Stated Meeting, December 12, 2013

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 12, 2013 11:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. 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. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of Council is present. Council will come to order and members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to seats outside the rail. Before proceeding, I would ask that those present please turn off cell phones and put it on vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, I'd like to recognize Pastor James H. Buck, Jr. He's the Senior Pastor of Berean Church in the 4th District. He is here today as my guest, and I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)

Peace and blessings Pas Babascom (ph) to all of you. In the spirit of ecumenism, let us pray together. Human progress is not an automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle, the tireless exertion and passionate concerns of dedicated individuals. It is in this spirit we gather before thy presence, oh God, in such a precipice as this to confront the steep cliffs of government and to be deliberate in our loyalty as we participate in the proactive works of justice. Faced with the barriers of difficulty, we petition thee, oh God, for wisdom and the practical application of integrity and responsibility that we may be found devoted to the authenticity of our commitment. Help us in this day, oh God, with the benefit of courage and to intervene, not for individual's sake but for the duty of public policy in that the entrusted resources given may be equally distributed. And now we petition thee this morning with our hearts turned toward the poor, the imprisoned, the weak, the homeless, and the unemployed that we serving this day unconditionally. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

Having been moved and seconded, all those in favor? (Aye.)

Thank you. and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2013 stand approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.

Thank you, gentleman. The Chair now recognizes leaves of absence on the part of the democrats. Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Green.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. Leave will be granted. with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking your time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of the City of Philadelphia. We certainly invite you to come back again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman David Oh, who will present a resolution celebrating the anniversary of Saint John's Hospice. Would Kevin Barr and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Joining him is Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Sanchez.

Thank you very much, Majority Leader Jones. This is the 50th Anniversary of Saint John's Hospice. I think many by it in Center City with the many homeless that are outside waiting to come in. And though we are presenting the resolution, we're doing that on behalf of everyone here in City Council who approved this resolution and truly, this being the last day of our session, in the spirit of the best of our holidays. So with that, I'd like to begin this resolution, which is commemorating and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Saint John's Hospice. Whereas, in the early 1960s, Joseph O'Neill and his brother, Father Anthony J. O'Neill, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist parish on 13th Street, became increasingly saddened and concerned about the City's "skid row" within the parish boundaries; and

Whereas, Father O'Neill began offering sandwiches and shelter to the poor and homeless at Saint John's on a regular basis, but believed that the church could do more; and Whereas, Father O'Neill began planning how the church could better help the poor and homeless in his parish. He was elevated to Monsignor and while on a trip to New Orleans visited a shelter operated by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, which further inspired his vision for helping the homeless in Philadelphia; and

Whereas, on September 17th, 1962, Most Reverend John J. Krol, Archbishop of Philadelphia, granted Monsignor O'Neill permission to purchase the building at 1221 Race Street; and Whereas, on Saturday, September the 7th, 1963, with the blessings of the Archbishop, Saint John's Hospice began operating; and

Whereas, in the early years, the clientele of the Hospice was composed of elderly men. alcoholics, others were simply down on their luck. These men came to Saint John's for a hot meal, clothing, and shelter, which were given with dignity and compassion. Because of this, Saint John's became, and still is, the melting pot of the Center City's homeless population and the place where "Charity Unlimited," the Little Brothers' motto, was practiced 24 hours a day; and

Whereas, in 1986 Saint John's became part of the Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Brothers continued their long hours of service, and additional lay staff were hired to reduce the Brothers' hours to a more manageable level. Many of the new employees were former residents; and Whereas, in 1995, a longtime dream was realized when the Good Shepherd Program for medically needy homeless men, including those with HIV/AIDS, opened its doors; and

Whereas, Saint John's Hospice today continues to operate in line with the high standards and good works of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd; now therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, commemorates and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Saint John's Hospice. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Saint John's Hospice further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Mr. Barr for remarks.

Councilman Oh, sponsoring Councilmembers and guests, it is truly an honor for me to accept this City Council resolution on behalf of Saint John's Hospice. As we all know, Philadelphia has been known as the City of Brotherly Love for a long time. 1963, when Saint John's Hospice was founded, the word "hospice" meant hospitality. For the past 50 years, authentic gospel-rooted hospitable brotherly love has always been present at Saint John's Hospice. On Tuesday, we had a retirement roast for our Director of Community Relations, Gerry Huot. Jerry, raise your hand, please. In it, Barry Martin, our Good Shepherd Program Manager -- Good Shepherd is a program within Saint John's Hospice that supports medically fragile homeless men -- played a song, entitled "Hallelujah," by Leonard Cohen. One of the lines is "love is not a victory march. It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah." It's appropriate that we receive this recognition on a cold "code blue" conditions day. A few hours ago, 27 men left our Coffeehouse Program after receiving a nighttime meal, using our bathroom facilities, and lying down in a safe, warm environment. Thirty men walked in an hour later to receive clothing and to use our showers. At noontime, approximately 400 men will enter our doors to receive a nursing hot lunch at Saint John's. Anthony Willoughby is in charge of our food program. Throughout today, some of the approximately a thousand men who use Saint John's as a mailing address will stop by to pick up needed correspondence. Rhonda Williams upgraded our mail program just this past year. Our 52 residents will be doing chores or working with their case managers on specific goals that will hopefully allow them to obtain stable housing and improve relationships. Steve Walenta and Barry Martin are the Social Services Supervisors. It is a big, challenging, and often chaotic and unpredictable operations. Dave Stier is our Operations 35 part-time and full-time employees and, yes, a few of those men and women are formerly homeless. It is a cold and a broken hallelujah. Life is hard, but when we face our struggles and compassionately open our hearts and hands to each other, love does flow freely and it becomes a warm and still a holy hallelujah. As some of you know obviously now hearing the resolution, Saint John's is part of Catholic Social Services, and we have a proud Catholic background. Our mission statement, Saint John's seeks to be a community grounded in faith and service where homeless men find dignity, respect, nourishment, and opportunities for new beginnings. I love the phrase "grounded in faith and service." It reminds me of Pope Francis, Time Magazine's People of the Year, just announced yesterday, Person of the Year. We are excited that by a Pope who embodies this mission. Pope Francis will love Saint John's Hospice when he visits Philly in 2015. Listen to his statement: I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets rather than a church which is unhealthy for being confined and from clinging to its own security. Saint John's is that bruised, hurting, and dirty gospel response to the needs of Philadelphia's homeless men. We are proud and blessed to be able to respond to this deep-rooted call, gospel call, to love, feed, clothe, and advocate for the poor. We invite all of you to come to Saint John's in order to see for yourself the good news of the gospel, the good news of brotherly love acted out every day at 1221 Race Street. We're also proud and blessed to receive this citation, this recognition rather. On behalf of all the employees, volunteers, and donors who have shown this brotherly love and who have breathed a cold, holy, and broken hallelujah for 50 years, we thank you. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bill: Bill No. 130855; and I am transmitting herewith the your honorable body the following resolution for appointment to the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; namely, Asia Coney; and I am transmitting an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain tract of land together with the improvements thereon situate in the area bounded by 46th Street, Market Street, Haverford Avenue, and 48th Street, known as 4601 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with the lease from the City of Philadelphia the premises commonly known as the Junod Recreation Center for further sublease; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to lease from the City of Philadelphia the premises commonly known as the Chalfont Recreation Center for further sublease, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.

Mr. President, we have received through the Mayor's Office letters from the City Planning Commission to the Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor, City of Philadelphia, setting forth the Commission's recommendation with respect to Bill Nos. 130856 and 130848.

Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I offer one privileged resolution.

Thank you. Will you please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the 114th playing of the annual Army-Navy game on Saturday, December 14, 2013 in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field.

That resolution will be considered on today's Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today we introduce one bill and two non-privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the titles.

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain tract of land together with the improvements thereon situate in the area bounded by 46th Street, Market Street, Haverford Avenue, and 48th Street, known as 4601 Market Street.

Thank you. That will be considered on today's Passage Calendar -- it will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the social and economic benefits of early childhood education in the City of Philadelphia.

That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution approving the appointment of Asia Coney as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

That will be considered in the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of Council President Clarke, I offer one bill and one resolution.

An ordinance authorizing Chinta Shah, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 17th and Ranstead Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southwest corner of 17th and Ranstead Street.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

That will be considered for today's Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I offer one -- introduce one bill today, please.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, in parcels of land along the Delaware River and the Kensington & Tacony Trail.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. Leader. I have one privileged resolution.

Will you please read the title of the resolution.

A non-privileged resolution respectfully urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to approve House Bill 1010 which would require background checks for the private sale of long guns.

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar -- next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution and I'm introducing a bill for Councilman Bill Green.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance amending Section 12-1005 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Parking Meters," by increasing the designated fee for one hour of parking required by that Section, to one dollar.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution and I wish to be acknowledged after the title of the resolution confirming the reappointment of Emily Schiller to the Philadelphia Energy Authority as read for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you. That resolution will be referred to committee.

A resolution confirming the reappointment of Emily Schapira, formerly Emily Schiller, as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2019.

Thank you. Councilwoman, you're going to want a suspension of the rules?

Please, Mr. President.

You want to make that motion now?

Surely. I move that the -

Just move that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading today.

So as to permit first reading on today's Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one resolution. I wish to be recognized after the reading of the title of the resolution authorized by City Public Property.

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-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Mr. President, I withdraw the rules suspension. I don't want a rules suspension.

Thank you. That resolution will be held at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills and resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills and three resolutions.

Thank you.

One with a suspension of the rules to be heard today.

Is that a property?

No.

An ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code to provide for the authorization of certain pedestrian enhancements to occupy, by license, a portion of the right-of-way, all under certain terms and conditions.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by eliminating previously designated vendor locations in Center City; and by revising and adding to the list of locations that shall not be designated for vending.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing National Small Business Weekend.

And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring Ralph's Italian Restaurant as the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States.

That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution respectfully requesting the President of the Republic of Italy, The Honorable Giorgio Napolitano, to maintain and support the Italian General Consulate diplomatic mission in the United States by retaining The Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia.

I'm going to recognize Councilman Squilla for a suspension of the rules.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a suspension of the rules to be read and voted on today's hearing. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution will be heard on today's Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills and one resolution and request a suspension of the rules on the resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Marion Street, from Hansberry Street to West Queen Lane, northbound.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on West Logan Street, from Germantown Avenue to Greene Street, westbound.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Conlyn Street, from North 21st Street to Kemble Avenue, eastbound.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And an ordinance continuing the Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District in the area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 7640 to 8705, certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue, and both sides of Bethlehem Pike from 10 to 105; approving an extension to the boundaries of the District, and continuing Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to continue the Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District in the area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 7640 to 8705.

Councilwoman, you're going to ask for a suspension of the rules for that?

Yes.

Make the motion, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Councilman Oh.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes 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.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 130657, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising Section 14-303(12), entitled 'Neighborhood Notice and Meetings,' by establishing new minimum qualifications Organizations, adjusting the requirements for notification and meetings, and amending the procedures regarding re-registration of Registered Community Organizations, and Section 14-304(5), entitled 'Civic Design Review,' by changing the composition of the Civic Design Review Committee, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

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. 130657. (Duly seconded.)

It's seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 130657. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of Finance.

Mr. President, I offer one bill with a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 130530, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Tax,' by providing certain exclusions; revising certain tax rates; and creating certain fresh food tax credits; and amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parking Tax,' by providing for scheduled reductions in the rate of the tax and by making certain technical amendments, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Bill No. 130530 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules 12/12/13 - STATED - 1ST READING have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. Mr. Decker, would you please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.

Bill No. 130630, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority certain land and improvements known as City Owned Transit Properties, and further authorizing acceptance of title to certain real estate and improvements from SEPTA, all under certain terms and conditions."

The Chair agrees, and this bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to considering the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 130448, 130589, 130636, 130727, 130763, 130764, 130775, 130804, 130812, 130855, 130856, 130805, 130873, 130874, 130875, 130876, 130877, 130687, 130658, 130803, 130811, 130578, 130771, 130772, 130773, 130774, 130806, 130807, 130816, 130808, 130008, 130660, and 130848. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has 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 Jones. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda later. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 120118, 130923, 130924, 130925, 130927, 130928, 130929, 130930, 130933, 130715, 130701-A, 130251-A, 130156-A, 130699, 130686, 130854, 130765, 120647, and 130721. All other bills and resolutions are being held.

Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment. The public comment will go as follows: If you have not signed up for public comment today, I'd ask that you please proceed over to the table to my left. There is a sign-up sheet. If you have signed up, it will go as follows: You will be given three minutes to speak. We limit the timeframe so we can assure that everybody has an opportunity. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council. There's a device on that podium. There's a light on the device. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. The issues that you speak on today must be on the Second or Final Reading Passage Calendar. I want to thank you very much for your cooperation. And, Mr. Decker, would you please call the first name.

Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Councilmembers. I'm here to speak to Resolution 120118, examining the feasibility of transferring ownership or operations of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity. I'd like to report that JP Morgan markets electric power and owns electricity-generating facilities in Europe and the United States. Private-sector financier power is driving the sale of PGW, an economy platform necessary for increasing the energy flux density capacity of the City, the power that undergirds the population's physical economy. This essential component of the economy cannot be sold to international energy cartels. Private finance for government that results in debt traps, bankruptcy proceedings, the demand to privatize public assets, property, and utilities is a financial economic warfare offensive. A national security crisis exists and the accelerating collapse of the national economy. There comes a point as if a plane when a course correction is not possible. Detroit crisis is the crisis of the nation. Every city and state must come to the aid of Detroit. Confront the Fed and the U.S. bankruptcy courts and demand how can this be, where credit default swaps have priority over workers, wages, benefits, and pension already paid for. Bankruptcy proceedings may come to Pennsylvania - Scranton, Harrisburg, Reading, maybe Philadelphia. The Fed has a hand in all of this. Their silence in a national economy and the Detroit crisis is unacceptable. I ask the City Council to recognize financial warfare, conducted as if it were legitimate operations of banks or the legitimate operation of a loan document or the legitimate operation of the U.S. federal bankruptcy courts. I ask the City Council to bring the Philadelphia public bank to resolution as a solution that will protect the population and plan on expanding PGW, not selling it. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony, sir.

Tully Speaker. (No response.)

I think he left.

Carlton Epps, commenting on 130686. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, President Clarke and distinguished members of Council. My name is Carlton Epps. I live at 5038 Locust street. I'm a banquet server of the Radisson Warwick Hotel and, yes, I believe in Philadelphia's future. Being a banquet server has given me tremendous opportunity to open many doors for my son and myself. I started working in the banquet field in 2002 when I became a single parent. I needed a good second job to provide for him, and I also was looking for a job that would allow me to return to school and continue my education. In 2008, I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Organizational Management. Working as a union banquet server has allowed me to do both of these things. My son is now a freshman in Robert Morris University outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I credit this job in banquets for allowing me to help my son with his tuition. I want him to graduate and not be burdened with a mountain of debt, so I've been able to help him pay off some of his tuition. As a banquet server, I've served many prominent guests. I'm the server for the owner of the Eagles at the stadium and I've also served many members of Council here myself. Banquet events are central to the tourist industry and to the growth of this great City of Philadelphia, which I am proud to call my home. People come to my hotel to celebrate their weddings, to celebrate election victories, but no one comes for a labor dispute. Guests at the hotel conventions and tourism all lose out during these disputes. It is because I believe in the future of this great City of Philadelphia that I have marched down Market Street. I have picketed and stood with hotel workers in other properties. If necessary, I will do so again and again to make sure that Philadelphia's future is bright and that we leave for our children great opportunities and jobs, like I have been able to do for my son. I want a Philadelphia where there is less inequality and more hope. Don't spend our tax dollars just to build a hotel that is already picking a fight with labor. Please vote no today on the tax break for this hotel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)

Vanessa Sanders, commenting on 130686. (Witness approached podium.)

President Clarke, members of City Council, thank you for allowing me to provide public comment today. My name is Vanessa Sanders. I live in North Philadelphia at 524 East Luray Street. For nine years I have worked at the Hampton Inn at 13th and Race, which is owned and operated by Hersha. Most of my co-workers and members of my union live and work in Philadelphia. We are proud of this city and we believe in Philadelphia's future. Thirteen years ago, my hotel received a TIF tax break. My hotel also signed a labor peace agreement with my union, Unite Here Local 274. The hotel was built, I was hired, and I now have a good job with benefits. Everyone in Philadelphia deserves a good job with benefits. I believe that given the opportunity, people in Philadelphia will fight and struggle to get a good job with benefits. I have been on the picket line. I have marched down Market Street and demand justice. I have chanted and marched and sang with the Fast for Safe Schools that helped persuade Harrisburg to provide additional school funding. I know that hotel workers throughout the City will do everything in our power to make sure that the workers in this hotel are treated fairly. If we have to march and picket, we will do so. Don't give this hotel a tax break today and then find out in the middle of the labor dispute tomorrow. Please vote no on the tax break. Thank you. (Applause.)

Joe Pags, commenting on 130686.

Hello. My name is Joe Pagliei. They call me Joe Pags for short. I live at 8902 Blue Grass Road, Philadelphia, PA in the Great Northeast. I am a banquet server at the Radisson Hotel. I love my job because it's in the heart of Philadelphia's future. It is the banquet servers, bartenders, and stewards who make meetings, weddings, and conventions and other events successful. People count on these events to go off without a hitch, but you can't count on anything in the middle of a labor dispute. Labor disputes are bad for Philadelphia. They're completely avoidable with labor peace agreements, though. I can't count how many times I've been on a picket line or chanted on a bullhorn to fight for good, permanent jobs. I will always be in the street for others who are standing up to better their lives. Don't spend our tax dollars just to build a hotel that's picking a fight with labor. Please vote no. Thank you. (Applause.)

Annette Woods, commenting on 130686. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Annethia Woods and I have been a housekeeper at Hilton Garden Inn for 13 and a half years. I live at 6545 Haverford Avenue. I believe in Philly's future. We want you to know that we are going to do whatever it takes to make sure that all hotel workers in this city have good jobs and benefits too, even if it means marching, picketing, and fighting for what we deserve. We'd much rather work in partnership with the hotels. We want to work together so we can focus on our guests. But we will do whatever it takes. Fifteen years ago, as my hotel was getting the money and approval to be built, my hotel signed a labor peace agreement with my union, Local 274 Unite Here. This agreement covered housekeepers and food beverage workers. Let me say that again. My hotel signed a labor peace agreement covering both housekeepers and food beverage workers. It happened 12 years ago. It can happen again. Please vote no on the tax break for the hotel. Don't let them get away with this. Thank you. (Applause.)

Rosslyn Wuchinich. (No response.)

Rosslyn Wuchinich. (No response.)

Constance Morrow, commenting on 130156-A. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Constance Morrow, and I would like to speak to all of you today about the Bill 130156-A, the land bank bill. I'm a volunteer with the Woman's Community Revitalization Project, which is a member of Take Back Vacant Land. I'm here today. It has been three whole years that we have been trying to get this bill passed. I just want y'all -- I just want to thank all of y'all from the bottom of my heart for getting this bill done today. For those who don't know me, I also testified on the bill here on October the 5th, and I stated that the blight that overwhelms my neighborhood in the 2200 block of Germantown Avenue since I was a child made it so that I cannot have a decent picnic in my own backyard or a barbecue or make a safe place for my children to play or to grow today, some 50 years later. I'm here today of the history day because I believe that the land bill will make it fair by requesting strategic planning amendment approved on the last week's Council meeting session. Give my neighborhood hope there will be more affordable housing, opportunity, jobs, community facilities, and a safe, clean space, garden space. Pass this bill today and we will brighten and uplift the community throughout our great city, the city we call Brotherly Love. Now I'm going to celebrate today, because I know that you know that I would stay involved. I want to make sure that everything on this bill's promise become realistic towards moving, so you may see my face more often next year. I'm here to stay. Let's continue to work together as we did in 2013 so that we can still have a land bank in 2014. Thank you. May God bless and have a happy holiday. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

German Parodi. (No response.)

German Parodi. UNIDENTIFIED WITNESS: Hold on. Here he comes. He's coming.

Commenting on 130156-A. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is German Parodi. I am a Board member of Disabled in Action of Pennsylvania, a member of the Coalition to Take Back Vacant Land. This organization is a grassroots organization run by people with disabilities, which was established over 30 years ago to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. I'm here today in support of the Bill 130156-A, especially the requirements approved last week during City Council's session which requires goal setting for how land can be used to create accessible, affordable housing, businesses, open spaces that people with disabilities could access, and urban gardening. This requirement is a keystone that will ensure that all Philadelphians can access the City. Otherwise, people with disabilities would continue to be excluded from our communities. A study from the University of Pennsylvania back in 2000 -- this is the most recent study accumulated data that showed that people with disabilities were looking for housing, and it was about 59,000 people back then. Obviously over 13 years now, this has grown exponentially. Strategic planning and setting goals ahead of time will ensure that people with disabilities can access new development. The number one reason people in nursing homes cannot transition back into the communities is because of the lack of accessible housing and other things, which strategic planning and goal setting would allow more people with disabilities to live in the communities of their choices. The land bank would help build communities where we could access businesses, community gardens, open spaces, and any new development. We, the Take Back Vacant Land Coalition, will continue true to our mission of a transparent, fair, and accountable land bank. In the coming months, we will see its implementation and it happens in such a way consistent with our vision and the language in the bill. It's important that as the strategic planning and the goals are set that people with disabilities and our needs are in it, because otherwise it just will not be in place. I would really hope and as the Coalition and as a member of this great city that you, Councilmembers and those who will be on the Board, really take in consideration our needs. Otherwise, we will continue to be excluded from this community. Let's end the blight in our city. Today you can stand by people with disabilities and vote for Bill No. 130156-A. Thank you. (Applause.)

Patricia Lowe, commenting on 130156-A. (Witness approached podium.)

Thanks for the friendly reception today. I also want to thank you for the bill. I want to express my solidarity -- I'm just a free-lance activist. I don't like belong to things, but I work with the institutions that were working on this land bank bill. I express my solidarity with the supporters of the independent and equitable, efficient land bank, and I also would like to say, like the first speaker on this bill, that I'm here to stay also. I express my gratitude to City Council for last week's amendments, which chipped away at unnecessary bureaucracy and approval of land bank dispositions, and my only concern was regarding the -- they didn't change the section from the original bill about the staff of the land bank having the right to approve without second guessing all transfers under 50,000. I thought that amount for the fair market value of transfers approved was unrealistically low, especially since that would be like single lots and things, but usually a lot of these lots would be bundled for a developer to even be worth his time to get the lots to develop, like there might be on one block, like RDA lots. You see the boarded up houses. Each one might be worth 10,000, but maybe there would be more than, say, five of them but maybe ten or so conveyed. That's why I thought 50,000 should have been changed to a higher figure, 100,000, 250,000. I'm a little surprised that that wasn't changed. But they made a lot of other good amendments, and my only reason for speaking, my main reason, is that the land bank would be a big improvement over what you've been doing now, because I think 45 minutes was spent last week, because I tried to say it last week, spent 45 minutes approving the transfer of this lot, transfer of that, and all that takes a lot of your time and you have a lot of business to do, especially at the end of the year, and even today you had a lot of those types of transfers that hopefully the land bank can do now. I want to applaud the part of the bill that assigns liens, tax delinquent liens and all, to the land bank so they can pursue it more aggressively than the City has done so far with a lot of tax delinquencies such as 1401 North 5th Street, the eight-story vacant umbrella factory, which kind of shows that City Council maybe wasn't up to speed on that, but hopefully the land bank will be. Thank you very much for your time. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

Harold Sheppard, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President Clarke. Good morning, City Council.

Good morning.

Good morning, residents and stakeholders. First, I'd like to thank WURD, W-U-R-D, Radio, Levas Communications, 900 AM for broadcasting. I'm also going to use five seconds of my time to acknowledge Madiba Mandela. (Pause.)

Thank you. Commenting on 130 -- 120118. Again, I need to remind you that you should not privatize any more of our services to private entities. We can see the influence that Marcellus Shale has on Governor Corbett. We could see the very favorable non-payment or non-distribution of a lot of the profits of Marcellus Shale. We know they're very interested, as is other entities, as Mr. King has stated talking about this bill. I don't want to set my spigot water on fire. I don't want our children and grandchildren swimming in this cesspool from fracking chemicals. Again, get the frack out of here. You know, I don't want to eat fish that swims in that water. I don't want to swim in pools with that water. So let's be smart. Let's be human. Let's not just think about the back-door money deals. Also, I would like to comment on Bill No. 130175 and 130701, those bills introduced by Councilman, I think, Oh so that Councilpeople or elected officials don't have to resign their office to run to get reelected or elected. As a public municipal employee, I don't want to quit if I consider running. I'm just as -- probably smarter than most here. I'm more courageous and an advocate for the people, and I haven't maxed out my DROP yet. So do I have to quit to run? I don't want to, but that's the Home Rule Charter. Lastly, I'm going to talk about the Registered Community Organizations. Now we want to reduce it to just giving 200 yards notification for maybe a 20-story high rise around the corner. We have to be more representative and let the public be more involved. We need to do like they're doing in the Ukraine right now and Syria right now and Libya right now. Take to the streets. Let's take our city back. Let's take our state back. Let's take our country back. Let's take our world back. We have to really invite more people to be representative and get on these committees, because the schools are ours, these buildings are ours, all taxpayers. My time is up. Thank you. I remain, Cye Harold Sheppard, the Nubian Warrior King.

Thank you for your testimony, sir. (Applause.)

Jean Gavin, commenting on 130694. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. I'm here to talk about school billboard Bill 130694. I taught for 35 years in the American public school system and never saw such a vicious attack on public education, and all in the name of money. The bill will end the last vestiges of a secure safe haven in a child's life, free public schools. When I was a child in the '40s, my mother would caution me to be careful on my way to and from school. In school my mother knew that I was safe. In school I was to cooperate and learn. That was the message. If this bill passes, parents will have to warn their children to be aware of the messages they receive from advertisements on their classroom walls. Without a doubt, the signs will not only have unwanted messages, but I'm sure that they will be flashing and changing every three seconds, just another problem for school teachers to fight to try to capture their students' attention. I'm sure that Philadelphia charter schools will not have this horrendous money-grabbing blight to fight. Their money seems to be guaranteed. Billboards are a major blight in Philadelphia now. If the members of City Council really represented concerns for the residents of Philadelphia, billboards would be outlawed. Benjamin Franklin consistently advocated for the free public education as early as 1779. Do you think that he would approve this billboard Bill 130694? I doubt it. He was for improving life in Philadelphia. Don't pass this bill. And I want to thank Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for putting this bill on hold until sometime in the future. Thank you. (Applause.)

Melvin Sharpe, commenting on 130156-A. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of Council. I am here today on behalf of the community which reared me in North Central Philadelphia, the community that I represent and represented, and the non-profit organizations that I work with all throughout the City to oppose the final passage of this Bill 130156-A, which means amended, the land bank bill on today, because I think that there's necessity for additional comment, additional knowledge on behalf of members of the community. People do not know about the far-reaching impact that this bill will have on the entire history of Philadelphia as we know it. And I would encourage all of the members of Council who sit in the public trust to think long and hard about transferring part of their power to a non-governmental, non-elected organization that is going to run the land that is going to repopulate the City of Philadelphia, because once that is done, that is an irreversible position, and all of the members of Council, it will be on you, and the people will consider what happened with this land that we call Philadelphia, and that would be based upon you. Some of the specifics that are at issue are the fact that this concerns not only vacant land, it also concerns tax delinquent properties, which means a parallel administrative financial organizational structure is being created that potentially could override the existing structures that exist right now in the City of Philadelphia to manage and control land. There's nothing more important than land, and we cannot take hasty action when land is at issue. So I urge you -- I don't oppose necessarily the passage of this bill. I oppose it in the position that it is in, and I think that the people of the City do not know what is going on and how important this is, and the people need to be heard. So I urge you not to pass this bill on today. Thank you very much for your time and attention, and God bless you. (Applause.)

your testimony, sir.

Rosslyn Wuchinich. (No response.)

Rosslyn Wuchinich. (No response.)

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

Thank you, sir. For the record, earlier Bill Nos. 130686 and 130765 were called up for final passage. We will move those two bills at this time to the end of today's session. We're still having discussion about those two particular bills, so we will move them to the end of the session. So thank you very much. That concludes our public comment. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker to read the titles of all the bills on the each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage. Mr. Decker will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.

Bill No. 130448, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by adding special provisions for the area bounded by 38th Street, Ludlow Street, Chestnut Street and 37th Street"; and Bill No. 130589, 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 Sepviva Street, Butler Street, Aramingo Avenue, Castor Avenue, Gaul Street, Westmoreland Street, Tulip Street, and Castor Avenue"; and Bill No. 130636, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-503 to change the geographic boundaries of the North Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District"; and Bill No. 130727, 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 Laurel Street, Front Street, Delaware Avenue, Water Street, the Delaware River, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 130763, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-506 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'North Central Philadelphia Overlay District,' by specifically amending Section 14-506(2)(c) entitled 'Sunset Provision,' stated expiration date until December 31, 2016"; and Bill No. 130764, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by making technical and clarifying changes"; and Bill No. 130775, entitled "An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Old City Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area"; and Bill No. 130804, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by revising certain provisions, including provisions relating to definitions, civic design review, the Center City Overlay District, the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District, use categories and regulations"; and Bill No. 130812, entitled "An the Institutional (Special Purpose) District Master Plan of the Philadelphia Presbytery Homes and Services for the Aging for the construction of an addition to house the Witherspoon Senior Apartments"; and Bill No. 130855, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain use regulations relating to vehicle and vehicular equipment sales and service uses"; and Bill No. 130856, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by providing for and regulating accessory Digital News Ticker Signs in the Market Street East Advertising District"; and Bill No. 130805, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-1001 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fees of Commissioner of Records,' to raise the documents"; and Bill No. 130873, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Community Development Fund, the Director of Finance - Community Development Block Grant to the Community Development Fund, the Mayor - Office of Housing and Community Development"; and Bill No. 130874, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No.

130875, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 130876, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the Director of Finance Fringe Benefits"; and Bill No. 130877, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants and from the Acute Care Hospital Fund, the Department of Public Health to the Acute Care Hospital Fund, the Department of Public Health - State Payment"; and Bill No. 130687, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,' by requiring reasonable workplace accommodations for employees who have needs related to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition"; and Bill No. 130658, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel with an address of 4732 through 34 Griscom Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 130803, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to the sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the City of an additional portion of the premises located at 111 North 49th Street"; and Bill No. 130811, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into ground lease and sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for certain land and improvements located on a parcel of land Broad Street to the east, Castle Avenue to the south, 15th Street to the west, and Morris Street to the north"; and Bill No. 130578, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 090120), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 130771, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Green Eggs Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1306 Dickinson Street"; and Bill No. 130772, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Green Eggs Cafe to construct, own and maintain an open-air 719 North 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 130773, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Global Crepes and Local Shakes to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1309 South 9th Street"; and Bill No. 130774, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Likmos, Incorporated trading as Dmitri's to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 944 North 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 130806, entitled "An ordinance authorizing TELA Partners doing business as Fairmount Coffee Company to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 888 North 26th Street"; and Bill No. 130807, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Lloyd's Whiskey Bar to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 529 East Girard Avenue"; and 130816, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Bleigh Avenue and Claridge Street"; and Bill No.

130808, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'PM' (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) by revising provisions relating to graffiti removal, penalties and enforcement"; and Bill No. 130008, entitled "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'"; and Bill No. 130660, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to execute a Maintenance Agreement with the Township of Lower Merion under which the City will assist the Township in maintaining certain elements of the recreational trail crossing Manayunk Bridge"; and "

Thank you, Mr. Decker. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker shall call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or aye or nay indicating which one of those bills they are voting aye or nay. At this time, Mr. Decker, would you please call the roll.

Councilwoman

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Goode.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Henon.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Jones.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Oh.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye on all bills.

Council President Clarke.

Aye on all bills. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative on each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. Thank you. That concludes our Consent Agenda. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 120118.

A resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of transferring ownership or operations of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING entity.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to move Bill No. 120118 to the Suspension Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded Resolution 120118 be moved to the Suspension Calendar. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 120118 will be placed on the Suspension Calendar. Thank you very much. The motion carries. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution 130923. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 3856 Haverford Avenue.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 130923 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130924. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

A 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 Third, Fifty-First and Sixtieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it, and 130924 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130925.

A 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 Sixteenth, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 130925 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130927.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Johnson.

Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130928.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth and Fortieth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and 130928 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130929.

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1618 Ellsworth Street.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 130929 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130930.

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1505 through 1513 Cadwallader Street and 250 through 266 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING West Oxford Street.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and Resolution 130930 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130933.

A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Parkside Urban 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 5100 through 5122 Merion Avenue.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is also adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130715.

A resolution proposing an amendment to the "resign to run" provision of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter so that City elected 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING officials may become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office.

Thank you. I do believe this resolution requires a two-thirds vote, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. Roll call. Sorry. We'll have a roll call. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A super majority of members present voting aye, the resolution passes. Mr. Decker, 130701-A.

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 permit City elected officials to become candidates for nomination or election to public office without first resigning from their City office.

Thank you. Again, this is a two-thirds 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING requirement -- long day. I'm sorry. This bill has been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon. (No response.)

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 130251-A.

An ordinance amending Chapter 13-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Water Rates," and amending Chapter 13-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sewer Rates," by providing for an independent rate-making body and processes and procedures for fixing and regulating rates and charges.

This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon. (No response.)

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

No.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are one. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 130156-A.

An ordinance repealing Chapter 16-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmanic 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING District Development Program," and replacing it with a new Chapter 16-500, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," that authorizes the creation of a land bank and provides for its appointment, powers, and duties.

This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

I'm sorry. Can we suspend that vote just for one second. Councilwoman, I'm sorry. You needed to be recognized.

That's all right. Thank you. My light wouldn't come on. Thank you. I wanted to speak on this, quote/unquote, land bank bill. As many 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING people know, we've been concerned from the inception from the meetings, and as head of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless, we've been focused on this as an issue, this and of course RCOs. But after contacting you and getting another letter back, a copy of which I received that was addressed to you, reaffirming that the Executive Vice President of PHDC, Michael Koonce, and reaffirming that they are committed to make sure that employees maintain their current salaries, benefits, and pensions, which is exactly the question I posed, that they are proposed to making sure that happens pending union, of course, negotiations, and also realizing that there's much we need to do, that Council is in it, Vacant Property Review Committee is in it, because I never support legislation that takes Council out of its own vote, then we have decided that there's much to do in the future, 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING but we will be a part of those discussions as to how this comes about. Then we will be supporting this legislation this morning. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Let's start over again. Mr. Decker, Bill No. 130251-A has been read -- I'm sorry. Again, a long day. 130156-A has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee. 12/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman Henon. (No response.)

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.