My name is Jennifer Clarke. I'm the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia and a resident of the 5th Councilmanic District. I'm here today to support Council as it prepares to take a powerful step toward prohibiting a new kind of discrimination; that is, a discrimination based on a person's conviction. We know that the number of people who are being convicted is skyrocketing, and we also know that those people are disproportionately men and disproportionately people of color. It's this discrimination -- if it prevents large numbers of people from getting jobs, how are we ever going to escape the poverty that is pervading some of our neighborhoods? The idea that you can't discriminate against people with convictions isn't new. In fact, we already have a law in Pennsylvania that requires employers to take a -- only to take a count of convictions to the extent that the conviction relates to the job. But we know that from what we hear, people don't know about the law and people are ignoring that law. So this ordinance will change all that. That's our hope and our expectation. Now employers will know, and the employers that believe in giving people a second chance will change their policies and they won't consider those convictions in the first instance. And if they don't change their policies, then we've got plaintiff's lawyers who, yes, will come and make sure that people do get a second chance. The people at the Public Interest Law Center -- we at the Public Interest Law Center use the law to help people get the most fundamental needs of life - education, healthcare - and what could be more fundamental than a job. So we support this legislation, and I say as a Philadelphian, I'm proud that the City Council is poised to take the first step toward eliminating this terrible new form of discrimination. Thank you very much.
Oh, I believe someone... Please identify yourself for the record.
How you doing? My name is Michael Ta'Bon. This is my son SirRahn Jackson-Ta'Bon, and my wife, Gwen Jackson-Ta'Bon. I just came here today, first of all, to applaud Ms. Donna Reed Miller, myself, along with the 300,000 invisible men who are with me today. It takes a strong person to stand up for people who can't stand up for they selves, and I just wanted to applaud you and thank you for standing up for us. Basically, for those who don't understand how imperative it is for an ex-convict to have a job, my name is Michael Ta'Bon, DQ-1233. I'm on parole until 2012. I've been in the City of Philadelphia back now on parole for approximately nine months. I still don't have a job. I work for the most high. He chose to hire me when man won't. And I have a family, and when y'all knock that box off, you give me an opportunity to be a man, to give my child some food, to give him a better education than I had, to keep him out of prison, to provide for my wife. I mean, I have nothing else to say today. I think a picture is worth a 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA thousand words. This is the family of an ex-convict, for those who need to see. It probably look kind of like y'all's. God bless y'all.
There are no other names on the public comment list, Madam President.
Thank you. We will now proceed with our Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all of the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 110074, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 080637) approved November 19, 2008, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 34-S and 41-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Packer Avenue from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to the Pierhead Line of the Delaware River,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 110075, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to alleviate unsanitary conditions in a portion of Asbury Terrace"; and 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Bill No. 110076, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 21st Street, east side, Chew Avenue to Conlyn Street"; and Bill No. 110077, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Smedley Street, both sides, Tioga Street to Ontario Street"; and Bill No. 110078, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Olney Avenue, north side, Broad Street to 15th Street"; and Bill No. 110079, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sydenham Street, both sides, Venango Street to Erie Avenue"; and Bill No. 110080, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 17th Street, east side, Clearfield Street to Allegheny Avenue"; and Bill No. 110112, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA regulation on Girard Avenue, both sides, Broad Street to 15th Street"; and Bill No. 110113, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Taylor Street, west side, Parrish Street to Brown Street"; and Bill No. 110114, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 21st Street, both sides, Wallace Street to Mt. Vernon Street"; and Bill No. 110115, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Shirley Street, west side, 19th Street to Olive Street"; and Bill No. 110117, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Old York Road, both sides, Tioga Street to Rising Sun Avenue"; and Bill No. 110119, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Brown Street, both sides, 19th Street to 20th Street"; and Bill No. 110120, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Vine Street at Broad Street"; and Bill No. 110146, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carpenter Street, both sides, 10th Street to 11th Street"; and Bill No. 110147, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Franklin Street, east side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street"; and Bill No. 110148, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Morris Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street"; and Bill No. 110149, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Clarion Street, west side, Ritner Street to Porter Street"; and Bill No. 110150, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA regulation on 12th Street, both sides, Mifflin Street to Moore Street"; and Bill No. 110151, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McKean Street, both sides, 11th Street to 12th Street"; and Bill No. 110152, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McClellan Street, south side, Juniper Street to 13th Street"; and Bill No. 110153, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Iseminger Street, west side, Mifflin Street to McKean Street"; and Bill No. 110154, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Juniper Street, west side, Porter Street to Shunk Street"; and Bill No.
110155, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Porter Street, north side, 13th Street to 12th Street"; and Bill No. "
Thank you. These bills having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll. Each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those for which the member is voting nay. I hope that's as clear as blue mud. We all understand it? Okay. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Clarke. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Kenney. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Aye on 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA all bills.
Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110233.
A resolution proclaiming the week of April 10, 2011 as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week."
I move 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110234.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA improvements thereon, situate in the Thirteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution No. 110235.
A resolution urging the Free Library of Philadelphia 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA to reconsider its proposed policy on "floating collections" in order to ensure the preservation and continuing enhancement of the unique and historical collections of local neighborhood libraries.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. We will now consider Resolution 110236.
A resolution 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, 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-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110238.
A resolution further amending Resolution No. 080001, as amended, which provides Rules for the Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, by creating a suspension calendar for bills and resolutions for which no immediate action is sought.
This resolution having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. Councilman Clarke, did you make a motion? I'm getting way ahead of myself today.
Madam President, I was going to make a motion on the suspension, or are you talking about the resolution?
No. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA We're still on Resolution 110238.
Okay. I make a motion on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Is that what you're interested in?
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110111-A.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by enacting a new Chapter 9-3000, entitled "Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards," to establish provisions and requirements for the screening of criminal records by certain employers within the City of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. All in favor -
Thank you, Councilman Kenney. I appreciate it. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
I'd like to speak on this bill prior to the vote. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Thank you. I'd like to begin by thanking those who have taken an interest and helped with this long effort in getting fair legislation that will help people with criminal records and doesn't hurt the employers at the same time. I am confident that what we have before us is both fair and will be successful. People with criminal records are discriminated against in many ways, ranging from employment, housing, healthcare, public assistance and the list is long. The statistics are frightening. There are 65 million U.S. adults with criminal records in the United States, and here in Philadelphia about 300,000, or one-fifth of our population, has some kind of criminal record. In 2010, the Philadelphia 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Prisons processed more than 36,000 people and a little more than 36,000 were also released. Statistics show us that 61 percent of those released return to prison within three years. The ban-the-box legislation we hope will be one of -- a good step to help with reentry. And I'm not going to go over what the legislation does. It's in the bill, but it is a legislation that applies to all employers, public or private, with the exception of the employers that are required to do background checks by law and the criminal justice agencies. This legislation will promote the capacity of ex-offenders and allow them to take care of themselves and their family and work towards reducing recidivism. This bill further -- the importance of this bill is that we further begin to break down reentry barriers and not to continue to create a permanent underclass of Philadelphia 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA residents. Everyone deserves a second chance. Thank you. I just wanted to say -
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to commend Councilwoman Miller and her staff for their diligence in the development of this legislation and all the hearings and testimony that was taken. Sitting in on all this testimony, the story kept recurring to me in my mind, and I wanted to read it today. It's not very long, but I think it's in the spirit of what this bill is trying to do, and it can be found in the Gospel of Luke 15:11 through 32. There was a man who had two 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA sons. The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare and here I am starving to death. I will set out to go back to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the Father said to his servants, Quick, bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it, let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of my mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found. Meanwhile, the older son, who was in the field when he came near the 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA house, he heard the music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. Your brother has come, he replied, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound. The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, Look, all these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I can celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him. My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours, but we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA now he's been found. And I think this bill and what it's trying to do will change lives in a very positive way, because you cannot be found again and you cannot come alive again unless you have an opportunity to work in honest and dignified work to take care of your family and yourself. So I applaud Councilwoman Miller for everything she's done to get this bill passed and I'm looking forward having the honor of voting for it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally.
I'm sorry. Your light isn't on. Something is going on. Please. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Thank you. I was considering whether or not to make remarks, but after Councilwoman Miller and then Councilman Kenney, I think the proper word to say is "Amen." (Applause.)
All right. Apparently the monitor is not working. Anybody else want to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, this bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Councilman O'Neill. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA adding a new Section to prohibit the possession or acquisition of firearms by persons charged with certain criminal offenses.
Council President, I move that this bill be placed on the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 080015 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read Bill No. 080016. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section entitled "Acquisition or Transfer of Firearms," to regulate the acquiring or transferring of any firearm within the City.
I move that this bill be placed on the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 080016 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA We will now consider Bill No. 080034.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section 10-834, entitled "Sale or Transfer of Ammunition," to require all sales of ammunition for firearms -
Thank you, Madam President. I move that this bill be placed on the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 080034 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 080036.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section, entitled "Reporting Requirements Upon the Application for or Renewal of a License to Carry a Firearm."
Thank you, Madam President. I move that this bill be placed on the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 080036 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 100215.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 312 by striking from the City Plan Hegerman Street from Aubrey Avenue to a point approximately one-hundred eighty-seven feet southwestwardly therefrom.
Thank you, Madam President. I make a motion to move this bill to the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 100215 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will say aye. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100715.
An ordinance authorizing Mike Scotese, owner of Grey Lodge Pub, to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 6235 Frankford Avenue.
I make a motion to move this bill to the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 100715 be placed on the Suspension Calendar. All in favor will say aye. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 080474.
An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that this bill be placed on the Suspension Calendar, but I believe that Councilman Greenlee wants to say a word or two.
I believe he does, too. So I would be more -- you would like to be recognized 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA for a few remarks and then you can second the motion.
Okay. Thank you, Madam President. Just quickly, I certainly support the motion to move to the Suspension Calendar. I know there's more work to do on this bill, and we'll keep working on amendments and we'll keep talking to whoever wishes to talk to us to try to make this bill the best it can be, but I just want to make one thing clear to everybody that's listening and everybody here. This bill is not going to go away. And I really hope and I believe in the not-too-distant future we'll have a fair and equitable sick leave policy that protects the health of Philadelphians, which is what this bill is all about. And with that, I second that motion. Thank you.
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 080474 be placed on our Calendar. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and that bill number will be placed on our Suspension Calendar. We will now consider Bill No. 100610.
An ordinance amending Section 12-917 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Valet Parking Zones," by revising the Valet Parking Zone permit fees.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Miller.