COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 6, 2012 10:35 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. The hour has come. We have established a quorum, and I'd ask all members to please take their seats, and guests and visitors please retire behind the rail. Thank you so much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Clarence Hester of Erie Avenue Baptist Church. He is here today as my guest, and I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Giving honor to God, to you, Mr. President, and to the members of this Council. We thank God and President Clarke for this august honor and privilege to stand before this prestigious body of servants and lift you up to an Almighty God. Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, we come pausing in this moment to lift you up in spirit and prayer, that these deliberations may be consumed by your love. We pray that your countenance may shine upon this Council, and bless them with your guidance that while our nation is confronted with economic turbulence and disturbing sounds of chemical warfare in foreign places, we implore you to look down on this city and this Council with mercy and that their understanding may be enlightened by your wisdom. We pray that you sanctify their thoughts and their intentions, even their words and their actions, that all that they speak and do will abound to the honor and glory of you and the wellbeing of our great city. Look down upon our Mayor and Managing Director and this Council and help them to work together to face the serious facts of our times and to find the courage to meet them justly with wisdom, discipline, and resourcefulness. Grant to all of us an unwavering faith in an inward life, in the efficacy of a dedicated intelligence, and in the power of an active, even sacrificial goodwill. Even now, Lord, help them to seek guidance in all their worthy pursuits and ever-widening opportunities for continuing service to you and the people of Philadelphia. Grant unto this Council the victory of faith on the ideals to which we are committed to as a city. Grant our city peace, resources, and provisions as you provide this body with strength and spiritual sustenance for performing with great might the task with which our common lives yet confronts us with. May the deeper currents of faith, service, courage, and sacrifice be a power within us to do the things we ought and to extend the boundaries of a fulfilled and enlightened life for all. Even now, Lord, use this body as instruments of your glory to enhance the quality of life for all the residents of this great city. This we pray, as you bless this assembly, in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 29th, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 29th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 29th, 2012 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for
Thank you, Councilman. At this time, before we start our process, I would like to recognize a couple of groups here we have today. To my left, I see we have some great young people from the Russell Byers Charter School. (Applause.)
If I say so myself, a great charter school that happens to be in the Council 5th District. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell -- oh, I'm sorry. Before that, Councilwoman Tasco.
Yes. I'd just like to add that one of my constituents who is working with the Russell Byers School, Jonathan Swing, is here with them, and his mother is President of the Summerdale Civic Association in the 9th Councilmanic
Thank you, Councilwoman. The 5th and the 9th, it always works. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to also acknowledge Mr. Wallace Custus and young men who are participating in the Mayor's Office of Reentry. Can y'all stand up. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilman. And with that, I would like to welcome all guests and visitors here today. We hope that your experience is one that you will always remember. We hope that you please come again, because we truly enjoy you coming down and So, again, thank you all so much for attending. See you, young people. At this time, I'd like to recognize Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring Terry Ruggles on his retirement. Would Mr. Ruggles and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Mr. President. We live in a very iconic-driven city, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Mummer's, Gamble and Huff, and we're here to honor an icon in our city here today upon his retirement. Whereas, Terry Ruggles of NBC 10 will retire in December 2012 after 38 years of journalistic service to the Philadelphia metropolitan area; Whereas, in June of 1974, Terry came to WCAU as a general assignment reporter. His other duties included reporting, weekend anchor, weather anchor and in 2005, Terry was named anchor of NBC 10 News Today; and Whereas, during his tenure, Terry has covered every Mayor since Frank Rizzo, many political conventions, two refinery fires, the Pope's visit to Philadelphia, the Bicentennial, the accident at Three Mile Island, both MOVEs, two World Series parades and not enough Mummer's parades; Terry has also traveled to other states and countries to investigate stories that have affected Philadelphia and its region. These stories include: 8 hurricanes, 4 space shuttles, and 9/11 tragedy. He has traveled to England, Germany, Haiti, Italy, France and Saudi Arabia to get the local angles on international stories. He covered the Winter Olympics in France and Salt Lake City. He went to Germany to report on the Kvaerner Ship Company and the Vatican Pope Paul II; and Whereas, Terry is a cancer survivor who helps raise funds for the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Education. He serves on the Board of Directors of Philadelphia's Fire Museum at 2nd and Race, Smith Playground and the Playhouse in Fairmount Park; now, therefore Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor Terry Ruggles of NBC 10 for his 38 years of service and outstanding contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia. Thank you so much and congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Ruggles for remarks, sir.
Thank you, gentlemen, if you indulge me and let me introduce my guests that escorted me today. Beside Councilman Kenney being so gracious as to do this for me, Eric Lerner is the President and General Manager of NBC 10. Next to him is Anzio Williams, who is the News Director and Vice President of news for NBC 10. Next to him is Kathleen Gerrow, who is the Assistant News Director. This is my wife, Mary Jane, and I'm going to hear about this in the car on the way back because I didn't introduce her first. But I'm proud to say that on December 21st of this month we will celebrate 44 years of marriage. It's our anniversary coming up. (Applause.)
You may recognize the great Cheri Bank. She was our Medical Reporter for so many years at Channel 10 and has more Emmys than Bill Baldini and I sat next to each other for 34 years at NBC 10. Richard Maloney is actually one of the best journalists I've ever known, but you probably know him as the spokesperson for SEPTA. And Frank DeSimone is a lawyer here in town, and I've learned in broadcasting never go any place without a lawyer. So that's why he's here today. If I may, Mr. President, when I came here to Philadelphia four decades ago, Frank Rizzo was the Mayor, Joe Rizzo was the Fire Commissioner, Joe O'Neill was the Police Commissioner, Hilly Levinson was the Managing Director, and they had a wonderful little PR guy by the name of Tony Zecca. And in this particular institution right here, in this room, it was run by a guy by the name of George X. Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz was a tall, dignified man, who smoked cigars as big as a broomstick. And with him was a fellow by the name of Harry Coleman, and there was a new guy in town by the name of Lu Blackwell. 1974 he was elected to Council. And, Jannie Blackwell, I've always saved things from the stories I've covered. "Blackwell for Mayor." (Applause.)
Lu Blackwell was a great guy, a great public servant, and public service is kind of what this is all about and what's going on here. Every day -- I'm a news guy, and from this particular Chamber, there have been things that happened that shouldn't have made the news, but there are a lot of things that should have happened that didn't make the news. You people chose public service as what you do, and we're all the better for it. In journalism, we know about five W's and an H - who, what, where, when, why, and how. Well, it seems to me in your particular line of work, you've your public service is where, what, when, why, and how. And I think we all should be committed for -commended for that. I should be committed; you should be commended for that. There's a fine line between what we do, but what you do, you worry about roads and codes, you worry about playgrounds and parent programs, you worry about paychecks and people who don't have paychecks at all. And so often it goes unheralded. I'm sorry about that, but I salute you for what you do. You know, whether you're a man or a woman is a matter of birth, but whether you're a man or a woman who chooses to serve others is your choice completely. So you're to be saluted for that. I thank you so much for this. This Chamber has a warm place in my heart for everything that's happened here, both -- well, you know how it went here. But thank you so very, very much. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Title IX, the groundbreaking gender equality legislation that increased educational and athletic access to generations of women and girls. Would Coach Deirdre Kane, Head Coach of Women's Basketball of West Chester University, and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. We also have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Sanchez, Tasco, Bass, and I believe Councilwoman Brown. Appropriate that we shall have the ladies of the Council.
I'm no dummy. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm not going to read this resolution. I'm going to leave it to the strong and independent and successful women in this body to read it, but I just want to say that I think this particular piece of legislation, which was passed back in the early '70s, is one of the most important pieces of legislation the United States government ever did, because what it did was, it gave young women the opportunity to compete in athletics, to acquire scholarships, to change their lives, to stabilize their lives, and to be strong, independent, successful women of strength. And I think that without this Title IX legislation, a lot of these women would have never had the And I think that we need to press every day for more women's athletic programs so that we can have our young women have that independence and strength. Before we start the resolution, I want to just introduce Deirdre Kane. She's beginning her 26th season as Head Coach of West Chester University's Women's Basketball Program. (Applause.)
And during her 25-year career at West Chester, she has had 18 winning seasons. Coach Kane has won five Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division Titles, has been named Coach of the Year by five different associations and guided the women's hoop squad to four NCAA Division II Tournament berths. Before taking the helm of the Golden Rams, she worked at Swarthmore, Salisbury State, and as Assistant Coach at Penn. On February 12th, 1992, Kane South Jersey Hall of Fame to mark her career accomplishments on the court and from the sidelines. In 1972, Deirdre was the first female granted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Dayton, which is an amazing accomplishment. (Applause.)
So with that, I will turn this ceremony over to the women of this body, and thank you for your attendance and participation.
Good morning, and thank you, Councilman Kenney. This resolution reads: Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Title IX, the groundbreaking gender equality legislation that increased educational and athletic access to generations of women and girls. Whereas, Title IX was an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1972, which was signed by President Richard Nixon. It states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance; and
Whereas, increased equality for women enjoyed major legislative victories in the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. By the 1960s, however, statistics revealed increasing gender disparities in corporate pay and rank, and unequal admissions to the country's universities; and
Whereas, the authors of the legislation originally intended the law to expand educational access for women, using federal assistance as the lever. As such, Title IX covers all educational activities, and applies to an entire school or institution if any part of that school receives federal funds, including school sports. For the period in which federally funded equipment or facilities remain in an institution's use, Title IX's regulations require those institutions to self-evaluate the gender equality of their offerings and provide written confirmation to the Department of Education of their compliance; and
Whereas, the impact of Title IX has been significant and widespread. One study completed in 2006 reported a large number of increases in the number of women participating in athletics at both the high school and college levels; specifically, the number of women in high school sports has increased by a factor of nine, while the number of women in college sports had increased by more than 450 percent; and
Whereas, IX is still being felt. It has enabled generations of women who, through increased athletic opportunities, are making immeasurable strides both on the field and off. Girls' participation in sports has multiplied, creating leaders in business, government, law, medicine, science, community, and more. In November 2006, the Title IX regulations were amended at the federal level to provide greater flexibility in the operation of single-gender classes or extracurricular class activities at the primary or secondary school level. And because the law only addresses public and private schools that receive federal funding, more than a third of states have enacted similar laws to prohibit discrimination based on gender regardless of whether the school received federal funding; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the 40th be recognized, the groundbreaking gender equality legislation that increased educational and athletic access to generations of women and girls. Certification, that this is a true and correct copy of the resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 28th of June 2012. It was signed by President Darrell Clarke, introduced by Councilman James Kenney, and supported by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Coach Kane. COACH KANE: Thank you, ladies. That was an awful long resolution for 40 words, which is the extent of Title IX that was signed in '72. Forty words that said you can't shut us out or you don't get government money anymore. (Applause.) KANE: I'm really honored, a little bit surprised to be here to represent all the women of Philadelphia who have benefited by the passage of Title IX. I accept it on behalf of the women of my generation, who were fortunate enough to live through Title IX. I actually graduated high school the year it was passed. I accept it on behalf of women behind me, whose careers wouldn't be possible without the acceptance of women into all workplaces, especially -- my son is here, Sean Kane, and his lovely bride, only married two months -(Applause.) COACH KANE: -- Amy Fadool-Kane of Comcast SportsNet, because I'm sure there wouldn't be very many female sportscasters if it weren't for the passage of Title IX either. So I thank them for being there today. And my husband, who couldn't be here today, his favorite quote is, Title IX has been very never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make my career coaching women's basketball. And I need to thank the City of Philadelphia, who I think was forward-thinking back then when I learned to swim at a public pool at 4th and Shunk, because they had girls days where we could go in and learn to swim, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 1:00 to 3:00, and also because Shuey down at the Rec at 4th and Shunk let me play little league long before it was ever tested in the courts, and because of the great CYO programs in South Philadelphia, where I learned to play basketball, playing in the school yard at Sharswood. And, yes, my son now lives in South Philadelphia with his bride. 19148 forever. But it was the City of Philadelphia that enabled me to pursue athletic endeavors long before Title IX was passed. But mostly I want to accept this in honor of the women who went me, the Stella Goldsteins and Helen Goldsteins from the Department of Rec that didn't have the opportunities I had, because they were the ones before that legislation was passed. And it makes me think of my sister, Peggy. Yes, you can look it up, St. Maria Goretti, class of 1959, City Champs -- not City Champs; Catholic League Champs, and she was MVP and, like all of my siblings, did not have the opportunity to go to college like I did because of Title IX, being the youngest of six. So thank you, Title IX. Thank you, Councilman Kenney, for putting forth this resolution, and thank you, Philadelphia, for everything that you've helped me become. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
order of business is communications. Will the Sergeant-of-Arms please deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read the messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 29, 2012, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on November 29, 2012: Bill No. 120301 and 120824; 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2528 North Leithgow Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Models Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1415 North Fourth Street and 1419 North Fourth Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2023 East Susquehanna Avenue; and A resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce to file a proposal for funds with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to provide for the licensing of certain horses, to provide for requirements with respect to keeping certain horses, and to further provide for penalties and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. At this time, we will have the introductions of bills and resolutions. I would like to recognize Councilman Kenney.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Philadelphia restaurants that are designated as Good Employers by the Philadelphia Restaurant Industry Coalition, which includes the employment of ethical workplace practices, such as paying restaurant workers above the legally mandated minimum wage.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Fire Department of Philadelphia to suspend its planned rotation of 293 senior firefighters en masse from all parts of the City, beginning next month. Further deliberation is critical to ensure the success of such a large and abrupt disruption to unit cohesion in fire stations, jeopardizing public safety.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution calling on City Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the planned closure of approximately forty public schools and the impact that said closures will have on students, parents, teachers, principals and members of all School District unions.
That resolution will be placed on today'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-Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one resolution, and I would ask to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to provide for the licensing of certain horses, to provide for requirements with respect to keeping certain horses, and to further provide for penalties and enforcement.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 120774, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes; and amending various other Titles to make conforming changes," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of that resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. It shall be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three resolutions, one privileged, two non-privileged.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold hearings to examine the feasibility and legality of an arrangement which could maximize Philadelphia's economic benefit from the issuance of the available Category 2 Slot Machine Operator license.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have four non-privileged resolutions, one of them co-sponsored by my islanders Councilman Green, Jones, and Blondell Reynolds Brown.
A privileged resolution recognizing Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Carmen Yullin Cruz Soto, and the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico on its stunning Election Day victories.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1415 North Fourth Street and 1419 North Fourth Street.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2528 North Leithgow Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2023 East Susquehanna Avenue.
That will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution, and I'd like to be recognized to speak on its introduction.
I'm calling for public hearings reviewing the practices of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Board of Probation and Parole. I'm concerned about protecting the citizens of Philadelphia. I'm concerned about the Board's supervision of offenders while on parole and probation in Philadelphia. The Board has a legal responsibility to ensure proper supervision and management of offenders who are returning to their communities, with the goal of successful reentry of an offender. However, this objective should never trump the safety of our city. Philadelphia has over 10,000 offenders under the watch of 132 agents of the Board. Police Officer Moses Walker, Jr. was brutally murdered on August 18th, 2012 as he walked to a bus stop after completing his overnight shift at the 22nd Police District. The alleged killer, a man with a violent past involving firearms, was out free on probation, but never should have been on that early morning. The alleged killer should have been wearing an electronic monitoring device, but was never fitted with one. The alleged killer should have been arrested after failing a court-ordered drug test, but remained free on the streets. Ten days after his release, Police Officer Moses Walker, Jr. was killed. The inaction of the Board must be examined, not just in relation to this instance, we should look at all the Board's policies and unwritten rules of practice. I fear the numbers are driving this issue. I fear the quest to keep recidivism numbers low are dictating policy. I fear for the public safety of our city. That is why we should hold public hearings reviewing the effectiveness and the efficacy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and its readiness to protect the safety of the citizens of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read Councilman Green's resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to -- a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings on cross-jurisdictional collaborations to explore opportunities for financial savings and other benefits for Philadelphia and its neighboring municipalities and organizations, as well as the efficacy and potential benefits of forming a regional Accountable Care Organization which has the potential to realize cost savings and improve the delivery of healthcare, among other benefits.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to investigate and hold public hearings reviewing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and its benefits to the criminal justice system, including the provision of adequate supervision of the offender while protecting the citizens of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you. As indicated earlier, that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution and I'd like to be recognized on it.
A non-privileged resolution calling on Congress and the President to end the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy, and balance the federal budget in a way that will create jobs and strengthen our communities.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer a resolution on behalf of Local Progress, a national municipal policy network founded by elected officials from over 30 cities and towns November 18th. Local Progress seeks to enact progressive legislation on the local level in multiple cities. It also seeks to impact federal policy whenever it may have dire local consequences. This resolution, being offered in multiple cities across the country, calls on Congress and the President to end the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy, and to balance the federal budget in a way that will create jobs and strengthen our communities. It asserts that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are central to the vitality of the middle class to keep millions of Americans out of poverty. It also asserts that federal investments in education infrastructure are essential to the nation's future prosperity. It further notes that unwise cuts to federal spend will shift costs onto states and municipalities. This is a national issue that demands our local voice because it has real local consequences. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm pleased to offer one resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jeffrey W. Gordon on the occasion of his retirement from PECO, and his tireless commitment to the art, cultural and civic communities of Philadelphia and beyond.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consider, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in Thirty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce to file a proposal for funds with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Elkins Avenue, north side, Olney Avenue to Wister Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Forty-Ninth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing The Sierra Group Academy for the work they do in reversing the high unemployment rate for people with disabilities in Philadelphia by training approximately 300 job seeking adults with disabilities annually.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the 150th Anniversary of The Union League of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introductions. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole offers two resolutions without recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 120862, entitled "A resolution confirming the re-appointment of Judge Phyllis W. Beck as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2017"; and Resolution No. 120980, entitled "A resolution confirming the appointment of Brian J. McCormick as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2016," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council without recommendation.
Thank you, Committee of the Whole. Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please -I'm sorry. These resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for next week. At this time, I'd like to
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 120800, entitled "An ordinance approving the plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment and charges of the Center City District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the central business district of the City of Philadelphia for 2013 through 2017"; and Bill No. 120875, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 52nd Street, Master Street, Peach Street, and Media Street"; and Bill No. 120878, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Jasper Street and Pike Street"; and Bill No. 120879, entitled "An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Reed Street, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, the former Washington Avenue centerline, and the Delaware River"; and Bill No. 120889, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by defining Registered Community Organizations, the requirements for their establishment, and the notification, in addition to changing the composition of the Civic Design Review Committee"; and Bill No. 120897, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code and Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, Subcode 'A,' by providing for review of applications subject to civic design review and for accelerated review"; and Bill No. 120920, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-905, entitled 'Non-Accessory Signs,' by permitting certain non-accessory outdoor advertising signs within the area bounded by 7th Street, Spring Garden Street, 6th Street, and Willow Street, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the seven bills just read by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120800, 120875, 120878, 120879, 120889, and 120897 and 120920. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, sir. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 120822, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes and Collections,' by changing the interest rate and penalty rate for unpaid taxes; and by making clarifying amendments concerning the suspension or tolling of various statutes of limitations"; and Bill No. 120823, entitled "An 19-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Taxes and Rents - General,' by changing the allocation of delinquent payments"; and Bill No. 120955, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Hotel Room Rental Tax,' by increasing the rate at which the Hospitality Promotion Tax is imposed and providing for terms for the deposit and distribution of the revenues from such additional tax," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the bills just read be -- I'm sorry. Mr. President, excuse me. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Councilman. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120822, 120823, and 120955. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee of Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports ten bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 120904, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Director of Finance - Fringe Benefits"; and Bill No. 120905, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania"; and Bill No. 120906, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Police Department"; and Bill No. 120907, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Fire Department"; and 120908, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Sheriff"; and Bill No. 120909, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Department of Human Services - Philadelphia Prisons"; and Bill No. 120910, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund and the Department of Human Services"; and Bill No. 120911, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the General Fund to the Mayor Office of Housing and Community Development"; and Bill No. 120912, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in 2012 within the General Fund to the Department of Public Property and the Procurement Department"; and Bill No. 120913, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the Water Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the ten bills just read. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120904 through 120913. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports six bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Works, to which was referred Bill No. 120890, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land situate at 4900 Spruce Street"; and Bill No. 120894, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement, with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 111 North 49th Street"; and Bill No. 120895, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail"; and Bill No. 120902, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land located in the vicinity of the Southwest corner of the intersection of 2nd Street and Lippincott Street"; and Bill No. 120919, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land located in the vicinity of the Northeast corner of the intersection of Sepviva Street and East Firth Street"; and Bill No. 120921, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel or parcels generally situate at 1236 and 1238 Crease Street, for further conveyance," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120890, 120894, 120895, 120902, 120919, and 120921. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 120890, 120894, 120895, 120902, 120919, and 120921. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. 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 20 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 120345, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 149 by striking from the City Plan Towanda Street from Willow Grove Avenue to Springfield Avenue"; and Bill No. 120754, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Newsstands,' by revising the requirements for advertising and permitting the placement and permitting the sale of additional products from newsstands"; and Bill No. 120779, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on West Loudon Street, from North 5th Street to North 6th Street"; and Bill No. 120780, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Kinsey Street, between Hedge Street and Paul Street"; and Bill No. 120782, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on North Dewey Street, from Market Street to Arch Street"; and Bill No. 120798, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 275 of a right-of-way for water main purposes at the southwesterly end of Parker Avenue, southwest of Umbria Street"; and Bill NO. 120799, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Code, entitled 'Permit Parking Districts,' by enumerating additional permit parking districts"; and Bill No. 120826, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Lucky 13 Pub to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1820 South 13th Street"; and Bill No. 120891, entitled "An ordinance authorizing The Zoological Society of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain various encroachments to be installed along Girard Avenue, between 34th Street and the eastbound I-76 ramp"; and Bill No. 120892, entitled "An ordinance authorizing William Cooper to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 6009 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 120893, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the University of Pennsylvania, Division of Facilities, to construct, own and maintain various Sciences Drive"; and Bill No. 120896, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Hellerman Street, between Horrocks Street and Bustleton Avenue, both sides of Magee Avenue between Horrocks Street and Bustleton Avenue, Bustleton Avenue between Magee Avenue and Hellerman Street, Horrocks Street between Levick Street and Hellerman Street, Horrocks Street between Hellerman Street and Magee Avenue"; and Bill No. 120898, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 12th Street, both sides, Grange Avenue to Nedro Avenue"; and Bill No. 120899, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Marvine Street, both sides, Chew Avenue to Grange Avenue"; and Bill No. 120900, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking Street, both sides, Chew Avenue to Olney Avenue"; and Bill No. 120903, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 156 by striking from the City Plan Fourth Street from Allegheny Avenue to Lippincott Street"; and Bill No. 120914, entitled "An ordinance authorizing East Falls Development Corporation to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 4168 Ridge Avenue"; and Bill No. 120918, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 11-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Board of Surveyors,' by adding a new section to revise and codify the notice requirements for public hearings held by the Board of Surveyors on changes in the City Plan"; and Bill No. 120953, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Haverford Avenue Business Association to construct, right-of-way encroachments on the 7500 block of Haverford Avenue"; and Bill No.
120954, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations,' by conforming Sections 12-3006 ("Penalty"), 12-3007 ("Notice of Violation"), and 12-3012 ("Limitations") with the applicable enabling legislation," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit the first reading this day of the 20 bills into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 20 bills that were just reported from committee. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee of Licenses and Inspections.
Excuse me. Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 120719, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Towing,' by eliminating the requirement that an illegally parked vehicle be ticketed prior to its towing from a private lot, private property, or driveway; and by requiring that the towing company photograph the violation for which such vehicle is being towed," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120719. (Duly seconded.)
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. 120719. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee of Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 120915, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' to provide an exception to membership in the Retirement System for participants in certain grant-funded programs," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120915. (Duly seconded.)
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. 120915. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that those bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules were deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second 2ND READING and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second and Final Passage.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 120963, 120964, 120965, 120966, 120967, 120982, 120656-A, 120618-A, 120534, 120617, 120430, 120532, 120777, 120778, 120817, 120856, 120870, 120871, 120872, 120873, 120874, 120876, and 120877. All other resolutions and bills are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have public comment. The public comment will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or a resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar for today, we ask you to please sign up, if you haven't done so already. In the middle of the Chambers, you will see a podium. It has a device on it. That device will turn green when it is your time to speak. It will turn yellow when there are 30 seconds remaining on your time. It will turn red when your three minutes have concluded. We ask that you please adhere to those guidelines, because we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to speak. So, Mr. Decker, will you please call the name of the first individual interested in testifying.
There are no speakers that are signed up for public comment today, Mr. President.
This is a first in Council. I somehow believe before we leave here today someone will raise their hand, like that lady over there. Actually, please come forward. (Witness approached podium.)
Hey lady over there. My name is Anne Gemmell from Fight for Philly. I'm sorry, Council President. I don't have resolution numbers for some of the things that were introduced today, resolutions. So I just wanted to thank a couple Councilpeople for the resolutions that they've introduced on hearings. Councilman Goode's resolution on the fiscal cliff I believe was introduced today. I wanted to thank Council for recognizing that the work is not over once we reelect people, that we also have to get their back. And so -pardon me. I forgot my hat. And it's great to pass resolutions and make official statements and that's awesome, but unfortunately we're in such dire times in this country, we're so polarized and Congress is such, frankly, such a mess and our President is really up against the ropes. So I would also like to invite and urge Councilpeople to publicly speak out on December 10th at 12:30 at the Municipal Services Building plaza, Thomas Paine Plaza, where you can physically show and speak and wave to the crowd of all citizens that will be gathered there that day calling on our nationally elected leaders to fight the fight for the people who reelected them. Fight for Philly, for instance, our organization alone knocked on 30,000 doors to reelect President Obama, and those people are ready to lose Medicare and Medicaid, because that's back on the table in Congress. So all of you are awesome and do such great work and have busy schedules, but please consider coming out and joining the crowd of Philadelphians who are going to be fighting for not a grand bargain, not to go over the cliff, but to protect the Philadelphians who rely on those services and social safety nets that are now on the table in the fiscal cliff negotiations. Thank you. (Applause.)
Sorry. There's one other Councilperson I want to thank. The School District is also a mess, like Congress, and so many Philadelphians are working very hard to get to the bottom of like what we should do about it, and I wanted to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for calling another -- introducing another resolution to have more hearings about exactly what we should do and how we should decide to do that. So thank you all very much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. (Applause.)
Is there anyone else interested in testifying? (Witness approached podium.)