Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 11, 2017 10:46 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
Morning. Going to get started. The visitors will retire behind the rail. Ask the Members to take their seats. We are going to -- we're going to get started. And thank you for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Clerk Joseph Howenstein of the Frankford Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. I would ask that all Members and guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.) CLERK HOWENSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. President.
You're welcome. CLERK HOWENSTEIN: And I want to thank also my Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez for the invitation to come and provide this invocation. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 I'm going to speak briefly for about 45 seconds, and then the invocation will be a moment of silent worship that will be about two minutes, a little bit longer than most people are used to being in silence. Quakers are the religion that founded Philadelphia. And our form of relation -of worship always includes some element of silence. And what we do in the silence is we focus on the light of God that exists in each and every one of us and that exists in everyone else. And what that lets us know is that we have a piece of God's truth each individually, and we need to recognize that everyone else also has an element of the truth in them. When we start meetings for business like this, we do take time about two minutes, again, for silent worship. And so, that's what I'm going to do. And one little trick I will give -- and Quakers do have tricks. One little trick I'll give is that in meetings for business for worship, we often think and try to listen and hear the voices Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 of those who are in the meeting with us. And it often, for me, helps me to listen and hear what that person is saying even and almost especially when I don't agree with them. So with that said, I'm going to settle down. We will sit -- everyone can sit for two minutes in silent worship. I will break worship by shaking hands with President Clarke. (Two-minute silent worship.) (Clerk shakes hands with President Clarke.)
Thank you so much for those inspiring thoughts. Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you all. The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2017. And the Chair recognizes Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 4, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor, say aye. (Ayes.)
Ayes have it. And the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests of leaves of absence today.
Chair thanks the gentleman. Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business, and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down and witness their government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you are here. And we also hope that you have a knowledgeable day. But more importantly, we hope that you have a pleasurable day so much so that you come back again. So again, thank you so much for being here. At this time -- folks, I am going to have to ask you all to like -- it's a lot of talking going on. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell to present a resolution on behalf -- on my behalf, Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Honoring Julia R. Masterman School Students. Would Brett Mandel and those accompanying -hey you guys -- would those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)
There they go. And joining the Councilwoman we have Councilman Greenlee and Councilman Johnson and Councilman Squilla.
It is with great pride that we present this resolution on your behalf. Resolution honoring, congratulating and recognizing Julia R. Masterman School students for being crowned World Famous Finalists in the Odyssey of the Mind International Competition. Whereas, Odyssey of the Mind is an international creativity competition that synthesizes science, technology, engineering and the arts; and whereas, Odyssey of the Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Mind has been encouraging students around the world to "think outside the box" and work together as a team to solve challenging problems since 1978; and
Whereas, Julia R. Masterman School Odyssey of the Mind Division I team consisting of Emma Chrizmer -- Chrismer, Havana Covington, Az. (Students: Azalea)
All right. Michael Fenerty, Amelia Hoffman, Sidney Mandel, Lancelan -(Students: Lachlan)
Is that right, Pepersack? (Students: Yes.) Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
All right. All in 5th grade and coached by Chris Hoffman and Brett Mandel won second place overall. First place in spontaneous problem solving at the Pennsylvania State Finals Tournament on April 1, 2017; and. Whereas, the Division I teams winning performance consisted of famous ghosts trying to avoid the Ghostbusters by traveling in a hovercraft taxi, a battery magnet shuttle that traveled through a coiled copper wire, and a fan-powered car; and
Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Division II team, consisting of Drew Brown in the 8th grade, William -- Willem Cousineau in the 8th grade, Abiona Flora in the 8th grade, Samuel -(Students: Njiru)
Njiru, 7th grade; Julia Powers, 6th grade; Rory McDonald, 8th grade and Ariel Weinbaum, 8th grade and coached by Chris Powers, a Powel Elementary Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 School teacher and the one and only Brett Mandel won Second Place in addition to the Renatra Fusca Award -(Students: Ranatra Fusca)
Ranatra Fusca Award for Ultimate Creativity at the Pennsylvania State Finals Tournament on April 12, 2017; and Whereas, the Division II team competed in the "Catch Us If You Can" problem solving problem by creating vehicles that travel from a multi-level parking garage to a secret meeting place while also performing and acting to avoid being followed; and
Whereas, the Division II Team won their Ranantra Fusca -(Students: Ranatra Fusca.)
You know what, come on up here with me and help me out, will you please. (Laughter)
For Ultimate Creativity, the highest award in Odyssey by creating a performance about the inner Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 working of the human body that included a train-of-thought fan car, a blood-vessel boat that traveled in a blood stream -really -- and a walking neuron; and Whereas, the Julia R. Masterman School, the Philadelphia Public School, will for the fourth straight year compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. Approximately, 6,000 students from across the United States and around the world will represent the best of young creative minds and compete at Michigan State University in East Lansing on May 24, 2017 through May 17, 2017; and
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor, congratulate and recognize the Julia R. Masterman School's Odyssey of the Mind Team on their success in the state competition, and wish them success in the World Finals competition; and Further, be it resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Julia R. Masterman School's Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Odyssey of the Mind Team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of our legislative body. And certainly, this is a sign it was introduced by President Clarke, agreed to and signed and cosponsorred by all Members of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you so, so much for this honor, Mr. President. And seems like there are fewer people worthy of that title every day in the country. But, Mr. President, thank you so, so much for having us. It's an incredible little streak that we have been on. With apologies to Walt Whitman, the school that is great, is the one with the great students. The best part about this run has been watching all of the well-funded and well-healed suburban private and public school standing and cheering for our students as they beat them year after year. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 It is a wonderful trip. It is a wonderful program. I am thrilled to have been a participant honored by this Council when I was but a kid in school. These guys are going to have a great time. And it is wonderful that you guys have been our good luck charm sending us off each time. Hear from the students very briefly what they like the most about this program. AMELIA HOFFMAN: Thank you. I really love Odyssey of the Mind. It's one of my favorite programs to do. But my most favorite part about it is thinking outside the box and being creative and really getting to show things that we wouldn't usually do in the 5th grade. So, I really love that.
That was Amelia Hoffman. Say your name before you speak. (Applause.) SIDNEY MANDEL: My name is Sidney Mandel. And my favorite part of Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is getting to trade pins with people from all over the world and Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 get to meet them and watching him get all emotional. That was fun. We all love that. ARIEL WEINBAUM: My name is Ariel Weinbaum. My favorite part of Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is meeting new people from all around the world and creating friendships that last me a lifetime. STUDENTS: My name is Drew Brown. My favorite part of Odyssey of the Mind is getting to see the different creations and being inspired and amazed by what other teams and kids have done; however. STUDENTS: We can't get to Worlds Finals in Michigan without "your help." (Applause.) STUDENT: We have a Go Fund Me Page. I don't know exactly what the link is.
The Council President will chair the link, I'm sure. STUDENT: Yeah. So, we have a Go Fund Me page. If you'd like to donate, you can also you can write checks out to Masterman HSA if you would like to help us. Thank you. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon who will present a resolution honoring Father Judge High School Students, Jack Flynn and Dylan Feby. Would Jack Flynn and Dylan Feby, Ed Harrington and those companying him, please, join the Councilman at the podium. And we also have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Domb, Councilwoman Gym and Councilman Taubenberger and Councilman Green. (Councilmembers and guests approach the podium.)
Well, good evening -good morning, everybody. And before we start with the presentation and the folks are joining us here, I have to tell you this is a -- an impressive story that deserves the accolations and the recognition that it Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 deserves. You know, you will hear in the resolution the story behind why we are here and why we are honoring these two young men. You have a freshman and a senior who acted instinctively, instinctively where most people would just walk by. And you see on some of these reality TV shows and some of these prank shows where you have, you know, the setups for response of people. And normally, people ignore situations. These two young men saved a person's life by instinctively jumping in while the rest of the bus that they were on sat there, while people out front walking the street kept walking by. And it is quite remarkable that these kids who were -- get up, go to school doing their normal routine, go to catch a bus, SEPTA bus, public transportation to go home. And an individual who attempted suicide who, you know, obviously, had some -- some deep issues that they were dealing with or could not deal with ran into the bus. Ran into the bus. These two kids were on the bus and Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 they were off the bus as quick as he hit the bus. And you know, the measures that they took without having any knowledge of being a paramedic, an EMT or CPR, all right, they quickly took off the clothes that they were wearing off of their sweater and applied the tourniquet on the laceration on the neck. And noticed the scene as they were -- in seconds. Noticed that there were wrist lacerations and a neck laceration bleeding profusely. And they were told upon the arrival from our emergency medical responders that if it wasn't for their quick actions, as quick as they did and the actions that they took to stop the bleeding to keep the man alive and coherent until the medics responded, that gentleman would not be here with us today. So, it is an amazing, an amazing, amazing story. So today, we are honoring Father Judge High School students Jack Flynn and Dylan Feby for their heroic actions on February 7, Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 2017.
Whereas, rooted in the spirituality of their patron, St. Francis de Sales, Father Judge High School educates the whole young man, spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially in the Catholic tradition; and Whereas, the motto of Father Judge High School is educating the minds and souls of their students in the spirit of the gentleman saint, St. Francis de Sales; and
Whereas, on Thursday, February 7, 2017, never were these qualities more evident as Senior Jack Flynn and Freshman Dylan Feby, both students at Judge, began what was and what is normally a routine journey from home from -- to school on their usual SEPTA Route 20 bus; and Whereas, the bus was en route when an unidentified male was spotted running towards the moving bus in an attempt to be deliberately hit; and
Whereas, the man bounced off the bus and fell to the ground. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 The bus door was open and Jack noticed the man was bleeding from his neck and wrist in an apparent suicide attempt; and Whereas, Jack and Dylan sprang into action using their Judge sweaters to stop the bleeding from the man's neck and wrist, and waited for him until the ambulance arrived; and Whereas, paramedics reached the scene and were very appreciative of the boy's actions in saving and assisting this man's life; and
Jack Flynn will be getting ready to graduate in June and is planning to join the United States Navy soon thereafter. It's Jack's dream to follow in his father's footsteps and become a Philadelphia Firefighter. Jack is proud to be a member of the Father Judge ice hockey team and lives with his parents and younger brother; and
Whereas, Dylan Feby is currently a Freshman at Judge and enjoys playing basketball. Dylan is also Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 interested in astronomy. It is his hope to continue his education after graduating from Judge and major in engineering. He resides with his mother and stepfather, and enjoys hanging out with his father and two younger sisters; and now therefore
Therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and congratulate Father Judge High School students Jack Flynn and Dylan Feby for their heroic actions on February 7, 2017. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jack and Dylan further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body. And I also want to add in closing that, you know, I want to thank the parents of these two young gentleman who have an incredible future, all right, to have instincts like that. They are good people. Good people do good things, and great people who come from good families and have the Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 opportunity to be part of the community. You know, you should be honor -- honored of their heroic actions. Should be honored as fine young men. And to the school Father Judge, I happen to be a product of albeit to St. Francis de Sales. And I have to tell you, Father Judge does a wonderful job in making sure that family and community come together, all right, for the service of good and for all good men and women. So, you should all be proud. And I want to thank you all and congratulations to you. (Applause.)
And the -and the Chair recognizes Mr. Harrington for remarks.
It goes without saying how proud we are, Father Judge, on behalf of the Administration of these two young men. In the world today where a lot of young people kind of maybe get a bad rap or they Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 have their ear buds in on their cell phones, here is two young men that didn't think. They simply saw something happen to them visual, and they just sprang into action. And when they told me the story, I saw the pictures, I was just blown away. Their character development in school, we pride ourselves in character development. Started a long time ago with their parents. The Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods they grew up in, these are great kids and they have bright futures. And we are so proud of them. And thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much young men. At this time -- where is the Councilman? Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon who will present a resolution honoring the Community Life Improvement Program, also Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 known as CLIP. Would Tom Conway and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approach the podium.)
I hope not everybody has a camera that's coming up here. We do have work today. Well, again, thank you everybody. Welcome CLIP, CLIP Team. Let's hear it for the CLIP team. (Applause.)
We are here to celebrate the 15th Year Anniversary of CLIP right here in the Chambers. And for those who have been around, understand and know what went into the creation of CLIP. I see Councilwoman Blackwell and I know Council President Clarke were all a part of it. And Councilman O'Neill were around at the time. CLIP was a -- in conjunction with the creation of the neighborhood Mayor Streets Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. And that initiative was bold. It was strong. We still have remnants of that programs and different names today that is -- you know, Council President Clarke and I laugh at times when we see new programs. But there are not actually new programs, are they Council President.
They were created at one time and have evolved. But the creation of CLIP, which I am proud of and we all should be proud of, originated and started as a pilot in the 6th Councilman District with my predecessor Joan Krajewski. Who -one thing I was taught through her and through other members of this body is we may not all agree on everything, all right, but we agree that, you know, we can fight for the quality of life and the issues, all right, of the District and the people that we represent. And Joan Krajewski did just that. And the creation of CLIP started, and Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 the creation of accolades to Tom Conway during every budget hearing, you know, since then has been outstanding. And I remember CLIP going out and doing graffiti and was happy to have as a Committee person and a community organizer in my neighborhood as a young man. I remember, you know, using the tools that they have which started with -- with graffiti. Blight. Destroying our neighborhoods. And now we have a program that is citywide, and there is not one Councilmember, there is not one citizen of the City of Philadelphia who has not benefitted from CLIP. Over a million properties that have been -- had graffiti removed from it; 200,000 vacant lots; three -- 30,000 exteriors of properties that are now in compliance with 69 percent or above with property maintenance. That is all the quality of life issues that we deal with on a daily basis. And CLIP and its team and everybody up here and those who are not up Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 here who are out there remediating, out there who are cleaning up and working, all right, because, you know, the City must move on and they are working and they are doing a fantastic job. They are all a part of that. One thing that I did when I was first elected, I took a little picture from Undercover Boss that you see on TV. I did Undercover Councilman. And I passed by this one house where -- on Welsh Road that I did. And I think they actually probably were just out there recently because it was -- it's cut down. So, I did an undercover with CLIP. And they had me weed whacking. And they had me mowing the lawn. They had me pulling little trees out and bagging and everything like that. I think they hazed me. I think that was my initiation thing. But they do a great job and deserve all the credit, all the credit for expanding its program citywide, making sure that we get the best quality of life that we deserve. Tom, he's up here wearing a peach shirt. And his top, his button is buttoned. So Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 without further ado, all right, I want to thank you, Tom, for growing with this and managing the program here now as we honor the Community of Life Program of the occasion of the 15th Year Anniversary. Whereas, CLIP, Community of Life Program, was created April 2, 2002 in conjunction with Mayor John Streets Neighborhood Transformation Initiative by long time Councilmember Joan Krajewski.
Whereas, originally designed to address quality of life issues in the 6th Councilmanic District, CLIP now can be found on a Citywide level. The Community Life Improvement Program consists of several programs dedicated to improving the appearance of neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia through the eradication of blight. Last year, CLIP cleaned over 15,000 vacant lots and 3,000 exteriors of properties. These programs are designed to maximize effectiveness and efficiency by inspecting and abating entire blocks; and Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Whereas, CLIP encourages business and residents of the City of Philadelphia to get involved in their neighborhood and partner with CLIP programs to make a difference. Their Community Partnership Program, CPP assisted over 500 organizations last year and has supplied resources available for neighborhood cleanups to foster sustainable communities; and
Whereas, CLIP's Graffiti Abatement Teams and rapid response teams dedicated to the quick removal of graffiti, vandalism and has been in existence for over 20 years. Tom started that in Mayor Rendell's second term, 24 hours then. A little different when we were working with the Police. But still, part of CLIP is why it works so well. This division of CLIP has been working with community organizations and business associations since 1996 removing graffiti vandalism from over 1 million properties; and Whereas, CLIP truly appreciates those Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 groups that have partnered with the program and wishes to recognize the efforts and remarkable results that have come through these partnerships. Only through the combined efforts of community organizations, business associations, elected officials, city, state and federal agencies working together can the quality of life truly improve in neighborhoods throughout the City; now therefore
Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honor and commend the quality -- Community Life Improvement Program on the occasion of their 15th Year Anniversary. Resolve further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of CLIP as further evidence of their sincere, respect and admiration of this legislative body. And you know, one thing that you learn along the way that when you only have X-amount of years in Council and others have Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 tenure, you get taught a little lesson that it doesn't just start in the 6th District. It was companioned with the 10th District. And I'm sure Brian O'Neill was one of the founders leveraging and champion for the district of the 10th Councilmanic District along with Joan Krajewski and the Mayor to make sure that Northeast was represented in ways that it wasn't before continuing to address the quality of life issues. So, thank you all. And thank you, Brian. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of City Council for this resolution. Honored of the team at CLIP. I would also like to thank you for being so supportive of CLIP over the last 15 years. Thanks to you and Mayor Kenney, CLIP received additional funding last year to continue our mission of working with businesses and residents in cleaning up Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Philadelphia. I believe standing here with you today are some of the hardest work in public servants in this City's history, employees that truly care about making a difference, not just in our great city but also in society. Is not just a job, it has become a mission to be the most effective, efficient and caring agency in City government. And I believe we are on our way to succeeding. Our biggest accomplishments -- although Councilman Henon mentioned what we have accomplished over the last 15 years. Our biggest accomplishment is our ability to change people's lives by giving people a second chance. CLIP has a very robust hiring practice where we hire people reentering society to work for CLIP. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment and the diversity of our workforce as we truly represent the City and are up there as one of the most diversified organizations in the City. I would like to thank my employees for Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 their dedication, loyalty and commitment and improving the lives and quality of life of Philadelphians across this great city. Those standing here with me today have over ten years of experience working for CLIP. None of this could have been accomplished if it were not for the two old school politicians -- well three: Mayor John Street and the late Councilman Krajewski and Brian O'Neill -- not the late Brian O'Neill. Mayor Streets' Neighborhood trans -(Laughter)
Mayor Streets' Neighborhood Transformation Initiative was the right fit at the right time. His vision of transforming neighborhoods lives to this day through CLIP. He wanted to ensure that all Philadelphian neighborhoods received a lasting piece of the NTI Program. And he succeeded. The Councilwoman's unwavering support of this enforcement education arm of the program allowed us to build the foundation to succeed early on. Again, I would like to thank City Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Council, Mayor Kenney and CLIP employees for their strong effort in cleaning up Philadelphia and improving the quality of life on a daily basis in a very meaningful way. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Thank you. The next order of business is Communications. And the Chair requests that the Sergeant of Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. (Mayors messages delivered.)
And, Mr. Decker, if you will please read those messages.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 8, 2017, I signed all the bills Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 which were passed by Council at its session on April 27, 2017. And that on May 5, 2017, I signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on May 4, 2017: Bill No. 170168. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the 7th Councilmanic District. They will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank. And an ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and the Procurement Commissioner on behalf of the City to execute a concession agreement with Tree Top Quest or its wholly owned subsidiary for an aerial adventure park in West Fairmount Park, all under certain terms and conditions.
Do you have any additional communications, Mr. Decker? Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
Thank you very much. And the next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, I offer one resolution this morning.
A privileged resolution recognizing the month of May as National Foster Care Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one resolution. I would like to be recognized on the resolution, if possible.
After the Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 reading of the resolution, all right. Thank you, Councilwoman.
An Ordinance authorizing Route 34 Group to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 5021-23 Baltimore Avenue.
And a privileged resolution hereby recognizing May 18, 2017 as Haitian Flag Day in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is cosponsored by Helen Gym, Allan Domb, Cherelle Parker, Mark Squilla and Derek Green. And let me say, I was pleased to receive it. It was written by Steve Paul who works for Councilwoman Gym and who was Haitian born. Been here since he was a little boy, around six or seven. And he's been to our meetings. And we are Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 very -- and we are very proud of his commitment and interest. As many of you know, Haiti was the first independent Black country in the world who successfully fought French -- the French colonizations. We are very proud that we will be joining them next week in flag raising and being involved in many activities in addition to that. I know that Councilwoman Gym wants to speak, as well.
Thank you very much, Council President. Thank you so much to Councilwoman Blackwell for her amazing partnership on a host of issues, especially impacting our African and Carribean immigrant nations. In these times as we face the rise of a reactionary and regressive administration that often seeks to turn the clock back on hard-won freedoms. This resolution about the Haitian revolution and Haiti's legacy of Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 revolutionary struggle for a just and equal society is an example for all of us today. The Haitian Revolution was one of most influential uprisings in the Western hemisphere. It sparked slave revolts throughout the Carribean, which forced the eventual end of slavery in the British and French-occupied territories. And additionally, it inspired the three major slave revolts in the United States of America. The African heroes in Hispaniola fought for human rights, liberty, equality and fraternity and went on to establish the first free Black republic in the world, the Republic of Haiti. The first independent nation in Latin America and the first nation to renounce slavery. We must never forget Haiti. We must never forget Haiti's history, its legacy. We must celebrate and hold Haiti up in times like these. We need those historical lessons more than ever. Thank you so much, Councilwoman Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Blackwell.
Thank you, Council Ladies. And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf I offer one bill.
An Ordinance authorizing Boyd's Realty Partnership to install, own and maintain concrete planter encroachments at 1818 Chestnut Street.
That bill will be referred to Committee. And Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Linden Avenue(extended), Academy Road, Grant Avenue, Frankford Avenue, the Poquessing Creek and the Delaware River.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the status of implementation of the cable television franchise renewal agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Comcast of Philadelphia passed by this Council on December 10, 2015.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 4, 2017 as International Firefighters Day in Philadelphia and further honoring the men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Department for their continual dedication and service to the City of Philadelphia.
This week's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills and two resolutions. The resolutions cosponsored by Parker, Oh, Brown, Bass, Johnson, Greenlee on both.
An Ordinance authorizing the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to execute a Concession Agreement with Treetop Quest, or its wholly-owned subsidiary, for an aerial adventure park in West Fairment Park.
Councilman, after Council, I want to ask you what that is. Refer to Committee. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
All right. Thank you. I will look forward to seeing that. Refer to committee.
And an Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Gates Street, Henry Avenue, Roxborough Avenue, Magdalena Street, Walnut Lane, Henry Avenue, Kingsley Street, Houghton Street, Walnut Lane, Shurs Lane, Tower Street, Levering Street, Silverwood Street, Leverington Avenue, Silverwood Street, Fountain Street and Ridge Avenue.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Overbrook High School graduates, Joyce Eli Bevins and Jean Lu Bevins for their recognition by the Cannes Film Festival for Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 the short film "My Dear Arthur."
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 5800 block of Race Street as Reverend Albert F. Campbell Way.
Next weeks' calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution and one resolution regarding the renaming of Broad and Christian Street to Carpenter Street to "Boyz II Men Boulevard" as primarily sponsored by my good friend from South Philadelphia, Councilman Mark Squilla and signed by all Members of Council.
A privileged resolution honoring Principal Joanne Beaver of Philadelphia High School for the Creative Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 and Performing Arts, a recipient of the 2017 Lindback Award which recognizes distinguished principal leadership.
And A non-privileged resolution also naming Broad Street from Christian Street to Carpenter Street, "Boys II Men Boulevard."
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution, one non-privileged and two bills. And I wish to be recognized after the bill has been read.
An Ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of the 4400-4500 block of Castor Avenue from Wyoming Avenue to E. Cayuga Street.
Refer to Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Committee.
And an Ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City-County Consolidation," by amending the Chief Assessment Officer's authorization to set standards for the valuation of properties for taxation purposes.
Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I recently attended a senior event. And I was talking to one of my beloved seniors who was very happy about the shopping mall that we are building on 3rd and Allegheny. She talked to me about how excited she was that she was going to have all of those amenities close to her. And then she asked me is it time for me to sell my property and move to a smaller apartment. And I said why? And she says, because these improvements mean my property taxes are going to go up, and I'm not going to be able to afford the house that I have lived Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 in with my children. This story, Council President, is one that all of us hear time and time again. I recently fixed the sidewalks of my own community of Norris Square in the park. And I got -- sent an email from folks that say Maria, why are you gentrifying my neighborhood, our neighborhood. And I responded that my seniors had actually asked me for those sidewalks because every Friday morning at ten o'clock they do their weekly walk. And in fact, always invite me and I don't get there often to do it with them. We face this every day. People are scared about new development. A couple of weeks ago when OPA was here, I asked Michael Piper over and over how do we ensure that people don't look at development as something that is going to tax them out of where they live. This Council, under your leadership, has been steadfast in their support of AVI, Homestead Exemptions, LOOP, property tax deferrals, our Senior Freeze. We have done just about everything we can to Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 reassure folks that we are building the City and that we really do value and want to protect our working poor. That is why today I introduce a bill to further protect long time homeowners from what could be perceived as artificially inflated tax bills by closing a critical loophole in the way the City is going to assess property values. I am fearful of what this new annual assessment is going to mean for communities like my own neighborhood of Norris Square and Old Kensington. This legislation will authorize the Office of Property Assessment to look at ways of valuing markets, particularly of properties on the ten-year tax abatement when computing neighborhood market values based on recent sales. This mechanism will ensure that both new and long time homeowners share the benefits of our tax relief programs. The sale or purchase of your neighbor's home should not increase your tax bill Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 simply because your new neighbor is entitled to the tax abatement. People deserve a tax bill that really represents the true value of their property, not an artificial value that may be created by our own development strategies. As we move forward toward annual assessments, we must look at ways to calculate values by each neighborhood, block by block, as precisely and as fairly as possible. I look forward to a very robust conversation with everyone in Council about what this potential bill could mean and the critical consequences that we hear all too often in neighborhood to neighborhood about people fearing new development and enhancements, their own community enhancements in their neighborhoods. For me, it hurts me because people believe that we are fixing our neighborhoods for the new ones to come. And I fight every day to convince them that -- and I apologize that it's taken us so long to fix their old neighborhood amenities in every neighborhood Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 for them, those folks who have believed and have raised their families in their neighborhoods. I look forward to the conversation with the Administration. And I ask any of my colleagues who are interested in discussing this with me to be part of a work group as we look at what this potentially can mean. I welcome their input and their advise. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Sharon Lopez on being named the First Latina President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the 7th Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And that will be on next week's calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution. Council President, I will request a suspension of the rules for this non-privileged resolution. This resolution replaces the resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar for today. That would make a motion withdraw that resolution. Today's resolution is a technical change for the legislation that was introduced last week regarding the Tourism Improvement District.
Okay. You making a motion now for the suspension -
-- to allow today's ruling? Is there a second? Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 (Duly seconded.)
Ayes have it. That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
An Ordinance establishing a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia to be known as the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District, designating the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation to serve as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 District.
And that will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia to be known as the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-authored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, co-sponsored by Members Green, Bass and Taubenberger and supported by all Members of Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporates its Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Quaker City Alumni Chapter Social Action Committee on the occasion of the 14th year of Delta Days at City Council.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Councilman. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
One non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Reynolds Brown, Green, Bass Domb, Sanchez and Parker with gratitude.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
A non-privileged resolution recognizing the critical role that guidance counselors and counselors play in meeting students' academic, social and emotional needs and urging the School District of Philadelphia to devote additional resources to expanding the number of counselors in high schools with the highest needs.
This week's calendar. And the chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and Colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions this week.
I said good morning, Council President and Colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions this morning. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Council President. I introduce eight bills today.
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, the Delaware Expressway, Laurel Street, Canal Street and Poplar Street. And an Ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Section 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," for the amendment of the North Delaware Neighborhood Commercial Overlay Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 District. And an Ordinance amending Title 3 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Air Management Code," by amending Chapter 3-200 thereof, entitled "Prohibited Conduct," to add a new section prohibiting the cutting of rubber tires by any person. And an Ordinance amending Section 14-702 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Floor Area and Height Bonuses," and Section 14-704 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Open Space and Natural Resources," by making technical changes relating to the CDO, Central Delaware River Front Overlay District. And an Ordinance authorizing 2732 Donna's Bar to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2732 E. Allegheny Avenue. And an Ordinance authorizing B1 Holdings to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 767 South 9th Street. And an Ordinance authorizing 1338 Incorporated to install, own and maintain an Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 open-air sidewalk cafe at 1338-40 South 10th Street. And an Ordinance authorizing WT Restaurant Holdings to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 743 South 4th Street.
Thank you. Those eight bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution cosponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Quinones-Sanchez and Green.
A non-privileged resolution supporting House Bill 1302 which would prohibit Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies from using state resources to investigate, interrogate, detain or arrest people for immigration enforcement purposes. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We have no reports from Committee today. And the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 170306, entitled "An Ordinance to Reinstate Bill No. 140309" Amending Section 140-502 of the Zoning Code, entitled "CTR, Center City Overlay," and Section 14-602 of the Zoning Code, entitled "Used Tables," and to amend Section 14-803 Motor Vehicle Parking standards. And Bill No. 170289, entitled an Ordinance Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate bicycle lanes in both directions on American Street, from Jefferson Street, to Lehigh Avenue for the removal of a travel lane on American Street in the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chair agrees, these bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Mr. President, is this for the Consent Agenda first or -thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of the Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading of Final Passage Calendar. Bill Nos. 170140-A, 160680, 170149, 170201, 170265, 170310, 170331, 170333, Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 170015, 170016, 170308, 170329, 170330, 161108, 170002, 170086, 170203, 170264, 170281, 170283, 170284, 170286, 170292, 170305, 170311 and 170336. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of the Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Henon. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling on bills and resolution on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolution and bill are being called up for a Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. Bill Nos. 170443, 170449, 170335, 170205 and 170332. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering our calendar today, we will have our Public Comment session. The Public Comment session will go as follows. If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar, if you have not already signed up, you may do that, the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council chambers. There is a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 red, we would ask that you please adhere to those guidelines established by Council and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, can you please call the first name.
Thank you, Council President, Members of Council. I'm Stan Shapiro. And I'm testifying today on behalf of Philadelphia Neighborhood Networks. We applaud Council for recognizing that the City must attach itself from serial abuser Wells Fargo, but there is no other mega bank that the City can morally substitute for it, certainly not Citizens Bank. In August 2015, three cooperating federal agencies ordered Citizens to pay tens of millions of dollars in restitution Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 and penalties for pocketing money from customers who made mistakes on their deposit slips. In a truly remarkable pattern of grand larceny, if a customer's deposit slip inadvertently understated the amount of their actual deposit, the bank would credit the customer with the mistaken amount and pocket the difference. And it did it over and over and over again. Just last month, the Citizens Bank affiliate was fined for overcharging charitable and retirement plan, mutual fund customers by failing to waive unallowable fees. And of course, just like Wells Fargo, Citizens is a funder of the notorious Dakota Access Pipeline. In addition, it's also a funder of the Mariner East Pipeline, which brings the dangers of breaks, spills and noxious emissions right into our region. Yes, moving the City's money or most of it to Citizens might be a small step up from keeping it at super-predator Wells Fargo. But ultimately, there is only one good way for the City to manage its money, and that's Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 to create its own bank modeled after the Bank of North Dakota. That bank created in 1919 and getting stronger and stronger as it approaches its 100th birthday holds all the funds of the State of North Dakota and then it reinvests them in the students, farmers, school districts, homeowners and small businesses of the state. When it lends to School Districts for construction or reconstruction of school buildings, it frees of tens of millions of dollars for districts to invest in teachers, supplies, equipment and all of the essentials that are in such short supply in our City. And when it invests in small businesses, it is investing in itself by growing the economy and tax ratables that then benefit the entire community through provision of robust services. It's time for the City to go 100 percent renewable energy to boost its stock of affordable housing to let every business have access to local financing to boost the coop sector of the economy to fix its Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 schools. It's time the City had a tool other than zero-sub tax incentives to lure established businesses to the City and to enable start up -- start ups. And it's high time that the City rid itself once and for all that the pernicious impacts of dealing with the Wall Street predators. Let's create the Public Bank of Philadelphia. (Applause.) (Councilwoman Reynolds Brown sitting in as Chair.)
Hi. My name is Kelly Morton. And I'm a member of Reclaim Philadelphia. We applaud the removal of the $2 billion from Wells Fargo Bank. However, we reject the perception that we are chained to big blanks like Wells Fargo and Citizens Bank because they are the only ones that can handle our large account. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 This perception leads us to tolerate criminal practices like those of Wells Fargo for far too long. Practices that have directly harmed Philadelphians, our School District, vulnerable and indigenous minority populations and the environment as others have pointed out here today. We ask City Council to join other progressive cities in exploring a public bank for Philadelphia. Our City faces financial threats from the Federal Government and the State Government over our status as a Sanctuary City. We also face constant threats of budget cuts from the State Legislature. In the face of these threats, the autonomy provided by a public bank is uniquely beneficial to our City. Beyond the initial economic boon of saving millions in fees every year, a public bank ould offer below market rate loans to projects that would foster real economic and community growth. Our City is full of innovators who have Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 real solutions to our problems. Beyond -rather than relying on a partnership program with a big bank who practices undermine its contributions, the City could invest directly in these initiatives via a public bank. The key points here are that a Philadelphia public bank could save the City millions in fees. And all of its revenue would be invested back into the City where it's needed and where we can directly see the results of our investment. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is Susan Saxe. And I'm here today as a member of POWER, Philadelphia Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild. We're a grass roots organization that advocates for economic Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 environmental racial and social justice. And we are part of the coalition of organizations working toward a public municipal bank for the City of Philadelphia. We applaud the decision of the City to move its payroll business from Wells Fargo and want to thank Councilwoman Bass for taking the initiative to get this done. This is a step in the right direction. But all corporate banks engage in practices that hurt our City, the neighborhoods and the environment. Why should we remain at the mercy of these predatory banks when a much better alternative is possible? We believe that the only acceptable long term solution is for the City to create its own publicly-owned bank modeled after the Bank of North Dakota, the publicly-owned bank that has serve the State of North Dakota since 1919. A Philadelphia public bank would charge the City no fees, engage in no predatory lending or other abuses and invest its fund solely in Philadelphia and its communities at well below market Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 interest rates. All profits would go back into the City's coffers rather than into the hands of distant shareholders and bank executives. The Bank of North Dakota has been doing this for almost 100 years. I have left an article with your staff about the success of the Bank of North Dakota, and a move by the City of Sante Fe to move forward with its own investigation of public banking. As of the spring Of 2010, North Dakota was the only state boasting a major budget surplus. It had one of the best funded school system and the lowest unemployment in default rates in the country. And it had the most community banks per capita, suggesting that the presence of a state-owned bank actually helped the local banks. This is why comparable forward thinking cities like Oakland, Portland, Seattle and Sante Fe are actively exploring the creation of their own municipal banks. We believe that Philadelphia is a natural leader of Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 this movement because we are, in fact, the home of public banking which was first introduced to these shores by the Quakers. We can begin today to take steps toward the development of our Philadelphia public municipal bank. We are asking you to consider two paths of action. First, we ask that the words a publicly -- "bank publicly owned and controlled by the City of Philadelphia" be added to the City depository list so that the commitment of the City to organizing a public bank is clear even while the details are being worked out. Also, we would like City Council to authorize a study to determine best practices for moving forward with the creation of a public municipal bank. We are ready to work with Council to design such a study and to develop the standards and policies that would best benefit our neighborhoods, our school systems and our public institutions. Thank you so much. And we will be happy Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 to answer any questions that you have at any time.
Hi. My name is Meghna Chandra. And I'm a community organizer with 215 Peoples Alliance, an organization that's fighting for racial and economic justice. I am here today to testify in favor of 170330 and 170329, following up on the testimony of our member Van Fields of the Finance Committee. So when the news broke about the fraudulent account scandal in which Wells Fargo got caught telling their staff to make 2 million fake bank accounts in their customer names, we decided to ask people about their experiences with Wells Fargo. So, I spent the last few months talking to hundreds of people outside of Wells Fargo Bank. And every time we went out, we would Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 meet at least three to four people who told us about ghost charges on their account, hidden fees, discriminatory treatment and unresponsive or disrespectful customer service. We have heard how people on fixed incomes -- from people on fixed incomes, how Wells purposely takes money out of people's bank accounts when they know they don't have money so they can charge them $35 in overdraft fees. We have heard stories of discriminatory treatment. How one of our members was approved for a loan on property in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, but was mysteriously denied it several days later, an African-American member. We've heard from former employees who left Wells Fargo because they didn't like pushing products on low income and immigrant communities who didn't know what they were signing up for. We can connect our members' experience to Wells Fargo's predatory business model. They've been found guilty in the Supreme Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Court for the overdraft fees and pushing that on working people. They make one-fourth of their profits, their non-interest related profits in these kind of hidden charges. They are found guilty of discriminatory lending. And they are one of the biggest foreclosures in the City. And also, they are part of consortium of banks that took 161 million from the Philadelphia School District by selling them swap deals, which went back after the Recession which was caused by banks and corrupt banks like Wells Fargo and corporate banks. And they are also one of the top financiers of private prisons, Corsovic an GEO Group. In doing business with Wells Fargo, the City is supporting a known predator of poor and working people. Our members also see the swindling of their bank accounts and foreclosure of their homes as connected with Wells Fargo's funding for Dakota Access Pipeline and the oil refinery. And more people talk about the pipeline. But the refinery is Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 responsible for 72 percent of toxic emissions in Philadelphia. And as Van, one of our members said, Wells Fargo is funding polluters that fund the well being of my family and my community. And the City enables them by doing business with them. So, we just want to say we applaud City Council under Cindy Bass' leadership for responding to community and activist groups to take on Wells Fargo. But we know that Wells Fargo is one of the worst of the bad. And to get to the heart of the problem, we need the City to hold its money in a public bank that will put the people before profits and invest in the community. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Mabel Egrede Alfaro. I am member of Philly with Standing Rock and Indigenous 215. I am 29 years resident of the United States and citizen of Chile from Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 South America. I am Estesa, mixed blood which means that median Chile is generically about 44 percent Native American, 51 percent European, and 5 percent of African descent. I come from the lands of various indigenous groups including the Aracanos Armepuces, the people of the Earth who until this day are defending the life, land, waters and biodiversity for expropriations by destructive corporate colonization. Now I stand in front of you on the occupy land Philadelphia. My humble message to you saying to Cindy Bass says thank you for ending some of your financial relationship with Wells Fargo as well as we all know, it is far overdue. However, in moving into the 21st Century we Philadelphians and we need institutions that are going to invest in our future generations. We need institutions that are going to stand up in the defense of our indigenous, black bodies. In defense of our nation's most vulnerable communities from Flint, Michigan to Standing Rock's Sioux Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 territory, in the defense of all native nations. We need institutions who will fight for healthy sustainable equitable future for all peoples. We need cities that are going to bring healthy and healing reparation for the belongings against African-American relations and similarly against Native American relatives. Because as my dear friend Liz Ellis, a Native American from the Peoria Tribe in Oklahoma and residents of Philadelphia denotes, to the indigenous people comes to 5 percent of the world population, but their territories house more than 80 percent of our planet's biodiversity. For centuries, native people have held reciprocal relationship with the lands they inhabit. Most famously de Lakhota Dakota led Pan indigenous movement to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. Represents the constant battle of native peoples who stop extracted corporate colonialism. The fight seeks not only to protect the community from destruction, but also to defend the water, Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 lands and human relations, all things of an entire planet. As we have seen in recent years in Apache's fight against defense of their sacred lines from copper mining, the Navajo fights against uranian mining and population. We moving forward from Philadelphia. We need financial institutions that are going to defend our shared environments and planning for diversity. So, I urge you to divest from city banks within the year because they also fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madrica, welcome, good morning Philadelphia City Council. My name is Priscilla Bell. I'm Boriqua born and raised in Philadelphia. I'm also an active member of the Tejano Revitalization Movement Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 which brings aware of my indigenous people who were the first to encounter colonialism in this hemisphere. I lived in Greys Ferry since 2002, which is one of the most effected neighborhoods in the City due to the toxic air emissions coming from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Oil Refinery. So, I know firsthand how environmental racism can impact our lives. My 15-year-old son developed asthma at two years old when I first moved into the area. But I want to thank you still for divesting some of the City's money from Wells Fargo. But I also urge for you to be cautious on your decision in moving forward because like Citizens Bank, there are other institutions that do not have the best interest of our people Philadelphia and of our environment. But right now I would like to read a really quick letter from my friend who was going to testify, but due to her health related emergency, she wasn't able to be here today. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Dear Mayor Kenney and Philadelphia City Council, (speaks in another language). In English, my name is Jennifer Diapo. I am a citizen of Philadelphia as well as of the Mohawk Nation of Ga Na Wayeh. I apologize for my absence. And as much as I like to -as much as I ask my comrades to read this for me today. This morning, once again, I am sitting in the oncology office at Fox Center -- Fox Chase Center praying this time that my breast cancer has not returned or metastasized. And that I will be here long enough on this earth to see my three-year-old daughter grow up. The realities of what happens to us human beings when oil spills and toxic chemicals are dumped and released has been a reality for our Mohawk people for decades. We have astronomical rates of birth defects in our children, excessively high rates of cancer due to years of proven dumping and leaching of chemicals in our waterways. In my family alone, my grandmother, father, stepmother, sister, one-year-old son, Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 16-year-old daughter, myself have been affected all by cancer. In addition to our illness in the oncology of our land, the wildlife and the water has been destroyed. So in closing, I would like to -- I urge you to consider standing with us, the first nation's people and help us win our battle against the destruction and the dwindling of the sacred lands and clean water. I plead with you to fully divest our City from banks funding the Dakota Access Pipeline. Naiweh. Thank you. (Applause.)
Celeste Hardester commenting on 170355. (Approaches podium.)
Thank you Councilpeople. Good morning. It's often humbling to hear concerns -- often humbling to hear the concerns expressed in this room. I am here to give testimony on Bill 170335. I'm representing the Chestnut Hill Community Association. We understand a primary goal of this Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 legislation is to enable all RCOs to have a method for obtaining more complete information upon which to base their decisions. We support this intention but have several concerns about the outcome. In our communications with multiple RCOs, we have learned of none that were aware of this legislation until very recently. Because RCOs are generally volunteer based, last minute notifications can be problematic. The Chestnut Hill Community Association did not learn of the bill until April 25, which did not allow adequate time for responding at the April 28 Rules Committee hearing. We feel this legislation as it is currently written will be onerous to all parties involved, including City agencies, developers and RCOs. The project information form within the legislation sets a platform for a tremendous amount of information to be provided far more than RCOs with a bench of professional capacity generally request to see. Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 We question the wisdom of this legislation, its potential detrimental impact, and would like the opportunity to have a greater understanding of it before it is voted on. We appreciate that this legislation be held on the calendar pending the opportunity for further discussion. For the record, we want to say that the Chestnut Hill Community Association review process has been mentioned verbally and in writing as being a model for this legislation. For the record, we disagree with this characterization. We have been told that the intention of the legislation is to level the playing field. We are concerned that the invasive nature of some of the information requested on the project information form exceeds leveling of the playing field and instead somewhat changes the game. This form goes well past what is used in Chestnut Hill asking for information about job creation related issues that open an additional dimension that we are not Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 convinced is constructive. We are concerned that in solving one problem, a whole new set of new ones will open up with this legislation. Many find it dense reading and difficult to understand. We feel an interim solution would be to make an information gathering form available through the Planning Commission, perhaps with plans to assess it's use after an appropriate period of time. Thank you.
Yes. Hello, everyone. My name is Bill James. I'm a member of the 50th Ward registered community organization, that serves the portions of East Mount Airy and West Oak Lane Community. I am here today to support my -- support Bill No. 170335 introduced by Councilwoman Cherelle Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 Parker. This bill is nothing more -- I'm sorry. I'm nervous. The bill is nothing more than a practical educational tool for residents who deserve to know how development projects will impact their neighborhood. All RCOs do not have members who work in the development related industries against their membership. But this does mean -- does not mean that the residents in my community are not interested in how the projects are developed in our neighborhoods and how they will effect us. This legislation provides us, the people who keep the City going, with important information and questions that we need also to be answered. We have the right to access this information just as well as anyone else. The bill corrects a longstanding wrong in the neighborhoods throughout our City. It levels the playing field of -- and having access to information. I thank Councilwoman Parker for her leadership in the community. You asked for feedback from the RCOs while you are Stated Meeting May 11, 2017 drafting this legislation. And we appreciate your providing an opportunity for us to be heard. I want to thank the bill sponsors, Councilwoman Maria Sanchez and Blondell Reynolds Brown, Chairman Bill Greenlee and all the Members of the Rules Committee for supporting this bill. I hope the City Council will pass this bill and make it law. If you do, it will be bold steps making sure that all Philadelphians, regardless of their ZIP code, have access to information they need for strong communities. Thank you, Councible -- Council President Clarke. (Applause)