Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 20, 2019 11:13 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
Good morning. We're going to get started. If the members will take their seats and if any visitors will retire behind the rail, we can get started. Prior to us starting, I'd ask that if there's anyone that has a cell phone or any other electronic device that makes noise, I'd ask that you please turn it on silent or turn it off. Appreciate your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Bishop Garvin Floyd of Fellowship of Love Church of God. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let every heart pray. Father God, we come to you, creator and sustainer of life, ask you to Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 here, oh God. God, you know what we stand in need of before we began to enter into this place, God. God, we ask you to be with us, be with Philadelphia, oh God, with the gun violence and all the things that are taking place in our city, oh God. Help us to come together. Father, you said in your word in Proverbs 3:5 and 6 for us to lean not unto thine own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge you, oh God. We come acknowledging you, Lord, over everything - Lord, over our kids; Lord, over our streets; Lord, over this meeting, God. God, have your way in this place, oh God. Keep us, guide us, and lead us that we will do things according to your will and not our will, oh God. Father, we realize, oh God, if it wasn't for you, where would we be, oh God. I ask you right know in the Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Jesus Christ, the father, that you prick hearts and minds, dear father, and remind them, oh God, that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. We keep doing what we've been doing, we'll keep getting what we've been getting. Help us, oh God, to do something different. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again. Folks, can I ask you to hold your voices down, please. Thank you. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13, 2019, and Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13th, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 13, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that Journal is approved. Our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone that has taken time out of their busy day to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you for being here. At this time, the Chair Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Domb, who will present a resolution honoring Dave Davies. Would Mr. Davies and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Domb, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Green, Councilman Oh, Councilman Henon, and Councilman Jones.
All members of Council have supported this resolution and you're all invited to come up, if you'd like. So today, Dave, on behalf of all members of City Council, we welcome you today. We also welcome your wife, Myrna, and your sister, Donna. And today I asked some of your colleagues in the media their opinion of you, and from Pat Loeb, she said fair, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 caring, and a mensch, and that's after 35 years, I understand, of a longstanding great relationship. Pretty amazing. And from Jake -- I'm calling you out, Jake. He said he's accurate. Really good. And from Hal, who is -- is Hal over here? Hal said to me -- I didn't know this -- you're a scratch golfer and a shortstop. Pretty amazing. And from all my members of Council who I spoke to about Dave Davies, the common comment from everyone was fair, honest, and accurate. I don't think you can get better than that. So today we're honoring and congratulating Dave Davies on his retirement from WHYY's news desk and recognizing his excellence in journalism.
And whereas, after 37 years reporting on Philadelphia politics using facts versus sensationalism, currently with WHYY, Dave Davies is stepping away from his work at the news desk as a senior reporter; Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
Whereas, Mr. Davies, throughout his tenure in Philadelphia political reporting, is known for his tenacious investigations and fair reporting;
Whereas, prior to his career at WHYY, Mr. Davies worked as a City Hall reporter for the Daily News for 19 years;
Whereas, Mr. Davies also reported on City Hall with KYW News Radio;
And whereas, Dave Davies epitomized what I call a possibility thinker. Before he was a journalist, Mr. Davies was also a welder, a cab driver, a teacher as a young man finding his path in the City;
Whereas, Mr. Davies has covered many historic moments of Philadelphia politics; and
Whereas, Mr. Davies has an unassailable reputation for fairness and excellence in journalism Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 side of the aisle;
Whereas, Mr. Davies upholds and teaches the fundamentals of journalism in modern times by encouraging the most important fact of all, all reporters to check their facts and give voice to every side of an issue;
Whereas, Mr. Davies will continue his presence on WHYY's award-winning program, Fresh Air with Terry Gross;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia that Dave Davies is honored and congratulated on his retirement from the news desk and for his excellent reporting on Philadelphia politics over the last nearly four decades. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Davies for remarks.
Thank you, Council President. This is a little overwhelming. I want to thank Councilman Domb for the honor of this resolution and thank all of you who did not object when the voice vote was held. Appreciate that. I know from many years sitting at that press table that nobody wants a long speech on the last day before recess, so I will be brief. I want to say a couple of things, though, about this body and you members. One is that I really appreciate what you do; that is to say, the challenges that you face. The City has a lot of needs, and resources are always thin and the politics are tough and the policy questions are tough, and I appreciate the way that you grapple with them day in and day out, and I encourage you as you do that to think broadly, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 what this piece of legislation does today, but how it fits in with the City's tax structure and the regulatory structure and the real abilities of government, and use all of that when you're thinking about where we're going. I also want to say that although people love to make fun of Philadelphia politicians, and we've had our moments for sure, people don't appreciate the procedures by which this body considers legislation are far more deliberative and transparent than you will find in legislative bodies elsewhere. In Washington, senators can anonymously put a hold on legislation. Anonymously. In Harrisburg, they can run through a piece of far-reaching consequential legislation in hours in the middle of the night. You remember what happened when the leadership of the Parking Authority changed hands back in, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 that, 2003? It happens. That doesn't happen here, right? You introduce a bill. There is a hearing. It is advertised. When it is enacted, it must be read in final form at least twice a week in succession, typically three times. And I think it's a little messy and it takes a little longer, but I have seen over years and years of covering this body that it results in better legislation, and I think people should know that. I also just want to say that I think it's a good thing that unlike some national figures, you don't mock those who cover you as purveyors of fake news or enemies of the people. You know that by and large the people who cover you believe in the City, work hard, and want to get it right. And so I think it will take your best efforts and their best efforts to ensure that democracy continues in the City and that local government is responsive. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 wish you good judgment, good staff, good partners in Harrisburg -- fingers crossed on that, right -- and a good national economy, because it makes things so much better here. I've lived here for 44 years. I mean, since Frank Rizzo was Mayor and Joan Krajewski occupied Councilman Henon's seat. So I've been around a while, and I'm still here, and what you do will be of interest and consequence to me, and so I will continue to follow it and I wish you all good luck, and thank you again for this honor. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you and, again, congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger, who Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 to Jim Donnelly to thank him for his military service. Would Mr. Donnelly and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Taubenberger, we have Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, Councilman Domb, Councilman O'Neill.
Council President, thank you for recognizing me. This also is a special honor, because it's part of the Philadelphia story. As a child of immigrants coming from a place where there was really at that time no freedom, no one could speak up, no one would dare demonstrate, it means a lot to me to honor any serviceman, because this freedom isn't free. The Taubenberger family knows that firsthand. Coming from Germany in the Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 1930s, there was nothing said about freedom. No one spoke up. No one could speak up in fear of your lives. Honoring and recognizing Jim Donnelly for his service in the United States Navy.
The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize Jim Donnelly for his loyal and dedicated service to our country.
And whereas, Jim Donnelly has served our country by enabling the United States military to perform its functions overseas and at home by providing a wide range of services for the communities where he has been stationed; and
Whereas, each serviceperson knows that they risk their lives in battle, and in every war there are acts of extraordinary courage where an individual goes beyond what is expected to avert conflict, save lives, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 mission. The acts of those individuals through feats of courage, nobility of purpose, or life-risking situations make them true heroes, and we proudly call Jim Donnelly a hero;
On a point of personal privilege, Mr. Donnelly was in Vietnam not once but twice. That's something that's very important to know. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize Jim Donnelly for his loyal and dedicated service to our country. With appreciation, we extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Mr. Donnelly, congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Mr. Donnelly for remarks. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
Thank you so much, everybody. I first would like to thank President Clarke and Mr. Taubenberger for nominating me and the rest of the City Councilpeople for letting me stand before you. I did my service. I loved every minute of it, believe it or not. I went back for more. Seventy years old, still standing here, and I think I'm going to stay a little longer. So thank you so much for allowing me to be here. Appreciate it. (Applause.)
And also Mrs. Donnelly. There's always somebody behind the commander-in-chief, and in this case Mr. Donnelly is a very lucky man, Mrs. Donnelly. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 (Council at ease.)
Thank you and, again, congratulations, and thank you for your service. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 18, 2019, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2019: Bill Nos. 190152, 190153, 190154, 190155, 190317; and that on June 19, 2019, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2019: Bill Nos. 190413, 190438, 190568, and 190469. And I am hereby returning Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 No. 190255-A, which was passed by Council at its session on June 6, 2019. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled "Use Regulations," by amending standards for accessory dwelling units and making related changes; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-800, entitled "Parking and Loading," by amending parking standards for historically designated properties; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled "Use Regulations," by amending use Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 standards for historically designated properties and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, good morning, Mr. President. I offer one bill this morning.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Energy Conservation," to add a new Section Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 9-3403, entitled "Building Energy Performance Policy," to require owners of certain large buildings to conduct tune-ups of the energy and water systems in such buildings.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have no bills or resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today on your behalf I offer two bills.
A privileged resolution Commending and Honoring Taryn JiHae Flaherty for her steadfast Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 commitment to bringing Philadelphia's history of student activism and protest politics into the national spotlight, and for winning first place in Pennsylvania and second place nationwide in the 2019 National History Day competition.
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.
And that will be on next session's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills, one co-introduced with Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-200, entitled "Definitions" and Chapter 14-600, entitled "Use Regulations," by creating the use category "Smoking Lounge" and related changes.
And an ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Property," to provide for the availability of a person trained in the use of defibrillators at all times during the use by permit or license of a City facility.
Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, today I offer three bills on your behalf and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section to make police interactions with gun owners safer by including duties and penalties for individuals stopped by law enforcement officers who are licensed or exempted to carry a concealed firearm and are in possession of a firearm.
And an ordinance amending various sections of Title 9, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Trades and Professions," and Title 10, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," of The Philadelphia Code relating to duties of individuals and their weapons, firearms, ammunition, and other related items that involve weapons and firearms by making these sections effective immediately.
And an ordinance amending Section 10-836a of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Temporary Removal of Firearms of Persons Posing a Risk of Imminent Personal Injury to Self or Others," to add provisions for any two concerned citizens to make application to the courts for the temporary removal of firearms from persons at risk for suicide or posing a risk of substantial harm to others.
And a privileged Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 resolution recognizing and honoring the Late Jeff Duperon, a beloved ambassador of Jazz music in Philadelphia.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
A non-privileged resolution calling on the Director of Planning and Development to commission an annual disparity study of land dispositions by the City and its related agencies.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill on your behalf sponsored by Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Parker, Councilman Jannie Blackwell, and myself; one bill; and one resolution sponsored by all members of City Council.
An ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Code, entitled "Public Property," by amending Chapter 16-400 entitled "Vacant and Surplus Properties," Chapter 16-500, entitled "Councilmanic District Development Program," and Chapter 16-700, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," in order to establish uniform procedures for the disposition of property by the City and City-related agencies to whom the City conveys property.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," amending Chapter 9-4100, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," and adding a new Chapter, entitled "Protections for Domestic Workers," all to provide protections for domestic workers and to establish remedial and enforcement provisions. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
And a privileged resolution recognizing the contributions of nannies, house cleaners, care workers and other domestic workers whose work holds up Philadelphia's communities and households by declaring June 16, 2019 as International Domestic Workers Day in the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution for today.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings regarding the Plain View Project database on objectionable social media posts of law enforcement officers. (Applause.)
And that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. One second, Councilwoman. Councilman Johnson, did you want to be recognized?
Yeah. Thank you, Council President. I just want to acknowledge our Philadelphia International Airport internship program. We have young people who will be observing our body and our work today. I just want to ask for all of them to stand and just give them acknowledgement for their hard work and their dedication this Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 summer. (Applause.)
Thank you for being here. You picked a great day to be here. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 very much, Council President. I have one bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter 21-3100, entitled "Reporting of Settlements of Civil Actions," to establish a system of quarterly reporting and evaluation of means to reduce future liability.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Friends, Peace, and Sanctuary project for its work in providing Philadelphia-based Iraqi and Syrian residents a space to explore and share their experiences of migration, resilience, and refuge through the arts.
And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have three privileged resolutions, and after reading of the titles, I would like a word. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing July 23rd, 2019 as World Castleman Disease Day and recognizing the continued efforts of Dr. David Fajgenbaum and the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network in searching for a cure for Castleman's Disease.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Kyle Lowry, a North Philadelphia native, on the event of his winning of the NBA Championship, and for his continued positive presentation of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing Captain Maximilian Clark, a Philadelphia Native, for his continued service in the United States Navy for over 20 years, and his appointment as the Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. The resolution honoring Captain Maximilian Clark gives me special pride, because I knew him as a young boy growing up in Burholme. He's a fantastic young fella. He works hard, but he's also very, very much part of the Philadelphia story. It should really be noted how important that command is. The United Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 States Navy has only 11 United States aircraft carriers, one of which is the USS Nimitz. But it's also a story of diversity, inclusion, and immigrants. I am very, very proud to say that Ms. Heidi Clark is born in Germany in the city of Ralfing by Munsingen (ph). Her husband, Harry Clark, is a veteran of the United States Army serving in Vietnam. Maximilian Clark is a graduate of Northeast High. Philadelphia should be very, very proud that Maximilian Clark continues this very important commitment to the Navy, something the City has had from the very beginning when the Navy was born. And one other note, there are two very important German Americans who made the victory in World War II essential, Eisenhower and Nimitz. And having a son of a German immigrant take command of the USS Nimitz, himself being a son of Germany, is something very, very special indeed. And I would like Mr. and Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Mrs. Clark to stand up and be recognized by this body. (Applause.)
And I thank all my colleagues for co-sponsoring this resolution. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. And thank you so much for your service. Genuinely appreciate it. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance establishing no parking and tow-away regulations on the East side of Academy Road from Grant Avenue to Glenn Street.
Referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Councilman -- Councilwoman Bass. Councilwoman, can you introduce it for the Councilman?
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass on behalf of Councilman Squilla.
On behalf of Councilman Squilla, I want to introduce six bills and two privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter 9-4500, entitled "Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags and Checkout Bag Charge," to permit the use of only certain bags by retail establishments at the point of sale or for a delivery; and An ordinance amending Title 14 Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-800, entitled "Parking and Loading," by amending parking standards for historically designated properties; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled "Use Regulations," by amending standards for accessory dwelling units and making related changes; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning" to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled "Use Regulations," by amending use standards for historically designated properties and making related changes; and An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district to be known as the Fishtown Area Business Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Improvement District, in an area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue; and An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district to be known as the South Philly Market District, in an area that generally includes all taxable commercial properties (properties used for any for-profit activity involving trade or commerce in general, including vacant commercial and industrial zoned parcels and residential properties comprised of at least one unit rented to tenants for profit) along both sides of South 9th Street from the south side of Fitzwater Street to the north side of Federal Street.
And those six bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district to be known as the South Philly Market District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be on today's Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Final Passage Calendar. The Chair -- Councilwoman, you don't have any -
No bills or resolutions this week, Mr. President. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution and I also offer one bill.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding three new definitions to Section 19-1501 and adding a new Section 19-1507, entitled "Student Debt Tax Credit." Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
Thank you. That bill shall be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution amending Resolution No. 190096-A, designating the office within City Council that currently serves the needs of veterans and their families as the Office of Veterans Affairs; confirming the continued responsibility of the Veterans Advisory Commission to provide assistance to that Office; and amending and restating Resolution No. 060059 (as amended by Resolution No. 070094) to further provide for the powers and duties of the Veterans Advisory Commission and the method of appointing its commissioners.
That will be on next session's Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from committee. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 190406, 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 Aspen Street, 26th Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190406. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190406. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 190507, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with RedGap Limited Partnership, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 4000 North American Street"; and Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 190508, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with E.O.M. Athletic Association, Incorporated, for use by EOM of all or a portion of the premises located at 144 Moore Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this day Bill Nos. 190507 and 190508. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 6/20/19 - STATED - 1ST READING Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 190507 and 190508. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee. And our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our next session of Council's Final Passage. Mr. Decker, please read any other bills on our First Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 6/20/19 - STATED - 1ST READING
Bill No. 190233, entitled "An ordinance continuing the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District beyond its termination date, in an area that generally includes both sides of East Passyunk Avenue from the south side of Federal Street to the east side of South Broad Street, certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of East Passyunk Avenue, both sides of South Broad Street from the north side of McKean Street to the north side of Snyder Avenue, and the west side of South Broad Street from the south side of Mifflin Street to the north side of McKean Street for which East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, Incorporated, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, is the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District."
The Chair agrees. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and our Final Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 6/20/19 - STATED - 1ST READING Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Before we move on to our next, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd just like to take a moment to recognize two young women who will be with my office through August, Ms. Justice Taggart and Arian Taggart. And we also have a special volunteer with us today named Miriam Stewart. Miriam is heading to 9th grade at Penn Charter, and Justice is a rising senior at Central High School, and Arian is a rising junior at Bodine. They both come to our office through the Philadelphia Youth Network, an organization that helps our young people prepare for the workforce. PYN prepares year-round -- provides year-round work-ready employment programming and educational initiatives for in-school and out-of-school children and young adults age 12 to 24. PYN is an Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 community partner, and I'm proud to have two of their smart, hard-working students in my office this summer. Thank you, Mr. President.
Congratulations. Thank you for being here. We appreciate it. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190099-A, 190457-A, 190458-A, 190462-A, 190444-A, 190181, 190232, 190250, 190254, 190256, 190305, 190306, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 190311, 190312, 190313, 190356, 190359, 190360, 190361, 190362, 190380, 190470, 190408, 190409, 190415, 190435, 190437, 190443, 190447, 190448, 190229, 190358, 190383, 190384, 190385, 190412, 190431, 190432, 190433, 190439, 190440, 190441, 190442, 181006, 190455, 190461, and 190378. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Councilman Henon. Before considering these bills and resolutions that are on the Final Passage Calendar today -- a little housekeeping. It's been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Henon. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190566, 190567, 190568, 190569, 190571, 190572, 190573, 190574, 190575, 190576, 190577, 190579, 190580, 190584, 190467-A, 190253. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Okay. Thank you. Before considering these resolutions and bills, Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 we will consider public comment as follows: Today we're going to try to accommodate everybody possible. We have a significant number of individuals who want to testify today. I just want for the record, I know there's a number of people that I believe would like to speak about the issue relating to police postings and you've indicated on the list, using the newest tradition, where you put down something else such as school suspension to get to what you really want to speak on. So because there has been a resolution that is introduced that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, you can speak about the issue as it relates to police posting. So we don't have to segue into what you really want to talk about. All right? Now, I know you all like that part. Now, look, I understand. I know what goes on. It's all good, though. The other issue is, though, we Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 have a lot of people that want to speak, and under the rules, it allows us to cut off same subject matter. I don't want to do that. I want to make sure that everybody that's come down has an opportunity to speak. So I'm going to have to limit your time to two minutes. And best possible, if you can just alter your conversation as best as possible to reflect a two-minute time limit. Because I know a lot of people came down and there's some very important things on the agenda today. So I want to make sure everything has a chance. Okay? So when your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Chambers. For those of you that have not been here before, that podium in the middle has a device on it. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, so we please ask you to kind of start wrapping it up. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 When the light turns red, we would ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Again, we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to speak, so we please ask you to adhere to the guidelines. Thank you very much for your consideration. And, Mr. Decker, if you could call the first name on the list.
My name is Imam Isa Mateen. Regarding the bill about suspending students, suspending the school students, we don't need our children suspended walking the streets where they will be committing crimes or Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 just getting into problems, being picked up by police, and we know there's a problem with the police. We don't need that. The police are not concerned with our youth. They have no confidence in the police. The police -- with this 300 police making these statements, no one believe there's only 300 police. In fact, the entire Fraternal Order of Police, in the view of us, is a criminal organization that should be prosecuted under the RICO Act. (Applause.)
They are in line with a global white supremacist terrorist network that is responsible -- that is in line with the people responsible for bombing churches, shooting up mosques in New Zealand. This network exists in our Police Department, and we don't want to turn our youth over to this terrorist network. We want the police to be -- it Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 really should be disbanded and replaced, because all the FOP does is protect criminal cops, racist cops, white supremacist cops. (Applause.)
So we are not in favor of turning our youth over to be arrested, beaten, and assaulted by the police. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I just want to start off, we're opposed to Bill 190356. The reason why we're opposed to this, because the fact that this is a market-rate development that will be moved in. And the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission staff said they do not support this project. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 When have you ever known the Planning Commission staff not to support a new development? They said it would lead to displacement and housing price increases. I'm calling on some of our Councilpeople to give us a postponement. The black community was shut out of all meetings. If this was such a wonderful project, why didn't our Councilman tell us this during reelection? Why didn't he say, hey, we gonna have a development with $750 apartments? No, because $750 is a studio apartment. They forgot to tell you that. $1,200 is one-bedroom all the way up to 1,800. Do you care the fact that these complexes will speed up gentrification in poor areas? Do you care if the fact that the rents will increase in the black areas going all the way back? Do you care that the fact that the developers will try to target Wilson Park, PHA, and all of the black areas? Do you care that newcomers will come and dictate and Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 control the area with RCOs, excluding black and low-income people from policing -- with over-policing and racial profiling? They will make the poor people feel like they're unwanted down there. I appreciate everybody here for police brutality, but this is housing brutality when a child is uprooted from their neighborhood, from their school, from their friends, and they're placed in a shelter. Do you know what the mental anguish is on that, to understand that you are no longer -- that you're in a shelter? That is mental anguish, and that is housing brutality. We must address this. We are asking you to give us a postponement. Let us speak with this developer. (Applause.)
When you give him an overlay, when you give him an overlay, he never comes back. He doesn't have to accept the community engagement. He Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 doesn't have to go through the community process, and it gets rid of the ZBA process. Give us a postponement and let us speak with the developer so we can minimize gentrification --
Laverne Johnson, commenting on 190356. Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 (Witness approached podium.)
I would like to speak on the Bill 190357. Laverne Johnson. That's who I am. And to our Councilman, we feel very appalled that we were not invited to any of the meetings about that project in South Philadelphia. We are extremely appalled, because the Italian neighborhood was invited to a meeting. We didn't find out about the meeting until it's now two weeks ago Thursday, and we really are very upset about that. We need to meet with the developer. We need to meet with the developer. I think again and again and again, this is just outrageous to our community, and we just don't -- we're not going to stand for it. We are not going to stand for it. We are totally upset Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 about that. And I believe it's plantation politics. That's what it is, plantation politics. (Applause.)
Business as usual. And another thing I would like to say, I appreciate everybody being honored. Everybody needs to be honored, but I believe that City Council need to take all that somewhere else. This is City time and it's City business, and business as usual gotta go. It gotta go. Even the man of God said it this morning, business as usual must go. It has to go. And God knows everybody needs to be honored, but I believe you need to take it at another place at another time and let us deal with business, City business. I am appalled at City Council at the very moment. I really am. My soul is upset with City Council right now. Business as usual gotta go. It's too serious out here. The police are Stated Meeting June 20, 2019 hurting -- my 13- and 14-year-old boys, they don't know nothing about crime. They really don't. Innocent children. And they got stopped on Memorial Day for, what is it, what do you call it, what do you call it when they touch the children? They said they -- stop and frisk, that's what it was. They always --