COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 9, 2011 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Raymond Harris of Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church of Germantown. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Most gracious and ever-lasting Father, Father my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we come thanking you for this opportunity to come to hold your holy and righteous name. We ask you, oh God, to come within this City Council that everything that is said and done will glory to yourself, that everything that's said and done will bring decency and order. Pray for the City of this city. Pray for Philadelphia. Pray for these Councilmembers who govern this city. We take this opportunity to thank you once again for this opportunity. We turn this session over to you, for it is in the mighty master's name of Jesus the Christ, we do say, amen. (Amen.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 2nd, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
Madam President, I'm going to ask for a leave of absence for Councilman O'Neill, and I'd just like to explain why. One of our colleague's son, Robert Borrelli, Jr., was killed in an accident and his funeral is today. So Bob Borrelli, who works with us, his boy is being buried today.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the 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 your taking the time to join to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. It is my pleasure for us to offer a warm welcome to the Honorable Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Honorable Milton Young, John Milton Young, and a welcome back of our former Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare for the Commonwealth, John White. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
Welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. We are pleased to announce that a Liberian delegation are our special guests in Philadelphia. Our special guests are honored for the 2011 Festival, which takes place in your area and citywide. This festival takes place on Sunday, June 12th, and we have a full week of activities taking place leading up to the festival, including business and educational roundtables, tours of Cheyney and Lincoln University, diplomatic receptions and a tax awareness program. As you know, we welcome more than 40,000 people here for the Odunde celebration, and we're very, very pleased and proud about what it means to our city. The members of the delegation are His Excellency William V.S. Bull, Ambassador; His Excellency Dr. Mator Kpangbai, Ministry of Education; Honorable Matilda Parker, Managing Director, National Port Authority in Liberia; the Honorable Amin Modad, Advisor to the Minister of Commerce and World Trade Organization Representative; Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell, President, University; Reverend Rita Townsend, Vice-President, William V.S. Tubman University; Honorable Gurly T. Gibson, Liberia Trade Representative to the United States. They have all gone to Cheyney today, my alma mater, except for the Mayor. Today we are pleased to honor and recognize the Honorable Mary T. Broh, Mayor of Monrovia, Liberia. (Applause.)
Is there any other Councilmembers that would like to be recognized at this time? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. A little closer to home, I'd like to acknowledge visitors, Pastor Professor Giddings from Calvary Baptist Church and also Eastern University, who has brought his grad students here to observe democracy and international democracy in action.
If they would stand, we would like to recognize you. (Applause.)
Welcome. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution recognizing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Would Mr. Oakman and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And I see that Councilwoman Brown is being accompanied by Councilman Goode and Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Jones and also Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, we've had the wonderful pleasure in this body to celebrate and lift up members of the sorority that Councilwoman Tasco and I are members of, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as well as saluting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta and, of course, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Today it is my wonderful pleasure to celebrate and lift up the mighty men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and let me seize the moment to say thank you to the leadership and members of this fraternity for supporting my work and I am sure supporting the work of all of us on Council who are standing with us this morning. So welcome to the mighty men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Today we are recognizing and congratulating Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated on the Centennial Anniversary of their historic founding. Whereas, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was established on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC on November the 17th, 1911 through the pioneering work of students Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, along with professor Just; and
Whereas, in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity became the first African American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college; and Whereas, Omega Psi Phi's founders established "Friendship is Essential to the Soul" as the fraternity's official motto and committed each member to uphold manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift as the four Cardinal Principles of the organization; and
Whereas, in 1930, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity became the founding member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, joining historic organizations Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; and
Whereas, the commitment and dedication of Omega Psi brotherhood to spread to every corner of the globe, including thousands of members at over 750 chapters worldwide and 23 chapters within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Whereas, each chapter of Omega Psi Phi encourages in the -- engages in the civic life of the community through scholarship programs, social action initiatives, voter registration campaigns, and college endowment drives; and
Whereas, Omega Psi Phi members like jazz musician William "Count" Basie, college president Benjamin Elijah Mays, actor and author Dr. Bill Cosby, astronaut Guion S. Bluford, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, attorney Vernon Jordan, surgeon Dr. Charles Drew, and basketball stars Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neill have made incalculable contributions to the political, civic and cultural life of the United States; and Whereas, on July 27th, 2011, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will return to Washington, DC to initiate the Centennial Celebration of its founding; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated on the Centennial Anniversary of their historic founding. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the membership and leadership of Mu Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Pleased to say that this resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and indeed supported by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Phi Fraternity. (Applause.)
First of all, I'd just like to say thank you, and I'm so glad I voted for each and every one of you in this election. But it is with great pride and pleasure that I accept this award in the name of Omega Psi Phi Mu Omega Chapter. And with me I'd like to introduce my district representative, Mr. Kenneth Rogers, and I'd ask that he have a few words on the district and international part of our fraternity.
Thank you. On behalf of the Second District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, we are so thankful for this award, this recognition as we approach our 100 years of service. This fraternity was founded on friendship and service to our community, and this is do, and we're so proud to be a part of the community, uplifting our community, and we thank you again for this recognition. (Applause.)
At the end of the Council proceedings, Councilmembers and staff are certainly welcome to join us in the Caucus Room where we can interface on a more intimate level. We thank you very, very much, Madam President.
You're welcome. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring the Attack Mode Youth Boxing Club. Would Mr. Terrell and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Tasco.
Just a minute, Councilwoman. The noise level is much, much too high.
It's a great day for us, particularly for the Lawncrest community, because we are moving up there with the young people and they're doing great things. So I am pleased and honored to be here this morning to present this resolution honoring the Attack Mode Youth Boxing Club. Whereas, in July 2009, the Heavy Hitters Youth Boxing Club, Heavy Hitters Boxing, also known as Attack Mode Boxing, began with 15 kids and two coaches in the park at the Lawncrest Recreation Center, and by fall, Heavy Hitters Boxing was allowed to train in the all-purpose room; and Whereas, in the fall of 2009, Heavy Hitters Boxing President Rick Terrell and Vice-President Lonnie Haile, II, met with the Lawncrest Civic Association and, as a result, 35th Ward Leader Bill Dolbow, who is here with us this morning, and my staff person, Committee Person Kathy Wersinger, members of the civic association, became strong advocates for Heavy Hitters Boxing, and through their efforts, the boxing club was supported by the civic association and the Lawncrest Athletic Association; and Whereas, in addition to growing as an organization, Heavy Hitters Boxing gives back to the community and partnered with Fred Jenkins and the ABC Boxing Gym where they hosted the Help for Haiti Relief Gospel and Boxing Show and raised $1,500 and held a clothing drive for Haitian earthquake victims; and Whereas, in April 2010, Heavy Hitters Boxing continued to grow as a dynamic youth sports organization, and through the efforts of Bill Dolbow, the Recreation Department allowed Heavy Hitters Boxing to use the Lawncrest Recreation Center Pool House as an athletic training facility; and Whereas, the success of Heavy Hitters Boxing is not limited to its growth as an organization, but is also demonstrated in the ring by its achievements. In January 2011, Emmanuel Munuoz competed and Yvesmark Cherry and Ashwyn Trail were crowned Bantamweight and Middle Atlantic Super Heavyweight Champions at the Middle Atlantic Boxing Tournament. In February, Anthony Brown, Daniel Cherry and Yvesmark Cherry competed and Kieron Hooks, Dominique Walton and Ashwyn Trail were crowned Junior Welterweight, Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight Champions at the local Golden Gloves Tournament. Later, Kieron Walton and Ashwyn Trail earned second place at the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves Championship; and Whereas, Heavy Hitters Boxing has tripled in size and continues to provide a positive influence in the lives of the youth of Lawncrest through the leadership of Coaches Rick Terrell, Lonnie Haile, II, Chuck "Ice" Moore, Karl Rivers and Kareem Priester; therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the Heavy Hitters Boxing Club on its success in the ring and in mentoring the youth of Lawncrest to become outstanding citizens of our city. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Heavy Hitters Youth Boxing Club as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. say this is a certified copy, introduced by Tasco, signed by the President. It was introduced May 2011. And I am just so proud of these young people and the leadership. The ward leader and all of the community supports this organization, and we will continue to support them to see that they grow and reach out to the young people in Lawncrest. And I really am very proud of you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Good morning. On behalf of -- first, giving honor to God for this ability that he put in our hearts. On behalf of Heavy Hitters Boxing, we would like to thank Marian Tasco, Bill Dolbow, Kathy Wersinger, Fred Jenkins for this opportunity that was given to us. These people have helped us, guided us, mentored and taught us the right way to go. So we humbly and honestly accept this award on our behalf. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
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 Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 8, 2011, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on May 26, 2011; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 285 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 515 North Fortieth Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 289 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 3863 Melon Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 691 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2024 through 52 North Tenth Street including 1000 through 1010 Diamond Street; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Logan Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel No. 2, also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 4955 North 7th Street; and Also an ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan No. 285 of a right-of-way for drainage purposes in the area lying southeast of Roberts Avenue and southwest of Fox Street, and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On your behalf and my behalf, I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution proclaiming this Council's support for the collective bargaining rights of the striking Red Cross workers and calling upon the Red Cross to resume good faith bargaining with the union in order to settle the contract in a manner that protects the health and safety of the workers, the donors and the blood supply and to submit any deadlocked bargaining issues to binding arbitration.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three resolutions, one of which is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Donna Miller, and I wish to be recognized after the title of that resolution declaring June 10th, 2011 as Homeless Children's Awareness Day is read for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 285 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 515 North Fortieth Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 289 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 3863 Melon Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution declaring June 10th, 2011 as Homeless Children Awareness Day in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's Council session. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Section 9-804 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Unfair Rental Practices," by requiring that every lease provide that a landlord shall be prohibited from terminating the lease based upon a tenant's status as a domestic violence victim.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring David and Trina Losinno for over 40 years of service to the organization which they founded, Special People in the Northeast.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring Richard "Dick" Gouldey on his retirement.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating The Deliverance Evangelistic Church for their strong presence and dedicated service to the community.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution proclaiming the month of October 2011 as "Disability Awareness Month."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eleventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills nor resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fifth and Thirty-Ninth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the bill, please.
An ordinance authorizing Chinta Shah, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of 18th Street and JFK Boulevard, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of 18th Street and JFK Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 691 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2024 through 52 North Tenth Street including 1000 through 1010 Diamond Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 110443, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' by amending the options for retirement benefits; in particular, amending Section 22-310, entitled 'Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP),' by making various changes to DROP to reduce its costs, including, but not limited to, changing eligibility requirements and the interest credited to DROP accounts; adding a new option for retirees to take a lump sum benefit at retirement, in exchange for an actuarial reduction of their regular monthly pension; and making conforming amendments to other provisions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110443.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports 13 bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 100678, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding a new Section 14-1642, entitled 'I-95 Condemnation Corridor,' to permit the relocation of certain structures and devices in connection with the PennDOT of I-95 that pass through the City"; and Bill No. 100720, entitled, "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' and Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by adding special provisions regulating advertising signs in designated Commercial Advertising Districts; designating Market Street between 7th Street and 13th Street as a Commercial Advertising District; and making conforming amendments"; and Bill No. 110185, entitled "An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Richmond Street, Cumberland Street, Beach Street, and Schirra Drive"; and Bill No. 110302, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning of land located within an area bounded by Northwestern Avenue, Meadowbrook Avenue, Stenton Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Bells Mill Road, and Wissahickon Turnpike"; and Bill No. 110306, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-1604, entitled 'Outdoor Advertising and Non-Accessory Advertising Controls,' by permitting one non-accessory outdoor advertising sign with certain conditions within the area bounded by Moore Street, Swanson Street, Columbus Boulevard, Morris Street, and Water Street"; and Bill No. 110312, 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 Girard Avenue, 9th Street, Fairmount Avenue, 10th Street, Wallace Street, and Broad Street"; and 110344, entitled "An ordinance approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2 and Unit No. 3, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Parrish and Fifty-Second Street, including the fifth amendment to the urban renewal plan and the third amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately eight properties for residential and related uses"; and Bill No. 110345, entitled "An ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Parkside Avenue on the north; Belmont Avenue and Girard Avenue on the east; Lancaster Avenue on the south; and Fifty-Second Street and the Easterly Right-of-Way of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Line on the west, including the third amendment plan and relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty-four properties for residential and related uses"; and Bill No. 110347, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-1605(2)(1) to add Cash for Gold establishments to the definition of Pawnshop"; and Bill No. 110348, entitled "An ordinance approving the thirty-ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Front Street and Spring Garden Street, including the thirty-first amendment to the urban renewal plan and the twenty-seventh amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty-five properties for residential, institutional and uses"; and Bill No.
110377, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Chapter 14-1100, entitled 'Institutional Development District,' by amending certain provisions of the Institutional Development District concerning permitted uses, minimum district area, gross floor area and occupied area"; and Bill No. 110381, 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 Fifth Street, Master Street, Sixth Street, and Jefferson Street"; and Bill No. 110382, 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 Dupont Street, Lawnton Street, Green Lane, and Ridge Avenue," respectfully reports it and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100678 and 720, Bills 110185, 302, 306, 312, 344, 345, 347, 348, 377, 381 and 382. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Madam President, the Committee on Finance reports 11 bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 110229, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 1108 of Chapter 21-1100 of The financing mixed-use projects on or around commercial corridors"; and Bill No. 110297, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank for provision of payroll banking services to the City"; and Bill No. 110363, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance to establish a Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities Fund in which revenue generated from competitively awarded agreements regarding areas or facilities in the Fairmount Park system may be deposited for use to pay expenses for programs and facilities in the Fairmount Park system"; and Bill No. 110371, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes and Collections,' by authorizing hold City funds without posting equivalent collateral, to the extent such City funds do not exceed the insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation"; and Bill No. 110373, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Privilege Taxes,' by providing for certain exclusions relating to investments made under the federal New Market Tax Credit program"; and Bill No. 110375, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Fifteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue and sell either at public or private sale Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds"; and Bill No. 110376, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Fourteenth Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue and sell either at public or private sale, Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds"; and Bill No. 110444, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant"; and Bill No. 110445, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Twentieth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1975; authorizing the City of Philadelphia to sell, either at public or private sale, Gas Works Revenue Bonds, Twentieth Series"; and Bill No. 110446, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1600 of The Code, entitled 'Water and Sewer Rents,' by revising the terms for discontinuance of water and sewer charges"; and Bill No. 110447, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Eleventh Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998; authorizing the City of Philadelphia to sell, either at public or private sale, Gas Works Revenue Bonds, Tenth Series"; and Resolution 110453, entitled "A resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution No. 110453 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 110369, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase approximately twenty-eight acres of land situate on the west side of the Schuylkill River between 56th and 58th Streets, under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and Commercial Development Agreement among the City, PAID, and the Philadelphia Industrial Corporation," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to permit first reading of Bill No. 110369. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 24 bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 090746, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Cafes,' by providing that sidewalk cafes on Ninth Street, between Christian Street and Federal Street, may occupy spaces in which curb market carts may be located"; and Bill No. 110132, entitled "An 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts,' by creating the 52nd Street Business District for Sidewalk Vending"; and Bill No. 110226, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, located at 600 South 43rd Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the form of auxiliary seating within the right-of-way adjacent to the building at 4140 Woodland Avenue"; and Bill No. 110258, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Francisco Hernandez to construct, own and maintain an enclosed set of stairs attached to 657 East Allegheny Avenue that will encroach upon the sidewalk of 'F' Street"; and Bill No. 110259, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tour Passenger Carriers,' to provide for tour a specified size in certain locations and in certain numbers"; and Bill No. 110298, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 300 block of Levick Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 110299, entitled, "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 200 to 600 blocks of Comly Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 110300, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5700 to 6800 blocks of Bingham Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 110301, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 700 block of Harrison Street, both sides"; and Bill No. 110310, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Granary Partners, located at 1425 Walnut Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City between 19th Street and 20th Street, the north side of Callowhill Street between 19th and 20th Street, and the west side of 19th Street between Shamokin Street and Callowhill Street"; and Bill No. 110311, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 600 North Broad Street Associates, 530 South Second Street, owners of Gastronomy Restaurant, located at 600 North Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the right-of-way adjacent to the south footway of Mount Vernon Street between Broad Street and Fifteenth Street"; and Bill No. 110364, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 42 and abandoning of a portion of a certain right-of-way reserved for municipal and public utility purposes which extends southwestwardly from the westerly side of former Thirty-Second Street, south of Market Street"; and Bill No. 110365, entitled "An ordinance authorizing The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct, use and maintain certain encroaching structures in the rights-of-way of Civic Center Boulevard"; and Bill No. 110366, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by adding a new Section, authorizing the Department of Streets to promulgate regulations regarding the proper disposal of refuse, rubbish, garbage and recyclable materials set out for collection and to issue notices of violation for the improper disposal of such items"; and Bill No. 110368, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the west side of Frankford Avenue between Bustleton Street"; and Bill No.
110378, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the west side of Broad Street from West Olney Avenue for 85 feet south"; and Bill No. 110380, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises Community Development Corporation, 167 West Allegheny Avenue, to construct, own and maintain six trash receptacles and twelve artificial palm trees, on the east and west footway of North Fifth Street, from Lehigh Avenue to Indiana Avenue"; and Bill No. 110386, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Places - Prohibited Conduct,' by amending Section 10-611, entitled 'Sidewalk Behavior,' by amending the process to be coercive action for violations of the Section"; and Bill No. 110393, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 1234 Market Street, to construct, own and maintain a passenger boarding platform, passenger shelter and other miscellaneous encroachments on the public sidewalk located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Delaware Avenue"; and Bill No. 110435, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the west side of Germantown Avenue between North 10th Street and North Alder Street"; and Bill No. , 200 South Broad Street, owner of the Kimmel Center located at 300 South Broad Street, to construct, own and the right-of-way on the south sidewalk of Spruce Street between Broad and Fifteenth Street"; and Bill No. 110437, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding as a permissible location the sidewalk of the west side of South 58th Street between Chester Avenue and Kingsessing Avenue"; and Bill No. 110438, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Winchester Avenue and Narvon Street"; and Bill No. 110439, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the north side of Diamond Street from 33rd Street for 200 feet west," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 24 bills that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 110056, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to lease the land and improvements known as the Mann Center for Performing Arts, located on Parkside Avenue in West Park, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for sublease to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts"; and Bill No. 110367, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute a deed to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and to accept a deed from PAID, and to execute all other necessary documents, for the purpose of exchanging a parcel of City-owned land that is part of a larger parcel commonly called the Kensington & Tacony Trail for a parcel of land in the Frankford Arsenal"; and Bill No. 110379, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to accept as a donation a deed from Nomar Corporation that conveys title to the City to the parcel of land identified as 7530 Anderson Street (also known as 315 Woodbrook Lane) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, subject to a conservation easement granted by Nomar Hill Historical Society"; and Bill No. 110394, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Concession Agreement regarding the Lloyd Hall Cafe, dated January 7, 2011, between the City of Philadelphia and Cosmic Catering, Limited Liability Company, to have an 'Initial Term' of five years and a 'Renewal Term' of five years, subject to certain provisions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 110056, 110367, 110379 and 110394. (Duly seconded.) 6/9/11 - STATED - 1ST READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please 2ND READING read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 110383, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for certain land and improvements located at 3449 Scotts Lane.
The Chair agrees. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 110483, 110484, 110485, 110486, 110488, 110489, 110490, 110491, 110370, 100755, 110304 and 110374. Bill 080474-A is being amended. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment. Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table to my immediate left. You will all be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You have up to three minutes to speak. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Good morning. Identify yourself for the record, please.
Hello. My name is Pablo Negron. I am a security officer for U.S. Security Associates. I've worked there for about two years.
Excuse me, sir. What bill number are you going to be speaking on?
About a year ago, my son was sick with a high fever. His daycare would not take him because they were scared he might get the other kids sick. His mother was in her final semester of nursing school, so she couldn't take the day off because it might hurt her chances of graduating. I had a 12-hour shift coming up to work, and if I missed it, it meant losing $100 out of my check. It might not seem like a huge amount to most people, but to me, that's a big chunk of money from my pay. In the end, I took the day off. I didn't know what else to do. Somebody had to take care of my son and I was left with little choice. I was angry that I was put in a tough position, that I had to choose whether to take care of my sick child or take a hit in my paycheck. Too many hard-working men and women in Philadelphia struggle to make ends meet and lack the paid sick leave. When low-wage workers or their children get sick, they must choose between losing a day's pay and coming to work. But none can afford to lose a day's pay when it's already a struggle to pay bills and have families to take care of. When security officers are at work sick, they're not at their best, and they risk spreading illnesses to co-workers and people they protect. Low-wage workers are counting on City Council members to continue to stand up for them so that they never again have to choose between seeking medical attention and losing a day's pay work or losing their jobs. That's it. (Applause.) (Audience members chanting "Paid leave now.")
You're not going to prove anything by that. We're going to proceed in a very orderly manner. Thank you very much. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our next speaker.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the name of the next speaker.
Good morning. Good morning, Madam President and members of the City Council. My name is David Hammond and I am the Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse Special Services District of Philadelphia. I am here to testify against Bill 080474-A, requiring private-sector employers to provide paid sick leave for their employees working within the City of Philadelphia. I appreciate the efforts of Councilmen Green (sic) and Clarke, that they listened to previous testimony and have taken steps to amend this bill from the last time I spoke against it, but unfortunately, 080474 is still a bill that is onerous to the small business community. We all hear the stories about businesses choosing not to locate in the City or, worse, moving their businesses outside the City limits because of the current tax policies and related charges for services within the City. We all read about the ongoing problems with the Philadelphia School District, 629 million deficit, and the resulting need to raise property taxes 10 percent again this year. I continue to hear directly from the 540 merchants in the South Street Headhouse District how difficult it is to survive in this business economy, the worst recession since the Great Depression, and yet we choose this time to consider enacting legislation that adds yet another cost to doing business in Philadelphia. It does not make any sense to me. While the South Street Headhouse District supports the concept of sick pay, we do not feel it should be a government-imposed mandate. What's next? Mandatory paid vacations, mandatory flex time, whatever you want to call it. All great benefits that some companies offer, but are not required to do so. Private enterprise should be able to make their own decisions on what benefits they offer to their employees based upon their competitive environment and their bottom line. That is what free enterprise is all about. Please do not further jeopardize the ability of small business to succeed by enacting this bill and adding to the already high cost of doing business in Philadelphia. Thank you for this opportunity to address Council, and I hope you will take the views of our business improvement district into consideration before making a decision on Bill 08074 -excuse me; 080474-A. Thank you.
Marla McCulloch, commenting on 080474-A. MS. McCULLOCH: Good morning.
Good morning. MS. McCULLOCH: I'm Professor Marla McCulloch. I'm a member of Philadelphia Family Pride. PFP is a non-profit membership organization representing the LGBT parented families in Philadelphia. I am a lesbian, I'm a clinical social worker, I'm a college professor, and I'm a mom. As a mom, I can tell you with certainty that all people need to eat, all people need to use the bathroom, where as our children's book says, all people need to poop. All right? And all people need to rest when they are sick or injured. People should not lose their jobs or be forced to make difficult financial decisions because of a basic human need. That said, supporting the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplace Act just makes sense. It's good for public health. Half of all neurovirus cases can be traced to ill food-service workers. Forty percent of flu cases are from being infected by an ill co-worker. I don't want my child being cared for by an ill daycare worker or being served food by a sick food-service worker or any multitude of ways that their health and mine is compromised by infectious symptomatic people going to work. The Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act makes sense for families. No parent should be forced in the position of giving their kid a dose of Ibuprofen and hoping that kid makes it through the day. My daycare and almost all daycares do not provide sick care. My kids can't go to daycare or school when they have been -- until they've been free of fever, vomiting and other unmentionable symptoms for 24 hours. Without paid sick leave and the job security that goes with it, what are families supposed to do? Now, I have three kids adopted through the state foster care system, and they are gorgeous, brilliant and wonderful, thank you very much. But my twin five-year-old boys have seizures due to early childhood physical trauma. I am lucky that I have paid sick leave and job security so that I can care for them when they have a seizure or a doctor's appointment. This allows me to stay in the workforce. Some families in Philadelphia are not that fortunate and can't afford to take an unpaid sick day off work or risk losing their job. This Act is also good civil rights work. Unfortunately, some Philadelphia workers who already have paid sick leave cannot use it for their same sex spouses, domestic partners or the children that they are parenting. For example, I can't use FMLA time to care for my partner of ten years should she become ill. This Act would provide a partial remedy to this injustice. Keep in mind that LGBT families of color are especially vulnerable. Forty-four percent of those LGBT adults in Philadelphia have one or more children in their homes. Forty percent have elder care responsibilities. This is drastically higher than their white counterparts. Furthermore, earned sick time is crucial for Philadelphia residents living with HIV/AIDS. They need time off for routine medical appointments and to recover from illnesses so that they can remain productive members of the Philadelphia workforce. Earned sick time is especially important for transgender workers in Philadelphia. This population is at profoundly increased risk for job discrimination and health disparities. This Act would provide them the ability to take care of their health needs without fear of job retaliation. Finally, the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplace Act makes good political sense. Seventy-one percent of Philadelphia voters support it. (Applause.) MS. McCULLOCH: Philadelphia Family Pride urges City Council and Mayor Nutter to fully support the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplace Act. It is crucially important to the LGBT communities and to our families. Thank you very much for your time.
Good afternoon. My name is Ed Grose. I'm the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Hotel Association. I am here today to express the hotel industry's concerns regarding Bill No. 080474. Most hotels already have policies in place that are more favorable to the standards listed in the legislation. However, for smaller hotels to grant seven sick days a year would be a major financial burden. When an employee calls out sick, in most cases other employees must work overtime or an expensive temporary worker replaces them for that day. We feel that the FMLA requirements are sufficient. The members of GPHA also feel that it should be an individual company decision to decide to adopt a more lenient sick policy. The policy proposed in Bill No. 080474 will increase labor costs for our hotels. If they are forced to absorb the increase, the result will be higher prices for customers, fewer people visiting and spending less vacation dollars in Philadelphia, and a reduction of the number of jobs available in our industry. Recently I received a call from a developer who is trying to decide between two parcels of land for a future extended-stay property near the Philadelphia Airport. The person was asking me why she should consider building within City limits when you consider all the taxes that hotels pay. She could do better financially building in Essington, even when you consider the tax abatements. After all, the hotel will still be just as close to the Airport, but will have a much better chance of thriving because it will be less financial risk involved. When you add the cost of mandated sick pay for employees, decisions like this will only be easier to make, unfortunately at the expense of the City. The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association urges you to not pass Bill No. 080474. On another note, I'd like to invite the entire gallery to participate in our Alex's Lemonade Stand. When you're done here, please go to your favorite hotel, buy a tasty glass of lemonade in support of Alex's Lemonade charity. Thank you very much.
My name is Gabe Morgan. I'm the President of the Service Employees International Union State Council in Pennsylvania. We represent about 30,000 workers in this city. So I think you've heard from other people, so I'm not going to restate the case. I think everyone here knows who lives in the City that there are hundreds of thousands of working people who work very hard, cannot afford to take a day off work to take care of their kids, risk their livelihood when they take a day off work to take care of themselves. You've heard about the health risks. And I really doubt that anyone in this Council would look at any of those workers and say, You don't deserve paid sick leave. I think the issue is, is this the best way to help those hundreds of thousands of people. Is the best way to do it for the City of Philadelphia to enact legislation or to leave it to the business community to help those people? And I would submit to you that if the business community was interested in helping those 200,000 people get paid sick leave, they could do it tomorrow. In this country the problem we have is not how well things are going for the business community. They're doing fine. The economy, especially for big businesses like McDonald's, which currently do not provide paid sick leave to most of the employees in the City of Philadelphia, they're making lots of money. They're doing good. It is the people who live and work in your districts who are not doing well, the ones who are struggling to find a job. (Applause.)
So with all due respect, for an example, an association of hotel owners that represents billionaires, people who build and develop multi-billion-dollar hotels that are doing very, very well, for them to come and say, Well, this will be bad for us, when you're looking at hundreds of thousands of people in your district who can't take their kids to the doctor without risking their job, seems a little bit absurd. I think in real life we hear this argument all the time. If you raise the minimum wage, it will hurt big business. If you give people healthcare, it will hurt big business. If you do anything that helps any worker, it will hurt big business. But that's not really the history here in this country or this city. Raising minimum wage has not hurt big business. If workers can get paid sick leave in Philadelphia, people are not going to relocate all of their businesses to Bucks County. People come here to stay at hotels in Center City because that is a desirable place to be. That's not going to change if the people who work in those hotels can take a day off work and go to the doctor. In fact, I'd suggest to you for the business community, the best way to do this that will not put any individual small businessowner at a disadvantage is to legislate it, because then you are not putting someone at a competitive disadvantage. You're not punishing the few employers that actually want to provide paid sick leave by making them uncompetitive with the other employers in the City who don't apparently care whether employees can go to the doctor or not. So our union, on behalf of all 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING of our members who work here in this city and vote here in this city, we urge you to pass sick leave now. Thank you. (Applause.)
I believe that concludes our public comment period. Thank you. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110483.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixtieth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110484.
A resolution honoring The Math, Civics & Sciences Charter School Basketball Team for winning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class A State Championship on March 25, 2011.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110485.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110486.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110488.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Free Library of Philadelphia's policy on "floating collections," in order to ensure the preservation and continuing enhancement of the unique and historical collections of local neighborhood libraries. 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110489.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING portion of the Washington Square West Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2, designated as a portion of Parcel No. 4 also sometimes identified by house number and street address as Unit No. 5, Walnut Towers Condominium, 800 through 834 Walnut Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING We will now consider Resolution 110490.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110491.
A resolution recognizing the accomplishments of Ollie Johnson, director of Athletics at Community College of Philadelphia since 1991.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Bill No. 080474-A.
An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke and/or Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I once again offer an amendment to Bill No. 080474-A. For those of you who are keeping score, that's 19 changes that we have done at the request of the business community. After a while, your back hurts trying to bend over backwards to help people. 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The amendments have been distributed to everyone, and I would move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendments be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 110370.
An ordinance adopting an Amendment to Section V of the Articles of Incorporation of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development by increasing the Authority's term of existence to a date fifty years from the date of approval of Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of the 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Commonwealth.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100755.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code by creating a new Chapter 21-1800, entitled "Foster Care," to provide for standards and procedures for approving foster parents and the placement of children in foster care.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110304.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Code by adding a new Chapter requiring the Department of Human Services to report on its compliance with a policy that requires that a summary of children's rights to be free from abuse be communicated to all children who are the subject of an investigation into a credible report of child abuse or who are being placed in another home, foster home, group home, or other facility.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 110374.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," to require tobacco retailers to obtain permits for the retail sale of tobacco products and certain other products containing 6/9/11 - STATED - 2ND READING nicotine.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution declaring June 10th, 2011 as Homeless Children's Awareness Day in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Are there any other resolutions?
Thank you. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to say that we are looking forward to the discussion about how to deal with the issue of the School District and their need for more dollars. I think what has been lost in this --
I think what has been lost in this debate is that the problem is not of a making of Philadelphians, of the Mayor's Office, of City Council, even of the School District in Philadelphia, with the exception of some choices that have been made and some fiscal management issues. The problem comes from Harrisburg. It is a result of huge cuts statewide which are affecting disproportionately large cities and rural areas where these dollars are most needed. I read with interest the statement by the School District that they were going to sign an accountability today. Three weeks ago the City Council began asking questions about accountability from the School District. When they testified, we made clear, whether you were for or against taxes, everybody made clear that we wanted accountability. In my letter to the Administration on Monday, I specifically requested that any accountability agreement include the ability of City Council to hold the School District accountable in a way we saw fit and specifically asked that we be a party to any accountability with the School District since it is us who has to finally appropriate any dollars. I have checked with you, Madam President. I have checked with other members of Council. I'm not aware that any member of this body has seen the accountability agreement, which is supposed to be signed by noon today. I think that is inappropriate, and I hope see a copy of the accountability agreement, get to contribute to it and become parties to it prior to taking anything else under consideration with respect to the School District. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I'd like to rise to piggyback off of my colleague's point made about the importance of the education system and that I agree with him, that we did an article which gave an analogy of parents at a dinner table and a child at the dinner table waiting to eat, and the parents were arguing about the bills and who is responsible after payday for paying them. But the child didn't understand the complexity of the household economy and what was going on. All they wanted to do was to eat. to say that many of our students in the City of Philadelphia, what they want to do is not just eat but to learn and learn how to produce for themselves. And President Obama said that the nation that out-educates you today will out-compete you economically tomorrow. I think that's true for states and I think that's true for cities. So our commitment to those young people and their ability in the future to learn and to be able to do for themselves stays consistent. He also cited that it is a national priority and it is a security interest, because 50 percent -- and I quote from the United States Army Ascension Command -- that 75 percent of young people in America today between the ages of 17 and 24 are unable to enlist in the military because they have failed to graduate high school or have criminal records or are physically unfit. It is a invest in this. And then, finally, we will pay now or we will pay later. We will pay by promoting more graduates or we will pay by having more parolees in the future. It's a direct correlation that has been proven by sociologists, that if you invest in education today -- Councilman Goode has been a long-term proponent of investing in education so that we don't have to invest in prisons later. So I go back to the analogy, the kids at the table. All they're waiting to do is eat. All they're waiting to do is learn. And at the end of the day, this body will be called upon not to just point fingers, and rightfully so, at the state, but to do what we need to do to assure that they can do for themselves in the future. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. I agree that we should have -- with Councilman Green in terms of having part of the Mayor's agreement with the Superintendent to come before the Council. But we already have authority to have the School District to come before this Council. At the end of the day, it is the City Council that has to appropriate the funding for the School District. So through the years, we have not exercised that power. I think we have the right to do it. We don't need the Mayor's permission or intervention, although if he wants to include it in his agreement, that's fine. But I think we have our own authority and power to demand that she come in and talk to us quarterly about what she's doing at the School District, as well as the SRC, and I think we need to exercise that power. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I'm going to be a little techie in my remarks and play catchup with those who do this well already. As we debate the issues swirling around the School District, it is imperative for us to remember what's at stake. Our decisions should not be influenced by the personalities or politics involved. The importance of the issue is transient in individual or institutional ego. Let us remember that mayors, superintendents and, quite frankly, Councilmembers come and go. Who are left behind are the young people and their families in our school system. They are the ones we must continuously focus on, as Councilman Jones has eloquently stated already, for all the reasons that we know. 70 percent of our school children living below the poverty line and, again, Philadelphia educates 60 percent of our Commonwealth's children, let's not submit them to a poverty of goodwill, reason and good faith. Let's park our individual agendas at the door. I think Quincy Jones said it best, to check your egos at the door, and remember that at the end of this discussion, the centerpiece of the discussion is what will we do in the best interest of our young people, Madam President. And I would like to seize the moment again to remind my colleagues to join us next door as we sit with the members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Madam President. Thank you.
Thank you. Would anyone else like to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, June 16th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, June 16th at 10 o'clock. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on June 9, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)