Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 7, 2015 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 ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting May 7, 2015
Good morning, everyone. The hour has come. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail and the members will take their seats. We'll get started. Thank you. Before we start, I'd ask that if anyone has an electronic device that makes any noise whatsoever, rings, songs, whatever, I'd ask that you please turn them off now or turn it on silent. Thank you very much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Sister Maria Sowerby of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd from CORA Services. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Denny O'Brien. I would ask all guests and visitors to please rise. ) SISTER SOWERBY: Good morning, everyone. ) SISTER SOWERBY: And thank you for inviting me to pray the invocation with you. Before I do the invocation, though, I just want to make a little comment, that I'm from the UK and we're having our elections today in the UK and I know you are having your elections for City Council within the next week or two, and I'm really on a mission from Queen Elizabeth, II, to tell you that she's thinking about claiming the colonies again. It might solve or might make problems, but anyway, I just had to get that in. Oh, Divine Spirit, source of all life, we ask you to be present in this assembly today and in the coming days in a very special way. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 beset us today. Give all of us greater wisdom, a better sense of justice and equality, and help us to remember that we are one human family. Enable us to let go of those obstacles that prevent us from making fair decisions, such as lacking compassion, having limited experience of the suffering of others, the need to be right, and also the fear that paralyzes us from making right decisions. Those responsible for our beloved city have been called to serve, not to be served. Service, not to the few, but to all the people of Philadelphia, with special attention given to the most vulnerable, the poor and the needy. Thank you, Divine Spirit, for what has already been accomplished in our city. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 city, trying to provide opportunities and availability of a good, sound education for all of the children, helping too to provide adequate shelter and comfort for the homeless, making sure that the sick are taken care of, and especially the most vulnerable and the families, Divine Spirit, who desperately need help to live productive, joyful, and hopeful lives. We ask too for more good investments in our city to create jobs that are meaningful and wages that make people feel worthwhile and productive. This is a tall order in today's society, but at least we can have the courage to try. I would like to thank you, Divine Spirit, for inspiring this assembly over many years to be supportive of CORA Services. Our mission is to the families and children of Philadelphia. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 78 countries, where we strive to make a difference in the lives of families, especially the lives of children. By your grace, we have served in Philadelphia since 1863, and we ask you to continue showering your light and grace on this assembly so that enlightened decisions will be made for a more wholesome, caring city. In conclusion, we ask you, Divine Spirit, to look compassionately on our weakness as we struggle with the many diverse views and opinions in our City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. Send your warmth and love, and keep all focus on the goals of justice, empowerment, and sincerely wanting the best for each individual in this great city. May the spirit of the Founding Fathers be present to support and encourage you in your tremendous calling. I send you from myself a greeting of shalom, salaam, and peace to you and your families. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 )
Thank you. Thank you for those very inspiring words, Sister. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you all very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 30th, 2015. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 30th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of April 30th, 2015 stand approved. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 At this time, I will dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome everyone who has come down today to witness their government in action. We hope that your stay here is a pleasurable one and a knowledgeable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for your participation in today's Council session. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring Teenshop, Incorporated. Would Ms. Elleanor Jean Hendley and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Tasco are the members of Teenshop.
Good morning. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 (Good morning.)
You want me to sing, empty the room? I'm happy this morning because I'm here with -- I have many, many groups in this city and in my district, not just the 9th but all over the City, who do wonderful work with young people, and this young lady, Elleanor Jean Hendley, has done an outstanding job with Teenshop and, of course, it's in my district, and we're just proud of her being an outstanding leader for these young ladies for 30 years. And also I wanted to just say thank you, because they're having a celebration on June 13th, a cotillion. How many of you know about a cotillion? Oh, okay. I know about a cotillion. I'm from the south. We had cotillions down there and we had them too in my neighborhood. But anyway, it's a wonderful way to show the talents of these young Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 working with Teenshop through the years. So it is my pleasure to present this citation honoring Teenshop, Inc. and Founder Elleanor Jean Hendley on its 30th Anniversary. Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Ms. Elleanor Jean Hendley and the tremendous contributions of her Teenshop, Inc. program, to the empowerment and achievement of generations of teen girls from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, building a legacy of 30 years of success; and Whereas, in 1985, Elleanor Jean Hendley founded Teenshop, Inc., now one of the nation's longest running volunteer-driven youth development non-profit agencies dedicated exclusively to nurturing the growth and achievement of teenage girls with goals. The organization currently has branches in North, South, West, and Northwest Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Philadelphia, as well as a chapter in Los Angeles, California, where successful teens like America's Next Teen Model winner, Eva Pigford, have participated in the program. Teenshop encourages academic excellence, promotes abstinence, and enhances girls' self-esteem using workshops, field trips, community service opportunities, and college tours; and Whereas, more than 100 girls from Philadelphia to Los Angeles enrolled in Teenshop's groups each year, and the program has earned increasing accolades, receiving write-ups in publications like The Philadelphia Tribune and Ebony magazine. Elleanor Jean Hendley was also recognized for her work by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, receiving the organization's Take the Lead Award. In all, more than two thousand young people have benefited from Teenshop, Inc. moving on to becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, and business owners; and Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Whereas, Elleanor Jean Hendley's success with Teenshop comes as no surprise considering her background as an educator in New Jersey, where she created an award-winning after school dance program for young girls. Ms. Hendley also served for many years as the education reporter for CBS 3 Eyewitness News here in Philadelphia, and is the founder and CEO of the EJ Hendley Consultants, LLC education and development company. Ms. Hendley is also a founding member of the Pennsylvania Coalition of 100 Black Women, a member of the Forum of Executive Women and a member of the Alpha Kappa Sorority;
We missed her. That's all right. They're my sisters. Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 and the tremendous contributions of her Teenshop, Inc. program, to the empowerment and achievement of teenage girls from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, spanning a record of 30 years of success. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Elleanor Jean Hendley as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And the sponsor of this resolution, Marian Tasco. She is my friend. She's a hard-working young lady, and I appreciate what she does with these young women. She had my granddaughter for a minute, but she's more like me, she was on the fly, but she's doing a good job. She's working, Elleanor. So we thank you so much for entering in the lives of these young women, encouraging them, and working with them to bring them to success no matter what endeavor they undertake. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 (Applause.)
I want to, first of all, certainly thank Councilwoman Marian Tasco for this wonderful recognition. She has been very much an outstanding supporter, and among her support has included bringing the entire program here to City Council Chambers on a Saturday morning to share with our girls about political awareness. But Teenshop is a team effort. I don't do this by myself, and I'd just like to quickly acknowledge those members of the Teenshop family who are here - a mother, Amaris Maring; Mariska Bogle, a Board member; Karen Harvey from the Urban Affairs Coalition; Amaris Manning, one of our members. She's into branding. You see that. Latanya Goss, a chapter leader; Althea Fogle, one of our chapter leaders; and another Board member, Sandra Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Well, you heard a lot about our program. I'd just like to mention a couple of things that are especially dear to us. And, Councilwoman, we've had 6,000 girls enrolled now over the 30 years, and we recently affiliated a chapter in -(Applause.)
-- Camden, New Jersey. So now we have a South Jersey chapter. And we're most proud that all of our girls, all of our girls go to college or professional schools, and none of our girls drop out of school or become teen parents while they are enrolled in Teenshop. So basically our program successfully prepares girls for college and careers. Many of our young women are now successfully working in the Philadelphia community and they are leading chapters. Some of them have come back and they're leading their chapters, and they're productive citizens in the Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 very, very proud of the 30 years of service that we have been able to provide young girls. And I would say that if any of you know of a young girl that you think could benefit from our program, we would like to hear from you. Everybody promotes a website, so we're teenshop.org, T-E-E-N-S-H-O-P.org, and June 13th we will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary with a debutante cotillion, and tickets are still available. So, again, I am very appreciative of this opportunity. And since it's really about our girls, I'd just ask Amaris if she would just say a couple of words briefly about her Teenshop experience. She's one of our newer members.
Thank you, Ms. Hendley. I would just like to say that I am grateful for the opportunity Teenshop Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 improve and develop my social skills and to be mentored by powerful, influential business women and community leaders. It has really, really given me the confidence to want to improve and achieve myself and head towards my career goals.
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing June O'Neill. Would June O'Neill and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.)
And Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Tasco, we have Councilman David Oh and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and also Councilwoman Bass and Councilman Mark Squilla.
Again, it's a pleasure to present this resolution to a young woman who has been an Executive Director of our Cultural Fund since its inception, and some of the organizations are here to give support, because we fund their cultural programs, and we thank you very much for coming to be supportive of June O'Neill. Thank you, June. Recognizing and acknowledging June Washikita O'Neill for her leadership and accomplishments as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and for her strong advocacy on behalf of Philadelphia's arts and cultural programs. Whereas, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund is a non-profit corporation established by the Philadelphia's Mayor Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 1991 to support and enhance the cultural life and vitality of the City of Philadelphia and its residents. The Fund promotes arts and culture as engines of social, educational, and economic development in the Philadelphia region. Grants are made from a City budget allocated to the Cultural Fund for operating support of Philadelphia-based arts and cultural organizations; and
Whereas, during her 12-year tenure as the leader of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, first as a part-time consultant, then as a full-time director, Ms. O'Neill, better known as June, successfully navigated the organization through the 2008 economic downturn and ensuing cuts to funding and last year led a successful effort in City Council to restore those funds. She developed policies and streamlined the grant process for the full range of project and operating grants offered by Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 and spearheaded the organization's 2013 to 2016 long range and succession planning and strengthened the Philadelphia Cultural Fund as a private non-profit independent foundation. In 2014, 288 organizations received general operating grants in what proved to be one of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund's most successful years; and
Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund is grateful for Ms. O'Neill's leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Fund, which has resulted in increased general operating support for all of Philadelphia's arts and cultural organizations, especially the smaller neighborhood organizations. In addition, she is leaving PCF a solid organizational and financial framework which will keep the funding process going without interruption and make certain a seamless transition for the Board and the next Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Director; and
Whereas, prior to her tenure with the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Ms. O'Neill served as the First Executive Director for the Leeway Foundation and she also worked with several non-profit arts organizations in Philadelphia, including Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays and Settlement Music School; and Whereas, in addition, Ms. O'Neill has served on several non-profit boards, including the Japanese House and Garden of Fairmount Park, Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation, and Cultural Trust. She also spent eight years as a Judge of Elections at her neighborhood polling place in Chestnut Hill, where she lives with her husband Tim, their son Luke, and their dog Kira; and
And whereas, Ms. O'Neill's passionate leadership will be greatly missed by the Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 staff of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, a wide range of PCF stakeholders, and the arts and cultural community at large. PCF shall honor her legacy and express its gratitude for leaving the Fund in a strong position by moving forward with the same spirit that animated her work at its helm; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize and acknowledge June Washikita O'Neill for her leadership and accomplishments as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and for her strong advocacy on behalf of Philadelphia arts and cultural community. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to June as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Sadly, June is moving to or has Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Houston, Texas and she has hit the ground running there already involved in the cultural community. She has been a wonderful Executive Director, inclusive and very mindful of the responsibility of managing a fund of the size sponsored by the Council and the Mayor. So we will miss you, June, a lot, and we wish you Godspeed. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your all being here today to support me, many of my colleagues, and I want to particularly thank Councilwoman Tasco, who has been on the Board of the Cultural Fund and a very great supporter, and our current Board members, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Oh, and Councilman Squilla, who are current members of the Board. And also I would Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Reynolds Brown, who has also served on the Board more than one term and has been a great supporter of ours as well. We have had such a wonderful year this year at the Cultural Fund. The general operating and project grants, the grants to new and emerging organizations were just fantastic, and this afternoon grant awards will be made to organizations who are receiving support for their youth arts programs, and these grants are only possible because this fiscal year the Cultural Fund received restoration of its budget. And so I want to let the full Council know how grateful we are for the restoration of this budget, and please consider restoring the budget again in the upcoming fiscal year. These grants mean so much to so many organizations who do such great work with the community, with the youth in our community, who attract visitors to Philadelphia, who make such an economic Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 and just create a lot of jobs of the creative sector. So thank you so much for everything that you do for the Cultural Fund and allow the Fund to do for the City, and thank you so much for this honor. I appreciate it very much. (Applause.)
Also let me just recognize the members of the Board and staff who are here with me. This is Lindsay So, who is with the Office of Arts and Culture; Julie Hawkins, the Chair of the Board of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund; Nicole Allen. She just got married, so I wasn't sure. Nicole Allen, who is with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance; Helen Haynes, who is the Chief Cultural Officer for the City; Lois Welk, who is the Interim Executive Director of the Cultural Fund; and Michelle Currica, who makes all things in the Office of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund happen. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien, who will present a resolution recognizing May 2015 as ALS Awareness Month. Would Tony Heyl and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Joining Councilman O'Brien, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Squilla, and Councilwoman Bass and also Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. Please proceed, Councilman.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we're recognizing ALS Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Month, and as we dedicate ourselves to making people aware of ALS, I think it's also important for each of us to reflect on those personal relationships that we've been enriched by, those individuals who have struggled with ALS, and today we have Kevin Glenn and his fiancée Sharice Audra, who are with us today. And most recently I attended a memorial service for a very dear friend, Henry Hart, who was a former U.S. Attorney, Inspector General, Assistant DA, husband of Sarah Vanderbrack Hart, who is an Assistant DA and a Director of the National Institute of Justice. He was a dad, a loving member of the community. And as Kevin and Henry have inspired us, as you will hear today the struggles of people who are dealing with ALS, they inspire us every day on how to live a more productive life. They inspire those family members and friends who try to comfort them. They comfort Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a fast-moving, destructive disease that eventually leads to death. Thousands of individuals are diagnosed with ALS each year, leaving individuals and their families to suffer greatly. Many of you have likely heard a lot about ALS over the last year when the Ice Bucket Challenge yielded an unprecedented awareness, with donations of over $200 million globally. Despite the positive impact of this campaign, there still is much to be done to identify a cause, improve treatments, and find a cure. So in honor of ALS Awareness Month, we have invited some individuals from the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, including their Director of Communications and Public Policy, Tony Heyl, Donna Cleary, Kevin Glenn, who I introduced, and his fiancee Sharice Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Kevin, as I said, is an individual living with ALS, and I'd like to welcome them and their guests here to City Council today. (Applause.)
Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord; and
Whereas, the word A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language, which translates to "no muscle nourishment." This lack of nourishment causes muscles to atrophy causing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing; and Whereas, ALS does not affect a patient's mental capacity, so that the patient remains alert and aware of his or her loss of motor functions and the inevitable outcome of continued Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 death;
And whereas, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time; and Whereas, on average, patients diagnosed with ALS only survive two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and
Whereas, ALS has no known cause, means of prevention or cure; and Whereas, while ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries, research indicates that military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as those who have not served in the military; and
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 and medical support to those with at least 90 continuous days of military service; and Whereas, the National ALS Registry is a congressionally mandated registry for persons in the U.S. with ALS. It is the only population-based registry in the U.S. that collects information to help scientists learn more about who gets ALS and its causes; and
Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month increases the public's awareness of ALS patients' circumstances and acknowledges the terrible impact this disease has not only on the patient but on his or her family and the community and recognizes the research being done to eradicate this horrible disease; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize May 2015 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in the City of Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 individuals living with ALS and to urge the President and Congress of the United States to enact legislation to provide additional funding for research in order to find a treatment and a cure for ALS. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ask Tony Heyl and Kevin Glenn's fiancée, Sharice Audra, to come to the podium and offer a few remarks. (Applause.)
Thank you for those kind words. My name is Tony Heyl. I'm the Communication Director and I'm proud to be here with Kevin and Sharice. I started at the ALS Association in honor of my grandfather who, as the resolution indicated, is a military veteran with ALS. He passed away after just two years of the disease in 2007, and that experience lives with everyone that had ever been touched by such a devastating prognosis. I'm proud to be a part of this Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 organization, the ALS Association, and really happy to be standing with you, Councilman, and members here of Council. We know that we are able to go to work every day and do something that matters, as just like everyone here in Council does actually, and it feels good to be able to provide quality patient care and research, but we're also very much looking forward to being unemployed and getting other jobs because our role is no longer needed. I'm inspired every day. I was inspired to start at the ALS Association for my grandfather, but I'm inspired every day by people like Kevin and Sharice and hundreds of people with ALS living in Philadelphia and the surrounding community. Kevin is with us at the Phillies festival, which you can still buy tickets for, on June 1st and the Phillies are our primary supporter, one of our primary supporters, and we're proud to be teammates with them to strike Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 also comes to our walk to defeat ALS at Citizens Bank Park in November, and we hope that we can see all of you continuing to raise awareness and support for our patient care services so that one day we can be unemployed and we can be celebrating with our families instead of trying to end this fight. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
My name is Sharice and I am here with Kevin. I wanted to give you a brief history about Kevin. Kevin was diagnosed with ALS when he was 35. He was given two to five years from the point of diagnosis. He has been living 16 years with this illness. (Applause.)
And although it's not an anniversary that he likes to celebrate, it's one that we acknowledge Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 strength that it has taken him thus far. We know that because he is so strong and stubborn, he wants to continue to fight this illness, and he inspires so many people, especially me every day. Before Kevin was diagnosed with ALS, he was very active. I mean, he played basketball. He worked a lot of jobs. So the illness not only robs you of being able to move your body, but it just changes how you have to live. We now have nurses at home that have to help take care of him. So he has to depend on other people. So the services that are provided by the Association of Greater Philadelphia help to make Kevin's every day even better than the days before. So we do appreciate their support. And as Tony mentioned, the relationship with the Phillies, which we are sporting our jerseys today in support of that, we do appreciate the Phillies and all that they do for the ALS Association. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Kevin and the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, we just thank you, and hopefully we'll get your support from May to be considered the ALS Awareness Month. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. 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, 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 Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 150264, 150273, 150274, 150284, 150285, 150288, 150289, 150350, and 150351. And I am pleased to advise you that on May 5, 2015, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 23, 2015. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1606 through 10 South 20th Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Area, identified by house number and street address as 1355 through 59 Germantown Avenue; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging receipt of the Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2017 through 2021; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Regulations," and Chapter 19-2400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hotel Room Rental Tax," to facilitate short-term rentals of accommodations, to clarify the imposition and collection of Hotel Tax on the same, and to make technical and clarifying changes; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 extension of the program authorized by Bill No. 110109 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much, sir. At this time, we will have introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 two bills.
An ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts," by creating the Woodland Avenue Business District for Sidewalk Vending; and establishing special provisions for licensing vendors in certain Business Districts.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance also naming Civic Center Boulevard to "Raymond G. Perelman Way."
That bill will be referred to committee. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Administration, I offer one bill, and on your behalf, I offer two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Regulations," and Chapter 19-2400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hotel Room Rental Tax," to facilitate short-term rentals of accommodations, to clarify the imposition and collection of Hotel Tax on the same.
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 American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 by house number and street address as 1355 through 59 Germantown Avenue.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
And an ordinance authorizing the extension of the program authorized by Bill 110109 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts and transactions arising Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
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 Forty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one non-privileged Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 resolution.
A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1606 through 10 South 20th Street.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you very much, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 resolution.
A privileged resolution congratulating the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership on ten years of watershed education, stewardship, restoration and advocacy.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions and I'm handing to the Clerk one bill that Council President is introducing.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating native Roxborough resident and graduate of Roxborough High School, superstar wide receiver Rasheed Bailey, on launching his professional football career with our Philadelphia Eagles.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Ulysses Samuel Washington, III, also known as veteran newsman Ukee Washington, on induction into the Pennsylvania Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame on May 3, 2015 and for his dedicated service to keeping Philadelphians informed on noteworthy issues.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Norcom Road and Nature Road.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner Occupants of Residential Properties," by clarifying that once the "deemed certified market value" is set for purposes of the Longtime Owner Occupants Program, it shall remain at that value regardless of whether the property is subsequently assessed at a certified market value that is higher or lower than the certified market value that was originally used to calculate the "deemed certified market value."
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015
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 Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing with great Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 gratitude May 4th through the 8th as 2015 Teacher Appreciation Week in Philadelphia.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 15, 2015 as Firefighter MDA Day to kick off the annual International Association of Firefighters Local 22 Fill the Boot campaign in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2015 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
And also on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 the 250th Anniversary of the nation's first medical school, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to the reports from the committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports one bill and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that Stated Meeting May 7, 2015
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 150216, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter establishing and defining the responsibilities of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs"; and Resolution No. 150225, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, and to otherwise provide for the incorporation of the Office into the City government," respectfully reports it has considered Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 the attached bill and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150216. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150216. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015
The ayes have it, and this will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution No. 150225 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 17 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 140644, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Vendors,' by providing for the inspection and regulation of mobile food vehicles that use propane or other combustible fuel"; and Bill No. 150214, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 2nd Street and Erie Avenue"; and Bill No. 150218, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Center City,' by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center City"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 4249 Ridge Avenue"; and Bill No. 150238, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Alvin Shipon to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 342 through 44 Queen Street"; and Bill No. 150268, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Pradeep Kuthiala, owner and operator of the newsstand located at 908 East Levick Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across 908 East Levick Street"; and Bill No. 150277, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Avenues"; and Bill No. 150279, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Smick Street and Fountain Street"; and Bill No. 150280, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Parkside Avenue and 52nd Street"; and Bill No. 150281, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Rexford Road and 52nd Street"; and Bill No. 150283, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 6th Street, both sides, Christian Street to Carpenter Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 150353, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 11-301 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Improvements,' to revise the method by which the Board of Surveyors may approve supplemental plans relocating the curblines"; and Bill No. 150354, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parking Meter Regulations and Penalties,' to specify the fee for parking meter payments made through mobile payment systems"; and Bill No. 150372, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding and amending the permissible locations," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the bills that were just read into the record, with the exception of Bill No. 150354. (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 the bills just read into the record by the Clerk, with the exception of Bill No. 150354. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 2ND READING our next session of Council -- today. I'm sorry. Bill No. 150354 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. Thank you very much. That concludes our reports from committee. 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. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 2ND READING Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: No. 150416, 150420, 150421, 150422, 150423, 150425, 150426, 150079-AA, 150272, 150273, 150274, 150234, 150235, 150198, and 150217. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have already not done so, if you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, I ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There is a device on that podium. There's a light. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it 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 read the name of the first individual.
Jose Melendez, commenting on 150422. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you for inviting me. I'm here requesting a street be renamed in Philadelphia, Luzerne Street. That's where Edison High School is located, and we would like it renamed, the signage to read from 5th Street to Whitaker Avenue. As you know, Mr. President, Edison High School is a home of heroes. Not only do we have great students there, Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 we get great heroes that -- leaders from over there such as yourself, where we were very proud of your accomplishments. Now what we would like to do is, we would like to honor the 64 veteran students who participated in the Vietnam War. These were military veterans who were previously students of Edison High School. They were killed during the Vietnam conflict. As most people know, there were 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War. Pennsylvania had 3,142 who were killed during the war, and Philadelphia suffered 646, but Edison High School suffered the most of all high schools in the country with 64. We are hereby requesting that Luzerne Street be renamed Edison Way in honor of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. With me this morning is Sergeant Tyrone Garcia, who is in charge of the Junior ROTC program, and he could Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 testify as to what it would mean to his school and the student body.
Thank you so much. (Witness approached podium.) SERGEANT GARCIA: Thank you. I'm the Senior Instructor for the JROTC program at Thomas Edison High School, and I think this endeavor would mean a lot to the students in instilling a tradition and customs in the school, something that we look and we push forward in our curriculum. I know on behalf of the family and just in general the public at large, this would mean so much for them if this thing could actually happen over here. We definitely look forward to this, and we honor our fallen every May 21st in a ceremony that we actually conduct in memory of all our fallen. And as solemn as the occasion is, it's important that we remember our heroes. And thank you very much. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015
Thank you, sir. Before you sit down, just say your name for the record, please. SERGEANT GARCIA: Master Sergeant Tyrone Garcia, retired.
Thank you, and thank you for your service. (Applause.)
Melanie Young, commenting on 150421. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Melanie Young. I'm speaking on behalf of the resolution naming Point Breeze Avenue between Morris Street and Moore Street "Alfred Milton Brown Way" to honor the memory of Alfred Milton Brown and to recognize his life and memorialize his legacy. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 So Mr. Brown was a champion of the arts, but I also feel like -- so let's talk about the current condition of Philly schools and the access that Philly students have to art right now. We have to recognize that about half of the students in Philadelphia don't have access to arts within their schools. Some teachers, some art teachers, only work one day at a school. I'm currently a graduating senior at Penn. I'm a Philadelphia native. I grew up in West Oak Lane, and I'm staying in Philadelphia after I graduate and I will be voting on May 19th, and it is very important that the students and my community get the bare necessities. So I'm here asking our Councilpeople to please support the recurring and new $105 million that the School District of Philadelphia is requesting from the City. As a senior -- as a freshman Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 when I went to Penn, I remember entering my first class and wanting to be a math major, but not having access to calculus in high school. So then when I went to go volunteer at West and Lea Elementary -- and I went to Bodine High School, which is a magnet school. These are neighborhood schools. And I saw what they were given, and I was like, we have to do more for our students. It's not fair. It's not just that our students don't have the basics. So I'm asking you to fight, fight, fight. Fight on behalf of our students. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now consider our Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, if you can please read the title of 150416.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Poplar Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 942, 948, 950, 962, 981, 983, 985, 987, 993, 995, 996 through 998, 1010, and 1012 North Marshall Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 150416 is approved. Mr. Decker, 150420.
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-Sixth and Fortieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. Resolution 150420 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150421.
A resolution also naming Point Breeze Avenue between Morris Street and Moore Street "Alfred Milton Brown Way" to honor the memory of Alfred Milton Brown and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to add that Mr. Alfred Milton Brown was a giant in the cultural arts and performing arts community. He and his wife operated the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center. It was a major safe haven in the Point Breeze community, and so I just want to Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ask for an affirmative vote on this renaming of a portion of Point Breeze Avenue after his life and his legacy and thank all my colleagues for their support. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 150421 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150422.
A resolution also naming Luzerne Street between Whitaker Avenue and North 5th Street as "Edison 64 Memorial Street" memorializing the ultimate sacrifice made by sixty-four Edison High School alumni who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to highlight that the Commish Melendez is also a member of the Veterans Commission appointed by you, so thank you very much. And I want to thank him and the Sergeant for coming down, and I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 150422 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150423.
A resolution Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - 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 Eighteenth and Nineteenth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. 150423 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150425.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1346 South Fourth Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. 150425 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150426.
A resolution agreeing to participate in the "Gallery At Market East Tax Increment Financing District," if it should be created by the Council of the City of Philadelphia in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act of July 11, 1990, as amended, in the Center City Redevelopment Area, in an area generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, Eighth Street on the east, 11th Street on the west, and Market Street on the south.
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? Stated Meeting May 7, 2015 5/7/15 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 150426 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 150079-AA.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter providing for the licensing and regulation of donation bins.