcome, but there was never a time where I wanted to give up. Every time we received an award, every time we were recognized or honored, every time someone shakes our hand and says, Hey, I support you guys, that's one more person behind us, sure. But, more importantly, that's Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 is right. It doesn't matter to me how many people are rooting for us. If we know something is right, we'll keep fighting, but the goal has always been to educate a larger group, to promote tolerance among many. Change starts small, but today the City Council is making that larger, and that's reward enough for us. (Applause.) MS. McGOLDRICK: Thank you, Philadelphia City Council, for passing your resolution in support of me and my fellow editors. A special thanks to Councilmembers Kenney and Bass for recommending this resolution to the Council. We have had the craziest year, and with the amount of opposition we have faced within our community, it's been scary at times. Our generation is more concerned about staying in line with mainstream ideas, but when we began this Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 mascot, we knew we were in the minority. Well, before now, the only resolution we've ever had passed has been against us by our school board to disregard our student press rights, but we've all learned that taking this stand and being in the minority can actually make a difference. Going forward and looking back, this battle has strengthened our desire to keep asking questions and continue to push for social change. Thank you for your active support and believing in us. (Applause.)

We, the editors of the Playwickian as a whole, would like to express our deep gratitude for this resolution and this gesture. For over a year now, we have been determined in our fight against discrimination and our struggle to maintain student press rights. To see this resolution here would not only -- our names not only written in it, but commended in it, is Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Yet at Neshaminy there's still an unconstitutional policy on the books and there's still a racist institution that is accepted by the majority and indoctrinated in our education. This resolution only reaffirms our focus to finish the task that is before us - to overturn that unconstitutional policy and to bring about an end to racism in our school and always do the right thing. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you so much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing the Cunningham Piano Company. Would Tim Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Bass, we have Councilman Oh.

Good morning. (Good morning.)

And so we're here today to honor and recognize yet another Philadelphia tradition and a staple to our city and to the Germantown community, which is Cunningham Piano. And if you love music, if you love music, any type of music, you have to recognize the importance of the piano in that music. And so I just really as a lover of piano music, I just really wanted to take a moment and to honor and to recognize Cunningham, not just for making beautiful music and allowing other people to do so, but for really being part of the strength of Germantown and holding the neighborhood down and really Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 wonderful way. And today we offer a resolution recognizing and honoring the Cunningham Piano Company on the occasion of their 123rd Birthday and for being featured on the Science Channel program "How It's Made." Whereas, Cunningham Piano is a Philadelphia piano institution, having served the Philadelphia area since 1891. Its four-story facility has restored thousands of pianos and his shipped many restored pianos around the world; and Whereas, Cunningham's founder, Patrick Cunningham, was so confident of the quality of his design and workmanship that he offered $10,000 to anyone who could produce a better piano than his Matchless Cunningham; and

Whereas, Cunningham Piano was originally based in West Philadelphia and then in Center City before moving its factory and showroom to its current Germantown locations on East Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Avenue in 1945; and Whereas, Cunningham Piano continues the tradition of its founder with outstanding craftsmanship. It currently offers a wide array of services including complete restoration of old pianos and new piano preparation; and Whereas, Cunningham's workmanship and extraordinary technical expertise caught the eye of the Science Channel's program "How It's Made," which is airing two shows on piano manufacturing and reconstruction; now, therefore, be it

Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors Cunningham Piano Company on the occasion of its 123rd Birthday and for being featured on the Science Channel's program "How It's Made." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 of Cunningham Piano, Tim Oliver and Rich Galassini, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Oliver for remarks.

Well, thank you to the City Council. Thank you, Councilmember Bass. It's obviously a great honor and privilege to be here. I recall I believe that this building was built in around the early 1890's, I think over a three-year period, and that coincides with the 1891 founding of our company, Cunningham Piano. So I'd like to think that perhaps Patrick Cunningham himself sat in this room and had something like this maybe happen to him as well. I've shared with many people in the past that being an owner of Cunningham Piano to me feels more like Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 a ship. There were several captains before me and I certainly hope there will be more captains after me. So for me, it's really about stewardship and doing the right thing and being sure that I'm serving Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia community. So I'd like to thank the Council in particular for helping to keep music and the arts strong in Philadelphia. It's extremely important that that continues. And I'm very appreciative of all the efforts that we've done and look forward to many more. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. Folks, can I ask you to keep Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 little bit, please. Thank you. 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. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 140800, 140804, 140853, 140854, 140857, 140858, and 140859. And I am pleased to advise you that on December 3, 2014, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on November 20, 2014, except Bill No. 140695, which I am returning without my signature. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 herewith for the consideration of your honorable body resolutions appointing Bernard Brunwasser, Mike Chapman, Lee Huang, Sonny Popowsky, and Nancy Winkler to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Howard Lander to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District and two resolutions appointing Daniel Christiansen and Doug Hager to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. And I am also transmitting 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 Franklin Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1001 through 5 Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Street, 1007 through 11 Vine Street and 314 North Tenth Street; and A resolution approving the assignment agreement 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 2414 East Gordon 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 2039 East York Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 3109 Morse Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 253 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Kerper Place from Kerper Street to its terminus as a cul-de-sac turnaround northeastwardly therefrom and striking from the City Plan and vacating Kerper Street from a point approximately two-hundred fifty-two feet northwest of Oakley Street to its terminus as a cul-de-sac turnaround northwestwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Mr. Decker, do you have any other communications?

I have none, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. The next order of business is Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. (No response.)

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one non-privileged and one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Education to conduct public hearings to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the Philadelphia Talent Collaborative and other programs that help improve educational outcomes and the economic viability of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

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 and Sixth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and two resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Venango Street, Germantown Avenue, West Tioga Street, and North Watts Street, for further conveyance.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3109 Morse 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 Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 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 Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

And that resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Council President. I'd offer one bill.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Excise Tax on Outdoor Advertising Transactions," by revising the rate of the excise tax on outdoor advertising signs; amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by further providing for revised sign controls. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Mr. President, I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I have three privileged resolutions, two non-privileged resolutions, five resolutions on your behalf, and one bill.

Thank you, Councilman.

Thank you, Mr. President.

An ordinance authorizing the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct, own and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 maintain various right-of-way encroachments within the public right-of-way at 2716 South Street.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities and Public Safety to hold joint hearings concerning side mirror placement on SEPTA buses in Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending The Prep Charter High School Football Team for its outstanding hard work and determination this season in winning its first ever Public League Class AA Championship Title.

This week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending Mo'ne Davis, the first female Little League Baseball Player to earn a win and to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history, for capturing the hearts and support of Philadelphians and the nation while leading the Philadelphia Taney Dragons to the Little League World Series.

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 Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Nancy Winkler to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution approving the appointment of Bernard Brunwasser to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 A resolution approving the appointment of Sonny Popowsky to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution approving the appointment of Lee Huang to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution approving the appointment of Mike Chapman to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.

Those five resolutions will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have three non-privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by yourself and one co-sponsored by Councilman Bill Greenlee and Ed Neilson.

Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Thank you, Councilwoman.

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 Seventh, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution supporting the American Postal Workers Union in its efforts to protect living-wage jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer services, opposing efforts to privatize postal operations, and calling upon Philadelphians to consider this issue when deciding whether Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 to patronize Staples.

Thank you. That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a resolution appointing Jennifer Kates, Courtney Voss, Herb Wetzel, Anjali Chainani, and Angel Rodriguez to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.

And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution today.

Thank you, Councilman.

A non-privileged resolution calling on the Controller's Office to implement a tax discovery initiative to determine if real estate brokers and agents who are conducting Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 business in the City of Philadelphia are obtaining the required commercial activity licenses and have filed all appropriate City taxes associated with their businesses and business practice.

That will be on next 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 Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Two privileged and one non-privileged resolution today co-sponsored by Marian Tasco, Neilson, Sanchez, Mark Squilla, and Blackwell and the other by all members of Council.

Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing The Philadelphia Tribune as a community advocate and vocal champion for African American issues on the occasion of its 130 year anniversary as the oldest, continuously published newspaper, owned and operated by African Americans.

That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring Judge Annette M. Rizzo for her outstanding leadership in Philadelphia's Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program and wishing her well as she retires from the bench to take on new challenges at JAMS, the largest private alternative dispute resolution provider in the world.

And that resolution will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

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-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

Thank you.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating June Spring on the occasion of her Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 retirement from Wawa.

And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have eight resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

A non-privileged resolution calling upon the School District of Philadelphia and the School Reform Commission to analyze the financial and human impact of standardized testing, to identify strategies to minimize its use, and to request a waiver of the Keystone Exams from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to adopt assessments that better serve local needs and priorities.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Daniel Christiansen to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District.

And that resolution will be referred to committee.

And a resolution reappointing Howard Lander to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

That resolution will also be referred to committee.

And a resolution appointing Doug Hager to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

That resolution will be referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Franklin Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1001 through 05 Vine Street, 1007 through 11 Vine Street and 314 North Tenth 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-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution approving the assignment agreement 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 2414 East Gordon Street.

And that 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 2039 East York Street.

Next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

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 Twelfth and Thirteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 much, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Cindy Bass and the other co-sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution Congratulating Overbrook High School and the United States Postal Service for Holding a Special Dedication Ceremony Commemorating Wilt Chamberlain and His Limited Edition Forever Stamps.

And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution proclaiming January 13, 2015 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy, Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.

That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar also. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three resolutions, two are privileged and one is non-privileged for next week.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Judge Benjamin Lerner, Senior Judge for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, for his years of service to the First Judicial District and after he was chosen to receive the Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Distinguished Jurist Award by the Philadelphia Bar Association on December 9, 2014.

That Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring, and remembering the lives of Charles Borelli and Roger Courtland, writers and composers of the Philadelphia Eagles Victory Song otherwise known as "Fly Eagles Fly" which has been sung in support for the Philadelphia Eagles for over sixty years.

That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission to formally amend its charter school approval criteria to include a cost-benefit analysis of how new charter schools would impact the performance of existing nearby schools, and to give preference to new charter schools planning to locate in neighborhoods with Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 choices.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports ten bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 140804, Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 "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 Bill No. 140831, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising regulations relating to home occupations"; and Bill No. 140857, 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 South Street, 15th Street, Kater Street, and 16th Street"; and Bill No. 140859, 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 South Street, Schuylkill Avenue, Christian Street (Extended), and the Schuylkill Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 River"; and Bill No. 140864, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by creating a new Central Roxborough /NCO in the area generally bounded by Henry Avenue, Acorn Street, Ridge Avenue, Hermitage Street, Silverwood Street, Leverington Avenue, Fleming Street, Monastery Avenue, Dexter Street, Roxborough Avenue, Manayunk Avenue, Rector Street, Mitchell Street, Roxborough Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Green Lane, Jannette Street, Monastery Avenue, and Henry Avenue"; and Bill No. 140887, 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 33rd Street, Cumberland Street, 22nd Street, Glenwood Avenue, Dauphin Street, Sedgley Avenue, 25th Street, Dauphin Street, 29th Street, and Diamond Street"; and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 140888, 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 33rd Street, Lehigh Avenue, 18th Street, Glenwood Avenue, 22nd Street, and Cumberland Avenue"; and Bill No. 140889, 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 33rd Street, Diamond Street, 29th Street, Dauphin Street, 25th Street, Diamond Street, Glenwood Avenue, Oxford Street, and Railroad Right-of-Way"; and Bill No. 140895, 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 Tacony Street, Bridge Street, Frankford Creek, Delaware River, and Walbach Street"; and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 140901, 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 Adams Avenue, Castor Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Cheltenham Avenue, Harbison Avenue, Aramingo Avenue, the Northeast Corridor Railroad Right-of-Way, Orthodox Street, Torresdale Avenue, and Ruan Street," respectfully reports it has considered 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 bills that were just read into the record, with the exception of Bill No. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 140895.

Can I get a second? (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. 140804, 140831, 140857, 140859, 140864, 140887, 140888, 140889, and 140901. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. Bill No. 140895 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Mr. President, the Committee on Finance reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 140209, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Taxes,' by providing for certain exclusions and deferrals relating to businesses distressed as a result of nearby public works projects"; and Bill No. 140828, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties,' by extending the deadline to apply for the exemption Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 on behalf of certain property owners who were eligible for the exemption in the first year that it was available, but who missed the deadline to apply"; and Bill No. 140884, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'School Tax Authorization,' by modifying the definition of 'Net Income' with respect to distributions from S corporations," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 140209, 140828, and 140884. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

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 Bills No. 140209, 140828, and 140884. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and they will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 140942, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund to the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 140943, entitled "An ordinance authorizing an increase in authorizations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the Municipal Pension Fund," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140942 and 140943. (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 Bills No. 140942 and 140943. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports eight bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 140229, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones,' by designating the Allegheny Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard and Erie Avenue Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones"; and Bill No. 140275, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 130946, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from the Philadelphia Authority Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 certain tract of land together with the improvements thereon known as 4601 Market Street,' to include an Economic Opportunity Plan"; and Bill No. 140800, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner 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 Bill No. 140885, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the lease of a certain parcel of City-owned land on the South side of Baltimore Avenue between 39th and 41st Streets, for further sublease"; and Bill No. 140897, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a Concession Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 360 Outdoor for the provision of a coordinated street furniture and advertising program, and approving the placement in the right-of-way of such street furniture"; and Bill No. 140940, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located at 2600 through 26 North 3rd Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 140946, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land bounded by West Wildey Street, Leopard Street, Richmond Street, and North Front Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 140949, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land bounded by Tulip Street, East Tucker Street, Memphis Street, and East Albert Street, for further conveyance"; and Resolution No. 140915, entitled "A resolution approving the 2015 Proposed Strategic Plan and Disposition Policy of the Philadelphia Land Bank," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the eight bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

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 Bills No. 140229, 140275, 140800, 140885, 140897, 140940, 140946, and 140949. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Resolution No. 140915 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports ten bills with a Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 140606, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Cira South to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 2930 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 140890, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Saint Vincent Street, from Brous Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard"; and Bill No. 140891, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Princeton Avenue, from Cottage Street to Walker Street"; and Bill No. 140896, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 a portion of City Plan No. 44-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the easternmost ten feet wide portion of Broad Street from Geary Street to a point approximately one-hundred five feet southwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 140899, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing external steel stairs to the second and third floors encroaching on the public right-of-way at 1900 East Somerset Street"; and Bill No. 140900, entitled "An ordinance legalizing an existing vestibule encroaching on the public right-of-way at 4632 North 5th Street"; and Bill No. 140905, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Frank LaRosa to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 829 Christian Street"; and Bill No. 140937, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 in the vicinity of: Mt. Vernon Street and 17th Street; Thompson Street and Frankford Avenue; Wallace Street and 22nd Street"; and Bill No. 140945, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Charles Weiner to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 601 Jamestown Avenue"; and Bill No. 140947, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Mercy Street and 12th Street; Fitzwater Street and 5th Street; Snyder Avenue and 10th Street; Ellsworth Street and 9th Street; Mercy Street and 11th Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of the ten 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 of Bills No. 140606, 140890, 140891, 140896, 140899, 140900, 140905, 140937, 140945, and 140947. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 of License and Inspection.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspection reports seven bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilwoman. And, Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 130628, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Posting of Signs,' by revising enforcement and penalty provisions relating to posting and advertising upon signs on utility poles, street lights, and other structures"; and Bill No. 140142, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 definitions, duties, penalties, exceptions, prohibited acts, licensing requirements and other related items regarding provision of immigration assistance services"; and Bill No. 140750, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-613 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Junk Dealers,' to establish additional requirements in connection with engaging in the business of a junk dealer"; and Bill No. 140856, entitled "An ordinance amending various provisions of Subcode PM of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' as it will take effect January 1, 2015 pursuant to Bill No. 120647; and further amending The Philadelphia Code by updating cross-references to Subcode PM that now appear in other Subcodes of Title 4 and in other titles of The Philadelphia Code"; and Bill No. 140892, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' by reorganizing the provisions of that Chapter into separate provisions for Rental Licenses; Vacant Lot Licenses; Vacant Structure Licenses; and Vacant Waterfront Structure Licenses"; and Bill No. 140894, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 120647, entitled 'An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by repealing Subcode PM, entitled 'The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code,' and adopting and incorporating, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code as the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by delaying the effective date of the Bill"; and Bill No. 140939, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Code, entitled 'Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,' as it is amended by Bill No. 140892, by requiring the seller of a property that must be licensed under that Chapter to provide written notice to the buyer concerning the property license and other requirements of that Chapter and the property maintenance requirements of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the seven bills that were just read into the record. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 (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 Bills No. 130628, 140142, 140750, 140856, 140892, 140894, and 140939. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.

The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 140853, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease from the Philadelphia Housing Authority a parcel of land bounded by a portion of Brown Street, a portion of 47th Street, Aspen Street and Markoe Street, along with the improvements thereon, to be known upon the completion of its construction as the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center"; and Bill No. 140948, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to accept one or more deeds to parcels of land, located at 1114 Locust Street, 1127 through 31 Waverly Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Street, 831 through 839 South Street; and amending Chapter 15-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fairmount Park,' to include the gardens under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation; and authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement to lease out such property"; and Bill No. 140854, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to accept from The School District of Philadelphia title to certain parcels of land located within an area bounded by Media Street to the North, North 52nd Street to the East, Master Street to the South, and North Peach Street to the West," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Stated Meeting December 4, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 140853, 140854, and 140948. (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 Bills No. 140853, 140854, and 140948. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at today's session. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Public Utilities.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman.

You're welcome, Mr. President.

Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 140898, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor, Transportation and Utilities, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a concession agreement for the management of the food, beverage, retail and passenger services program at Philadelphia International Airport, and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Agreement, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 140898. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bill No. 140898. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 1ST READING (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at today's session. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, will you please read any other bills on our First Reading Calendar.

Bill No. 140861, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 1ST READING commissions"; and Bill No. 140862, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 140863, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the Police Department and the Director of Finance - Fringe Benefits."

The Chair agrees, and these bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 2ND READING calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 140950, 140951, 140954, 140957, 140791, 140792, 140811, 140812, 140872, 130451, 130656, 140782, 140638, and 140830. All other resolutions and bills are being held.

Thank you, Councilman. We will now move towards our public comment session. The public comment session will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I would ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will be asked to come up, speak at the podium. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 On that podium there is a device. There's a light on the device. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.

Irma Lopez, commenting on 140954. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning. My name is Irma Lopez. I'm here -- I am an owner of a kiosk at the Gallery for 23 years and these are my peers. They're also merchants of the Gallery. I've been there 23 years. They have their stories, over 20 years. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Anyway, we just got a letter from the Gallery telling us that we have to leave. I mean, no more renewing your lease. They are closing the Gallery down. Nobody knows about it. And so I'm asking you any RDA bills, don't give RDA nothing until you find out what's happening, because they own the Gallery and they're putting so many small and minority businesses out of business -- I mean, stop feeding their family. I mean, we've been feeding our families with this business, but guess what, we've been feeding the Gallery's family too. So we're asking you to please introduce a bill. We're asking you to -why are we being treated different? Could you protect us from not being put out, or if they're doing partial construction, let us stay, you know, as they do construction.

Ms. Lopez -

So could you please Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 hold -

Ms. Irma -- and Irma as I affectionately call you for a number of years -- there's not a bill on the Final Passage Calendar today on that subject matter, but I am familiar with that issue. Councilman Squilla and I have actually had some conversations with some of the people. We are aware of the concerns that may come as a result of some future legislation that's not in place at this time. I anticipate that we, looking at my colleague, who actually represents the Gallery, will have some substantive conversations with all of the current tenants/vendors of the Gallery, and I'm assuming we'll have -- but I understand your concern. Those conversations, those issues have come up. So are you the point person?

I'll be the point person, but I also want to take this Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 opportunity to thank the Councilman and Councilwoman Sanchez for opening up their doors and sitting down and hearing our concerns and him following up with PREIT. However, just make sure that if they're not going to close down, don't put the small businesses out.

I understand. I understand. Thank you. And I'm assuming -- we've already had conversations. We will, as we always do in City Council, look out for the, quote/unquote, the people, and we will continue to have substantive conversation to make sure that we have addressed the concerns that you have.

And I know that that's his district, but the subways, all our customers are citywide. So it affects all the District Councilpeople also.

I understand.

Because those are Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 our customers. They come from every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia. So please don't stop them from having somewhere to shop also.

I understand. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Irma, for being here to testify. We did meet with a lot of the vendors and I have met with PREIT and the RDA on this and trying to look for resolution. We are looking if any City subsidies are added to include an EOP that would include minority businesses in that. So we are in the works. Nothing has been finalized at this point, but we will keep you abreast, and knowing that you are the point person, you will be the one that will be contacted along the way. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Thank you.

And thank you. Let's have hearings. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony.

Richard Gliniak, commenting on 140638. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning. Good morning, Council President Clarke and members of Council. I'm actually here to read a letter of support for the bill that's in question, and I was here, along with some of my good neighbors, before on this bill. It was in the Finance Committee and it's gone out of the Finance Committee and now it's here, and I'd like to read my letter of support, if I can. I am a low/moderate income homeowner on a fixed income living in the Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City area. I am also a homeowner who was denied LOOP. In 2002, I purchased my subsidized affordable home from the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, an arm of the Office of Housing and Community Development. This HUD-funded affordable housing program, called the Homestart Program, was for first-time homeowners in the low to moderate income categories. Under guidelines set by the City, soft liens were placed on each Homestart home, which prohibits selling, renting or refinancing for 15 years from the date of purchase. My home has this soft lien until January of 2017. In this program, my home also received a small property tax reduction or abatement by exempting 4,744 assessed improvement from the $25,000 market value. The resulting $450 per year property tax reduction helped in Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 maintaining homeownership for the first few years. Today, however, under the City's new AVI system, my 2014 property taxes have increased from 782 to 4,119, even with the homestead exemption. On my fixed Social Security income, I simply cannot afford this 427 percent increase. And because my property is classified as having received an abatement, I have been denied LOOP. Moreover, and not because I would want to, I am not allowed to sell, rent or refinance for approximately another two and a half years because of the imposed soft lien of the Homestart Program. I ask for your support and passage of this ordinance extending LOOP to abated low/moderate income subsidized affordable homes purchased from the City and/or other non-profit agencies. Passage of this bill would allow me and others like me to remain in their home where I have lived for the past 12 and a Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 half years without the threat of tax delinquency or foreclosure. I thank you very much again for the time, the assistance and for the opportunity to submit my letter of support for this ordinance. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to my Councilperson, Councilman Johnson, and I want to say that -- I see a red here, but this process and the fact that you listened to us and you submitted this bill because of our concerns has given me -- and I know it sounds -- has given me the belief that, yes, the government can work for the people sometimes. And thank you very much.

Thank you, sir. We need to hear that every now and then. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Alan Taylor, commenting on 140638. (Witness approached podium.)

Good Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 morning.

Good morning to Council and everybody in this session. My name is Alan Taylor and I too have moved to the 1900 block of Carpenter Street under the PHDC housing program for low and moderate income. When we moved on this block, it wasn't really a desirable, what you would call, desirable neighborhood. We had our share of shootings. I used to come home 1, 2 o'clock in the morning from work, have drug dealers asking me did I want to purchase. This neighborhood fell under John Street's Safe Street Initiative. So it wasn't people really breaking their neck to move in this neighborhood. Now every week myself and neighbors in my neighborhood, we get letters from real estate companies, you know, requesting to buy our properties. Everybody wants to buy our properties now. After we went through the hard times, everybody wants Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 to come in and just slide on in, you know. You didn't go through the hard times. We did. As Richard said, our taxes have increased. My taxes went from 1,200 a year to $4,300. The change in the neighborhood has been slow and very difficult, but we toughed it out. There's been no shortage of research done in articles written about the impact of gentrification on the targeted community. Timothy Williams in a New York Times article highlighted the efforts in not only the City of Philadelphia but Boston, New York, Detroit, and across the nation in efforts to help citizens threatened by gentrification. Also in that article there's a quote by City Council President Darrell Clarke. I don't know if you were President then, Mr. Clarke, but it said, Those that toughed it out should be rewarded. My neighbors and I have toughed Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 it out. I was up pretty early this morning online looking at the Sustainability Initiative, and a lot of things I read in there, the word "data" was used. Every ten years, the Census Department comes past and they collect information or data, however you want to word it. But nobody has a program to collect data on people who are pushed out of their neighborhood or taxed out of their neighborhood because of gentrification. There's no -- I never seen a program that dealt with that, who gets pushed out of the neighborhood because of gentrification. No data is kept on that, to my knowledge. I'm here today to ask Council to support the low/moderate income people who moved in this neighborhood, tried to make this neighborhood better. Thank you.

Thank you, sir, for your testimony. I Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 actually think I was Council President when I made that statement. You mentioned the Community Sustainability Initiative, and we actually had a pretty good meeting the other night that WHYY when -- and there were a lot of issues that came up that were not in fact in the document. The sole primary purpose of not only just that meeting but the subsequent meetings that are going to be held throughout the City is just for that, so you can talk about some of the things that are not in it. That issue did come up about the concerns about gentrification. So as we move ahead and finalize the document/tool, that will be a very integral part of that component, to do tracking on how the demographics changed as a result of increase in value. So thank you for your information.

Thank you.

Charles Bode, commenting on 130656. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 (Witness approached podium.)

Thank you. My name is Charles Bode. I'm with the West Powelton/Saunders Park RCO. We have been led to understand on Bill 130656, which we understand is on Final Passage, that it has been going through Council for approximately a year, but that it's going to be amended today before Final Passage. And so our comments do not relate to the actual bill, but rather we request that when amendments are made to any bill, that the revised bill be posted on the Council's website for the community to review before a final vote taken so that the community can understand what is happening and comment on it, if necessary. Thank you for your time.

Thank you, sir, for your testimony. Thank you very much.

George Kroculick, commenting on 130656. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. I'm George Kroculick. I'm a lawyer at Duane Morris and I represent Clear Channel, and I think I can say on behalf of the entire billboard industry, we thank the Council, particularly Councilman Henon and his staff, for continuing to work so hard and to try to understand the issues that the billboard industry faces. The billboard industry is well aware of the perception of others in the community. We are very grateful, however, to have rules that we can understand puts everyone on an even playing field. We understand also that there are amendments potentially being circulated. And, again, thank you very much. Thank you so much for all of your efforts. We still feel that there is work to be done so that the industry can, again, understand what the rules and the regulations are and, again, be on a level Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 playing field. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your testimony, sir.

Alan Kessler, commenting on 130656. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning. Alan Kessler, also of Duane Morris. Council President, members of Council, I can't have my partner say nice things and not follow up as well, because I will never hear the end of it from Councilman Henon. I'm not here to comment substantively on the bill. As my partner said, there's more work to be done on this subject, but I do want to take special notice and recognition of Councilman Henon, his staff, Courtney Voss. This has gone on now for probably close to two years, this effort. I don't Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 know how many meetings, phone calls, how much time of the Councilman and his staff we've taken up on this bill. At all times they've shown great patience and interest in really digging into the issues and learning the business, being sensitive not only to the industry but to the Administration and to others that have an interest in this industry. So, again, I'll be short, but I just wanted to make sure we thank the Councilman and his staff for the great work that they've done thus far. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you for your testimony.

Mary Tracy, commenting on 130656. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. President and distinguished members of Council. I'm honored to be here, and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 before I say anything about the bill, I just really want to thank Councilman Henon. I don't think there's anybody on this Council that would have taken on this onerous task of trying to bring the cats together and I don't think they ever will. Frankly, you know, the billboards are a burden and a blight to neighborhoods and, you know, I think that the Councilman is trying to do the best that he can to make this more palatable. And I think he's almost there. I think he has, and I think that you're never going to please both sides. Certainly we're really concerned about the brightness of these signs. They're already three times brighter than a conventional sign, but it's come down, and so hopefully it will come down some more, but if not, I think we can live with it. I also think that the trade-ins -- we have 1,900 billboards throughout the City, and it would be Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 great to have higher trade-ins, but I think there's been concessions made and we'll be able to live with that, and I appreciate that. There's two things I really wanted to just address. The one is that we have a real problem in the City with those, a few of them -- I don't think any of them are here -- that haven't really been complying with the rules that we've had for over 20, 30, 40, in some cases 45 years, and the federal highways is very concerned about this. We have some court cases that have never been taken down. So I think when we do the trade-ins, perhaps the City could do a priority list that before you can put a new digital sign up, you need to take those signs down that are out of compliance that are court ordered, declared illegal or they're in violation of the Highway Beautification Act. That way, the City doesn't pay the burden of removing the illegal signs and they still can get Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 their digital, but it brings them to a place where they're not getting down some old sign that they don't really want anyway. The other thing is that there's a whole thing about height, and we've been really looking at the gateways into the City. I've never been a fan of billboards, but I find the lower they are, the less intrusive they are. And so one of the -- part of this bill is to say when we redo our highways and we're spending billions of dollars to do that, if there is a new sign for traffic safety that says get in the right-hand lane, then if I have a billboard, I can put my sign up above that. Also, if we have sound walls so that our residential neighborhoods are more -- it's quieter, I can put my billboard higher. So I think there's two ways we could settle that. One is, let's just require clearer sound walls, especially if the community wants them anyway. Then Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING there's no problem. You don't have to raise them. You keep the billboards. You can still see them. So if they have clearer sound walls, that should be not allowed to go above it. And when -- I think that that would help to get our gateways. I'll end with that. Maybe I'll be back next week, but, again, thank you all for listening to the community's concerns and making this a better bill.

Thank you for your testimony.

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment session. We will now move forward with our Calendar for today. Mr. Decker, could you please read the title of 140950.

A resolution Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

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? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 140950 has Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been adopted. Mr. Decker, 140951.

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 Fifty-First and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

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.) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 140951 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140954.

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 Seventh and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 140954 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140957.

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 Thirty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

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? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and 140957 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140791.

A resolution appointing Ahmeenah Young to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee -I'm sorry; Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 140791 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 140792.

A resolution appointing Michelle Lai to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. 140792 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 140811.

A resolution confirming the appointment of JoAnn A. Epps as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2019.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and Resolution 140811 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 140812.

A resolution appointing Jay S. Feldstein to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion, for a term ending January 5, 2017.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.

And again I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 140812 is adopted. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 140872.

A resolution appointing Michael Piper to the position of Chief Assessment Officer of the Office of Property Assessment.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you again. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and 140872 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130451.

An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Occupancy Tax," including by providing for special tax provisions for manufacturers.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 130451. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. The amendment to 130451 has been moved. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. 130451 has been amended. The amended bill will be on the next week Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 130656.

An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by further providing for revised sign controls and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions; and amending Chapter 9-600 by adjusting the licensing fees for commercial outdoor advertising signs and information required in the annual inventory of signs; and amending Chapter 19-3400 by adjusting the excise tax on outdoor advertising signs.

And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 130656. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

It's Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded, the amendment to 130656. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Bill No. 130656 has been amended. It will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 140782.

An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising the size requirements for accessory structures for residential uses.

The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 140782. The amendment has been Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING circulated to all Councilmembers, and I move its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded the amendment to Bill 140728. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Bill No. 140782 has been amended and it will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 140638.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," by amending the eligibility requirements to make eligible properties owned by certain Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING individuals who received assistance in the acquisition of the property as part of a government or non-profit housing program.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 140638. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

The amendment to Bill No. 140638 has been moved and seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Bill No. 140638 has been amended and will be placed on our Second Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING and Final Reading Passage at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 140830.

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, a Zoning and Planning Supplement and the 2015 Reprint of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, with periodic supplements to each.

This bill has been read on two separate occasions, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman Goode is voting aye. Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman Neilson.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. (No response.)

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.

A resolution Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing and honoring Judge Benjamin Lerner, Senior Judge for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, for his years of service to the First Judicial District and after he was chosen to receive the Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Distinguished Jurist Award by the Philadelphia Bar Association on December 9, 2014, introduced by Councilman Kenney.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

And a resolution recognizing, honoring, and remembering the lives of Charles J. Borelli and Roger Courtland, writers and composers of the Philadelphia Eagles Victory Song otherwise known as "Fly Eagles Fly" which has been sung in support of the Philadelphia Eagles for over sixty years, introduced by Councilman Kenney.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is also adopted. Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING

And a resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Education to conduct public hearings to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the Philadelphia Talent Collaborative and other programs that help improve educational outcomes and the economic viability of the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities and Public Safety to hold joint hearings concerning side mirror placement on SEPTA buses in Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Yeah, Mr. President. I want to also just say for the record that that bill was sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones and Councilwoman Cindy Bass. I move for the adoption of the resolution, please. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? Stated Meeting December 4, 2014 12/4/14 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

And a resolution honoring, recognizing and commending The Prep Charter High School Football Team for its outstanding hard work and determination this season in winning its first ever Public League Class AA Championship Title, introduced by Councilman Johnson.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.