Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 7, 2017 10:55 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Good morning. We're getting a very late start, so we'd like to get moving. I'm going to ask everyone, visitors to retire behind the rail. If the members will take their seats, we'll have our invocation. And to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Mark Novales of the City Reach Philly in Tacony. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Bobby Henon. I would ask all guests, members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Good morning, City Council and guests and visitors. I pastor, as was mentioned, a powerful little church in -- a powerful church in Tacony called City Reach Philly. I'm honored to stand in this great place of decision-making alongside great men and women of influence who have great Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 everyone in this Chamber has more things in common than we have differences. I believe that each of us has pledged to do the best of our ability, that each of us represent others, that each of us want more for our city, that each of us have been created to make a difference, that each of us have been commissioned to be public servants. Each of us have a great responsibility to make difficult decisions which have a lasting effect on our city. Each of us have been given a distinct amount of authority, and the 13th Chapter of the Book of Romans reminds us today that the authority that we carry has been given to each of us by God, for it says let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God himself. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 each of you to remember that united we stand, divided we fall; that we would remember that God is a God of unity; that regardless of our personal preferences and opinions, we need each other. You need me as much as I need you. This city needs your best, my best, and that together we can make a difference. Today I stand before you, each of you, in humility, for I represent the God of peace, of love, hope, unity, life, and life abundant. Let us pray. God, you are amazing, you who give us the breath of life, you who hold the answer to every question, the solution for every problem. We stand before your authority this morning. I ask that we would consider your word, your truth, your power as decisions are made that affect your city; that today's decisions will not be decisions that please man, but that they Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 you; that we would stand firmly on the truth, for it is the truth that sets us free. I pray your favor, your peace, your love over every heart in this room; that your presence will be felt in this place; that you would remind us all that we need you in our city; that you don't see our ethnicity or socioeconomic status or our differences. On the contrary, you see sons and daughters, some who are far from you and others who passionately follow you. You love us all the same, and I pray that every heart in this place would come to know you as the king and Lord that you are; that we would receive the freedom that has already been paid for on the cross. So today I pray God's favor, his goodness in this house. City Council, remember that God is for you. He is not against you. And I pray that no weapon formed against us Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 prosper, for God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, of love, and self-discipline. And so it is in his name, the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that I pray this morning saying thank you and amen. God bless you. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 30th, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 30th, 2017 be approved. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 30th, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you coming here. We hope that your stay here is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So thank you so much for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger, who will present a resolution honoring Jim Gardner. Would Mr. Gardner and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Taubenberger, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Henon, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Green, and Councilman Domb and Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman O'Neill.
I would like to welcome Mr. Jim Gardner and his beautiful wife, Amy, here today to our Chambers. For four decades here in Philadelphia, Jim Gardner has informed us, entertained us, fascinated us, and always enlightened us as the anchor of WPVI Channel 6 Action News. Generations of Philadelphians have come to know and love Jim's signature opening line, "But the big story tonight on Action News is." Well, here today in Philadelphia City Council, the big story is Jim Gardner. And, my, has Jim Gardner Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 some big stories in 40 years of television journalism. He's a pro's pro and one of the most respected and iconic local news anchors in the country. He may have been born and raised in New York, but Jim Gardner belongs to Philadelphia now and forever, and this resolution cements that. Honoring and recognizing Jim Gardner for his hard work and dedication to serving the people of Philadelphia over the past 41 years as a reporter and news anchor.
Whereas, Jim Gardner, a New York City native, spent most of his adult life in Philadelphia. He has been covering small and large scale events for Action News since 1976; and
Whereas, Mr. Gardner studied at Columbia University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While attending Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Columbia, he had his first experience with broadcast journalism while covering the historic student riots breaking out protesting the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, after graduating in 1970, Mr. Gardner worked at WINS Radio in New York. Two years later he began working at WFAS Radio located in White Plains, New York. In 1974, Mr. Gardner began a new career as a television broadcaster at WKBW-TV in Buffalo; and
Whereas, on June 1st, 1976, Mr. Gardner began working at WPVI-TV in Philadelphia as a reporter and anchor for the 12 p.m. Action News. It was in 1977 when Gardner accepted his current anchor position for the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news; and
Jim's been at Channel 6 even longer than I've been in City Council. That's a long time. Whereas, Mr. Gardner has done coverage for both the Democratic and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 1980 and has interviewed every major Presidential candidate and sitting President since the start of his career in Philadelphia in 1976; and
Whereas, Mr. Gardner was awarded the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Person of the Year in 1996 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2003;
Whereas, Temple University grants the Jim Gardner Scholarship to one student studying broadcast journalism every year to aid in paying for his or her education. This award was made in Mr. Gardner's honor and has been in existence since 1987; and
Whereas, Mr. Gardner is a highly well-respected anchorman and reporter by both his colleagues and his viewers, and I would say aspiring anchor young people, in which he has dedicated the past 41 years of his career to; Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
And be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize Jim Gardner for his hard work and dedication in Philadelphia for over the past 41 years. (Applause.)
There's always something more, particularly when we have someone that's an icon, that everyone has watched, that predates all Councilmembers here. It's a wonderful thing. On behalf of my colleagues and the City Council, I would like to present you with our symbol of the City of Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell, known throughout the world as really the Freedom Bell as well. Nothing is stronger in representation of the City, because this is where freedom in America began and this is where it stays. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 you, Jim Gardner, and thank you very, very, very much. (Applause.)
And at this time, the Chair recognizes Mr. Gardner for remarks.
Thank you so much. This is the first non-partisan act this Council has taken in the last six weeks. When I first came to Philadelphia, George X. Schwartz was Council President, and he would sit up there lording over this chamber with an iron fist, and the perception was that whatever Frank Rizzo wanted, Council President Schwartz almost invariably was willing and able to deliver. Then came the utterly unsuccessful Charter change vote in 1978 and Abscam in 1980 and Philadelphia politics went into a new era, and this Council had its Jackie Robinson moment when Joe Coleman became President of City Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Council, and so a whole new era of Philadelphia politics was underway. I would like to introduce my wife, Amy. I witness the legislative process here, but Amy knows far better than I what the legislative process really is. She is a member of the Radnor Township School Board. (Applause.)
And if you think there is -- you know what I'm going to say. If you think there is, you know, some political back and forth here, attend a suburban school district school board meeting and you will see that in action. And I don't know that Amy would want me to say this, but Amy does exhibit partisanship, but not aligned to republicans or democrats. She is aligned to the students and to the kids of the Radnor Township community. So that is her partisanship, and I'm just incredibly proud of you and I just wanted all these folks to meet you. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Applause.)
So, you know, I'm blown away here, and thank you so much for this honor, but I must concede that I was just a little hesitant when I heard about this. I don't know that I am entirely comfortable receiving praise from elected officials, because it is our job to keep you accountable to the taxpayers and to point out when you are succeeding and when you are failing in your mission to serve the public good. So I'm trying to figure out how to get my hands around this here this morning. So let's just say that this morning you are succeeding spectacularly and leave it at that. Seriously, the fact that you would honor a news person speaks to the fact that there is at this moment a mutual respect for the institutions that we represent. Sadly, that is not something that we can take for granted these days, as the media is under attack Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 seen before, and I believe strongly that we must all take responsibility for our work and when we fail, that is on us. But when the legitimacy of the press is under constant assault from the very quarter that is supposed to, more than any other quarter, respect and protect the freedom of the press and the First Amendment, that is worrisome to me. We're living in a time when I occasionally like to remind myself of what Thomas Jefferson once said, that if he had to choose between, quote, a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, that I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. And I presume, I hope justifiably, that he would have felt the same about news on television. I cannot accept your tribute without explaining something about the culture of Action News. Individual honors at Channel 6 mean little, except Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 our collective effort, and I think we have long understood something that the Philadelphia Eagles say that they are learning this year, that we care little about individual achievement and that our success can be measured only in terms of how it contributes to our effort as a team to serve the viewers of the tri-state area. So I can't thank you enough for this without pointing out that from my point of view, you are really showing appreciation today for our entire organization that has long held excellence and fairness and consistency as our primary goals. No organization -- and I'm sure you will all agree with this -- no organization can thrive without outstanding leadership. So I want to introduce you to our two primary leaders, Bernie Prazenica, who is President and General Manager of Channel 6, and Tom Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Davis, who is the News Director. Is there a vice presidency attached to that? Okay. Who is Vice President and Director of News at Channel 6, and they run the show. (Applause.)
They absolutely run the show. So there is another reason why I was a little uncomfortable coming here today. And this will wrap up what I have to say. I have seen you bestow honors like this on individuals who are retiring. In fact, my former colleague and very dear friend Dave Roberts -- and I imagine many of you will remember this -- was here to accept your good words and your good wishes as he ended his extraordinary career at Channel 6. So, frankly, I wonder whether you got some bad information, because I have no plans to retire and -(Applause.)
And if that's Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 here, I can give this back to you. No hard feelings. I'm good, right? We're good? Okay. Then I'll keep it. Thank you very, very much. It's been a wonderful morning and it's been great to meet every one of you, and we'll come back a lot more often in the future. Thank you, Al.
Thank you very much. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a resolution on my behalf to Hazim Hardeman. Would Mr. Hardeman and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Gym, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. Many times we honor folks for their careers but also for how well they reflect on Philadelphia, and I think the young man we're about to recognize, there's nobody that reflects more positively on Philadelphia than he does. So I'm proud to start this resolution: Honoring and recognizing and congratulating Hazim Hardeman for being named a 2018 Rhodes Scholar. (Applause.)
Whereas, Hazim Hardeman was selected as one of the 32 students, out of over 850 applicants, to be awarded the highly competitive and prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to pursue Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Oxford University in England; and Whereas, growing up in North Philadelphia near 23rd and Diamond in the Fifth Councilmanic District with his mother and three siblings, he plans to study Sociology or Political Theory while at Oxford; and
Whereas, searching for a better opportunity for her son, his mother Gwendolyn falsified their address to get Hardeman into a better public elementary school, transferring to Shawmont in the third grade in the City of Roxborough Section; and Whereas, the Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world; and
Whereas, applicants elected by the Rhodes Trust must meet rigorous standards of academic excellence, personal energy, Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 impact, an ability to work with others to achieve goals, leadership promise, a commitment to making a difference for good, a concern for the welfare of others, and a consciousness of inequities, requirements outlined in the will of British philanthropist and African colonial pioneer Cecil Rhodes; and Whereas, after a rough time in high school at Murrell Dobbins due to personal family issues, Mr. Hardeman eventually transferred to Hope Charter School, however he was unable to gain admission to Temple University after graduation; and
Whereas, Mr. Hardeman enrolled at Community College of Philadelphia where he was selected for the Honors Program and received an Associate's Degree in Communications in 2015, while serving as the Vice President of the Student Government Association; and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Whereas, after graduating from the Community College of Philadelphia, Mr. Hardeman enrolled at Temple University where he was accepted into their Honors Program as well, graduating in 2017 Magna Cum Laude majoring in Strategic Communication; and
Whereas, Mr. Hardeman is the first graduate of Community College of Philadelphia as well as the first Temple University graduate to be awarded the Rhodes Scholarship; and Whereas, Mr. Hardeman also earned a Running Start Research and Policy Fellowship with the City of Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Community Empowerment where he researched best practices for playgrounds, their needs for upgrades, and how they could improve the City's child care facilities; and
Whereas, after earning a Master's Degree at Oxford, Mr. Hardeman plans to obtain a Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 education and continue his work in critical pedagogy, social movements, race and politics, and African American intellectual history, with a specific interest in teaching in prisons and prison reform; and Whereas, in the past four years, Philadelphia public schools have produced three Rhodes Scholars. Alaine Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar and famous Harlem Renaissance Poet, was also a graduate of the Philadelphia Public School System attending Central High School. This year ten African Americans were chosen to receive this Rhodes Scholarship, the most out of any cohort. (Applause.)
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honor, recognize, and congratulate Hazim Hardeman for being named a 2018 Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Hardeman as a representation of the true and sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Sir, congratulations and best of luck in the future. (Standing ovation.)
And the Chair recognizes North Philadelphia's own Hazim Hardeman for remarks.
Thank you so much. I first would like to just thank the City of Philadelphia for this incredible honor. As a person born and raised in Philadelphia, I couldn't ask for anything more, to be recognized by City Council. So I really appreciate it. And I didn't really prepare any remarks, so I would just say as we're going through our sort of local politics, we should bear in mind that this is a possibility and that each action that Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 taking, understand that the outcome of those actions can either lead to extending this opportunity or limiting this opportunity. So I would just ask that we bear in mind that as we go through the process of local politics and make sure that this is not just the exception, but can possibly become the rule and that somebody can also do what I've been able to do because of the opportunities that have been extended to me. So thank you very much. I really appreciate it. (Applause.)
Thank you very much and, again, congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 you, Mr. President. It gives me great pleasure to recognize some very special guests from Paul Robeson High School in the Third Councilmanic District who are with us today. They are here as part of The Links, Incorporated, Philadelphia Chapter and Paul Robeson High School for Human Services. The program is: Educate a girl, educate a world. This is the third year of this four-year mentoring program. It's sponsored by the Office of Strategic Partnerships of the School District of Philadelphia. We are just proud to have them with us today. I'll ask them to stand, if it's okay, and remain standing as I call their names. From Paul Robeson High School, we have the wonderful principal who works so hard for his students and who is a wonderful human being, Richard Gordon, Paul Robeson High School principal. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Jamie Bond, a junior at Paul Robeson; Shanice Alston, Paul Robeson High School junior; Egypt Burton, Paul Robeson High School junior -- I hope you all are standing -Lakeisha Datz, Paul Robeson High School junior; Karima Henry, Paul Robeson High School junior; Ayanna Jackson, Paul Robeson High School junior; Dalicia Lemon, Paul Robeson High School junior; Lynette Mason, Paul Robeson High School junior; Deedja McGintoch, Paul Robeson High School junior; Sinay Nelson Jordan, Paul Robeson High School junior. And from The Links, Philadelphia Chapter, we have our own Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia City Council, Philadelphia Chapter of The Links. (Applause.)
So we want them to stand as well, Councilwoman. Dr. Mahlene Duckett Lee, the Philadelphia Chapter President. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Applause.)
Sherilynn Johnson Kimble, Philadelphia Chapter member. (Applause.)
Leah Sheppard, Philadelphia Chapter member. (Applause.)
Deidra Patterson, the Philadelphia Chapter member. (Applause.)
Margaret Wright, Philadelphia Chapter member. (Applause.)
Stephanie Boyd, the Philadelphia Chapter Program Chair. (Applause.)
Brenda Johnson Best, the Philadelphia Chapter member. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Terri Dean, the Philadelphia Chapter Program Coordinator. (Applause.)
And also we all know Evelyn Sample-Oates, a member. (Applause.)
Thank you, Evelyn. And Vivienne Crawford, member. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. And I ask that we all give them a round of applause for their civic participation and being with us today, Mr. President. I also ask that our colleague Councilwoman Parker, who is part of this program, make some comments as soon as we give them our respect with a big, big hand. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to just first state for the record, Councilwoman Blackwell, I knew the Third had it going on, but I did not know that Paul Robeson High School and the young women who are here today have helped them become the most improved high school in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And we want to say a special thank you. And we've been with these young ladies, and they are all rock stars. I just hope that the Rhodes Scholar from North Philadelphia in the Fifth District is still here so they can get a chance to see him, Mr. President, in the flesh. I also want to say to my Philadelphia Chapter Link sisters, our President, Dr. Mahlene Duckett Lee -- and I don't know if y'all coordinated this, but Councilwoman Jannie from Cheyney, Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 too. And Councilwoman mentioned all of the members, but I want to note for the record that four of these women were Presidents of the Philadelphia Chapter, and I want you to stand for your leadership. So Links Vivienne, Sherilynn, Mahlene, and Brenda, can you please stand so we can see our leadership. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you all so very much for being here. Link Terri Dean, thank you for your leadership with the program. We hope all Councilmembers immediately after session will come across the hall to the Council Caucus Room and have some Dominos pizza with us and the young ladies from Paul Robeson. So thank you very much, Mr. President, for your patience.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 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. I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, before you read the messages, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have to attend to an urgent family matter and request a leave from Council. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Leave shall be granted, the record shall reflect. I'm sorry. Councilman Johnson, you had your mic on. The Chair Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Thank you, Council President. I just want to acknowledge some guests who are here with me today that will be speaking on Bill No. 171066. Their focus is on the issue of domestic violence firearms. And so I'm going to ask for Moms Demand Action, which is a gun violence prevention organization. I want to ask for them all to stand and just acknowledge them officially for today. (Applause.)
Thank you for your continued good work. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to make a comment. I visited this week actually Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 and had the pleasure of meeting with the principal and the students, and I was blown away, because this -- I visited now 34 schools since I've been elected, and the leadership of the principal is the key to the school. Parents have his cell phone number. He was telling me they call him on Friday nights or on the weekends. He makes himself available. And it reminds me of an expression that I feel his school embodies and, that is, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. And this principal was just honored by the Association of Principals or Administrator Association? National Magazine, Principal of the Year in the United States. Pretty amazing. (Applause.)
And my colleague reminds me to say a Lincoln University graduate too. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 4014 Green Street; and Also a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit Nos. 2 and 3, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 5901 through 5913 Market Street, 5915 through 5917 Market Street, 5919 Market Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Street, 5921 Market Street, and 5923 through 5931 Market Street; and A resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement, including annual budgets for project expenditures for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, a list of City properties to be included in the program and a master Economic Opportunity Plan; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2046 East Hagert Street, 2048 East Hagert Street, 2050 East Hagert Street, 2052 East Hagert Street, 1823 through 29 East Oakdale Street, and 1833 through 1839 East Oakdale Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1443 North Dover Street located in the Fifth Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 641 East Clearfield Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land located in and about the area bounded by North Broad Street, Noble Street, 13th Street, and the building known as 401 North Broad Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one resolution this morning.
A privileged resolution recognizing December 15th as Mind Your Holidays Day.
Thank you. That will be referred to today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill and two non-privileged resolutions, and I certainly would like to thank everyone in Council for signing one of them.
An ordinance authorizing Mr. Ameen Tyler, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 southwest corner of 52nd Street and Spruce Streets, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the southwest corner of 52nd and Spruce Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand.
And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the United Nations, the President of the United States and other international leaders to strongly condemn the Libyan slave trade and promptly take the actions necessary to end this grave injustice to human dignity.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Redevelopment Area, identified by house number and street address as 4014 Green Street.
And that will also be on next's week Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on the 8200 block of Torresdale Avenue, east side, between the entrances to the Pennypack Trail.
And a non-privileged resolution exercising the host county option under Act 42 of 2017 to prohibit the location of Category 4 licensed facility within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to 4 PaC.S. Section 1305.1.
And Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 that will be on next week's Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution exercising the host county option under Act 42 of 2017 to prohibit the placement of any Video Gaming Terminals within Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, today I offer one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining compliance with the Ban the Box law since its enactment, and further examining the willingness of local area universities to ban the box from college applications. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit Nos. 2 and 3, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 5901 through 13 Market Street, 5915 through 5917 Market Street, 5919 Market Street, 5921 Market Street, and 5923 through 5931 Market Street.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committees on Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Legislative Oversight and Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings to examine the prevalence of workplace misclassification, also known as payroll fraud; the economic injustice and financial hardship for working families that it causes; and potential solutions to this problem within the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution calling for the installation of a city historical marker, on the 17th Street side of the southeast corner of 17th and Chancellor Streets, to commemorate the nation's first sit-in for LGBT equality, held April 25, 1965 at the former Dewey's restaurant.
This week's Calendar -- next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 641 East Clearfield Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
That will be on next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution and two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings regarding Public Private Partnerships. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Law & Government to hold hearings regarding the scheduled termination of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.
And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the Kenney administration to support the rights of public sector workers threatened in Janus versus AFSCME, Council 31 soon to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. (No response.)
The Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Chair now recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Taubenberger, Parker, Squilla, Green, Reynolds Brown, Henon, Blackwell, and Gym.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and congratulating the 2017 City & State PA 40 Under 40 Rising Stars for their hard work and dedication to excellence in their representation of their respective industries.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Mr. President, on behalf of Councilwoman Parker, the record should reflect that Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 she has no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions, but I have my former boss, former City Councilman Jack Kelly, sitting in back of me. I'd like everyone to warmly welcome him back. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. I was going to recognize him after we did bills and resolutions, but thank you for relieving me of that duty, sir. Good morning, Councilman Kelly. Thank you for being here. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 resolutions today. And also I'd like to leave the Chamber, and if I'm not back in time for the vote, I'd like to be recorded as aye on all bills and resolutions, except for Resolution No. 171072, which I understand is being amended and run today. Okay? Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted, the record shall reflect. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land located in the area bounded by North Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Broad Street, Noble Street, 13th Street, and the building known as 401 North Broad Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2046 East Hagert Street, 2048 East Hagert Street, 2050 East Hagert Street, 2052 East Hagert Street, 1823 through 1829 East Oakdale Street, and 1833 through 1839 East Oakdale Street.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Green, Henon, Taubenberger, Parker, Bass, Domb, and Squilla. Thank you.
A privileged resolution proclaiming January 13, 2018 as Korean American Day in the City of Philadelphia to Celebrate and Commemorate the Proud Heritage of Korean Americans and their Invaluable Contributions to Enhancing the City's Culture, Economy, and the Founding Ideals of Independence and Democracy.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 of bills and resolutions, and the next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports eight bills with a favorable recommendation and one bill without recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 properties in the area of Ridge Avenue between Wissahickon Creek and Northwestern Avenue"; and Bill No. 170927, entitled "An ordinance approving the plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment and charges of the Center City District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the central business district of the City of Philadelphia for 2018 through 2022"; and Bill No. 170959, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Regulations,' by creating regulations for the day care use"; and Bill No. 170960, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to create a new Ninth District Overlay, to limit the materials that may be used on building facades"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 14-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District,' to revise requirements and designations relating to said overlay district"; and Bill No. 170987, 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 Chestnut Street, 40th Street, Locust Street, 42nd Street, Woodbine Avenue, 43rd Street, Spruce Street, and 45th Street"; and Bill No. 170990, 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 Oxford Street, 22nd Street, Jefferson Street, and 24th Street"; and Bill No. com) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded on the northeast by the Manayunk Canal, on the southeast by Green Lane, on the southwest by the Schuylkill River, and on the northwest by Leverington Avenue with a straight line extending from Leverington Avenue to the Schuylkill River. Further to approve the Residential Mixed-Use-2 District (RMX-2) Master Plan for the foregoing designated areas of land. Further, to amend certain provisions of Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code in connection with the foregoing Master Plan. com) Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 No. 170678, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 7 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Housing Code,' by adding a new Chapter 7-200, entitled 'Mixed Income Housing Program,' to provide for affordable housing standards; amending Section 14-702 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Mixed Income Housing,' to make related changes; amending Chapters 14-600 and 14-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled, respectively, 'Use Regulations' and 'Development Standards,' to amend certain zoning standards relating to residential development; and making related amendments; all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with no recommendation.
Thank you very much. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk, with the exception of Bill No. 170678. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170821, 170927, 170959, 170960, 170986, 170987, 170990, and 170997. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 170678 will be placed on the Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out four bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 170719, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by changing the rules for requesting the preparation of Fiscal Impact Statements and final adoption of bills"; and Bill No. 171012, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 'Communication,' to provide authorization for and to establish requirements and fees associated with placement of communication antennas associated with mobile wireless services on poles and other structures in the public right-of-way"; and Bill No. 171052, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of energy conservation and efficiency measures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Main Building, the Perelman Building and the Rodin Building; approving the issuance by such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to finance or refinance such project and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Service Agreement"; and Bill No. 171053, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to enter into a guaranteed energy savings contract for the implementation and evaluation of energy conservation and efficiency measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater and other consumption or operating costs at specified City properties, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 170719, 171012, 171052, and 171053. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170719, 171012, 171052, and 171053. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports two bills with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 170957, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 from the General Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 170958, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 the General Fund, the Water Fund, and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170957 and 170958. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170957 and 170958. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 No. 170877, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Maintenance and Supervision,' by authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to promulgate regulations prohibiting City employees from possessing certain symbols, materials, and objects in City-owned or City-occupied facilities"; and Bill No. 170991, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with EB Realty Management, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 667 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 170994, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to an existing lease agreement with Washington Service Corporation, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 8747 Frankford Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Avenue"; and Bill No. 170999, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease with an option to purchase with Ujima Community Transformation Partners, for use and/or purchase by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 6750 Lindbergh Boulevard"; and Bill No. 171000, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street"; and Bill No. 171011, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to an existing lease agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1234 Market Street"; and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 171015, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, title in some or all of the parcels of land together with the improvements thereon commonly known as 4301, 4303 and 4305 Germantown Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this day the seven bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 170877, 170991, 170994, 170999, 171000, 171011, and 171015. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports eight bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 170992, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Bustleton Avenue from Magee Avenue to Unruh Avenue"; and Bill No. 170993, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Unruh Avenue from Akron Street to Roosevelt Boulevard"; and Bill No. 170998, entitled "An ordinance providing for the repeal of an ordinance, Bill No. 170203, and the restoration of the intersection of 57th Street and Wyalusing Avenue to the traffic controls existing prior to the enactment of said bill"; and Bill No. 171001, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Towing,' to revise certain requirements for participation in and provisions for Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 towing system, and to adjust the fees for tows in the rotational system"; and Bill No. 171006, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lewellen Street from Delaware Avenue to Canal Street"; and Bill No. 171007, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Atul Amin, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of North 10th Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of North 10th Street for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand"; and Bill No. 171008, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Sanjay Jhaveri, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of North 9th Street, to construct, use and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 in, under and across the southeast corner of North 9th Street for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand"; and Bill No. 171013, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts,' by creating a special sidewalk vending district on North Twentieth Street between West Clarkson Avenue and Belfield Avenue, and amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' to prohibit sidewalk vending on certain portions of Olney Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting December 7, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of the eight bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the eight bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 170856, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property to require a trestle over Germantown Avenue just below Cresheim Valley Drive and to enter into an agreement to license from PECO Energy Company a certain strip of land running parallel to a portion of Cresheim Creek"; and Bill No. 170989, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 of the Department of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City, to enter into one or more agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to amend, restate, or otherwise replace the lease and sublease authorized by Bill No. 090330 to permit the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Incorporated, to construct, operate, maintain, and repair a Holocaust Memorial Plaza on the premises identified under the previously authorized lease and sublease"; and Bill No. 170904, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for maintenance of a shared use trail located at the Girard Avenue Interchange and Interstate Route 95," respectfully reports it has considered the same and Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170856, 170904, and 170989. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170856, 170904, 170989. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar Stated Meeting December 7, 2017 Johnson, did you want to be recognized?