COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:30 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. (Good morning.)
It's good to be back. It appears we have established a quorum. I'd ask all Councilmembers to please take their seats and ask the guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Iman Yusef of Masjid Taaha. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Sanchez. I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please rise. (Members and guests rise.) IMAN YUSEF: In the name of Allah, the extremely compassionate and the extremely merciful, all the praise are due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, the most gracious and the most merciful. He's the master of the day of judgment. do we worship and you alone do we seek for help. Show us the straight path, the path of those on whom you favor, not the path of those whom you are angry with or of those who go astray. Amen.
Thank you so much, Iman. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 13, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 13th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that meeting of the 13th of December, Thursday, 2012 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, thank you. On behalf of republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you so much. At this point, I would like to recognize Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have official business outside of Council. I would like to be recorded as having voted yes on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. Thank you, Councilman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome and thank all guests and visitors here today. We hope that your experience today is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back. So thank you so much for being here today. At this time, I would like to recognize Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring the Lodge 5. Would John McNesby and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. We have Councilman Kenney and Councilman Jones joining the Councilwoman.
May I add -- and I don't usually speak before resolutions. I try to include the information therein -- that for approximately 15 years, as you all know, we give annual holiday parties for the homeless, and we're up to -- this year we hosted nearly 6,000 people, and every year the FOP -- they volunteered our first or second year, and every year they help us. They organize our lines, keep things in place, make sure the bike line is honored and all of those things, and and always say they don't want thank you's. Some people have retired who work for the FOP who have done this. And all we do is call Brother McNesby and send him a letter, this is the time and the date, and they organize and they take over. That's a lot of people, and we're grateful for our entire Police Department and all that they do for us. Thank you all. Resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 for their never ending service of families of fallen police officers. Whereas, the Fraternal Order of Police has over 14,500 members of active and retired Police Officers and Sheriffs; and Whereas, the FOP was first chartered in 1939 to serve its members and their families and in time became the bargaining agent for the Philadelphia Police Department and the Sheriff's Office; and
Whereas, since 1828, more than 260 officers have given their lives in the line of duty; Whereas, beginning in 1997, the FOP began the "Survivors Tribute Luncheon" for the surviving family members of police officers killed in the line of duty, bringing all the families together once a year to honor their sacrifice to the citizens of Philadelphia. Bonds are forged at these events and last a lifetime; and Whereas, the FOP Lodge 5 makes sure these families and lost loved ones are never forgotten during the holiday season;
Whereas, the FOP Lodge No. 5 delivers food and other essentials to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty several times a year; Whereas, it is important that all remember those who are killed in the year and those who protect and serve our communities; and Whereas, police officers are among the first responders that will do anything, including laying down their lives for us, to protect us and keep those of us from harm and safe; Whereas, police officers unselfishly put their uniforms on every day never knowing what they may meet; and now therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors, recognizes and commends the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 for their never ending service to the families of fallen police officers. Let me note that this is a certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of November, and it was certainly signed and supported member of Council. Before the President calls on Mr. McNesby, let me also note Broderick Mason, whom we all know, who is on the Mayor's detail, but we know about his and his family's commitment and that he's a family of a fallen officer, and certainly the First Deputy Commissioner Ross, who is here with us and whom I've seen more days than I've not during these last few weeks. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. McNesby for remarks. MR. McNESBY: Thank you. Council President Clarke, I'd like to thank you for having us here today, Councilwoman Blackwell, Kenney, and Jones and the rest of the members of Council. You know, there's times when we disagree, but there's times -- and it's not a matter of if it's going to happen, it's when it's going to happen again, and police officers in the City of Philadelphia. And each time I'm proud to say that I live here in the City of Philadelphia and have an administration, from the Mayor on down to Council, that stands behind the officers in the City of Philadelphia. We have many of our uniform highway patrol here today. I'd like to also recognize the family of unfortunately our last two officers who were killed in the line of duty, the family of Brian Lorenzo, who is here, Mrs. Lorenzo and her two children, and Mrs. Walker, who lost her son, Moses, to a violent tragedy over the summer. I'm proud to accept this on behalf of the 14,500 members of our Philadelphia Police Department, and we look forward to servicing the citizens here in the City of Philadelphia. And, again, I can't thank you enough, not only Council, the community, and the Mayor on down, for the support that the every day. Thank you.
Thank you. (Applause.) MR. McNESBY: I'd like to ask real quick, Broderick Mason. (Standing ovation.)
Good morning to all. First I'd like to say thank you to City Council, City Council President, and all of the other City Council members that are seated. I'm a survivor. My brother was killed in 1981 in the line of duty, but it only seems like yesterday. So each time that this happens, it opens up that wound that will never be closed. So to Mrs. Lorenzo and Mrs. Walker, I want to let you know that we're all in this thing together. We want to thank you, City Council, for what you did. We appreciate it, and we're going to continue to serve you all. (Applause.) DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROSS: Good morning, Council President, Councilwoman Blackwell, and other members of Council. We just want to thank you as well for the proclamation. The Fraternal Order of Police is certainly deserving of this. I can tell you we don't always agree, and that's natural, but John McNesby and his team certainly work tirelessly for its members, and they do a very effective job at doing so. But, most importantly, I want to thank you because, as Broderick kind of mentioned, this proclamation really kind of speaks to the fact that we want to remember our fallen heroes, which is most important, as well as their families, which is even more important. So I thank you all for that, and I can't thank you enough for all that you do for this city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to recognize Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the United Age Group Track Coaches Association and Director Ron Jackson. Would those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. We have Councilman Green, Councilman Kenney also joining Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Bass.
Now, Mrs. Jackson, we're going to wait for you until you come up. Come on, be with your husband. We already know the wind beneath his wings is you. What I will start by saying is, to watch close to a thousand inner city activity without a curse word, or maybe under their breath, but out loud, not a fist fight, not an act of violence is a beautiful sight to behold in these times. Each week during the summer, during indoor, during the cross country season, I watch these individuals give their time, their talent, and I know their treasury to that activity. During the Penn Relays, we get to showcase our stuff, and the only time that I'm not so much in favor of the Jamaicans is on three days of the year. And I admit it openly. I'm a fierce American patron of the track and field art. But the individuals behind me raise athletes to create positive adults and citizens. I've watched them do it. One of them is on the stage right here. She didn't know I was going to point her out, but you know her as Morgan Cephas. I know her as national champion of the 4-by-8. Is that right? (Applause.)
They go on to do remarkable things. So I'm so very proud to present this today. I remember as an assistant to the assistant to the assistant to one of these track coaches, my actual job was to find the money to buy the uniforms. I knew what they were doing, Coach Daryl. I just want you to know I knew that. But I'll never forget coming from New Orleans, and we had a van. You haven't lived until you've driven over a thousand miles with a bunch of kids. By the time you get back to see the Delaware, you are happy. But I'll never forget one that lived in North Philadelphia that had confessed that she had never, until she got involved in track and field, been outside of a ten square block radius in North Philadelphia. You were there when she most remarkable thing -- I think it was my shift of driving the van. I almost had an accident because she related geography having crossed the Mississippi saying how similar the Delaware was, having never left their neighborhood, having experienced things like room service. And we had to check that up a couple of times, didn't we? So what they do on a daily basis, on a yearly basis is nothing short of phenomenal. Not a curse word, not a fight, and often without recognition of the press. We're going to change that. Because if it were a flash mob, everybody would be out there, but because they're flashing through breaking times that are nationally recognized, we don't get any publicity. We're going to change that this summer. So without further adieu, honoring and celebrating the United Age Group Track Club Association and its 35 years of commitment in developing today's athletes into tomorrow's leaders by timelessly working to provide quality, organized Track and Field programs for Philadelphia's youth.
Whereas, the United Age Group Track Coaches Association was founded in 1977. Their mission is to develop young athletes through the sport of track and field. Each year the sponsors -- each year the sponsors hold several Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Meets that are designed to promote its objectives; and
Whereas, athletics help youth develop important values such as teamwork, skill building and physical conditioning. Sports also have strong influences on inclusion and community building, character-building, delinquency and community safety; and
Whereas, for 40 years, Ron Jackson, UAGTCA Director, has dedicated his spirit of volunteerism to coaching youth in the sports of baseball, girls basketball, football and track and field. In addition to working with the development of the athletes, Mr. Jackson provides financial assistance to those parents who are not in the position to bear the costs required to participate in the sport. To ensure that no athlete was left behind, Mr. Jackson has purchased uniforms, spikes, dinners, and travel tickets to be sure that every member of his team is able to compete;
And whereas, Ron Jackson has received numerous awards, including: United States of America Track and Field National Youth Chairman's Award for outstanding contribution to Youth Track and Field and Cross Country and the Mid-Atlantic United States of America Track and Field Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his lifetime excellence in the sport of Track and Field; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the United Age Group Track Coaches Association on their 35 years of commitment to developing today's athlete into tomorrow's leaders by tirelessly working to provide quality, organized track and field programs for Philadelphia youth. (Applause.)
You know what? Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ron Jackson, Director of the United Age Group Track Coaches Association, as evidence of our sincere admiration of this legislative body.
Council President, distinguished members of City Council, on behalf of our founder, George Anderson, our Director, Mr. Ron Jackson, our Executive Committee, our member organizations, we are very pleased and honored to be here this morning. To be recognized by a distinguished body such as the City Council of Philadelphia is indeed an honor. We'd like to give a special thank you to Councilman Curtis Jones, who is a lifetime friend and supporter of our organization. Councilman Jones' daughter ran and participated in our program, and now his grandchildren participate in our program. The UAG was founded in 1976 with the sole purpose of developing the youth of our city through the sport of track and field. We believe that track characteristics that these young people can take into other aspects of their life. Over the years, we've had hundreds of kids come through our program, go to college, graduate, and now are happy, healthy, productive citizens. As was mentioned, Ms. Morgan Cephas behind us, who I had the privilege of coaching during her teen years. The UAG sponsors a series of indoor meets in the winter and outdoor meets in the summertime. We average over a thousand athletes a year, and as Councilman Jones said, in our 36 years of existence, we have never experienced one day of violence, and we are very proud of that aspect. We would like to invite City Council -(Applause.)
Many of the athletes from our programs are from single-parent households with limited program enables them to travel to areas outside the City of Philadelphia, visit various college campuses, and interact with children throughout the country. We invite City Council and everyone present to visit our website at uagtca.org where you can check out our schedule, and if there's any time that you have free time in your busy schedules, we'd like to invite you out to our competitions to check it out. We're sure the athletes would be excited to have you there. In closing, I'd like to say that the UAGTCA is more than willing to work with City Council, Philadelphia School Board, the Department of Recreation in any of our endeavors that are aimed at the development of the children of the City of Philadelphia. Again, we thank you. We're honored to be here today, and have a blessed day.
At this time, the Chair would like to recognize Mr. Jackson for remarks.
Actually, I can't really say a whole lot more than what Daryl has already said. I just remember back in 1977 when we started, one of the prime reasons that we got our organization together is because the gangs in the City had taken control. They were in control. No one was stepping forward to solve the problem. We realized that the reason that no one stepped forward to solve the problem was that no one felt they could have an impact on solving the problem. We came together as a group, realizing that probably our kids had better learn to run fast just to stay alive. We actually only hoped for the most part that our kids would make it to had no idea that we would coach probably over ten Olympians during that period of time, countless collegiates. And one of the things that we're most proud of is that our kids recognize that they can see from the bottom to the top in their chosen sport. They realize that they can run off the playground to Kensington, Germantown, South Philadelphia straight to the finish line in Madrid or London or any of the other Olympic games. It's something they shoot for, something they make and achieve, because it's up to them. They don't have to rely on anyone else other than themselves in order to achieve their goals. I really want to thank you for the resolution today. And one of the things that was said earlier, you have to realize that we were built on one premise, that we would actually carry our own lunch, and we still believe in that philosophy. We don't believe in going beg our way to the top. We rely on ourselves to achieve the goals that we've set forth. But, again, thank you for the resolution, and I know that our members are quite proud of the fact that you've taken this time to honor us. Thank you very much.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution honoring PathWays PA. Would Carol Goertzel and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining the Councilman we have Councilman Goode and Councilwoman Proceed, Councilman.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's always a pleasure to recognize an organization for their good work they do. This is a resolution honoring PathWays PA as the winner of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's Annual Excellence Award as the non-profit of the year. Whereas, this year marks the 30th Annual Excellence Awards celebrated by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, which acknowledges the accomplishments of small businesses and the contributions they make to our regional economy. Nominated by their peers throughout our 11-county region, the awards are presented in 10 categories; and Whereas, nominees of the award must be headquartered in the Chamber's 11-county Greater Philadelphia area and have between one and 100 employees. The and independently operated and also have four full years of revenue and if picked as a finalist must be able to provide percentages of gross revenue growth over the past 3 years. Nominees must also show commitment to social responsibility and exemplify strong community involvement; and
Whereas, the nominees for the non-profit of the year must be a 501(c)(3) and demonstrate outstanding contributions to the community. The nominee must show benefits of service and how they set the organization apart, including the quantitative results of their initiatives; and Whereas, the Chamber created the Small Business Excellence Awards in 1982 which were later renamed the Excellence Awards Honoring the Region's Small Businesses in order to showcase their achievement and impact of small businesses in our region. Each year, 100 employees are recognized for their creativity, vitality, stability and relevance. Equally important in selecting the winners are civic involvement and responsiveness, corporate responsibility, employee recognition and concerns regarding service issues. Over the years, the scope of the Excellence Awards has grown with the help of the Small Business Board. The Small Business Board has created new initiatives and categories, increased involvement in the nomination process, and established criteria for measuring and defining excellence; and Whereas, PathWays PA was founded in 1978 as the Women's Association for Women's Alternatives and has served as one of Pennsylvania's first residential programs to keep low-income, vulnerable women together with their children. PathWays PA has grown to become one of the Greater Philadelphia residential and community-based services for women, children and families. Each year over 64,000 women, children and families benefit from their full complement of social services; public advocacy, job training and employment assistance; as well as outreach and residential programs as they move along the path to self-sufficiency; and
Whereas, PathWays PA provides programs committed to the development of client self-sufficiency which leads to the fulfillment of their mission to help women, teens, children and families achieve economic independence and family well-being; and Whereas, PathWays PA is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation and is a member in good standing of both the Child Welfare League of America and the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services. service to Pennsylvania, they have received numerous awards. These include Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network Award; Delaware Valley County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year; Philadelphia Department of Human Services Children's Crusader Award; and the Child Welfare League of America's Private Agency Advocate of the Year Award, among countless other citations and recognitions from both public and private entities; and Whereas, for their outstanding commitment to sustain the efforts of women and children in their move toward independence and self-sufficiency, PathWays PA was awarded the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's Annual Excellence Award as the non-profit of the year; now therefore
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes and commends PathWays PA as the winner of the Greater Annual Excellence Award as the non-profit of the year. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to PathWays PA as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations, everyone, and thank you for all you do. (Applause.)
Thank you. I'm just going to say a few words because the words can't really speak for our appreciation of the City Council and of the City of Philadelphia. We thank you so much for the opportunity to be before you today. On behalf of all of us at PathWays PA, this citation means more to us than any award or citation that we've received because are really where everything resides to help the City move forward and help all the residents move forward. , and all of the other City Council people who really support what workers and residents in the City need. I would also like to thank the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce for selecting PathWays PA as their 2013 non-profit of the year. The award and today's citation are a perfect start for us of 2013, which is our 35th year of operation, and we have helped well over 75,000 women, children, teens, and families throughout our years of service. Much has changed since we began in 1978 as the Women's Association for Women's Alternatives, and when we changed PA, we realized that we were not an association and the alternative was an alternative to poverty, and that really is our mission. So we took on the name of PathWays PA, because what our mission is is to create a path forward for women, children, teens, and families to move forward economically and move forward without violence and to move forward in terms of family well-being for every member of their family, whomever that might be. We started with the residential center, as mentioned, in Delaware County, which serves many Philadelphia families as they struggle and succeed in staying together so everybody can feel loved, wanted, and move forward educationally. The range of issues that we cover are adult literacy. We are working with the library in the Northwest, as well as in the Center City and West Philly offices. We do financial literacy, really helping people move forward, deal with their credit issues and know, because we know what you need in order to move forward. We developed the self-sufficiency standard for Pennsylvania and specifically for Philadelphia because we know that people don't have enough money because they don't have enough money. And we work on the policy issues that help families stay stable, healthy, and move forward. While we've seen many changes, our mission stays the same. And families come to us to build paths out of poverty and to build paths toward success. They come as teen moms who are trying to do it differently for their children than their families were able to do for them. We work with people who lived with abuse and neglect and have more inner strength than any of us might have, and we look for that strength and we promote it. We help people develop the jobs. We're a facilitator for themselves that will help them support their families, learn how to they do have, learn how to earn more money, and learn how to get a job that will help them sustain their families. " Our wonderful staff, our Board members here with us today, and our clients across the region and those with whom we work in Philadelphia are really the people that allow us to be here, and we're so honored to be honored both by the Chamber of Commerce and mostly by City Council. Everything we do is cost free, and we reach out during these difficult times as far as we can. And one of the things we're doing -- we always try to do new things to fill in the gaps that we see -- is for our free tax service, which will be at Suburban Station for the first time, and our opening is tomorrow at 2:30 1 and 2, because we're always trying to reach more people who might not know of services that can help their families.
And in closing, I just want to say thank you so much to City Council and thank you to all of the members that support our work and the work of the non-profits in the City that work with families in need. Thank you.
Thank you. At this time, I would like to recognize Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring the Oak Lane Youth Association. Would Dawn Gardner and those accompanying her please the podium. Councilwoman, before you start, I would ask our guests and visitors to please keep your voices down. Thank you. Councilwoman.
It gives me pleasure this morning to present this citation to an outstanding athletic group in the West Oak Lane section. We have a number of organizations in our community working with young people and this is just one of the many that I work with and who work in the community, and I am appreciative of the leadership of these organizations, because they keep our young people busy, keep them out of trouble. And I just want to pay a little shout-out to LeVan White and our L&I Commissioner, Carlton Williams, who are sort of like the moving force up there in West Oak Lane with the Oak Lane Youth Association. So I'm here this morning to provide recognition and honor to the Oak their outstanding achievements in the 2012 Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships. , which is a non-profit corporation (founded in 1929) that provides youth football and cheer programs for approximately 400,000 young people ranging in ages from 5 to 16 years old in 42 states and several countries around the world. Now, therefore be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor the Oak Lane Youth Association for their outstanding 2012 Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships. Resolved, that we congratulate the entire Oak Lane Youth Association on these impressive accomplishments, for serving as outstanding ambassadors for the City of Philadelphia and being a resource of pride for all of its citizens. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Oak Lane Youth Association as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Thank you, all my colleagues, for recognizing this outstanding group of young people. Thank you. )
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Gardner for remarks.
On behalf of the Oak Lane Youth Association, the cheerleading program, we thank you for this great honor and we thank you for all your support from the Philadelphia City Council and from all the members of Philadelphia who supported us in the West Oak Lane area, whether it be a bucket drive at church providing for these children to make their way to Disney World. We had about over 60 girls go to Disney World and compete in this competition. And not only do they compete on the floor physically, but they're also scholars. All our girls perform well in school. And I just thank you for this great opportunity. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. our next order of business, I would ask all guests and visitors and members to please stand and we would like to remember former Councilwoman Happy Fernandez with a moment of silence. She was a loyal and dedicated servant, and we would really like to honor her by this moment of silence. (Brief moment of silence.)
Thank you so much. The next order of business -the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Very quickly, Mr. President. First of all, Happy New Year, but I have two -- one announcement. Two of my staff have moved on. One, Shoshana Bricklin, who served here for five years with me, but many years with you and others in this Chamber, has gone on and she has decided to try her hand in politics and run for judge. We will miss her. As many of you know, she is irreplaceable, and we'll just leave it at that, and we wish her success in her new endeavor. The second one is Michelle Wilson, who has gone on from my communications department to serve with JP Wilson, the State Representative who is from the 5th Councilmanic District originally and so is Ms. Wilson. So we want to wish them well.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that 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, pursuant to Sections 4-604 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill No. 121033, 121035, and 121041; and I am pleased to advise you that on December 18, 2012 and January 8, 2013, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 6, 2012 and that on December 21, 2012, January 8, January 14, and January 23, 2013, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 13, 2012, except Bill Nos. 120889 and 120920, which I am returning disapproved. And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Inspector General, to provide for the powers and duties of, and annual appropriations to, such Office, to officials and employees in connection with the work of the Inspector General, and to otherwise provide for incorporation of the Inspector General into the City government; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Inspector General; 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 the Philadelphia County Border, the Delaware Expressway, 86th Street, Bartram Avenue, 84th Street, Mario Lanza Boulevard, Island Avenue, Penrose Avenue, Delaware Expressway, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River; and An ordinance authorizing Ruby D doing business as Lemon Hill Food and Drink to construct own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 747 North 25th Street; and An ordinance authorizing Farmtable to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 824 South 8th Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you so much. At this time, we'd like to have introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills, three non-privileged resolutions, one I'm going to seek a suspension of the rules because it was tardy in my circulation. I apologize.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Inspector General.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to require that term renewals and extensions of City contracts that result in the contract term exceeding one year shall require Council approval.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to require that term renewals and extensions of City contracts that result in the contract term exceeding one year shall require Council approval.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of Inspector General.
That resolution will also be referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Rules to hold public hearings to examine the City's intent to contract with Corizon Health, Inc. to provide healthcare services to inmates in the Philadelphia Prison System.
Thank you. That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Councilman, that's the resolution you would like to have the suspension of the rules?
I'd like to -- if it's appropriate, I'll move the rules be suspended to allow for consideration at the end of today's Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution calling on the City Council of Philadelphia Committee on Education and all of City Council to recognize and support President Barack Obama's plan, Now is the Time, which aims to ensure the safety of our children and our communities by reducing gun violence.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution calling on the City Council of Philadelphia to support, advocate, and recommend a moratorium (suspension of action) -(Applause.)
Thank you. (Audience members yelling "one year.")
Councilwoman, do you want that to be on today's Final Passage Calendar?
Mr. President, I move for consideration at the end of today's Calendar for both resolutions introduced today. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill on your behalf and also -
Can I ask you to please keep your voices down, please.
Thank you, Mr. President. And also together with you and a number of other Councilpeople, on behalf of 210,000 workers in the City of Philadelphia, I introduce the earned paid sick leave bill. (Applause.)
An ordinance authorizing Ruby D doing business as Lemon Hill Food and Drink to construct own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 747 North 25th Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid leave. (Applause.)
That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Montrose Street, north side, 23rd Street to 22nd Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, both sides, 18th Street to 19th Street.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 the Philadelphia County Border, the Delaware Expressway, 86th Street, Bartram Avenue, 84th Street, Mario Lanza Boulevard, Island Avenue, Penrose Avenue, Delaware Expressway, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
An ordinance naming and designating the Department of Parks and Recreation owned playground on the 2300 block of North 5th Street as the "Rainbow De Colores Playground."
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," as it relates to nonprofit activity.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by amending Section 17-109, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," to expand the criteria for obtaining certification as a "Local Business Entity."
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by requiring that contracts with proposed recipients of City Payroll Deposits, as well as any renewals of such contracts, include an annual statement of community reinvestment goals in addition to existing requirements.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by revising the number of businesses that may obtain a credit against business income and receipts taxes upon contributing to certain community development organizations or nonprofit intermediaries engaged in neighborhood economic development activities within the City.
Thank you. That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions this morning.
A privileged resolution recognizing January as "National Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be held on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Rules to hold hearings on the issue of charitable exemptions from property taxes, and use of land subject to such charitable exemptions for commercial purposes.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Three bills; one privileged resolution co-sponsored by myself, Councilwoman Bass, and Councilman Greenlee; and seven non-privileged resolutions on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Chapter 22-1000 of The Philadelphia Code concerning investments in the Philadelphia Retirement System to prohibit investments in companies that manufacture or distribute firearms or ammunition.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "F" ("The Philadelphia Fire Code"), by modifying a subsection providing for the types of premises identification required on new and existing buildings.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance renaming and designating Conshohocken Windemere Park, located at 3910 Conshohocken Avenue, as Woodside Park.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution calling for the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on the status of the City's Surveillance Camera Program.
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Fredi Eckhardt to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
And a resolution approving the appointment of George Ginder to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
That resolution will also be referred to committee.
And a resolution approving the appointment of Tony Jenkins to the Veterans' Advisory Commission; and A resolution approving the appointment of Joseph Melendez to the Veterans' Advisory Commission; and A resolution approving the appointment of R. Edward Speller to the Veterans' Advisory Commission; and A resolution approving the appointment of Delano Stones to the Veterans' Advisory Commission; and A resolution approving the appointment of Ernest Landers to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
Those resolutions just read will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla -- sorry; O'Neill. Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution signed by all Councilmembers.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the 2012 Fox Rok Ravens for winning the American Youth Football National Division I Cadet Championship.
That resolution be will placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have seven bills and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 10-722 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Dumpsters," by revising certain requirements for dumpsters and making technical changes; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sartain Street, east side, Shunk Street to Porter Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, south side, Juniper Street to Broad Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, both sides, Bainbridge Street to South Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Moore Street, north side, 11th Street to 12th Street; and An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 12th Street, both sides, McKean Street to Snyder Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Farmtable to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 824 South 8th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Those seven bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair -
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to examine the current specifications for street lighting products and the Street Department's adherence to the current specifications.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring and recognizing February 2013 as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month."
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Rock Ministries on their tenth anniversary of providing a unique combination of sports and faith based programs for at-risk youth in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Special Forces Association for its outstanding work and advocacy on behalf of the U.S. Army Special Forces community and for providing a network of brotherhood for those soldiers who served our nation in the U.S. Army Special Forces.
Thank you. That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair now recognizes report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 121039, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Taxes,' by further revising the 'Special Tax Credit Opportunity for Job Creation,' under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 121039.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 121039. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now, under a special of business, consider a motion that recognizes the vote by which Bill No. 120889 was passed. The bill was passed by Council at its December 13th meeting, 2012, session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor at today's Council session. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the bill.
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 parameters and expectations of notification.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you very much. I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 120889 which was approved by City Council on December 13th, 2012. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded. Let it be known that all those saying aye are in favor; all those opposed that say nay are to the motion being carried. Bill No. 120889 will be reconsidered at the end of today's Calendar session. All those in favor? (Aye.)
One no, and that is Councilman Green. The record will reflect that Councilman Green is a nay. The next order of business is to consider -- the consideration of today's Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had its first reading. This bill 2ND READING will be placed on the Second Reading Calendar and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee for the purposes of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Oh, she's back? Strike that. We now recognize Councilwoman Brown for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. Majority Leader. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today are: 121044, 120970, 120971, 120972, 120973, 120974, 120975, 120976, 120977, 120978, 120656-AA, 120918, and 120917. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Madam. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-of-Arms at the table to my left. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have three minutes to speak. In order to be fair, all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the three-minute limit. You may begin speaking. You will see a green light on the podium. When three minutes are up, you will see -- at the 30-second mark, the remaining time left, the light will turn yellow, which is a reminder to conclude your remarks. Once the three minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-of-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker, if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to the rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Please come to the microphone and give your comments. (Witness approached podium.)