Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 26, 2015 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Good morning, everyone. We will have a long day today. I hope everybody ate breakfast, because we're going to be here for a while. Can I get all the guests and visitors please retire behind the rail. Thank you. And the members will take their seat. We'll get started. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Sister Ann Provost of Mercy Ministries Network in Tioga. She is here today as the guest of Councilman William Greenlee. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Members and guests rise.) SISTER ANN: Good and gracious God, we thank you today for your goodness and guidance in our lives. We ask you to bless these men and women, called to serve the people of Philadelphia as elected officials. May Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 constantly guide their decisions and actions for the benefit of everyone they serve. Help them to foster peace and justice, choosing life-giving solutions to our societal problems. May their discussions be open, honest, and respectful of each person's gifts, and may the final resolutions demonstrate compassionate leadership and merciful service. Direct them to exercise their influence and power with justice, integrity, and mercy to meet the needs of all people and especially those on the margins of society and struggling with the challenges of today. Lead us all to policies that serve the common good and to create a city where all have the quality of life deserved by each person created in your image. Let your spirit and goodness guide and direct the efforts of this City Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and all days. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Sister, for those inspiring words. We 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, March 19th, 2015, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 19th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 19th, 2015 stand Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the democrats, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Thank you very much. At this time, I will dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has come down today to witness their government in action. We really appreciate the fact that it has rose to the level of importance that you've taken time out of your busy day to come down and witness this. I hope that your experience today is a very good one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for your attendance. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will make a presentation on my behalf to Shawn Bullard. Would Mr. Bullard and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And some of you may recognize this gentleman. You got a lot of commercials on Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 TV, sir. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilwoman -- all right. They kicked the guy out. We have all ladies here honoring the Bachelor today. Some of you may not recognize him with his clothes on, with his shirt on. No, he can't take his shirt off today, no. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. This morning we are thrilled to honor and salute Shawn Bullard. This morning we are recognizing and honoring the nation's "First Black Bachelor," the star of WE-TV's "Match Made in Heaven," life-long Philadelphia resident and successful development entrepreneur, for his many achievements and successes. Shawn Bullard, known as, quote, "The First Black Bachelor," end quote, Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, attended Bishop McDevitt High School, and went on to attend Temple University; and Whereas, Bullard thrived in both academics and athletics while at Temple, as a scholar-athlete for the football team and an All-American in track and field, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management with a minor in Tourism and Hospitality;
Whereas, Bullard went on to play football in the National Football League for over three years, before devoting his energy to his real estate and investment business; and Whereas, Bullard has built a successful real estate development company from a small personal loan he took out while still an undergraduate student, expanding to new construction, property management and small business ownership; and Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Whereas, Bullard has been recognized by several notable organizations for his achievements as a real estate developer and investor, and in the year 2009 The Fox School of Business announced Mr. Bullard as the winner of the distinguished "Be Your Own Boss" Bowl, making him the first African American to receive this honor; and
Whereas, Bullard is now the star of the nationally televised WE-TV show "Match Made in Heaven," as the first African American in this role; and Whereas, Bullard gives back to the local community by mentoring youth in Philadelphia. Therefore, be virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize the achievements of Shawn Bullard as the nation's "First Black Bachelor," the star of WE-TV's "Match Made in Heaven," life-long Philadelphia Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 entrepreneur, for his many achievements and success. We commend Mr. Bullard for his great work, wish him well in his future endeavors, and extend to him the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. We say congratulations, and this is presented by our President Darrell Clarke and supported by all members of City Council. And I want you to know he's my constituent. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Hello, everyone. This is a very humbling experience today. Just not going to be long, because I know there's some serious and pressing topics of today, but I took the role of America's first black or African American Bachelor, not so much to go on TV to find love, but Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 model for the minority community. I felt that especially at the time of our nation with so much going on and separation between -- just with how black people are being depicted on television in the world, it was a great opportunity to show the world that we are educated, that we can be articulate, that we can be successful businessmen, and this is just a natural progression of that. I'm homegrown from Philadelphia. I have done a lot in the community, and I appreciate you guys recognizing me today. With that said, everyone have a beautiful day. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair again Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Greenlee, who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio. Would Raymond Alvarez and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Greenlee, we have Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and former Councilman Angel Ortiz. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. First I want to recognize the efforts of Luz Colon from my office, who worked diligently to put all this together, and it's great to honor -- when the community and one of our great sports franchises in the City come together to benefit young people, it's appropriate that we honor that Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 effort, and I'm pleased to stand here with Councilwoman Sanchez to present this resolution honoring the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio on its 15th Anniversary. Whereas, the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio (the neighborhood league) was founded in January 2000 through the efforts of then Councilman Angel Ortiz, the Sixers and a dedicated group of Latino sports enthusiasts and educators; and Whereas, La Liga's goal is to use basketball and sports as a means to engage young people from the inner city in organized after-school activity and to promote educational achievement, discipline and tolerance; and
I'll take a point of personal privilege and personally thank all of the folks involved in La Liga. Being a former staff member like Luz Colon of Councilman Ortiz, you can put forth good policy, but Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 providing good examples for young people, the work that we do becomes meaningless. So all of the folks involved, I want to personally congratulate my friends, Esther, Raphael, everyone involved. Whereas, the project is located in the heart of Philadelphia's Latino Community in the Eastern North Philadelphia section of the City of Philadelphia. It was initially hosted by Edison High School and then now is located at Aspira school gym on the 6300 block of North 2nd Street, the old Dougherty building, is used for its league's games and practices; and Whereas, the 76ers supply strong support for La Liga by providing training for league coaches, active participation for various team personnel and by dedicating one night a year as La Liga Night at the Wells Fargo where teams from the league are honored and participate in the preliminary games; and Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Whereas, over the last 15 years the league has constantly expanded where it encompasses 32 teams of boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18 years old, serving thousands in Philadelphia; and
Therefore, resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we congratulate the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio on their 15 years of providing quality activity in the Latino community. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to league Director Raymond Alvarez as a sincere sentiment of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Sanchez and myself and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations for all you do. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Alvarez for remarks. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Thank you for the honor, but as my wife would say, it takes a village to raise the kids that we raise at the league, and these kids come from all over the City. And we just want to thank you for -- the Sixers, Greenlee, Councilman Greenlee, President, Councilwoman Sanchez, and Angel Ortiz, who with one phone call made it all happen, just right down the hall from here when I was working with him 15 years ago. That call came in and Angel said, We need a basketball league in the community, and 15 years later here I am. And we hope that 15 years later we will still be here. I just had one other thing I want to say. I challenge you folks to provide us with a home. We need a permanent home, one that we can call our own and make sure that this continues for 15 more. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Good morning, Council. As a representative from the Philadelphia 76ers, Director of Community Relations, I've been a part of La Liga Del Barrio for the last ten years. I wasn't there for the start, but I've been a part of it for the last ten years, providing support and management for the league, and I can honestly say out of everything we do, this is one of my favorite things and one of the programs that is the most longstanding, because it has the support of the community. Everybody that's a part of it, they volunteer their time. It's very heavily with parent involvement. It's truly a family atmosphere, and we really encourage everyone if you haven't seen it or heard of it or been a part of anything, to get involved, come to a game. We play every Saturday at Aspira. And we really made strides to involve the community. We have Mina SayWhat here from Power 99 who is an official Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and does a great job of promoting it and getting involved with the league and really challenge as many people as possible to get involved with it. And I didn't come alone. I brought some special guests with me just to brighten up the atmosphere here. So without further adieu, let's welcome Franklin and the Flight Squad here from the Sixers. They came to say hi to everybody. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Only in the City Council of Philadelphia. Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution honoring the 28th Annual All Star Labor Classic Basketball Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman Wilson Goode, Councilman Eddie Neilson.
Good morning, everyone. I guess we're going to stick with the theme of basketball today. Today, we get to recognize some great work that the Building Trades has done in partnership with some of its longest standing charitable and philanthropic endeavors to try to help children, persons with cerebral palsy. And one being a Building Trades member for over 26 years, the IBEW Local 98, it's been a pleasure to be a part of specifically. The Building Trades support many charities, including Fred's Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Footsteps, but the National United Cerebral Palsy is one of the longest standing building trades charity that they have done, and we're very, very, very proud of that. The Building Trades has been a part of a lot of things and the fabric of Philadelphia, including PHA as partners, PHA, School District, our churches and our playgrounds in all of our neighborhoods. I can tell you stories of veteran houses that we rebuilt from scratch for people returning who need the help when they need the help. But today we celebrate the partnership and support of United Cerebral Palsy. And we had an Executive Director who unfortunately could not be here today who had just retired, and they have celebrated the 28 years of this partnership. And we are joined by Pam, who is the new Executive Director. So it's quite the honor to be a part of everything the Philadelphia Building Trades and the charities that they Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 as Pat Gillespie -- you will hear from him today -- he says, we're on the side of the good angels. You don't hear much of what we do, but the Trades do it quietly and they do it for the right reasons. So today we are honoring the 28th Annual All Star Labor Classic Basketball Tournament. Whereas, the All Star Labor Classic is a high school basketball fundraiser sponsored by Philadelphia's Organized Labor. The first classic was born out of a fundraising request made by the United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia (UCP) to the Building Trades and Construction Trades Council. The result was a squad of Labor "All Stars" -- you should have seen that squad -- going up against the Harlem Globetrotters at the old Spectrum. The Council purchased all of the tickets for the event at a cost of $125,000, and they still managed to raise Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 $5,000 -- well, that doesn't make sense -- for UCP; The next year, with the Labor All Star Classic officially retired, Midge Clavin and Sam Glassmire created the All Star Labor Classic format. Since the time, nearly 2,000 high school athletes have competed in this event, including future pros like Marvin Harrison, Cuttino "Cat" Mobley, Malik Rose, and the pride, Chris Krielman on my staff will say here, Saint Joe's University, Jameer Nelson;
And whereas, over the course of the past 28 years, this event, due to the tireless efforts of Pat Gillespie and the Building Trades, has raised over two million dollars to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia and Vicinity (UCP); Whereas, funds raised from the event for United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia are used to allow UCP staff to provide social and community support Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and their families. This event also provides funding to award sixty college scholarships every year to high school seniors; and Whereas, spectators can enjoy a day of exciting basketball by the best high school seniors in the five county area in a city versus suburbs match-up. A total of 64 male and female athletes are selected to participate in the Philadelphia-area sporting tradition; and
And whereas, UCP has also found that the All Star Labor Classic Alumni Alliance whose purpose is to utilize the network of past participants to mentor future participating high school athletes and recognize and honor their accomplishments; and Whereas, the All Star Labor Classic continues to grow, through the efforts of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council and with the support of loyal supporters and sponsors Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Bank, Comcast Corporation, Comcast Spectacor, Independence Blue Cross, NECA, the National Electrical Contractors Association, Philadelphia Council of AFL-CIO and many, many more. The media and local celebrities, including local college basketball coaches, have also embraced the All Star Labor Classic and helped to shape its success; and Whereas, this year's tournament will be taking place on Sunday, March 29th, 2015 at New Foundations Charter School beginning at 10:30 a.m.; now, therefore
Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the 28th Annual All Star Labor Classic Basketball Tournament. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Council, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO Council, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations and thank you for all your partnerships in which you do for all the charities and UCP in the City of Philadelphia in its past 28 years. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Pat Gillespie for remarks.
Thank you very much. This is an interesting view that I have. I've never had this one before here at City Council. I appreciate the acknowledgment on behalf of all the member unions of the Building Trades and all of organized labor. This is an effort that we, quite honestly, like doing. You feel a little -- this is what we're supposed to do. This is how we help advance. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 an organization with an awful lot of needs and they have a very, very shallow budget, like most organizations. So let me explain a little bit about the Globetrotters. The Building Trades Union spent $125,000 to buy out the Spectrum, and we were only able to raise $5,000 for United Cerebral Palsy. So we thought we could do better and we started this little venture, had no knowledge of any kind of basketball etiquette or anything like that. We stepped on a few toes and we bruised a few people's egos, but now we have an institutional event, I should say, and we are pleased that we raised 2 million, but it's only 2 million. We should do much better than that. So thank you for the acknowledgment, and good day.
Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. We are looking for the Sergeant-of-Arms. (Pause.)
Mr. Decker, would you please read those remarks.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 150091, 150094, 150145, 150161, Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 150168, 151069, and 150170; and I am pleased to advise you that on March 19, 2015, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on the same date: Bill No. 150122, and that on March 24, 2015, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 12, 2015. And 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 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1531 Cecil B. Moore Avenue; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code by amending various provisions of Section 22-301, entitled "Service Retirement Benefits," and Section 22-401, entitled "Service-Connected Disability Retirement Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Benefits," to add new subsections requiring a specified minimum monthly benefit amount for certain retired Fire employee members; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code by amending various provisions to provide for provisions for participants performing qualified military service, to allow certain transfer payments for purchase of service and for purchase of service by certain classes of employees, to allow for non-spouse beneficiary rollover rights, to provide certain retroactive effective dates, and otherwise provide language required by the Internal Revenue Code; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commissioner of Public Property to execute a sublease and other agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, subject to a master lease between PAID Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and Rodin Market Partners, under which the City would occupy space in the building located at 2000 Hamilton Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you very much. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have two non-privileged resolutions and one bill.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 District Master Plan of the University of Pennsylvania, by allowing for the complete renovation of the Mellon Building located at 3457 through 59 Walnut Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Dr. Ira Harkavy and Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships for their dedication to community service and their significant contributions in West Philadelphia communities.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating students from the Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School Afterschool Program on their impressive Be a Buddy, Not a Bully production featured on YouTube.
That Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commissioner of Public Property to execute a sublease or other agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, subject to a master lease between PAID and Rodin Market Partners, under which the City would occupy space in the building located at 2000 Hamilton Street.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1531 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
A privileged resolution recognizing and acknowledging George B. Gould, Esquire, winner of the 2014 Philadelphia Ball Foundation Award, for his achievements over more than four decades of work in the field of public interest law.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
A non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress and Pennsylvania General Assembly to fund critical transportation infrastructure, and recognizing April 9, Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 2015 as Stand Up for Transportation Day in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, she offers one privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution expressing sympathy for the missing students and their relatives, and calling for further investigation into the disappearance, and alleged killing, of forty-three students in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico and for holding those responsible for their crimes in accordance with the Mexican and international standards of justice. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Section 22-301, entitled "Service Retirement Benefits," and Section 22-401, entitled "Service-Connected Disability Retirement Benefits," to add new subsections requiring a specified minimum monthly benefit amount for certain retired Fire employee members.
And an ordinance Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code by amending various provisions to provide for provisions for participants performing qualified military service, to allow certain transfer payments for purchase of service and for purchase of service by certain classes of employees, to allow for non-spouse beneficiary rollover rights, and to provide certain retroactive effective dates.
And that bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions on your behalf and one resolution. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Shawn Bullard, the nation's "First Black Bachelor," the star of WE-TV's "Match Made in Heaven," life-long Philadelphia resident and successful development entrepreneur, for his many achievements and successes. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2, 2015 as Cecil B. Moore Day in the City of Philadelphia as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Cecil B. Moore.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Supporting USA250's Efforts to Make Philadelphia the Home of our Nation's 250th Anniversary.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar also. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have one resolution, two bills.
Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Terrace Street, Shurs Lane, Cresson Street, Rector Street, Silverwood Street, and Grape Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Jim Williamson to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 4249 Ridge Avenue.
And a privileged resolution honoring and commemorating the retirement of Paul Socolar, and his timeless devotion to promoting better public education in Philadelphia by serving as the editor and publisher of The Notebook for more than 15 years.
The Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Yes, Mr. President. For the record, that is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Bass, Brown, and Blackwell.
Thank you, Councilman. That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution in solemn recognition of the week of April 12th through April 19th, 2015 as the annual remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs who perished during the Holocaust.
And that resolution will be on this week's Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Good afternoon, Mr. President. I have one bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Alvin Shipon to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 342 through 44 Queen Lane.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar -- that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution Honoring, Recognizing, and Celebrating the 125th anniversary of Saint Laurentius School.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germantown Avenue, School House Lane, Greene Street, and Armat Street.
And a privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia native Dr. Leon Bass, one of the liberators of Buchenwald Concentration Camp on the 70th Anniversary of its liberation.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution. The privileged resolutions are co-sponsored by Councilmembers Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Mark Squilla, Ed Neilson, and the other by Councilmembers Mark Squilla, Ed Neilson, and Kenyatta Johnson. Thank you.
A privileged resolution proclaiming the week of April 17, 2015 to April 25, 2015 as the Fifth Annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast, and honoring the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 for being selected as a 2015 GRAMMY Signature School by the GRAMMY Foundation which recognizes the best public high schools that make an outstanding commitment to music education.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings concerning liquefied natural gas export opportunities for Philadelphia.
And this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions, and at this time, we will have our reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. 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. 150056, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'A' of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Chapter 3, entitled 'Permits,' and Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Chapter 9-200, entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets,' to add an exemption, add definitions and provide for the use and regulation of mobile food vendors in certain areas"; and Bill No. 150091, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by creating an overlay Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 '/WWA West Washington Avenue Overlay,' to include certain areas of land within the vicinity of West Washington Avenue"; and Bill No. 150124, 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 Kensington Avenue, Letterly Street, Jasper Street, and Hagert Street"; and Bill No. 150168, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions relating to IRMX, Industrial Residential Mixed Used district"; and Bill No. 150170, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by revising requirements for accessory signs located within the area bounded by Juniper Street, East Passyunk Avenue and Mifflin Street," respectfully reports it has Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the five bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 150056, 150091, 150124, 150168, and 150170. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 (No response.)
The ayes have it. Those bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for 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 two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 150161, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia Land Bank,' to allow the City to transfer property to the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 subsequent transfer to the Land Bank"; and Bill No. 150169, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment to a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for the use by the City of the premises located at 701 Market Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this day Bills No. 150161 and 150169. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bills No. 150161 and 150169. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. You wanted to recognize someone?
Yes, yes, yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. This afternoon at 2:00 we'll be saluting a number of Moxie women on behalf of Women's History Month, but I wanted to seize the moment to acknowledge both Vanessa Fields and Kathy Black, who are with us this morning, as two of those Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 2ND READING women we'll be saluting for the extraordinary work they've done on behalf of labor and women in labor. If they're still here, I'd be delighted if they would stand. Vanessa Fields and Kathy Black. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. That concludes our committee reports. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that those bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the Calendar for the first reading. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150204, 150220, 150221, 150224, 140906-A, 140907, 150079, 150078, 150144, 150159, 150160, and 150090. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
We are going to have our public comment session. We will do a little something different today because of the number of witnesses. So to some degree, please ignore what I'm getting ready to say. If you are interested in testifying or being recognized on a particular bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you haven't already done so, I'd ask that you Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 please sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will come to the podium in the middle of the Council session. There's a device on the podium. When the light turns green on that device, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. What we're going to do a little different today, because we probably have approximately a good 40, 50 people here that may want to testify. We have asked that the pros and cons on Bill 140906 have, I guess what we can call, for lack of a better term, spokespersons for the opposition and the supporters. So we will be calling the names of those individuals who are both in support and also in opposition. What we will do, because we want to accommodate everybody's right to Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 express their concern, we will ask when we call the first name of the individual who is in opposition to that particular bill, I'd ask that the people who are in opposition please stand so we can get a sense of what the number of individuals here are in support or in opposition. I hope you understood that long explanation, but we will figure out a way to get through this. Mr. Decker, would you please call the name of the first witness.
The following names are individuals that are commenting on Councilman Goode's Resolution 150224, in this order: Gwen Snyder, Barbara Rahke, Diane Mohney, Devan Spear, and Daniel Cooper. (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. My name is Gwen Snyder and I'm the Executive Director of Philadelphia Jobs for Justice. We're a coalition of over 40 different community groups, labor unions, Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 faith congregations, and student groups. So we have been working together on economic justice, in particular on the project of making mega non-profits pay their fair share in Philly. It is unconscionable when our city is so deeply in need, when our kids are dying because we don't have school nurses, for anybody to say, Well, I don't need to pay my fair share. Mega non-profits are really incredibly wealthy. They have billions of dollars each year in their budget, and we need to make sure that as wealthy members of the Philadelphia community, they stand up and say, Okay, we're going to invest. So we want to thank Councilman Goode for introducing this resolution and urge all of you to vote for it. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. (Applause.) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, President Clarke, members of City Council, and members of the public. My name is Diane Mohney. I'm a retired Philadelphia public school nurse. It was my privilege to care for students in Philadelphia schools for 29 years. I come before you today to speak about the need for a school nurse in every school every day. School nurses play a vital role in making sure individual children's health problems do not interfere with their education, and they help all children and staff get through the day safely with their healthcare needs met. If passed, PILOTs legislation will provide the necessary funding to increase school nurse staffing from its present woefully low level. com) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 school nurses, Philadelphia school children are sent to schools where other staff are forced to work outside their job descriptions, taking on the duties of school nurses. The assumption by non-nurses of these duties, rightly performed only by school nurses, can be fraught with danger and greatly interferes with the smooth running of a school. Imagine you're a school principal. How many of you would know what to do if a parent brings a medication for his child to school and asks that that child be given the medication during the school day? If the parent actually had a properly completed medication form, would you know the meaning of what it says aside from doctor's illegible handwriting? Would you know to check the label on the bottle to see if everything matches the form the patient's name, the medication, the time to be administered? com) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 what to do if the parent says to just crush the pill or break it open -- break open the capsule and give it in apple sauce if the child is unable to swallow a pill whole? What would you do if an asthmatic child who has noticeable trouble breathing came to your office and the parent told you on the phone just give him his sibling's inhaler? What phone would you not answer in order to help a child who is bleeding and needs a bandage or an ice pack for a bruise? Is a child who comes to you with a headache really sick or is he just trying to avoid taking a math test that day? While you're trying to do the nurse's job, how many parents would be lined up waiting to talk to you? How many staff with questions would be waiting for you on the other end of the telephone? What academic problems would you not be addressing? com) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 principals, the secretaries, counselors, and teachers are asked to deal with when there is no nurse in the building. Of course, time is wasted and the school climate is disrupted. Worse, if incorrect decisions are made, harmful or life-threatening situations can develop. Every stomachache is not an appendix ready to burst. Most of the time once it's established that a child does not have a fever, the cure is a trip to the bathroom, a drink of water or a snack. A school nurse can make the correct assessment and the child misses less time from class. Some students have chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or seizure disorders where emergency life-saving interventions have to be carried out. No one should ever have to observe, if only the nurse had been here that day. com) Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 and healthy places where children -please pass PILOTs. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak on an issue that is so urgent and so important to everyone in Philadelphia. My name is Barbara Rahke. I am Co-Chair -- Community Co-Chair of Philadelphia Jobs with Justice. I'm also Director of PhilaPOSH, the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health, a non-profit that has been advocating for 40 years for safer and healthier work conditions and fewer injuries and deaths on the job. I'm here today to speak in support of implementation of a PILOTs program in Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Philadelphia. The topic touches me personally in many ways. As a homeowner in Philadelphia, I have seen my property taxes double since I bought my home 14 years ago in Francisville. My own office is in a building that is on the edge of two of the larger non-profits in Philadelphia; namely, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. I have watched new building after new building be erected on these campuses as I thought consistently about the conditions of the schools our children learn in and staff work in. I also have a stepdaughter who graduated from Edison High School and is currently studying at LaSalle University. It is well known that our public schools in Philadelphia are underfunded and in crisis. It is less well known that part of this crisis includes the fact that our school buildings are aging and in critical need Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 of major structural and environmental repairs. As the Director of PhilaPOSH, I have firsthand knowledge of some of the horrific health and safety conditions that continue to exist in too many of Philadelphia School District schools, forcing students, teachers, and staff to have to learn and work in completely unhealthy and unsafe environments. Let me give you an example. Mold is a huge problem in the schools. It is also known as a trigger for asthma attacks, which is particularly troubling since Philadelphia school children have a higher than national average rate of asthma. And it is a contributor to chronic upper respiratory problems of those working in these buildings. If I had mold in my home, I would not simply try to get rid of it by washing and scrubbing it away. I would look for the sources of the problem and fix them. This is just one example of what is happening in our schools. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Without funds, the District is attempting to clean up the mold rather than invest in costly improvements like new roofs or piping, et cetera. There is no money to make the necessary repairs that involve these problems, as well as lead, asbestos, dampness issues that cause whole sections of ceilings to collapse into school hallways or stairwells in the winter that freeze over with ice because of dampness that the children use to go up and down the floors. Given that many of the larger non-profits in Philadelphia pay no taxes whatsoever, it is not acceptable that the Philadelphia residents bear this burden any longer. The implementation of a PILOTs program in Philadelphia will be a more than fair way to bring desperately needed funds to the City to invest in our school system. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. My name is Devan Spear and I'm a student at the University of Pennsylvania, and I just wanted to give a few quick remarks before I have to run off to my Russian Lit class. I came to the University of Pennsylvania because I believe in its reputation for civic engagement, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that being a Penn student has afforded me. However, I'm here because I believe that the PILOTs program is a step in the right direction to making Penn the best partner to the City that it can be. I have seen firsthand the way that Penn has engaged with the City, and I believe that many of those ways have contributed greatly to the well-being of the City of Philadelphia. However, I do not think that this means that the University of Pennsylvania should be Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 completely exempt from contributing to property taxes, just like any other large wealthy institution in the City is required to. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Commenting on 140906-A, Councilman Squilla's urban experiential display bill, those against the bill, testimony beginning with Mary Tracy.
Ms. Tracy, as you come up, I would ask that those who -- so we can just gauge how many people who are in opposition and support, because everyone is not going to be able to speak today. I'd ask that those who are against the particular bill please stand. (Some audience members Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 standing.)
Thank you so much for your cooperation. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. This too is unprecedented in terms of practice, and I don't know that we can capture the answer to my question at this hour, but I think it is important to know or would be helpful to know of those who are for the bill, do they live in this Councilmanic district, of those who are opposed to the bill do they live in that councilmanic district, because that certainly has some bearing on proceedings and on legislation, period. Thank you, Mr. President.
I understand. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 I guess when individuals come up to speak, we'll ask if they can reference their locale with respect to the proximity of these particular urban experiential design signs. So individuals that are speaking, if you could just give us a sense of how close you live or if you live in that particular Council district or in proximity to the sign, that will be helpful. Is that what you want, Councilwoman?
Good morning, Mr. President and members of Council. I'm Mary Tracy and I am the Executive Director of Scenic Philadelphia. Before I get started, I'd like to just pass this up to the Clerk and ask Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 him if this could be made part of the record, because there are about, I guess, 400 comments on here from people mostly who live in Philadelphia, all but about 20, and, of course, they can't be here, and I guess even if they were here, they wouldn't have a chance to speak anyway. So this is their voice. This is the way they speak. And every Councilmember has gotten a copy of this, so you can look through and see, and the vast majority -I mean, everyone who, of course, signed this petition is really against it. It seems to be universally opposition, except I think people exempt who are going to benefit from it. But I think what I think is really important -- you know, of course, where I stand on this bill, and we've asked a lot of people to come here to speak, and I understand the time constraints that you're under, but I wonder if anybody could just kind of stand here, because I know where everyone Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 lives. There are a lot of people here I don't know.
Well, I am actually in Councilman Squilla's district, and I live and work in Philadelphia and have for a very long time. I use the Reading Terminal. I've just had a wedding across the street from the Convention Center. I think the PAFA -- I go to the PAFA all the time. So, I mean, I definitely use the places where these two signs are planned and who knows where the other ones will. I just want to address a couple of the major complaints, because I didn't get a chance to see the new amendments last week when they were introduced, but there's been some really dramatic changes in here that I think really change the whole feel of this bill. I mean, for one, they removed the Planning Commission's oversight and approval, and Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 I think that's really an important process in the City. It enables public comment and it certainly enables the Planning, who are in charge of the land use in the City, to really look at things carefully so that anyone that does go is of the right size and shape and has the approval of the oversight of this important Commission. The other thing is that the whole Department of Transportation, there seems to be some wording here that really takes away their authority, because what's crossed off is that it may be erected and maintained unless approved by the Department of Transportation, and now it just says that if it's not within their jurisdiction, they have no say, and that if it is, it's just the erection and the maintenance. The actual use, the actual flying of the colors and that part wouldn't be within their jurisdiction, according to this bill. So it could have been a mistake, but I think it really Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 needs to be rectified, because I think that many Councilmembers thought that the protections were built into this bill, and they're not, not only for those two signs that we've been talking about but for any other sign that would be planned in its wake. So thank you for your time, and with that, I'll -- I think the red light means I'm over?
Norman Koven, Jeff Braff, Steve Huntington, Kiki Bolender, all commenting on 140906-A, Councilman Squilla's urban experiential display bill, in opposition to the bill. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Mr. President, members of Council. My name is Norman Koven. My family and I live at 1420 Locust Street on the 19th Floor of the Academy House. Therefore, we are in Council District 2. I'm here today to express our strong opposition to the digital sign, Bill 140906. Large electronic advertising displays of this nature are gory, unattractive, and unscenic for a prestigious residential area such as ours. They will be unsightly and decrease the property values, which will hurt and detract from the City tax revenue in the future. We believe these signs are unnecessary and not in keeping with the current highly popular Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market areas. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your testimony, sir. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Jeffrey Braff, President of Center City Residents Association. Our thousand members live in the 2nd Councilmanic District and in the 5th Councilmanic District, but I wouldn't get hung up on where they are exactly, because these UEDs are in areas that all of Philadelphia use, and I think Council should consider it in that light and not be focused just on whether their constituents in their particular district are in support or in favor. CCRA has been opposed to the UEDs since the fall. We thank Councilman Clarke for eliminating the UED at 19th and Market. We thank Councilman Johnson for pulling out the UED that was scheduled for the Bellevue garage. Since the bill was presented at the last session, there were floor amendments. Mary Tracy mentioned one that has significant impact, and that is removing the City Planning Commission's approval from the process. Instead now Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 they're just merely a facilitator. Before they were required to approve an application only if the Commission, in its discretion, has determined that the UED provides for reasonable, compatible spacial relationships between buildings within the district and in abutting non-UED district areas. That's been stricken from floor amendments last time. Another significant thing is stricken from the bill is the requirement that these contributions that were going to be made to non-profits, that was part of the legislation. That has been wiped out. No longer are those contributions to non-profits part of this legislation. They are now relegated to neighborhood development agreements that are directly between Catalyst Outdoor and the particular non-profits. If Catalyst Outdoor is not the successful applicant, there is no provision in this for any giveback. We understand why the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 non-profits that are going to benefit from this bill are in favor of it. It makes sense, but they've sold themselves too short. Catalyst Outdoor is going to make a ton of money on this. The City gets virtually nothing. Non-profits are going to get some money, and if Catalyst Outdoor is not the successful bidder -not the successful applicant, there is no provision for any money to go to anybody. So I urge you, Councilpeople, don't just focus on your particular district. Don't just yield to Councilman Squilla. Think for yourself. Think about the benefit for the City and who is really going to benefit from this bill. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Hold on one second. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 O'Neill.
Yes, Mr. President. As I mentioned to you before the meeting, I'll ask right now to be excused for the rest of this session if I can't get back, but I would like to leave my vote aye on all bills and resolutions. Councilman Squilla will move my resolution when it comes up. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. It will be reflected in the record.
I'm Steve Huntington, and members of Council, I'm Steve Huntington. I'm Chair of the Crosstown Coalition. A little bit about the Coalition before I get into the substance of my remarks. The Coalition was formed in -- formalized in 2014. We Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 incorporated. The Board is run by delegates from 19 civic associations, many of which are in the Center City area, but we have a number of associations in other Council districts. So we clearly are represented in Councilman Squilla's district and in Councilman Johnson's district and in your district, President Clarke. But we also have members from West Powelton, Packer Park, Overbrook Farms, East Falls. Each one of those four members voted against this UED proposal. Many of you know we originated in 2007 when a bunch of civics informally banded together -- four civics actually banded together to oppose -- to address Zoning Code reform, and we picked up seven members and then when the AVI initiative commenced, we picked up another eight members. So that today we count 19 civics across the City in our membership. Our Board has voted and asked me to present our opposition to the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 UED bill. Now, we've heard comments that somehow we have no standing to object to the current sites of UED, which are near the Convention Center and near Reading Terminal, but these two sites are orphans. And by that I mean, these sites have no civic association which calls these sites within their geography, and for good reason, because these sites are part of the common areas of the City, areas set aside for the communal enjoyment of cross-towners and out-of-towners, so that residents of Logan Square and Society Hill and East Falls regard these areas as a shared urban amenity that is as much a part of life in Logan Square as the Parkway, as much a part of Society Hill as the Shambles, and as much a part of East Falls as Kelly Drive. So if we stay in our lanes, we're ignoring a major part of being Philadelphia citizens. I think what's happened here Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 has been interesting from a personal perspective. I've lived in the City for 50 years. I suspect that most Councilpeople have been born in the City and haven't lived outside the City. What I've learned is that the new residents in our areas regard this proposal as unattractive. They say to me, This would not happen in Jenkintown, this would not happen in Bryn Mawr, this would not happen in Cherry Hill. That's the sort of reaction we're getting. So that it seems to me it behooves us old-timers to listen to the newbies. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Mr. Huntington. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Thank you, Council President. Good morning, I think. I'm Kiki Bolender. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 I'm an architect. I'm Chair of the Design Advocacy Group and I'm a Board member of the AIA, the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. I live and work in the 2nd District. Both DAG and AIA are headquartered at 12th and Arch. Bill 140906 proposes brightly lit advertising structures. The legislation includes a minimum size of 1,500 square feet of illuminated advertising panels. So, for example, a minimum, minimum 6 foot square by 58 feet tall, or let's say you wanted it to look like a row house. It would be 16 feet wide by 30 feet high by 3 feet deep. Again, this is the minimum size. We're not talking kiosks. We're talking about the house next door lit up like a billboard on I-95, and that's just the display. There appears to be no limit on the size of the structure. The maximum units of illumination have been eliminated from Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 the bill. These giant objects are purely commercial, no matter what kind of dressing you all try to put on them. They will degrade our public spaces and depress real estate values for the first ten floors of any building within sight of them. Mr. Squilla is quoted in the Daily News today as saying the thing that matters the most are the people in the community. So in his opinion, people like bright lights shining in their bedroom or office windows. People flock to their TVs whenever WHYY has a fundraising marathon, because people just love public service announcements. People never mute the TV or run to the bathroom during commercials because they find them artistic. Along the way as a particularly sad smoke screen for raw profit-taking, four of our downtown non-profits have been dragged into the mix by way of Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 community benefit agreements. Truly, the signs are sad. What non-profit could give up $62,000 to $340,000 a year? They've been bought. While these are worthy causes, why are they singled out for support and protection in a city with so many needs? What public policy is advanced by the bill? Why were the City Councilmembers so involved in these arrangements that until last week these four groups were part of the legislation, something specifically prohibited by the new Zoning Code? How can any District Councilperson in good conscience vote against her own neighborhood in favor of corporate profit? The bill will become law today. It will pass unanimously as what is fondly known in Philadelphia as councilmanic prerogative bill. This bill will begin a new tradition of that practice with prerogative extending, you might say, beyond the grave, as Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Mr. DiCicco cast his vote with cash to Councilmembers. With this being an election season, I respectfully ask that some Councilmembers recognize that public support for this bill is bogus, 371 almost laughable, almost identical letters submitted by those who will receive money if this bill is passed; that this bill offers harm to our public spaces and nothing to our tax coffers; and that this bill will continue to diminish the stature of City Council every time one of these gaudy monsters comes before the Art Commission. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Speaking in support of Bill No. 140906-A, the first name John McNichol.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. And to be consistent, I'd ask at this time for Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 those individuals who are here who are in support of this particular bill can please stand. (Some audience members standing.)
We have people in the balcony also. Thank you all very much for your cooperation. (Witness approached podium.) MR. McNICHOL: It's now afternoon, Mr. President. Good afternoon, members of Council. My name is John McNichol. I am the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. I've come today before Council to enthusiastically support legislation to enable the UED zone. I do this now for the second time. I had the privilege of coming before Chairman Greenlee's Committee on Rules to testify, and since that time, I understand the amendments that are now in place have gone a long way to addressing some of the Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 concerns. I want to congratulate Councilman Squilla on bringing this legislation and for providing the opportunity. It is clear that I am here today on behalf of my 15-member Board of Directors, a Board of Directors comprised of appointing authorities from around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We have a $1.3 billion asset in the heart of Philadelphia that has no signage on the Broad Street entrance, the premier entrance to our magnificent facility. You may have seen in the media, Mr. President and members, that the Convention Center is experiencing a resurgence and a new day due, in part, to the courageous actions of our Board to bring about meaningful change that have now attracted customers who said they would never come back to Philadelphia. They're coming back to Philadelphia from places like San Diego and Orlando and Boston and Washington, DC, Chicago and Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 other areas. But understand this, please, members of Council, Mr. President, that it is critically important that we keep pace and remain competitive. One of the areas where we're not competitive right now is in digital signage and advertising opportunities for our own customers coming to Philadelphia. We simply do not have the infrastructure in place to support that expectation that comes to us from customers, customers who bring with them 20, 40, 60 million dollars in economic impact with their shows. We just saw a very successful Car Show and a very successful Flower Show come through the City of Philadelphia and come through the Center, each of those in their own right generating over $40 million in economic impact to the region. That's our hotels, that's our restaurants, that's our cabs. All of these -(Applause.) MR. McNICHOL: Mr. President, I Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 want to emphasize to you that -- and I'll just get down to why we're here today, why I'm here personally today. I'm specifically talking about the location at 13th and Race. And understand this on the economics, we're all fiduciaries of the Commonwealth and the taxpayers of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This alone will save the Commonwealth $950,000 of capital money that we would have otherwise had to spend for digital signage. In addition to that, it will put into our operating budget another $150,000 a year guaranteed, which will save taxpayers that equal amount, or 27 percent of the gross receipts off the digital advertising. Those are meaningful savings to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next four Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 individuals speaking in support of Bill No. 140906-A, in this order, Russell Meddin, Addisu Habte, Bruce Marks, Paul Beideman. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Council President Clarke, District Councilmembers, and Councilmembers at-large. I'm here as a member of the Board of Directors of the Reading Terminal Market Corporation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) which oversees the operation of one of Philadelphia's most magnificent treasures, the best farmers' market in the United States, maybe the best farmers' market in the world. Our market is directly across the street from -- across 12th Street from one of these electronic installations that will be allowed by Bill No. 140906. Last year the Market had six and a half million visitors come through it. We are under the iconic 19th century Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 Reading Railroad shed. Around us in our neighborhood is the Pennsylvania Convention Center and numerous hotels, all built within the last five to 30 years. We are an area where the old and the new collide. Our Board and Market community believe that this electronic installation will fit well and will be an asset to the many tourists, visitors, and residents who come to the Market and the Convention Center. We are now in the electronic age. Our neighborhood has proven that the old and the new can be mixed and come up with something that's much, much better, sort of like all of us in Philadelphia. Another reason why the Reading Terminal Market Corporation supports the installation of this UED is, we are the beneficiary of some of the revenue generated from this installation. We are the non-profit recipient. Stated Meeting March 26, 2015 One of our Board's greatest challenges is maintaining and operating this jewel of a market. Keeping it cool in the summer and heated in the winter in a building that's over 150 years old is not easy. Keeping the space affordable for independent local businesses to be merchants at a price they can afford is not easy. We do not want to have to resort to being a food court of national fast food chains. We want to be the best market for the 21st century as we have been since the 19th century. The money generated from the installation would be a godsend to fund our capital into the future. So I thank you very much, and please support this bill. (Applause.)