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