COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 8, 2012 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
That's what I'm talking about. There you go. The hour has come. We've established a quorum. So I'd ask all the guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail so we can get started. Thank you so much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Bertha Johnson of the Jersey D Heard African Methodist Episcopal AME Church, and she is here today as the guest of Councilman Jones. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
As we come DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Council meeting, I ask that each one of us look to the hills from whence cometh our help this day. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we humbly come before you, Lord, knowing that you are the creator and the sustainer of life itself and in you, God, all things are possible. So we ask, oh God, that you touch each and every individual under the sound of my voice; that, Lord, everything will be done decently and in order and, God, you would be glorified. We ask, oh God, that everything needs to be worked out, God, can be worked out through you. And we ask, oh Father, that you touch anyone who may be sick among us; that, God, healing will fall fresh; and, God, that you will touch each one; that as they speak, God, they speak with words of encouragement, words of wisdom, words of power. And, Father, you are the head of all of our lives, Lord, and we say DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com you, because a divided house cannot stand. So right now, God, we ask that you speak peace, that you speak love, that you speak joy. And, God, we will forever be careful to give you all the praises, all the honor and all the glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will stand at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, Pastor. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 1st, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com of Thursday, March 1st, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you, sir. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone here. I understand we have a number of dignitaries and guests from the Administration, commissioners, chairmen and chairwomen of boards and commissions. I want to thank you. And I would like to thank our municipal workers for being here today and the leadership here. (Applause.)
This is one of the wonderful things about America, everybody gets an opportunity to say, and ultimately we hope we all come together and come to a consensus as we start this process. I would now like to ask for the DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com communications from the Mayor and the messages. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution providing for the approval of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2013 through 2017; and Also an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2013 through 2018 inclusive; and An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2013 Capital Budget; and An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2013; and An ordinance amending Chapter DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by repealing Section 19-1508, entitled "Refunds and Forgiveness for Property Income"; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing real estate taxes for the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia for Fiscal Year 2013 and thereafter, by amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide for a tax and tax rate on real property, for exclusions, and for an established pre-determined ratio; and by amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Authorization," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 from the General Fund and from the Grants Revenue Fund to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and Also an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal year 2012 from the Grants Revenue Fund to the Hotel Room Rental Tax Fund; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the Grants Revenue Fund; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the Aviation Fund; and An ordinance constituting the Twelfth Supplemental Ordinance to the DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Airport Revenue Refunding Bond Ordinance; and An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan No. 321 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and water main purposes within the lines of Delaware Avenue from Pennypack Street to a point approximately four-hundred fifty-six feet southwestwardly therefrom; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 177 by striking from the City Plan Tulpehocken Street from Ardleigh to Crittenden Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the southwesterly footway area of East Service Drive from a point approximately eighteen feet northwest of Health Sciences Drive to a point approximately two-hundred twenty-seven feet further northwestwardly DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in the Journal. Do you have any other communications or messages?
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, sir. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
I have one bill -- or excuse me, Mr. President. I have one bill and I have one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilman Jones and Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilman. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com No. 321 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and water main purposes within the lines of Delaware Avenue from Pennypack Street to a point approximately four-hundred fifty-six feet southwestwardly therefrom.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the City Council's Joint Committees on Licenses and Inspections and Public Safety to hold hearings on the issue of negligent landlords, problem rental properties and their effects on the surrounding community and in furtherance of such investigation, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses.
That resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding impact of the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program on Philadelphia.
That resolution will be placed on Final Passage Calendar today.
And a resolution amending Resolution No. 110453, approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012.
That resolution will also be placed on Final Passage for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending Mighty Writers for its efforts to educate people to think and write with clarity in order to boost self-esteem and create a generation of young people who are successful in school, their careers and ultimately their lives.
That will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair now recognizes DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. One resolution co-introduced by Councilman Henon.
A resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole Council to hold hearings regarding the impact of the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 through '13 state budget on all City of Philadelphia government services and infrastructure, and services provided by governmental and quasi-governmental entities including, but not limited to, the Philadelphia School District, state institutions of higher education.
That resolution will be placed today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have no bills DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills on behalf of the Administration and two resolutions. The second resolution is on behalf of the hard-working men and women of AFSCME District Council 33 and 47. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. (Audience members yelling.)
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the Grants Revenue Fund.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 from the Grants Revenue Fund.
That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 within the Aviation Fund.
And a resolution DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com appointing a five-person committee, entitled the "Economic Opportunity Review Committee" pursuant to Section 17-1607 of The Philadelphia Code.
That resolution will be placed on Final Passage Calendar for next week.
And a resolution calling on the Nutter Administration to negotiate a Fair Contract with AFSCME Municipal Workers Unions. (Applause.)
That resolution will also be placed on Final Passage Calendar for next week. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions this morning. I'd like to speak on one of the resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate how the City of Philadelphia can increase affordable housing for seniors to handle the rising senior population.
That resolution -- Councilwoman, would you like to speak now -
All right. Thank you. That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com hearings examining the level of female participation on executive boards in companies that do business in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. With the backdrop of March, the month where we annually celebrate Women's History Month, I introduced a resolution to examine the number of women sitting on executive boards of directors in Philadelphia or the lack thereof. Pat Coulter, President of the Urban League of Philadelphia, recently authored a piece revealing that women comprise an abysmal 10 percent of executive board seats in Philadelphia. Nationally the number is 16 percent. And in Congress, women hold an abysmal 17 DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com percent. Overall, we know that women in the United States still earn an unacceptable 77 cents of every dollar that men earn. With this resolution, we will hold hearings and ask corporate leaders, many of whom sit on the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, to come and testify and answer the question, Do you have women at the table? In politics the saying goes, If you're not at the table, then you're on the menu. The issue of lack of women at the table is the root of a greater problem that is plaguing our national public dialogue. When women are not at the table, public debate that amounts to an all-out assault on women's rights takes center stage when it does not even belong in the theatre. When women are not at the table, we debate about whether women have the right to affordable contraception. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com When women are not at the table, we debate whether bosses should dictate the individual procedures and medicines they are willing to cover. When women are not at the table, we debate whether women should be forced to jump through hoops and get mandatory invasive procedures before they can make a decision about their own body and health. When women are not at the table, we end up with prominent figures calling women revolting names in the public square. I will not elevate some who view him as an entertainer, others view him as a comic by giving him undue attention. However, as the mother of a teenage daughter, I would be remiss not to at the very least express my disgust at the rude, crude and disrespectful commentary we heard recently from Mr. Limbaugh. As President -DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com (Applause.)
As President Barack Obama stated, his comments are not even suitable or respectful for any public discourse. Lastly, when women are not at the table, we do not have a say in who gets invited to the table. I share here, Mr. President, a picture from 2012 where the House of Representatives Oversight Committee had a hearing on insurance coverage for contraception. If you look closely, you'll see that they're all men at the table. For those that think this photo is not relevant or does not represent a larger problem, we would be reminded of a blast from the past that is similar. In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee, an all-male committee, sat in judgment of whether Anita Hill, an attorney and professor, was lying about being sexually harassed. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Unfortunately, these images play out in boardrooms every day in companies everywhere across America. It's not acceptable and, therefore, all are invited to have your say at the table. I invite all of my colleagues to sit at the table as we reignite a new dialogue about what we should do and could do so that we're not looking at these same images 20 years from now. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer eight bills, seven on behalf of the Administration, one on your behalf; two resolutions, one on behalf of the Administration and one on your behalf. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
And an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2013.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2013 through '18 inclusive.
And an ordinance constituting the Twelfth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
And an ordinance authorizing real estate taxes for the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia for Fiscal Year 2013 and thereafter.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by repealing Section 19-1508, entitled "Refunds and Forgiveness for Property Income."
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia.
That DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com bill will be referred to committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to allow for the establishment of an independent rate-making body for fixing and regulating water and sewer rates and charges.
And a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2013 through 2017.
That resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to allow for the establishment of an independent rate-making body for fixing and regulating water and sewer rates and charges.
That resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one privileged resolution, which I would ask to be heard at the end of today's Calendar. It's also co-sponsored by Councilman Jones and signed by all Councilmembers.
A resolution -- a privileged resolution celebrating March 8th 2012 as "World Kidney Day" in the City of Philadelphia. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you. That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla.
A resolution reappointing Pat Lavelle to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution reappointing Michael Mattioni to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District.
That resolution will also be passed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution and one bill on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 177 by striking from the City plan and Tulpehocken Street from Ardleigh Street to Crittenden Street.
That bill will be placed on the appropriate committee.
And a resolution condemning the actions of the Pennsylvania State Senate in authorizing the passage of House Bill No. 934, requiring citizens to produce and display specific designated photo identification before being able to exercise a DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com fundamental and Constitutional right to vote in state and federal elections.
That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Oh.
Mr. President, I offer two resolutions, one privileged co-introduced by Councilman Kenney and the other resolution co-introduced by Councilman Jones.
A privileged resolution recognizing Anne O'Callaghan on her retirement as the Founder and Executive Director of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com hold hearings on the impact of prioritizing prison space in secure facilities for violent offenders and offenders with illegal guns as a means of decreasing serious crimes while examining the efficiency and effectiveness of alternative means of housing non-violent and low-risk offenders.
That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Decker. The next order of business is the reports from committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 120018, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating the 'Robin Hood Dell East' located at Ridge Avenue and Huntingdon Drive as the 'Georgie Woods Entertainment Center,'" respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Mr. President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 120018. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 1ST READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 120018. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Next we will consider the Calendar. The next order of business is that Calendar consideration. I note that all the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session. The Chief Clerk will please DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12-STATED-1ST READING/BILLS ON 2ND READING read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 120004, 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 Torresdale Avenue, Megargee Street, Cottage Street, Placid Street, Frankford After, and Tolbut Street.
The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jones for the purpose of bringing up bills and resolutions on the Second and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Bills No. 120148, 120149, 120150, 120153, DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 120154, 120155, 120156, 120159, 120160, 120021, 120023 and 120024. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment. It will happen as follows. I know a lot of you may be here today for the first time. We have a little different system. Your public comment must concern matters on the Final Passage Calendar. Please note that this does not include the budget ordinances from today. They have just been introduced and they are not on the Calendar. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not signed up, please do so by giving your name to the Sergeant-of-Arms to the table to the left, the table on the outside of the rail. Now, we understand we have a DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com number of members on the fifth floor. What I would ask you, if there's anyone to testify on any bill or resolution that's on the Calendar for today, you may want to start making your way down today early on, because it is quite a long walk. One of the systems that have been changed, I would like to say that we have changed it somewhat to allow you to let you know that your three minutes are up. We have designated three minutes for public comment. We have installed a system that will let you know when those three minutes are up. You will see on the podium a device. Thirty seconds prior to the end of your three minutes there will be a yellow light. When the three minutes are up, there will be a red light. And I used this term last week. I was told I should change it, but at the end of three minutes, your conversation will be terminated, because the gentleman will cut the mike off. And the purpose DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com for doing this is that we want to allow everybody an opportunity. In the prior proceedings, people will go on and on and it didn't really afford people to have an opportunity to speak, so we would like to be fair. So with that, I would ask, Mr. Decker, please read the name of the first individual on the list.
Rebecca Foley, commenting on 120154. (Witness approached podium. )
Hi. My name is Rebecca Foley. I'm the Director of Public Policy with Women's Way. I'm here today to speak in support of Resolution 120154, Councilwoman Tasco's resolution opposing Pennsylvania's mandatory ultrasound legislation. In the last several weeks, there has been a great deal of national news coverage about Virginia's ultrasound DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com bill, but right here in Pennsylvania, there's actually a bill pending that is even more harmful, demeaning and cruel to women. House Bill 1077, the so-called Women's Right to Know Act, requires that all women seeking an abortion be subjected to a mandatory ultrasound at least 24 hours in advance. It requires the ultrasound screen be aimed towards a women's face so she is forced to move away -- look away. It also requires that women accept two printouts of the ultrasound image and that she deliver the printout to her physician in order to have the procedure. This bill is clearly designed to shame women into altering their decision. It is motivated by a belief that women are incapable of making their own decisions regarding their health and well-being. And it also interferes with a doctor's ability to provide sound medical care by requiring an ultrasound be performed that may not be medically DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com necessary. A woman should be able to trust that the information she receives from her physician is relevant and appropriate to her situation, not something that the Legislature has forced her doctor to say. In fact, many medical groups, including the Pennsylvania Medical Society, have come out in strong opposition to this legislation, saying that it seeks to intrude into decisions that are best made through private consultations between a doctor and a patient. This bill has no basis in medicine and is a broad overreach of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, and many legislators are beginning to realize this fact. Just in the last month, 17 co-sponsors have actually pulled their name off this legislation. Women's Way and numerous other women's organizations based here in Philadelphia and across the state, many who are here today, such as Planned DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com Parenthood, NOW, the Women's Medical Fund, the League of Women Voters, are strongly opposed to this demeaning and dangerous bill. We feel as though Pennsylvania lawmakers should be focused on improving the economy and creating jobs rather than putting in place yet another unnecessary and judgmental barrier for women accessing a safe legal medical procedure. On behalf of all Pennsylvania women, I ask that you pass this resolution urging the General Assembly to oppose House Bill 1077. Thanks so much for your time and consideration today. (Applause.)
Thank you for your comment. Is there anyone else who has signed up who would like to give public comment today? (No response.)
DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING There being none, thank you very much. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 120148.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Third and Fifty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120148 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120149.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifty-First Ward of the City of Philadelphia. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120149 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120150.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING portion of the Center City Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel No. 46 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2017 through 23 Chestnut Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120150 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120153.
A resolution DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING urging Governor Corbett and Attorney General Kelly to use proceeds from the federal mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuse settlement to re-launch and restore dedicated state funding to the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. On February the 7th, Governor Corbett presented his proposed 2012-2013 budget to the General Assembly. In his budget address, the Governor proposed no funding for the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, also known as HEMAP. The proposed 2012-2013 budget mirrored this year's budget when no funding was provided for HEMAP. Considering that this wildly successful program has been used as a DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING national model to fight foreclosure and keep homeowners in their homes, the end of HEMAP is a true tragedy for our constituents and the entire Commonwealth. In fact, HEMAP has saved more than 42,000 families from foreclosures. In total, there have been $442 million in HEMAP loans, and more than 20,000 of these loans have been repaid in full, leading to a return of principal and interest of more than $246 million back to the Commonwealth. Without HEMAP, Pennsylvania experienced a sharp jump in foreclosures filing, and this rise is almost 24 percent higher than last year, and this increase in foreclosures coincides with the end of HEMAP. Considering this negative outcome today, I am introducing a resolution to -- today I'm introducing a resolution to hold hearings to examine the impact of the loss of HEMAP on Philadelphia. Due to the fact that the DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING financial impact per foreclosure is over $75,000 to the City, lenders and homeowners and Philadelphians have filed over 1,200 HEMAP applications between 2008 and 2010, it is important to determine what the loss of this program means to Philadelphia and our citizens. Further, it is important that we as a legislative body advocate to the Governor that HEMAP be relaunched and that dedicated state funding be restored to this program. From this perspective, I urge you to support this resolution calling on the Governor and the Attorney General to use proceeds from the federal mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuse settlement to restore HEMAP. Through this settlement, Pennsylvania is due to receive $266 million, of which $69 million will be allocated to the Attorney General's Office. Considering that the $69 million is unrestricted, many parties, from housing advocates to State DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Representative John Taylor and my State Representative Cherelle Parker, who is with us today, have stated that these funds should be used to restart HEMAP. Due to the fact that HEMAP has enjoyed broad bipartisan support and has assisted constituents from throughout the entire Commonwealth, the relaunch of HEMAP is a more than appropriate use of these settlement dollars. Thank you very much. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120153 is DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Councilwoman Tasco. (Applause.)
I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120154.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose House Bill 1077.
Thank you, Mr. President. I will join Women's Way in opposing this legislation that is proposed in Harrisburg. In medicine, one of the most important relationships is the one between a doctor and a patient. In order for a physician to be successful in providing the best care for their patient, this relationship must foster a bond of trust so that the patient believes that all decisions are made only to promote their health interest and DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING benefit. However, Pennsylvania House Bill 1077 threatens to break this bond of trust and creates an unnecessary government intrusion into a physician's office and the doctor-patient relationship. If passed, this bill will require all doctors to perform an ultrasound and to make an accurate determination of the gestational age of a fetus before an abortion can be performed. The decision on whether an ultrasound should be performed is one that should be made by a patient after consultation with her physician and not by the government. Additionally, this unnecessary medical procedure would also be an added expense to the patient, because it would not be covered by their health insurance. Further, this legislation may require physicians across the Commonwealth to perform the highly controversial transvaginal probe on their DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING patients in order to be in compliance with state law and not face administrative, criminal and civil penalties. Due to these concerns, numerous physicians, as stated before, including the Pennsylvania Medical Association and the Pennsylvania section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, oppose House Bill 1077 because it would interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. House Bill 1077 is an unnecessary government intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship and the rights of women and their healthcare, and various abortion opponents have raised concerns about this legislation. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Turzai has stated that this bill will not be voted on until the medical community's concerns are addressed, and in discussing similar legislation, the Virginia Governor, who DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING just passed a bill in Virginia, stated that no one would be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state without their consent. But that is not what was written in the law that was passed. So we ask our legislators in Harrisburg to please not vote on this bill. Thank you very much.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just briefly, and I concur with my colleague Councilwoman Tasco's remarks, but it's strange because the other day I was watching the national news and I had this eerie feeling that I was living in 1952. It seems like we're going back to the future on all these issues. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING But from a political perspective, I would like to thank the National Republican Party and the State Legislature, which is run by the republicans in Harrisburg, for unleashing probably the most powerful force in our nation's history, and that's angry American women. I would like to thank them for that. (Applause.)
Because I don't want to be in the way of that ever. So I'll be happy to vote for this resolution and any others. Thank you. (Applause.)
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120154 is adopted. Before I proceed with the next resolution, I'd like to -- I'm sorry.
Thank you. The ayes are 16; the nays are one. Before I proceed with the next resolution, I would like to recognize State Representative, Chair of the Philly delegation, Cherelle Parker, who is here with us today. Thank you for being here. We look forward to seeing you next week. (Applause.)
A minute ago I saw the former Council DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING President and the former Mayor and at one point actually my former employer, John Street, was sitting over there. So I would just like to recognize him. I guess we can get a message to him that he's being recognized. (Mayor Street entered Chambers.)
I'd like to ask Mr. Decker to please read Resolution 120155.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120155 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120156.
A resolution supporting House Bill 1828 which seeks to add domestic partners to the list of DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING relatives who are currently exempt from paying state Inheritance Taxes.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 120156 is adopted. Before I proceed, I would like to also recognize State Representative Tony Payton. Where are you, sir? Thank you for being here with us today. (Applause.) DiscoveryWorks Global 888.557.8650 www.dw-global.com 3/8/12 - STATED - 2ND READING
Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 120159.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings on establishing an official organizing body for representatives from various primary and secondary educational institutions in Philadelphia coordinated by the Mayor's Office of Education for the purpose of creating and maintaining criterion of communication, strategic planning and enrollment procedures to improve educational opportunities in Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Oh.