Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 23, 2019 10:57 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting May 23, 2019
We're going to get started. We're going to have a long day today. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Shawn Hyska, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. He is here today as my guest, and I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
So thank you, President Clarke, for the invitation to come before this cherished body this morning as a resident of your Fifth District. Yet with the multiple hats I wear, I actually touch almost every district of this beloved city. I live in your Fifth. My church, First Presbyterian Church in Kensington, is in Councilman Squilla's First District, and Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 job, as if I'm not busy enough, at Presby's Inspired Life, we have an affordable housing community for older adults I think in almost every single district of this beloved city. So with that and with all of you who serve the residents of your specific districts or at-large, let us now go before our divine creator seeking her guidance. Join with me, please, in prayer. Let us pray. Loving, life-sustaining, and boundary-breaking God, we call upon you this day to shine your light in front of these, your servants, in this, our home, the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. We ask that you empower these Councilmembers to enact laws and ordinances that are just and fair to all residents, whether young or old, whether they and their family have lived in Philly for their entire lives or whether they are just moving into the City today. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 to do what's right in your eyes, even if it's unpopular, especially in protecting and preserving our history, the stories of the residents long gone, whose legacies are too quickly demolished. Guide their discernment and actions to protect the rights of all Philadelphians, no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. Support them in meeting the needs of residents of the City, no matter what neighborhood they call home, what job they have, or whether they voted for them or not. Strengthen this Council and every single one of their staff members as they answer calls and e-mails from concerned residents seeking relief and liberation. Let them never forget your call to protect the vulnerable in our midst, the widows, the orphans, and especially our seniors. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 who serve in this Council listening ears to hear one another without judgment or preconceived notions. Give them the ability to truly listen to one another, especially to those who disagree with them, because there just might be something to learn. Help them check their own egos in order for them to lead selflessly with humility. Oh, Lord, our creator, our sustainer, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, fill us all with your peace and love that only you can give. In this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, as we bring out our grills and enjoy fellowships over barbecues or we rest our feet in the cool waters of the ocean, let us never forget the stories of the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives for their friends and attempting to bring Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 this chaotic world. May we all attempt to shine your love and your peace in their lives, in our neighborhoods, and in every moment. It is in your holy and powerful name we ask all these things. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. (Council at ease.)
Thank you and, again, Reverend, thank you for those inspiring words. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16th, 2019 be approved. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Bass.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Leave shall be granted. Let the record reflect that. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Oh.
Good morning. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves 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 I want to thank everyone for coming down today to witness their government in action. We genuinely hope that you have a good stay here today, a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you very much. At this time, I would like to recognize our good friend State Representative Jason Dawkins over there. (Applause.)
As we affectionately call him, J. Dawk, kind of reminds us of Brian Dawkins a little Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Representative, thank you for coming down and doing that great work up there in Harrisburg. We appreciate you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilwoman Gym, who her voice is a little weak today -- I couldn't imagine why -- I want to acknowledge in the audience right back here eighth graders form Kirkbride Elementary School who are here watching government in action. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for coming down. We appreciate you being here. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 President, thank you very, very much. You have always been so welcoming to young students to learn a little bit more about the government and asking them to come down. Well, I actually got a school to come down. And I just want to take a time and moment to recognize and welcome the second grade class from the Philadelphia Academy Charter School. They have been studying government this spring and are joining us today to observe their city government in action, because of the words that you speak every week, and they are taught by Mrs. Dougherty, Mrs. Wright, and Mrs. Markoff. Will these young students please rise. (Applause.)
There's 80 of them. Council President, thank you so Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 much, and thanks also for your leadership in really allowing them to be here, but also promoting them to come here, talking about it every week. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. I can see that they're learning how to get engaged early on. That's great. Good stuff. Thank you. Thank you guys for coming down this morning. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. And thank you, young folks. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb, who will present a resolution recognizing the Drug Enforcement Administration. Would Assistant Special Agent in charge Shawn Ellerman and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Greenlee, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Green, Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilmen Taubenberger, Squilla, Jones, and Councilman Johnson.
Good morning. We're acknowledging and recognizing the Drug Enforcement Administration's 360 Degree Strategy, an innovative three-pronged approach to combatting heroin/opioid use through Law Enforcement, Diversion, and Community Outreach.
I'm going to take a point of personal privilege, because when I got elected to Council, I never thought I was going to have to play such a role in public safety in the community, and the DEA in particular with our office and the folks not only that are here with us this morning but some of their field agents have really adopted the Seventh Councilmanic District. They have helped Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 and community events and really have broken down the barrier so that the community feels like they care and that they can improve their quality of life. So I personally want to thank everyone in the DEA's office for your support and collaboration all throughout the year, but in particular as we deal with this very complex and complicated situation around the opioid crisis. And while it's a citywide approach, your work, particularly with young people and partnering with the School District and others around prevention and education, is very important and very much appreciated. So whereas, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 360 is a comprehensive approach tackling the cycle of violence and addiction generated by the link between drug cartels, violent gangs, and the rising problem of prescription opioid and heroin abuse in Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 cities; and
Whereas, DEA 360 involves coordinated law enforcement operations targeting all levels of drug trafficking organizations and violent gangs supplying drugs to our neighborhoods; and
Whereas, the DEA 360 Strategy also engages drug manufacturers, wholesalers, practitioners, and pharmacists through diversion control to increase awareness of the opioid epidemic and encourage responsible prescribing practices and the use of opioid painkillers throughout the medical community; and
Whereas, the strategy incorporates community outreach and partnership with local organizations following enforcement operations, equipping and empowering communities to fight the opioid epidemic; and
Whereas, DEA rolled out the 360 Strategy in Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 2015 in Pittsburgh together with the U.S. Attorney and state and local partners;
Since that time, DEA has deployed the strategy in other pilot cities and is using the three-pronged approach in all DEA Field Divisions; and
Whereas, since the implementation of the program in Philadelphia in January 2017, the DEA has partnered with and supported the Gurney Street Project, the Mural Arts Philadelphia's Kensington Storefront and Porch Light Program; and
The DEA has also sponsored youth City of Philadelphia dance programs at elementary schools around Kensington as well as other events across Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the DEA has joined forces with Discovery Education to create Operation Prevention, a comprehensive, no-cost, science-based Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 ages 8 through 18 to combat opioid misuse;
Whereas, Operation Prevention includes digital classroom lessons, a parent toolkit, Spanish resources, video challenge, on-demand virtual field trips, and student learning module; and
Whereas, education prevention is one of the many ways to combat the opioid crisis. We encourage a collaborative partnership between DEA 360 and other programs currently providing prevention education;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby acknowledges and recognizes the Drug Enforcement Administration's 360 Degree Strategy, an innovative three-pronged approach to combatting heroin/opioid use through Law Enforcement, Diversion, and Community Outreach. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 (Applause.)
Thank you. And the Chair recognizes Mr. Ellerman for remarks.
First of all, I want to say thank you to all our partners. It's been successful the last two years. The numbers are out. They're not great, but we have a lot to be thankful for. That's because we judge victory by one person at a time. Statistics always run almost everything in federal government and I'm sure in state government too and local government, but we can't look at this problem with statistics. We have to look at them as human beings. DEA vows one thing - we fight domestic cartels in the United States and we fight foreign cartels overseas that are plaguing our citizens throughout our country. That will not stop. We will continue to fight, but now we'll do it Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 friends. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmembers Johnson and Jones, who will do a presentation on my behalf to celebrate the 138th Convention of the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Prince Hall, Northern Jurisdiction. Would illustrious Melvin J. Bazemore, 33rd Degree and the Sovereign Grand Commander, the United Supreme Council, New Jersey, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 President, on your behalf.
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is my distinct honor and privilege and pleasure to be honoring and celebrating the 138th Convention of the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction, United States of America, Incorporated. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and honored to recognize the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation on the occasion of its hosting of the 138th Convention of the United States Supreme Council to be held in Philadelphia May 23rd, 2019 through May 27th, 2019. Whereas, the Scottish Rite was introduced to the United States in 1801 and subsequently to Prince Hall's Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 1820. In 1881, the United States Supreme Council in the Northern Jurisdiction was established and began to convene every third year in various major cities, with every third year convening in Philadelphia; and Whereas, today this proud organization has grown in strength and in size of its contribution to society. It is over 130 years old -- y'all look real good for 130 -- and draws its membership from 20 northern states and well into the Bahamas, Canada, Asia, and Europe; and Whereas, since 1881, the core objective and guiding principle of the United States Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction has remained steadfast and unshaken, perpetually striving to make good men better. I like that, to make good men better. The immeasurable value of the United Supreme Council can be seen most readily in the emphasis that members Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 personal motivation, human improvement, belief in the supreme being, love of family, devotion to country, and charity to all; and
It is truly an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to present this acknowledgment with my colleague Councilman Curtis Jones. I've been a part of this fraternity for more than 20 years, and it's definitely helped me become a better man, but also I'm proud as a Councilperson to have the opportunity to represent their headquarters in the Second Councilmanic District. Whereas, the personal and paternal development of the members of the United Supreme Council can easily be documented due to a distinguished history of service to others. Among many examples, they proudly award scholarships to need-based college students in each of Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 26 orients that comprise the Northern Jurisdiction; and Whereas, in the City of Philadelphia alone, the United Supreme Council operates two housing facilities for low- and moderate-income senior citizens collectively comprising of 234 units in the Second Councilmanic District. Moreover, the United Supreme Council annually contributes more than $125,000 to various community organizations such as the NAACP and its Legal Defense Fund, the Urban League, the United Negro College Fund, and others. Taking great pride in supporting women and children, Prince Hall Scottish Rite Masonry annually provides resources to widows and orphans and celebrates the complementary endeavors of the ladies of the Golden Circle, an auxiliary organization made up of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of its membership; and Whereas, while the Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 snapshot of its positive impacts on the lives of its members, their families, and their surrounding communities, it is without question that Prince Hall Scottish Rite Masonry's positive impact on the world will continue to be immeasurable for generations to come. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and celebrate the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Incorporated on the occasion of its 138th Convention of the United Supreme Council. We in this Council extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body and say congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes the illustrious Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 remarks.
To Council President Darrell Clarke, to the Councilman who represents our district, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, to all of the other distinguished Councilmen under the sound of my voice, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to stand before you on this morning to represent the United Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Prince Hall Affiliated for the Northern Jurisdiction. As has been stated, we are in your beautiful city to host our 138th annual session. Coming into this city this week will be members from our organization from over 26 countries and three different continents, the Bahamas, Europe, Asia. We are here, and we want you to know that we are here representing you as a city where our headquarters is Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 1514-20 Fitzwater Street in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) (Applause.)
Again, thank you, gentlemen, and congratulations one more time. I really appreciate you being here today. Our next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, if you will please read those messages.
To the President Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 22, 2019, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on May 9, 2019: Bill No. 180976. S.
Bank, National Association for the provision of custodial banking services to the City; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant; and An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner to enter into an agreement with Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Incorporated pursuant to which Waste Management will receive municipal solid Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 by or on behalf of the City, and transfer and dispose that municipal solid waste; and An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner to enter into an Agreement with Covanta Sustainable Solutions pursuant to which Covanta will receive municipal solid waste to be collected by or on behalf of the City, and transfer and dispose of that municipal solid waste; and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting the 2018 edition of the "International Plumbing Code" as published by the International Code Council as "The Philadelphia Plumbing Code," with additions, deletions and other amendments thereto; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Transportation, a temporary construction easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Girard Avenue, North 34th Street and Zoological Drive, commonly known as 3400 West Girard Avenue; and An ordinance constituting the Eighteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable airport revenue bonds or notes of the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance constituting the Seventeenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 notes of the City of Philadelphia, some or all of which may be used for the implementation of a revolving commercial paper program; and An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the repayment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions; providing for obtaining the consent of the electors to increasing the indebtedness of the City; Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Section 3(f) of an ordinance approved March 1, 1963, as amended, relating to agreements to administer employee retirement benefits for certain quasi-public agencies; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
44-S by relocating the southeasterly houseline and curbline of Tenth Street, from Packer Avenue to a point southwestwardly therefrom and relocating the northwesterly houseline and curbline of Darien Street, from Packer Avenue to a point southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 15S by placing on the City Plan Alter Street from Seventeenth Street to Eighteenth Street; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Lindbergh Boulevard between 58th Street and 65th Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hospital Assessments," to revise provisions relating to hospital assessments; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Germantown Avenue, from North 2nd Street to Master Street; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on North 2nd Street, from Wood Street to Race Street; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you. Our next order of business -hold on. Before we move on to the introduction of bills and resolutions, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. Council President, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge some very fine students who are here today from Stanton Elementary School, the civics class. We have a City Law Department that has a program where we actually partner with E.M. Stanton to teach our young people civics. And the teacher name is Mr. Bertotto. Can they all just stand to be acknowledged, please. (Applause.)
Those are Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 our future councilmembers and mayors and state reps and senators, and hopefully one of them may run for president. So thank you, Council President.
Can they do it next year? Please, please. All right. I'm sorry. I digress. Our next order of business -welcome. Thank you all for being here. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who has some challenges with her voice today, so on her behalf, Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, I offer three resolutions and at the reading of the last resolution, could be I recognized, please?
Absolutely. Thank you, Councilman and Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Councilwoman.
A privileged resolution honoring the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and its Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners on the occasion of the Excellence in GSI Awards Ceremony.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June 4 through June 8, 2019 as Philly Real Estate Week in the City of Philadelphia and Celebrating Its Founder Nicole Purvy.
And a privileged resolution congratulating Janiya Victor on her achievement as the first girl to play for a Philadelphia High School Boys Baseball Team.
And that will be on today's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, on behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, in the audience today is Ms. Janiya Victor, who is the first girl to play for a high school boys baseball team in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
By the way, I'm envious of her. I couldn't make the boys baseball team in my high school. And she's accompanied, by the way, by Napoleon Kincaid, Neighborhood Leader, sports newspaper writer, and also by her dad, August Victor. So we welcome all. (Applause.)
And, Mr. President, also on behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, due to other City Council business, she would request Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 leave of Chambers from now and also to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions that come before us.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. And thank you, Councilwoman. Let the record reflect leave shall be granted and Councilwoman will be voting aye on all bills, resolutions, and I think we have one amendment today. Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce 12 bills, eight of which I believe are the Administration bills, and two privileged resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with the issuance of the bonds; and An ordinance constituting the Seventeenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable airport revenue bonds or notes; and An ordinance constituting the Eighteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable airport revenue bonds or notes; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development properties located at 4910 Botanic Avenue, 5014 Grays Avenue, 5027 Grays Avenue, and 2639 South 58th Street; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Whitby Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets, both sides; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Summer Street, 32nd Street, Race Street and Natrona Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a temporary construction easement on a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Girard Avenue, North 34th Street and Zoological Drive, commonly known as 3400 West Girard Avenue; and An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, Section 14-516, entitled "/WST, West Overlay District"; and An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hospital Assessments," to revise provisions relating to hospital assessments; and Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; and An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a Provider Agreement with U.S. Bank, National Association for the provision of custodial banking services to the City of Philadelphia.
Those 12 bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer on her appointment as the first female President of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy.
And a privileged Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 resolution recognizing and honoring State Representative James Roebuck on his 50-year anniversary of his appointment as the first black student council president at University of Virginia.
And today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three bills.
An ordinance amending Section 14-502 of the Zoning Code, entitled "CTR, Center City Overlay," Section 14-701 of the Zoning Code, entitled "Dimensional Standards" and Section 14-702 of the Zoning Code, entitled "Floor Area, Height, and Housing Density Bonuses."
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located with an area bounded by Race Street, 17th Street, Vine Street, and 18th Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Germantown Avenue, from North 2nd Street to Master Street.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and offer one resolution.
An ordinance Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Ryan Avenue, from Leon Street to Crispin Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring Lucy Noland on her successes in Philadelphia and with Fox 29 News.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Henry Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Northwestern Avenue, the County Line, Forbidden Drive, and Wises Mill Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Road.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Indiana Avenue, and Hunting Park Avenue.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, before I introduce my bills, I just want to know if it's okay if I have a personal -- take a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge on the balcony students who are here participating in an anti-gun violence rally from Universal Vare School and Tilden Middle School on the balcony. Can we just please give them a round of applause and acknowledge them for their leadership. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 (Applause.)
I feel good about the future of this city seeing our young people involved in so many civic activities.
Mr. President, I have six bills and three resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," to prohibit the construction of bay windows and balconies in and around the Point Breeze and Grays Ferry areas of the City; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 15S by placing on the City Plan Alter Street from Seventeenth Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Street to Eighteenth Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Washington Avenue, 25th Street, Kimball Street, and 24th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 44-S by relocating the southeasterly houseline and curbline of Tenth Street, from Packer Avenue to a point southwestwardly therefrom and relocating the northwesterly houseline and curbline of Darien Street, from Packer Avenue to a point southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance amending Section 12-901 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Stopping, Standing or Parking Prohibited at Certain Places," to permit overnight truck parking on South 11th Street between Catherine Street and Webster Street and to establish parking Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 regulations on the same portion of South 11th Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 10-2000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Three-Dimensional Printer to Manufacture Firearms," to change the Chapter title, add definitions, and add additional prohibitions on use of three-dimensional printers and prohibitions relating to the purchase or sale of components for, and unlicensed manufacturer of, firearms.
Thank you. Those six bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in The City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June as Reentry Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Awareness Month in Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Kingsessing Avenue between 61st Street and Cemetery Avenue "Paulette Rhone Place."
Next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I know originally I said four bills. I actually have five bills for the record.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting the 2018 edition of the "International Plumbing Code" as Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 published by the International Code Council as "The Philadelphia Plumbing Code"; and An ordinance granting permission to Esteban Gunez, owner and operator of Los Potrillos Food Truck located in the right-of-way on the west side of the 4200 block of G Street between East Hunting Park Avenue and East Bristol Street, to install, use and maintain certain electrical wires, conduits and appurtenances in, under and over the right-of-way on the 4200 block of G Street; and An ordinance authorizing 1201 North Franklin, doing business as The International Bar, to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1624 North Front Street; and An ordinance authorizing Antonio Perez to construct, own and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 1801 North Hancock Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by amending Section 9-612, entitled "Fences Around Automobile Wrecking Yards and Junk Yards and Buildings," and Section 9-613, entitled "Junk Dealers," to change the section titles, add definitions, update requirements for waste handling facilities, licenses and salvage transactions.
Those five bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance continuing the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District, a business improvement district encompassing certain Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia, and continuing the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation to serve as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to continue a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia, known as the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District, and to continue the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association of the District.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills, one of which is on your behalf, and one privileged resolution that is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Helen Gym.
An ordinance amending Section 3(f) of an ordinance approved March 1, 1963, as amended, relating to agreements to administer employee retirement benefits for certain quasi-public agencies.
And an ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," to authorize placement of wayfinding signs in the right-of-way. (Audience members yelled out.)
Go Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 ahead, Mr. Decker.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 28, 2019 as Menstrual Hygiene Day and honoring No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Incorporated, a sexuality awareness non-profit organization whose mission is to decrease the silence and secrecy associated with the menstrual cycle by destigmatizing and normalizing societal behaviors, language, and attitudes related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. On my behalf, I have no bills or resolutions. On Councilwoman Gym's behalf, I have one privileged resolution. And on Councilman Taubenberger's behalf, I have no bills or resolutions. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019
A privileged resolution honoring the 25th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Public School Notebook for its commitment to using local, independent, ambitious journalism as a tool to bring access to information to Philadelphia's public school community, and to provide resources to those working for quality and equity in Philadelphia's public schools.
That will be on this week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Mr. President. I have seven bills, two on your behalf, two co-sponsored by Councilmember Parker, and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to revise various provisions related to the on-street parking system; and An ordinance amending Section 11-203(3) of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sewer and Water Pipe and Other Underground Service," to authorize revision of the length of time during which a permit to maintain a plumber's ditch remains valid; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on North 2nd Street, from Wood Street to Race Street; and Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractor Parking," to revise the permit fee and the applicable penalties; and An ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Civil Penalties and Costs," by amending penalties for certain parking, standing or stopping violations; and An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner to enter into an Agreement with Covanta Sustainable Solutions pursuant to which Covanta will receive municipal solid waste to be collected by or on behalf of the City; and An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Incorporated pursuant to which Waste Management will receive municipal solid waste to be Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 collected by or on behalf of the City.
Those seven bills just read in the record by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion the South Central Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1035 South Sixth Street, 1037 South Sixth Street and 1028 South Fairhill Street.
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 Kensington North of Lehigh Redevelopment Area, identified by house Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 number and street address as 2250 East Cambria Street.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of Councilwoman Cindy Bass, she offers one resolution. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Chestnut Hill College on its 95th anniversary and continued commitment to providing students with a holistic education in an inclusive environment marked by academic excellence, personal and professional growth, service to one another and to the global community.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. That concludes our introduction Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 190314, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 commissions, and the Special Gasoline Tax Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. And the Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190314. (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. 190314. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. It will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage at our next Council session. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 2ND READING Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190195, 190420, 180937-A, and 190255. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. Due to a longstanding commitment, I will have to be excused from Council, but I wish to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Let me make sure we got nine people here. Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman. Let the record reflect that the Councilwoman will be voting aye on all Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 bills and resolutions and amendments. Thank you. Before we consider these bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium. There's a device on that podium. When the light on the device turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we ask you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will have three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Colleen McCauley, commenting on 180936. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 MS. McCAULEY: Good morning. Council President Clarke and all City Councilmembers, thank you for your attention and action throughout the year to improve the lives and life chances of Philadelphia's children. I'm Colleen McCauley, the Health Policy Director at PCCY, a child advocacy and policy organization working on behalf of kids in the region. I'm also a nurse and the proud parent of a Philadelphia School District student. I am here to urge you to support Resolution 170408 to prohibit the suspension of elementary-aged students in the District. Providing more supports to our youngest students as well as support and training for teachers and school administrators is what's truly needed. I say this because suspension of kids who are six, seven, eight, nine, ten years old is most often just a symptom of larger underlying issues. Many of the reasons young Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 children's behavior moves a school to suspend them are related to deprivation and trauma, such as unstable housing, not enough food to eat, violence in their homes or community. Rampant lead poisoning of babies throughout the City also causes behavioral problems and attention deficit problems that manifest when children become school age and is the likely cause for some young students to be suspended from school. Today you're considering another measure, Bill 180937, requiring all Philadelphia children to get screened for lead at ages one and two. With 2,200 babies poisoned by lead in the City every year, I urge you to support this bill as well. At the Health Committee hearing on this bill in March, the bill sponsor, Councilperson Blondell Reynolds Brown, made a critical statement, very much worth repeating. She said, Many would be Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 surprised to know that today more children are being poisoned by lead in the City of Philadelphia than in Flint, Michigan, which made national headlines in 2015 for its lead poisoning issues. There are 16 zip codes in Philadelphia covering nine of ten councilmanic districts where more than 10 percent of our children screened have elevated blood lead levels. Screening babies for lead poisoning is important so we can connect them to the critical services like early intervention and high-quality early childcare services supported in part by the soda tax so we can try and mitigate the harm done by lead to children's intellect, development, and behavior and prevent some of these kids from ultimately being suspended from elementary school. But I also want to urge you all to think about preventing babies from ever being poisoned by lead in the first Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 place by helping get the lead out of their homes. Most babies in this city are poisoned by deteriorated lead-based paint in older rental properties, a bill unanimously passed out of the Health Committee in March to require properties to be tested. If we get lead out of babies' homes, they don't get poisoned. Their blood lead tests will be negative, and most likely fewer young children will be at risk for being suspended. Thank you very much for this opportunity to talk to you. (Applause.)
Maurice Sampson, commenting on 180937-A. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President, members of City Council. I am here today to also speak in favor of the blood lead levels bill. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 Informing the parents making certain that we are aware of the children and the potential of blood lead levels at both 12 and 24 months is essential if we want to catch the presence of lead before it does its serious damage, which is for life. The passage of this particular piece of legislation provides some real basic information for folks. Clean Water Action, the organization that I represent, we have for the last two years been out just talking to people trying to inform people of just where the lead is that's in their lives. We have been working on the issue of dealing with lead in the City for a long time. In 1972, I was an urban study student at Rutgers University and came across the river in order to hear about this wonderful program the Health Department had about lead poisoning in the homes. So more than 50 years ago. Had we set a goal then of 1/50th reduction of all the lead, it wouldn't Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 even be a subject we'd be discussing today. We probably need to do that. A 40-year plan to get rid of lead is something that probably looks reasonable over 40 years. We can work every year to make it less, but in 40 years we'll know that it's gone. Lead is not like a snake. It's not something that comes up and bites you. Lead is more like a hot stove that you don't know about. So we expose ourselves to it, and that's where the children get poisoned. We need and we have considered a whole suite as pieces of legislation that dealt with lead, and that is wonderful. What we also need to do now is to focus on making certain that everybody knows where that lead is so that we don't have to read every 18 months about children being poisoned by lead. Thank you so much for your efforts here. I appreciate it. And we Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 have full support of this bill. Thank you very much.
George Gould, commenting on 180937-A. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is George Gould. I'm an attorney with Community Legal Services here in Philadelphia. I'm here to talk about Bill 180937, which would require blood lead testing of children in Philadelphia. I have been involved in the problems of lead-based paint since 1970 and have talked to Council about many of the issues. This bill -- it's a very important bill -- would do two things. It would require doctors treating children between nine months and 21 months to test for blood lead levels. It Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 would also require doctors treating children between 21 and 72 months to also test for blood lead levels. So the requirement would be twice. There is a Board of Health has established the regulations -- it would also require the Board of Health to establish regulations implementing this and to have special testing for at-risk children. Doctors would have to report to the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Public Health would be required to conduct a public information campaign on this issue. According to a recent study by the Department of Public Health, only 28 percent of the children in Philadelphia were tested in accordance with the Department of Health recommendations, which are at age one and age two. This bill is extremely important to the health of the children of Philadelphia. While Medicaid and CHIP both require blood lead level testing, the Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 percentage of children tested is not very high. A child's blood lead poisoning is a serious problem, as had already been mentioned, and I think everyone is well aware of this. Even at low lead levels, lead poisoning can cause serious problems such as intelligent quotient deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduction of attention span, and hyperactivity and behavior problems. They're at great costs also to society - medical treatment, long-term care, school failure, and reduced earnings. I would be remiss if I also didn't talk about Bill 180936, which would make a major change in the blood lead law in Philadelphia and would require preventive medicine; that is, requirement of life-safe certifications in all rental properties. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 (Applause.)
-- members of Philadelphia City Council. My name is Napoleon Kincaid. I'm a sports reporter for the Neighborhood Leader paper, and I'm here to speak in honor of Janiya Victor. As I stand here today, I'm proud -- I brought a copy of my article of Janiya Victor that appeared on the front page a few weeks ago, matter of fact. I had a great honor to crack the story. She and I engaged in a conversation at a rec center, and I was talking to her about participating in an AAU girls basketball league, and she mentioned the fact that she had to attend Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 practice with her high school baseball team. So first I said, wait a minute, you mean softball, right? You didn't say baseball. You meant softball. And she said, no; baseball. So it kind of registered that she was talking about a boys baseball team. So first I didn't want to believe it, you know, because I'm a reporter/rec ball coach. So what I did, I said, when is your next game? So she invited me to her next game. And ladies and gentlemen, when I went out to South Philadelphia to watch her play for John Bartram Boys Baseball Team, I couldn't believe it. I stood there in a trance, because I never seen this in my 37 years being a sports reporter. I have covered lots of baseball games. I never seen a girl play baseball for a boys baseball team. I never seen it. So I'm looking at her playing shortstop. When I tell you, she plays shortstop like Ozzie Smith, with the stab Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 with the glove, with the form-through throw. I'm telling you, this girl can play baseball with the boys with no problem. I never seen this before. The City of Philadelphia has to recognize this, because this is the second time in five years that a female baseball player is playing ball right here in this city for a boys baseball team. This is the second -(Applause.)
-- female in the history of Philadelphia in the last five years since Mo'Ne Davis. Now, mind you, Mo'Ne Davis did not play high school baseball. She played for her Little League team, you know. So for Janiya Victor to play for a high school boys baseball team to represent this city, it's an honor. And as a reporter, I'm honored to know this young lady, because to watch her mannerism, her professionalism, especially on that baseball field, it's Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 remarkable. And she got two more years to go at John Bartram High School playing for the baseball team, two more years as the team's starting shortstop. (Applause.)
Thank you. I hope you take this resolution very seriously, because this girl has made history in the city we live in.
Thank you. Thank you very much for your comments. (Applause.)
Coming up as a group, Nicole Zalking, Taniya, Kyla, Nylaah, Jakara, Yanhui, Nyeska, commenting on 170408. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon, City Council. Thank you very much for the forum, this very important forum. I have the voices of public Philadelphia education to be heard today. So we appreciate your time. My name is Nicole Zalking and I teach seventh and eighth grade language arts at Kirkbride Elementary School in South Philadelphia, and our classes here studied the impact that poverty has on their opportunity for an equitable education. Through the Need in Deed network, we were able to partner with Helen Gym's office and, through our research, found the incredible work that she's been doing with fairworkweek.org. We also support the movement in Philadelphia's fight for 15 to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, because our students are living below the poverty line, many of them. I'm going to give my time now so that you can hear the personal Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 testimony of some of our eighth grade students from Kirkbride Elementary. Thank you very much.
Good afternoon. My name is Taniya Sun and it's a pleasure for me to be standing here amongst you Councilmembers. I'm an eighth grader at Eliza B. Kirkbride Elementary School and here's my testimony: I am what's going to change the future. My generation will suffer the impact of the results of your generation's inability to provide fair care and working conditions for my parents. My research tells me that you say we cannot raise the minimum wage because we fear the loss of revenue. This poor reasoning does not have data to back it up and it is made by people who never lived through the inner city struggles that I do, rather enjoy private Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 schools, gated communities, small classes, resources, and equipment that made their education not equal to mine. I'm a young teenage girl living in the trenches of Philadelphia's public schools. I sit in a class of more than 30 students with broken, donated, outdated technology. I'm typing this testimony on a Chromebook that's missing the letters T, L, S, A, and a backspace. I'm handed a torn textbook that still has the names of my older siblings on the inside cover. She graduated in 2004. The latest President in the social studies textbook is President Bush, Sr. The most recent world event is 9/11. Our black President isn't even represented in the materials you provide us. Why aren't I given the same opportunity and access to education as many other kids my age across the state? We learned that decisions like raising the minimum wage can only be made in Harrisburg at the state level. Why Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 can't Harrisburg make the decision to get every student in the state an equitable education. I challenge you to take a stand and hope to make a change. I'm asking you to fight for us. I promise that when I grow up, I will be sitting in your seats continuing to fight against poverty in the city that I love, the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. Thank you.
If you want to please state your name. Let me just ask, my understanding was that this was going to be three minutes total with all. Is everybody speaking three minutes? Is that the -
They have timed two spaces. So that was three minutes and this is three minutes. Stated Meeting May 23, 2019
So all the rest are three minutes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Please, go ahead. Please just state your name too. NYLAAH: Nylaah. Here are some excerpts from some of my classmates' testimonies that tell their tales of living in poverty. I was at my aunt house one summer day, and my cousin and I heard gunshots. We ran around the corner to my uncle house, and on the step was -- ran around the corner to see my uncle on the steps bleeding. Poverty affects my life because people don't know when to put guns down. It's hard for me to concentrate on school because I have loss on my mind all day. JAKARA: My name is Jakara and this is my story: I was born after my parents immigrated to U.S. Knowing no English had an impact on their ability to work. I always knew my family was living Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 in poverty, but so thankful because I knew there was others living in the worst conditions. It directly impacted me when my brother got a virus and was in the ICU and a medically induced coma. He had no health insurance, and my family had to work to seek government assistance. KYLA: My name is Kyla and my testimony is, it's a struggle, one that we have to go through every single day, but we do our best and work as hard as we can so that we are able to make a living. But sometimes hard work just isn't enough, because hard work doesn't determine your paycheck in the City.
Thank you. NAALYN: My name is Naalyn and this is my testimony: When I was about eight years old, I realized I was living in poverty. Even though we always worked at the -- even though we always had food to eat every night and we never slept Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 with a hungry stomach, my dad was always at the kitchen table at night calculating how we wasted money. We are a family of four people and the only person that works is my dad. He makes $7.50 an hour. I believe that's not okay.
My name is Alison Chain, and as I continue to grow up, I struggle with understanding the reason behind poverty, but I do understand the feeling. I don't believe we are in the worst conditions, but I do ask myself what is school like that is. I will want to fight for them too. Isn't every student supposed to get an equal education?
Thank you. YANHUI: My name is Yanhui. I learned that stress can impair brain development and that if children want to do well in school, that they should have a low-stress home environment. I come to school with no food Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 in my belly, and the school lunch isn't great. At least it's something. Then I go home with little to no food in my belly. That is not a low-stress environment. What can we do? This is poverty. Thank you.
Emmanuel Bussie, commenting on 190195. (Witness approached podium.)
I rise in favor of Bill No. 190 -- good afternoon, everyone. My name is Emmanuel Bussie, for the record. I yield in favor of 190195. I just want to remind everybody that I'm sent here by 65 individuals, 33 community organizations, including Shante Love, Mel Wells, Rochelle Bilal, Anton Moore, Albert Littlepage. I'm also sent Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 here by community activists like Marie Patterson, Wayne Williams, Asteria Vives. So when you see me here speaking to you, I've already met with 40 to 65 people on Sunday getting my instructions on what to communicate to you guys. First, I want to congratulate all of our elected officials that were reelected, especially our DKOD elects, the seven of -- the eight of you. I want to congratulate you guys on a job well done. I will also say that again the reason why we're so hard on City Council and so critical of City Council is not to be demeaning of City Council. It's because we believe that this is the best City Council that the City has ever had by far. It is one of the best City Councils in the nation. There's a lot of skepticism, a lot of cynicism around in the City because of the Trump era and because of some elected officials that got into some Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 trouble, but make no mistakes about it, this is a very tough job and a very serious job that you guys have to do, and it's easy to sit back and criticize you guys. It's easy to sit back and say what you haven't done and what you should not have done. But what we try to do is get behind you guys, the good guys, those of you that mean well and have well intentions, because though not perfect, your intentions are good, your intentions are honorable for the most part. And I think that if this city gets behind you in a meaningful and significant way, you guys can do some groundbreaking stuff in the second largest city on the East Coast. I want to say that again. This is the second largest city on the East Coast with a GDP of $445 billion. That's our gross domestic product. If we were a country, we would be one of the strongest countries in the nation with a GDP of $445 billion. And I challenge Council to do Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 those meaningful things to move the City forward in terms of violence, in terms of funding anti-violence groups on the ground that's doing this work, non-traditional groups, not the Penn, not the Temple, but putting money on the ground. I challenge you also to move that legislation and to move to take back our resources like the Parking Authority. There's a $60 million entity and profit in the Parking Authority just from on-street parking. I think it should come back under -- and all I'm advocating for is that you guys control the Parking Authority. I'm not saying change it, switch it around, flip it. I'm just saying we are as Philadelphians more comfortable with you guys controlling the destiny and direction of the Parking Authority than people in Harrisburg. So two things that I'm sent here to ask you guys to do is to fight for anti-violence groups, non-traditional Stated Meeting May 23, 2019 groups on the ground to get funding, a line item budget in the Mayor's budget. It's enough for you guys to say, hey, Mr. Mayor, we need this funding. And it's also enough for you guys to take back valuable City resources like on-street parking. At least bring it to the floor so you can have a full discussion so Curt can talk about it, so Domb can talk about. Bring that bill to the floor so we can have full discussion, full transparency in terms of our City resources. I thank you guys. And, again, I appreciate the work you do.