Stated Meeting, December 12, 2019

Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 12, 2019 11:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. If the visitors will retire behind the rail, we'll start the Council. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Samuel Peterson of Sharon Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all guests, members, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)

Good morning. (Good morning.)

To Council President Darrell Clarke and to all the men and women of City Council, thank you for the privilege and honor to be here this morning. Just before I give the invocation, I wanted to just thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 (Applause.)

Thank you, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, for all your years of service here in City Council. Thank you for every life you've touched, every organization you've helped, every church that you help, every person that you help. We just want to say thank you to you this morning. Thank you so much. Let us look to the Lord in the word of prayer. Dear Gracious and Eternal Heavenly Father, once again we come to you. We thank you for this privilege and this opportunity just to be able to come boldly to thy throne of grace. You said, therefore, we're able to obtain mercy and grace to help us during the time of need. God, we come this morning because we need you. We need you in these hallowed halls today, God. I pray, God, today, God, as Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 to be passed and bills are getting ready to be passed, I pray that your hand is upon it. I pray that you touch every Councilwoman and man here today. I pray that they would represent the people, God, to do the work for the people, God. I pray, God, today that you will touch this city, God, touch those, God, touch our children, God, as they go to and fro from home to school, God. I pray for their protection. Protect them from dangers seen and unseen, God. I pray, God, that you would put your hand upon this city, that you will make this city the city that is called the City of Brotherly Love, that they would be the City of Brotherly Love. I pray, God, that you will spread your love abroad, that people will be able to see this city as a light and a beacon in darkness, God. Now, we thank you, God, and we ask that you would have your way in this Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Jesus' name, we pray. Let everyone say amen. (Amen.)

Thank you, Reverend. Thank you so much for your spiritual guidance. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. And, again, thank you, Reverend. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5th, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.

The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you so much for being here.

Mr. President?

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to introduce to you and present to all of Council Governor Lele from Cameroon. He is here in Council. He is accompanied by Stan Straughter, our President Emeritus of the Mayor's Commission on African and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Echoes of Africa. Governor Lele from Cameroon is the Governor of Bamenda region of Cameroon and our special guest this week. Douala, Cameroon, a city in this region, is the only African sister city of Philadelphia. He is leading a delegation that will meet with public and private leaders to discuss economic development in Bamenda, business activity, cultural and educational exchange between Temple University and the University of Bamenda. (Applause.)

Thank you. Welcome.

He's accompanied by his wife as well. Thank you.

Welcome. Thank you for being here today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson, who will present a resolution recognizing John Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

And joining the Councilman, we have Councilman Henon, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Domb, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Green, and Councilman O'Neill and Councilman Squilla.

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Today is truly an honor and a privilege to stand with my colleagues to honor an individual who has served with dedication and leadership here in the City of Philadelphia as CEO and President of an organization called Philadelphia Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Corporation, notably known as PIDC. Most people may or may not know, in deep South Philadelphia, I was born and raised in South Philly and always had the opportunity to visit a place called the Philadelphia Navy Yard. As a young man, the Navy Yard was a place in South Philadelphia that was an industrial site for our armed services, but under this gentleman's leadership, he worked to transform and create a city within a city, with more than 10,000-plus employees to date. That deserves a round of applause. (Applause.)

For the record, that's 15,000 employees. As a member of the PIDC Board, I've also had a chance to work with him on an issue that's very near and dear to me. That's diversity and inclusion. PIDC is responsible for most of the major developments, commercial Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 developments, that takes place here in the City of Philadelphia, but under his leadership, he has made diversity and inclusion a priority and a part of his agenda. I'll let Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown talk about how every MED Week she engages in an initiative in partnership with the Philadelphia Navy Yard, with PIDC to make sure people of color and women have a seat at the table. And so, Blondell, you want to come up and say a few words.

Good morning. (Good morning.)

It was more than ten years ago that I approached the leadership at PIDC, because having been at that time still brand new to City Council, I was disturbed by the notion that we had a city with growing jobs in all sectors and not equal opportunities for women and people of color. And I'm Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 PIDC leadership heard the plea, heard the appeal, and together we formed a partnership for the next ten years. We started out with 24 small businesses around the table down at the Naval Shipyard, and that has grown to well over 100 small businesses every week during MED Week where Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and I bring up close and personal the 25-year plan for the Navy Shipyard. It matters when those who live here have access to opportunities that are going to help them feed their families and raise their children. And so I thank you enormously for hearing the appeal, for hearing the appeal and then for acting on it in a very, very tangible way. It matters. Thank you very much.

And also as a member of the PIDC Board, a staunch advocate of making sure that we not only address the issue of diversity and inclusion, but making sure people who are Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 seat at the table. The legendary and iconic colleague, our colleague, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Will you say a few words, please. (Applause.)

Thank you. Good morning. As always, I thank God for the privilege of seeing another day, the pleasure of being with all of you, and the opportunity to talk about this wonderful leader. I served under Anna Verna on PIDC. I've been on this Board for a very, very long time. It's one of my favorite, because I learned early on the important job that it does and that it funds everything from small businesses to charter schools. So many neighborhood ventures have come this way. So I've been honored to work with him, Walt D'Alessio, all our minority affairs, and I'm just grateful that we have the opportunity to thank him Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 has done and to thank Marla Hamilton and the entire Board for all that they do. Thank you, Kenyatta.

And the resolution reads: Honoring John Grady, on the occasion of his retirement as President and CEO of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, for 21 years of outstanding service to the residents and businesses of Philadelphia.

Whereas, John Grady is a native son of Philadelphia, born and raised in the Olney and East Oak Lane neighborhoods. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from La Salle University and a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government; and

You know, it's hard to follow Jannie from Cheyney. Thank you for your service in Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 service on PIDC Board.

Thank you.

Whereas, Mr. Grady has dedicated three decades of service to public-private partnerships in economic development. After nearly a decade with the Cooper's Ferry Development Association, working on planning and development for the Camden waterfront, he crossed the Delaware River to join the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, affectionately known as PIDC; and

Whereas, Mr. Grady established himself as a leader at PIDC by leading the transformational activities of the Navy Yard into a dynamic, mixed-use campus. If you have not been there, do yourself a favor. Today it features more than 7.5 million square feet of facilities, hosts Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 13,000 employees and 150 companies and still growing, and has attracted more than one billion dollars of private and public investment; and

And a point of personal privilege. As other members have stated, our working relationship with John Grady as President and PIDC as a whole has put an incredible, incredible team together, and it's in tandem with my service here in City Council, as manufacturing and industry has been near and dear to my heart and Philadelphians as we tried to transform how we do business with the City, tried to transform and talk about a lot of what we have to offer in its diversity and its density and its pipeline to job creation. They have successfully proven that, leveraging the resources, not just with the City but with the state with complex deals to make sure that things come to fruition and that we employ future generations of Philadelphians, and that's Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 be here today. Whereas, in recognizing his leadership, Mr. Grady was named President of PIDC in 2011. Since then, PIDC has aggressively expanded its core real estate and business lending functions. At the same time, it has lent an expert, visionary voice to public conversations regarding the City's greatest challenges and opportunities. Recent examples include Philadelphia's coordinated response to the Amazon HQ2 request for proposals and the ongoing public conversations regarding the future Philadelphia's refinery complex, and a lot of its policies that we form here together and hear, we legislate to make sure that it is responsible for the future; and

I just want to mention that the Urban Land Institute a few years ago actually recognized the Navy Yard as the number one adaptive reuse of space in the United States of Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 that's a great legacy. And I also want to give a shout-out to someone who I used to work out with -- I don't work out anymore that much -- 36 years ago, 36 years ago when I was, I guess, in my late 20's and he was only, I think, 90 maybe, is Walt D'Alessio. (Applause.)

Whereas, in addition to serving as PIDC's President, Mr. John Grady is active as a civic leader, serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, the East Falls Development Corporation, La Salle University, and Roman Catholic High School. He also serves as a Distinguished Alumni Fellow at the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania; and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Thank you, and I just want to say one thing. While everybody is thanking John here, I want to thank his wife, Megan, for sharing John with us, and we appreciate everything that you have given us here in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Mr. Grady is an indispensable asset to the City of Philadelphia. Fortunately, his move to the private sector will keep him here in the City. We celebrate his decades of service and we trust that he will continue to dedicate his talents to the betterment of his hometown of Philadelphia.

Mark, Megan is here so that John can't change his mind. Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that John Grady be honored, on the occasion of his retirement as President and CEO of the Philadelphia Industrial Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Corporation, for 21 years of outstanding service to the residents and businesses of Philadelphia.

Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. John Grady as evidence of Council's appreciation. And on behalf of the members of City Council and I just want to personally say, John, I just want to thank you for always having an open-door policy, always when I will call you just to get different advice about policy and the work that I'm doing in the Second Councilmanic District, always lending an ear. And on behalf of the members of City Council and the City of Philadelphia, we want to officially present to you this resolution for 21 years of outstanding service to the residents here in the City of Philadelphia and say congratulations. (Applause.)

The Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 for remarks.

Mr. President, members of Council, I know you have a long agenda today and I don't want to extend your day, but I do want to say a couple of things. One is, thank you for certainly this recognition today, but thank you more so for your participation and your active engagement in the work of PIDC. More than 60 years ago, Council and the Mayor and the business community in Philadelphia had this great idea to build a partnership, and it was unique nationally and it continues to be unique nationally today, where government and the business community work together to create solutions that attract resources to Philadelphia, that build transactions, and that build the kind of infrastructure that's necessary to grow jobs in our city. As a native Philadelphian who has grown up here, who has gone to school Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 here, and who has spent my entire life here, I think there's nothing more important that we can do for our city than to create job opportunities for everyone throughout the City. At PIDC, we talk about the importance of driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia. We've made business loans in the last five years to every zip code in the City of Philadelphia, except for one, and I won't say where the one is, because I'm pretty sure the group behind me will make sure there's a loan there next year. And that sense of partnership is really important. People have a lot of different ideas and perspectives about how to accomplish that task of job creation, and if we all listen to each other and if we all work with each other and commit to the idea of growing jobs and opportunity, that will stabilize neighborhoods, that will improve lives, and that will make Philadelphia the great Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 know it is and that we all know it will continue to be. I, in particular, want to thank Councilpersons Johnson and Blackwell, who have been long-term serving members of our Board. Work at PIDC is not an honorary position. Our Board and Executive Committee meet every two weeks, and our Councilmembers bring an important perspective to those discussions literally every two weeks, and it's the success of that participation and partnership that drives the growth that we see throughout Philadelphia. I also want to recognize all of the folks that are behind us here. PIDC is an organization of almost 60 people. Every one of them is a City resident. Every one of them is committed to the growth and development of our city. And as we look forward to the next generation of leadership in our organization, I know that that organization is well suited to continue to engage with City Council, in Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 districts, and across the City to make sure that this perspective about growth and inclusive growth and participation is a message that's well received. The last partnership for me to recognize is with my wife. (Applause.)

Megan and I met as students at La Salle University a few years ago. We dated for a few years, and we just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary a couple weeks ago. (Applause.)

So the partnership with Megan has really allowed me and our family to be actively engaged in the work that we do and in the neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, and I look forward to continuing that partnership well into the future as well. Thank you again for the recognition. Thank you for the support of PIDC, and I look forward to great Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 partnership. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Again, congratulations. And for our next presentation, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee, who will present a presentation on my behalf to Richie Feder. Would Mr. Feder and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilman Greenlee and guests approached the podium.)

Richie, that's the first time a person created a protest by stepping up on the podium.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm pleased on behalf of the Council President to present this resolution honoring a true public servant Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 interacted with mostly positively over the years. So this is a resolution recognizing and honoring Richie Feder, Chief Deputy City Solicitor and Counselor to the Solicitor. This Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize and honor Chief Deputy City Solicitor Richie Feder on the occasion of his retirement from City Government. Whereas, Richie Feder is a 1987 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School; and Whereas, after serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Edward R. Becker, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and working for several years in private legal practice, Richie began his career with the City of Philadelphia Law Department in February 1993; and Whereas, Richie has worked for the Law Department for almost 27 years, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Deputy for the Appeals and Legislation Unit and currently as the Chief Deputy for the Legislation and Legal Counsel Unit; and Whereas, Richie has served as a trusted and invaluable advisor, counselor, and advocate for four Mayors, seven bodies of this Council, and ten City Solicitors; and Whereas, Richie has worked on, and often had a leading role in connection with, many of the most important legal issues the City has faced and has often been considered the person best suited to answer the City's most complex legal questions; and Whereas, those efforts have included: strategizing on efforts to reduce gun violence in the City; drafting and defending the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages; litigating against state preemption of City powers in areas like campaign finance law, firearms and taxation; drafting and advising on Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 extensive rules designed to prevent pay-to-play in City contracting; preparing complex legislation needed for the adoption of a reformed and more equitable property tax system; and helping navigate the City's relationship with the School District, promoting efforts for increased funding for public education. Other than that, he's just kind of hung around. Whereas, Richie has, time and again, advocated and maintained a conviction for the principle of fidelity to the law, in particular the City's Home Rule Charter, while at the same time he has shown remarkable appreciation for the practicalities of governance and the specific needs and goals of the City; and Whereas, Richie has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to providing legal work product of the highest quality and to getting things right; and Whereas, throughout his decades Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 practice, Richie has served as a shining example of what it means to be a true public servant through his dedication to the public mission of City government without seeking personal reward; by demonstrating interest in the views of, and respect for, others; and by maintaining a willingness to reconsider issues while also remaining true to his convictions; and Whereas, Richie has mentored numerous attorneys and other City employees, helping prepare a new generation of public servants to follow his lead; and Whereas, his enjoyment of engaging others with his sharp intellect is legendary within the Law Department, and Law Department attorneys and colleagues on Council's staff already lamenting that "ask Richie" will no longer be common refrain. And this is the whereas I like the best. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Council bestowed on the Flyers' renowned mascot Gritty, Richie may be a pugnacious sage, but he is our pugnacious sage.

Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors, congratulates, commends, and thanks Richie Feder on the occasion of his retirement following 27 years of exceptional and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. We wish Mr. Feder a retirement filled with good health, happiness, and the joys of family and friends, and extend to him the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Richie, thank you for everything you've done. )

And the Chair now recognizes Mr. Feder for his opinion.

You've never really Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 before, Mr. President.

Off the record always.

This is so cool. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Really quick, I know that I have been a source of frustration for each of you at various points, because it has been my job sometimes to tell you that some of your initiatives are not authorized by law. That's my job, and I apologize. I just want to assure you that for every time I have had to say that to you, there have been dozens and dozens of other times where I've had to say to the Mayor's Administration, yes, Council really does have that power. Yes, Council really can do what they want to do and you have to listen to what they have to say. (Applause.)

And let me assure you, they have been no less happy hearing Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 you have been with some of the advice I've had to give to you. So I just want to assure you that I am an equal opportunity frustrater. But much more importantly, when I started to work for the City, the number one reason I came to work here was so that I could have the opportunity as a lawyer to work for clients who want to serve the public good as opposed to serving their own selfish interests. I want to thank you all so, so much for giving me the opportunity hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of times to do exactly what I had set out to do when I started here, to help you fulfill your legislative agendas to help make this city a much better place every single day that you do it. It's been an incredible honor for me to have that opportunity to help you get done what you want to do to make this city a better place. Thank you for everything you Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 those opportunities, and thank you so, so much for this recognition. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

And, again, congratulations. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, will you please read those messages.

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. 190889, 190890, 190892, 190893, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 190895, 190896, 190897, 190900, 190901-A, 190903, 190913, 190914, 190915, 190917, 190918, 190940, and 190941. And I am pleased to advise you that on December 11, 2019, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on December 5, 2019: Bill No. 190451.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional communications?

I have none, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Thank you. Good morning, Mr. President. Thirty-seven years ago I had a chance to attend the first International Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Association of Blacks in Dance. Our city will be hosting the 32nd Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance this coming January, and so I introduce this resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution congratulating the International Association of Blacks in Dance on Hosting their 32nd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance.

Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman -- Councilwoman, did you want to speak?

Yes. I failed to acknowledge those who are visiting from out of our city who are the leadership in this organization. If I may now seize the moment to introduce them, Mr. President. Denise Saunders Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Thompson, who is the President and CEO; Omar Ingram, Programs Director; and Tiffany Pittman, Marketing and PR Manager. We will have dance companies and dancers from around the world in January. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilwoman. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Mr. President, for once I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution. It's co-sponsored by myself with Councilmen O'Neill, Henon, Jones, Parker, Green, and Councilman Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Squilla, who is a Neumann graduate, but like most Neumann graduates, really wishes he had gone to St. Joe's Prep. Thank you.

Couldn't help it. Couldn't help it. Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution honoring the St. Joseph's Preparatory School Varsity Football Team on convincingly winning the 2019 PIAA Class 6A State Championship.

And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Paul "Bud" Franzen for his service to our country, and his dedication to the Roxborough community.

And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution recognizing Independence Blue Cross and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association on their 2019 Report that Investigates Increasing Health Concerns Impacting the Millennial Population. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.

Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Councilwoman Gym.

Hi, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Richard M. Gordon, IV, for receiving the National Alliance of Black School Educators' 2019 Principal of the Year Award.

And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today. I'd like to speak after the title is read.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Charles Francis Dougherty, a Pennsylvania State Senator and U.S. Congressman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.

Thank you very much, and I'm honored to do this, as the reason that I got involved in politics at all was because of Charles Dougherty. He was a neighbor of ours. He was a State Senator, and during his campaign for Congress, he knocked on my door and asked, Taubenberger, can you help me. I did, and this is where I got to. So I thank him immensely and I thank all my colleagues who co-sponsored this, which was everybody. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. And that will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very much. I offer two privileged resolutions.

Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to Hold Hearings to Examine Best Practices Regarding the Reduction of the Negative Environmental Impacts of Flexible Plastic Products in the City of Philadelphia.

And that will be on today's Calendar. AUDIENCE MEMBER: Do not pass it.

And a privileged resolution proclaiming January 13, 2020 as Korean American Day in Philadelphia to Celebrate and Commemorate the Proud Heritage of Korean Americans and their Invaluable Contributions to Enhancing the City's Culture, Economy, and the Founding Ideals of Independence and Democracy.

And that will also be on today's Calendar. Thank you very much. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of the Whole.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out five resolutions with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 190975, entitled a "Resolution appointing Greg Muller to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 190976, entitled a "Resolution appointing Clayton Mitchell to the Board of Directors of the Center Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 District"; and Resolution No. 190977, entitled a "Resolution reappointing Kevin Michals to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 190978, entitled a "Resolution appointing Carol Watson to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 190979, entitled a "Resolution reappointing Howard Wurzak to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the consideration of Resolutions 190975, 190976, 190977, 190978, and 190979 on Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of Resolutions No. 190975, 190976, 190977, 190978, and 190979 on today's Final Passage Calendar. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and these resolutions will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar today. Our next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar: Resolutions 190970, 190972, 190973, 190974, 190981, 190982, 190984, 190985, 190986, 190987, 190989, 190994, 190996, 190997, 190998, 190999, 191000, and 191001.

Can I get a second? (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Henon. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon one more time for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. They are Bill Nos. 190786-AA, 190106-A, 190638-A, 190784, 190811-A, 180830-A, 180860-A, 190659, 190717, 190766, 190943, 190553, 190853, 190859, 190866, 190889, 190890, 190891, 190893, 190894, 190897, 190898, 190909, 190916, 190917, 190850, 190911, 190935, 190436, 190892, 190896, 190942, 190555, 190557, 190644, 190645, 190743, 190745, 190851, 190852, 190858, 190867, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 190868, 190899, 190900, 190910, 190903, 190904, 190905, 190910, 190915, 190918, 190936, 190938, 190939, 190941, 190713, 190824, 190829, 190864, 190912, and 190716. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilman Henon. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 2ND READING Final and Second Reading Regular Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions and bills being considered on the Consent Agendas, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 190610-A, 190944-A, 190848, 190826. All other bills and resolutions are being held.

Thank you very much. I'm sorry for the delay. I have quite an extensive list for public comment. So before considering the resolutions and bills that are on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If your name is on the list to testify, your name will be called. If your name is not on the list and you wish Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 to testify, if you haven't already done so, you may sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a podium. On that podium there is a device. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. And when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given two minutes to testify because of the extensive list. We traditionally do three minutes, but there's a long, long list, so we're going to cut it to two. So I'd ask that you please adjust your testimony for a two-minute presentation. Mr. Decker. So what we're going to do because of the length of the list, we're Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 going to call five names at a time. So I'll ask you to come and just line up behind the podium so we can move the testimony along as opposed to waiting for one individual to walk to the podium. So, Mr. Decker, please call the first five names on the list.

Nora Levitt.

Levitt.

Nora Levitt. Mary Anne Lerro, John Scott, Amanda Bossard, Aaron Wunsch. (Witness approached podium.)

Hello.

Good morning -- good afternoon. I'm sorry.

My name is Nora Levitt. It was mispronounced. I would like to speak on that Bill No. 190610-A, the proposed amendment to the plastic bag bill. I noticed that the amendment to the prohibition of plastic bags, which exempts certain in-store plastic bags Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 used for perishable foods, et cetera, up to the checkout counter, and I also noticed that if it doesn't meet these exemptions, that you'd have to pay for the bag. There are some stores that already charge for bags. How much would it be? A quarter a bag? A dollar a bag? $2 a bag? The bill doesn't say. I would like to tell you of my experience as an older person who uses SEPTA transportation to supermarkets and other stores. I usually carry two canvas tote bags with me, but sometimes I can't. I have a little purse, so I can't carry it. So plastic bags are necessary for some items. I see some people use many plastic bags filled with all sorts of product getting on a bus with a great deal of trouble. I think that this anti-plastic bag bill would really affect the weak, disabled, elderly, and low-income people who don't have cars or can't wait for hours for the CCT transport. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 I know that plastic bags floating around are a nuisance, so I have some solutions to what can be done. Here's one.

Ma'am.

Use the heavier bags --

Ma'am.

It is?

I'm going to ask everybody, we have an extremely long list.

Can I hand it in? It's got my -

I'm going to ask you to get to your point and make your statement, because we're really going to have to move it along. Thank you. We'll put your written testimony in the record in the event you can't get it.

Mary Anne Lerro. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and fellow Councilmembers. My name is Mary Anne Lerro. I am here to speak on behalf of the FK BID. Thank you so much for having me today. So I grew up born and raised in Philadelphia. Single mom, you know. It was a real struggle growing up. I am here for the opportunity that we call the land of opportunity, and that's something that I've been really striving for my whole life. I was able to obtain a property in the Fishtown area of Philadelphia, which is now being burdened by this new 13 percent tax increase. Unfortunately, a lot of owners were not aware of this tax increase, and I took it upon myself, when I'm not busy inspecting for asbestos in schools, to properly inform them about this new tax increase. This BID, unfortunately, was Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 not transparent in communication, any implementation or planning for small businesses within my community. I took it upon myself as a public worker, someone who really cares about our kids and is giving back to the community by protecting our public health and safety, to go to these people and notify them about what these terms actually could do for them and the hardship that actually could potentially be behind these terms. What I found out when I wasn't inspecting for asbestos in schools was that a lot of developers and larger property owners would be the ones really affected for the benefit as a result of this tax assessment. So I please ask that my Councilman, Council President, please understand that this is not a BID for the small person. This is a BID for the developers, who you will be subsidizing for their own prosperity. Thank you very much. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Thank you for your testimony, ma'am.

John Scott. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Council President, members of Council. My name is John Scott. I'm here for 190659, the Fishtown Kensington BID. I'm a committee person in the 18th Ward along parts of East Girard Avenue. Our ward, along with the neighboring 31st, has some of the highest voter turnout percentage in the City. I've knocked on a lot of doors in the last few years. I've discussed the BID proposal with a lot of neighbors, business owners, property owners, and voters. Those that we could reach were overwhelmingly opposed. Our neighbors are already concerned about ever-increasing property taxes. They are concerned about ongoing Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 construction which leaves us with collapsing houses, broken sidewalks, pitted streets, and endless commotion, pollution, and noise. They should not have to pay another 13 percent to have someone sweep the sidewalk they've been sweeping for 40 years. They should not have to pay an extra 13 percent for a six-figure corridor manager who doesn't understand their business. And there's no bigger waste of money than a parking study for Fishtown. The irony here is that the same people that were here last week begging to keep the tax abatement are the ones promoting the extra tax in the BID. The people that don't want to fix our schools or pave our streets or even clean up their own properties, these people are back now asking for you to hike their neighbors' property taxes to pay for street cleanups. We already have a Sanitation Department. We already have workers that Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 can do this. Which one of the longtime businesses, the nearly 250 that opposed, which ones of those will disappear? Upstairs from the commercial district, which one of those residential tenants that have affordable rents will be priced out? Which employee won't see a small raise in January or a Christmas bonus next week? And which small business owner won't make their health insurance payments in January because of this tax? It may sound like nothing to the owner of the $5 million property, but to the rest of us, it's a lot. I ask you to vote no for this privatization of our neighborhood. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

Amanda Bossard. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Good afternoon.

Good morning. Thank you very much, members of Council, for allowing me two minutes to speak today. My name is Amanda Bossard and I am here because I spent 45 days of the allotted objection period collecting and meeting with other commercial property owners within the BID corridor. I'm speaking regarding the Fishtown Kensington proposed business improvement district, 190659. And among the over 100 individuals that I spoke to directly, less than 20 of them were in favor of the BID. Many more that I attempted to reach through extensive online searching and verifying communications through phone numbers, e-mail addresses when the addresses of record on the OPA site had failed me were difficult to find, but I continued, and there were 230 opposition letters received by City Council, and we Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 successfully met our obligation to demonstrate one-third opposition to this BID proposal. In addition, of the 785 properties that are included in the BID proposal, over approximately 100 or more -- 133 is our actual estimate -- are ineligible to even by law be included in this business proposal. And we'd like to ask Council to acknowledge that by the letter of the law, this BID has been defeated and ask you please do not make us go through the lengthy and costly process of an appeal. I appreciate all of your time, and I hope you appreciate the really authentic grassroots effort that we collectively made, Mary Lerro, Justin Turner, Murat Aritan, Zoa Schisler, and many more who walked and know our neighbors and our commercial property colleagues. Thank you.

Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Thank you for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)

Aaron Wunsch. (No response.)

Next five.

The next five names, Justin Turner, Zoa Schisler, Joshua Jean, Huidan Mei, Antione Little. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

May I begin?

Please.

Good afternoon. My name is Justin Turner. I'm a social impact investor through Social Venture Circle and Robin Hood Ventures. One of my primary focuses over the last decade has been to reduce blight without causing gentrification, and that is why I'm here in opposition to the Fishtown Business Improvement District. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 I'm here today as a representative of Wonderland Fishtown, which is a sculpture garden whose mission is to fight modern isolation by bringing the community together in an inspirational setting. We host a wide variety of meetings and events aimed at supporting local artists and increasing social interaction and happiness among Fishtown residents. The proposed fees would be devastating to our mission. We are supported by an attached apartment community which keeps rent as affordable as possible in order to enable people such as artists, restaurant industry workers to live here. We operate at break-even so that the increased fees have to be passed on. It will amount to over $25 per month per renter, which will have a huge impact on the residents who are already struggling to stay in their gentrifying Fishtown neighborhood. This bill will directly Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 accelerate gentrification in Fishtown. It is specifically targeting renters, who are the group with the least wealth, and it's going to force out the long-term residents who made Fishtown amazing, the artists, the punts (ph), the service industry workers. These are the people that this will end up taxing, all for a bunch of wealthy businesses that want someone else to pay to clean up for their patrons, most of whom don't even live in Fishtown. I received no notice of this legislation. I only found out recently when Amanda contacted me. And I spoke to four of my neighbors, and they also did not receive any notice of this legislation. Amanda was able to get in touch with over 200 property owners, and 95 percent of them stated that they were opposed. That is a huge number. The only reason that there weren't enough signatures on time is because none of us knew about this until Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 it was too late. All I ask is that you give us the opportunity to engage in a dialogue and perhaps craft something that is fair to everyone and won't have such a negative impact on Fishtown's long-term lower-income residents.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good morning. My name is Zoa Schisler. I live in Fishtown. And this BID is certainly the will of a few that is really going to affect negatively the interests of so many people who have lived in Fishtown. Councilperson Squilla, President Clarke, you've been in our neighborhood, and we thank you for that. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 You've been a good advocate for us. Don't stop now. I had to go on the 700, 800 block of Girard Avenue. I went from 700 to York. Everybody was really against it. I found a couple of the businesses, out-of-state corporations. I couldn't get a body to sign either for or against. So please don't presume because you don't have a signature, that those business owners are for. Those business owners might never have been contacted. I tried. I couldn't get them. I found incorporators. Businesses have changed hands. Properties have changed hands over ten years. I couldn't get the body to get the answer. What I did, though, is, I went in my neighborhood, one hour and a half. That's it. Rainy Thursday. Half the people weren't there. There were 30 people who had a vote in Fishtown, 30 people. 27 said no, very opposed to the BID, and opposed to the bid for a good Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 reason. We're already cleaning our streets. You know that, President Clarke. You know that. We're already putting up planters. We pay for our trees. We do not -- if Frankford Hall needs a clean-up, hallelujah, go get it, go do it. That's not the 700 block of Girard Avenue. That's not the 800 block of Girard Avenue. That's not the district owners there who said no BID. Take those shovels down, President Clarke, and bury this bid. It does not help the residents of Fishtown. I live there. My neighbors vote there. We clean up there. We don't want -- forget parking. We can't even get sunlight anymore with those darn six-story buildings. Okay. They're up. Enough. Enough. We need you to be on the side of your constituents and say no to the BID. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Thank you. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon, City Councilmembers and everyone. My name is Huidan Mei, a Central High School graduate and a youth organizer with Asian Americans United. For the past couple months, I have heard many concerns expressed by students, parents, homeowners, and community members on the negative impacts of the ten-year tax abatement, from toxic conditions in schools to displacement of communities because of rising housing costs and property value. These are the realities that the tax abatement has brought. Therefore, I'm here today to ask City Councilmembers to vote no on Bill 190944 and prioritize our youth and low-income communities over developers. We are still suffering from the budget cuts eight years ago that left schools with a shortage of staff, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 counselors, teachers, nurses, and school resources. We are too familiar with the name Peirce, Palumbo, Ben Franklin/SLA, Meredith. This year one of our youth leaders from SLA testified before the School District. She said, I remember for a week straight, students coughed a lot from the exposure to asbestos. It took a month before we were finally told that our school will be shut down because of asbestos and health issues. I thought of how many students had been coughing and what we must have breathed in. Over the summer, we interviewed over 400 Philadelphia public school students about the conditions. Our interviews reaffirmed that our schools are in desperate need of resources. Toxic school conditions putting teachers' and students' lives at risk, damaged asbestos insulation, damaged school facilities, peeling paint, leaking roofs, insufficient school resources, lack of Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 mental health support and language support, and the list goes on. Why? Why isn't the City prioritizing education which is crucial for over 200,000 students? Why doesn't the City put more funding in schools now to fix the problems before more issues arise, before more lives are threatened? We need emergency funding to clean up toxic schools and create healthy and safe schools for all. With the proposed bill, we won't see that happening. That is why we're asking our City Council leaders to vote no. That is why we will continue to push for an end to the abatement alongside movements for land security and affordable housing. Vote no for our young people, for the future. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Good morning.

All right. Folks, let's respect the speaker.

Good morning. I'm here to speak about Bill No. 190944. Last week when I was here and I spoke to this body, it appeared that this body was where we needed them to be on this bill. Now it appears that this body is ready to vote on a developers bill. When will this body stand up for the citizens of Philadelphia? When will this body stand up for the students of Philadelphia? As a parent of three Philadelphia public school children, I travel far and near to speak on these issues about our children. Our children demand and need better. They deserve better. They don't deserve a watered-down bill that caters to the developers and slight the children. They demand a bill that stands up for not only our children but for the educators, for Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 the staff members that are in these buildings day in and day out taking care and providing a positive and good education for our children. Our children need and deserve better. I am here today to ask this body to vote on a bill not only that eliminates the ten-year tax abatement, because that's what's needed, the ten-year tax abatement needs to be ended completely. We don't need a 50 percent over ten years. We don't need this bill to start later on down the line. We need that bill to start now, because at the end of the day, at the end of the day, T.M. Peirce is out of their school, Meredith is in a school that is being cleaned, SLA/Benjamin Franklin is now on Allegheny Avenue. Why? Because they can't get an education in the building that they supposed to be in. So today I ask this body for once take care the citizens of this city Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 and take care of our children who are our future and our prize possession.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Joshua Jean. (No response.)

Next five.

The next five speakers, Mandy Duong, Mindy Isser, Peg Shaw, Yosuke Arakai, Samantha Hubner. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Just three? Mr. Decker, call two more.

Jen Jasuta, Maurice Sampson. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Okay. We're good. Please remember to state your name for the record when you start.

My name is Mindy Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Isser. I'm a member of 215 People's Alliance and DSA. I live in Point Breeze, and because I bought a rehabbed home, I had a tax abatement, but then I cancelled it. Here's why: This is a racial justice issue. Think about who is receiving the abatement. We know that banks are discriminating against people of color or deciding who gets a mortgage loan. Councilman Johnson, you had a hearing back in March 2018 about this very issue. You called it a public hearing on racial disparities in home lending. Councilmembers Green, Reynolds Brown, Parker, and Henon, you were all there, so you all heard that black Philadelphians are three times as likely to be denied a home loan as white Philadelphians, three times. So it's fair to say that white people have more access to mortgage loans in Philadelphia, which means that mostly Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 white people are getting property tax abatements. And where would that money go if those with abatements paid their fair share of taxes? To our public schools, where the overwhelming majority of students are children of color. The abatement takes money from supporting the education of young people of color and puts it directly in the pockets of wealthy developers and white homeowners. Why are you all continuing to widen the racial lockout? Let me make something clear. I would have bought my same home without an abatement. The abatement did not influence my decision to buy a home or my decision of which house to buy. Everyone here seems to think that the abatement has some magical qualities and that no one would buy a home without it. But the abatement is not magic. Philadelphia is magic. People want to live here because we live in an amazing city. Getting rid of the abatement isn't going to make Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 people want to live in Philadelphia less. Starving our schools will do that. Ignoring an asbestos crisis will do that. Passing legislation without giving the public a chance to weigh in will do that. Having elected officials who make back-door deals with rich people will do that. Real estate developers, your friends who are helping you write these abatement reform bills in your back-room meetings away from public view, keep threatening doomsday scenarios --

Ma'am.

-- if you end the abatement.

Ma'am.

Can I just finish my sentence?

No. We're going to wrap it up.

Construction will screech to a halt. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 I know. He's already done that before. Cranes will fall from the sky. Allan Domb might actually --

Ma'am.

-- have to take his City Council salary --

Ma'am.

-- rather than raking in millions of dollars on the condo kingdom.

Ma'am. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Hello.

Good afternoon.

Thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name is Peg Shaw. I'm a committee person in Ward 38, which constitutes East Falls and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Allegheny West, and I'm here on behalf of Neighborhood Networks. We are encouraging and demanding that the City Council vote no today on the abatement bill before you. There has been no, no real public process to look at this. There's only been one public hearing. There has been no opportunity for the public to respond to the amendment that was just introduced and you all accepted from the Mayor's Office. I was at the hearings last week, and many City Councilmembers here were raising very, very good questions about how the abatement process works, who has been benefiting. I took an hour this morning and did a little Google search to try to come up with some information, which I'm sure all of you have seen over the time, but a fact sheet that was put together by Pew of this year in April showed that the poverty level in Philadelphia has Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 increased from 2009 to today. So the tax abatement is not helping the poor people in this city, which make up almost 40 percent of the population. Not only that, the deep poverty level has increased from 12 percent to 14 percent. Deep poverty is recognized as a household of four living under $12,000 a year. We have tens of thousands of people in the City living under poverty, and the tax abatement clearly only benefits the wealthy. Eleven percent of the properties that benefit next year in 2020 from the tax abatement are all based in Center City. Most of those properties are $1 and $2 million condos, hotels, and commercial properties. The rest of the properties, 89 percent of the properties that are benefitting from the tax abatement, are the ones that everybody sees and is alarmed by because of the gentrifying pressures in their neighborhood. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 At a recent ward meeting that I was at, Ward 38, people were complaining, particularly people from the West Allegheny neighborhood, and alarmed by the gentrifying pressures that this is causing. Please vote no. Let's talk about it next year --

Thank you.

-- with new Councilmembers --

Ma'am, you need to wrap it up.

-- who ran on this issue. (Applause.)

Folks, I'm going to ask you all to please like adhere to the timeline. I got like 40-something people on the list and I want everybody to speak. Under the rules I don't have to do that, but I want everybody to have an opportunity. So can Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 you please keep to the timeline. I'm trying to be fair. Thank you. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. My name is -

Hold on. Hold on. Look, you all have your time to speak when you get at the mic. So please let the people -- ma'am, we'll start the time over.

Thank you.

Start the clock over.

Good morning, Council President and all members of City Council. I'm speaking about Bill No. 190659. My name is Jen Jasuta and this is about the Kensington Fishtown Business Improvement District. The way things were put together on this bill, we received this package, which has a lot of legalese, and then expects the small business owners to stop what they're doing, read through piles of legalese and find that they have Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 to, instead of just saying yes/no to the bill on a postcard that they could send back, they have to write a whole letter explaining what they're all about, and this thing seems to have been pushed through before we even had a chance to really get a coalition together or whatever of people who might be against it. If there was a postcard in there where you could tick a box, I think it would have been a better situation. A lot of people I know did not get this. There is a lot of people who don't even have the time to read these things, because they're chasing like maniacs of small businesses wearing 60 hats. I feel like we -- my taxes, regular property taxes, have gone up exponentially, to the point where I'm going to be paying over $6,100 more in 2020 than I am this year, and that was already up quite a bit. And now I'm supposed to be paying an extra almost Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 $2,000 to have somebody sweep the sidewalks that I've been sweeping for 11 years anyway. It's not worth it for me. There's other ways to keep this going, to get the streets cleaned. There's the PHL Taking Care of Business. They have a program going where they're having trainees sweeping the streets, and that can help maybe instead of putting the burden on the small businesses. Thank you very much for letting me speak.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Yosuke Arakai, South Philadelphia. It's my understanding that the plastic bag ban bill has been altered to not require businesses to participate by not enacting any penalties if they don't comply. So I'd just like to take a few Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 moments for everyone in the room to kind of mull over how efficient a bill is that is voluntary for business owners to participate in. Maybe someone has thought of something. I'd love to hear what they have to say. Now, if members of the Council that are responsible for the provisions to the bill from its original form that renders it utterly useless wouldn't mind with great pride just raising their hands for everyone to see. I don't know what to say. Like what are we reaching for? Are we reaching for legislation that will improve the health of our communities or are we reaching for headlines? I mean, because the headlines won't show that this bill is utterly useless. With that said, I think you should vote for the bill if you're willing to amend it immediately, not in four years, not in two years, not in one Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 year but, you know, next year. What we're dealing with is the support of the fossil fuel industry, who produces the millions and millions of plastic bags that are produced that immediately get thrown in the trash, only to make their way into the water that you and I drink, into the air that we breathe that cause cancer clusters from burning in incinerators. So, yeah, I really -- the indifference that this bill brings is, you know -

All right. Thank you, sir.

I really don't know what to say. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

My name is Maurice Sampson. I am the Eastern Pennsylvania Director for Clean Water Action. I think I share with all the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 people who are parents in the room the great joy one gets in watching your child open the gift and that look on their face. It's almost better than being a child and getting the gift yourself. Last week in adopting the amendment to pass the plastic bag bill, you essentially have all become elves to Councilman Squilla, because you packaged the box. The problem is, the box is packaged by Mayor Grinch, because the bill is deficient and there hasn't been the kind of time to have the kind of conversations that I would have with all of you, nor have you had the opportunity to make the kind of corrections that I know you would make if you had the time. Now, I have asked in letters I have sent to all of you and that some of you may have read in the op-ed that's been posted this morning on Philly Plan that we should table this bill. I don't think we should table this bill, but I do think what we need is to know that more Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 than Santa Claus Squilla is going to step up and make sure that this is going to get corrected, because although I've worked with a lot of you and I know you to be people of integrity, if you don't know what it is is in the package, how do you know and how can we be assured that when this comes up in the next session, it's going to come up early and that we're going to work to make it work? What I would really like is for me as a parent to not deliver this empty gift to my members and to your constituents and for us to know that you are behind Councilman Squilla, that you make that public statement that we're going to make this work, and then let's have a great holiday, and thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. Next five.

The next five Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 speakers, Ang Sun, Murat Aritan, George Gould, Meenal Raval, Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela. (Witness approached podium.)

Please proceed, sir.

Good afternoon. I'm Dr. Ang Sun, a college professor and also an organizer of West Philly United Neighbors. My organization collaborating with seven different organizations to fight gentrification in West Philly. I'm here to oppose two bills. One is 190944-A. The second one is 190898. For the developers, there are two golden apples in their pocket. One is up-zoning. The other is the tax abatement. The tax abatement was good for Philly for a while, but it has been obviously -- it should be abolished completely, not amended. I have been living in New York City for 17 years since I was a student. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Then I was renting, only paying about $400 per room. Now I'm a homeowner, and I heard my students paying like $1,700 per month. That is ridiculous. The developers are over-developing University City. Within four blocks of my home, we have 17 developments. They are building over two solid units. I have been displaced, not because I couldn't afford the mortgage. It's not financially. I was displaced recently because a contractor is building a seven-story multi-unit building next to my door and my -- I have a newborn... (Applause.)

Our next speaker, Mr. Decker. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi there. My name is Murat Aritan. I live at 111 East Girard. I'm a longtime Fishtown resident born and raised, third generation. This is about the Fishtown Kensington Area BID development. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Let me start by saying I am one of your constituents, and the majority of the 200-plus objection letters that your constituents and me and my partners went around to collect these letters by talking to my neighbors and friends and property owners with our own time and money, something that the BID people never did. They never went and outreached anybody. They did minimal to non-existent, nothing was done to outreach the business owners to the actual communications with the people and the businesses that would be affected. For a group with the name "business" in it, they did not really care about them and what they are proposing to do and what they are going to do with it. And if you know my neighborhood, which you should if you represent us, you will know that we are exactly that, a neighborhood, and the majority of the BID corridor are not Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 businesses. In fact, 80 percent of the area affected are rental properties, homes and residents, some of which are low income and for seniors and for people who are just getting by. Take Neumann building, for example, that houses more than 100 seniors. They will have their rent increased next year if this passes. And the properties that are owned by longtime residents like Frank Richie and Mike Murawski and others who rent to low-income people, why should these people, any of these people, pay for something that only Paul and Johnny Brenda's and other people in the nightlife industry will get the money and rob us? It's wrong. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Meenal Raval. I'm here today to speak on two bills, No. 190610, the plastic bag bill, and 190944, the tax abatement bill. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Last winter when we first met with Councilman Squilla about this bill, our concern was the force the plastics industry would retaliate with. The opposition now, it seems, comes from our own Mayor who threatens to veto this bill if we include a fee for single-use plastic bags. It seems that our Mayor yet again speaks for the fossil fuel industry, not the people that elected him. I am asking for a ban as well as a fee of single-use plastic bags. So please vote yes today and let's revise in January to include a fee. That's the only way this will actually reduce single-use plastic bags littering our streets and our waterways. Now on to 190944, the tax abatement bill. Please vote no. We cannot afford as a city to continue to give away money like this. After you vote no, let's talk about net zero energy construction. I mentioned it last week. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 It means there is at least as much energy generated as consumed at a site. Homes built with net zero energy design are more comfortable and have no energy bills, which means they're also more affordable. I heard that you, Councilman Jones, had introduced such a bill about ten years ago. It may be time to reintroduce this and maybe offer a tax credit for net zero energy construction. To learn more, please read or listen to episode 27 of Philly Talks Climate. Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is George Gould. I'm an attorney at Community Legal Services and a member of PHABB, Philadelphia Against Bed Bugs. I am here today to talk about the bed bug remediation bill, 190106. We have worked on this issue for over four Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 years. At the Committee hearing, we were not informed before the hearing that there were significant amendments and the bill was effectively gutted. However, we have been working with the sponsor, Councilman Squilla, to get what we believe are significant amendments, and the bill has been amended and we cautiously are supporting it. The bill will give tenants a year after moving in to report to the landlord a suspected infestation, and the landlord will be fully responsible for the cost of remediation. In addition, if a tenant discovers infestation in other units in the building or an adjacent row house, they have six months to report an infestation in their unit, and the landlord will also be fully responsible for the full cost of remediation. The sponsor has agreed to review this bill after a period of time to see if it is working. This bill is a start. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. Greetings. My name is Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela and I am a professor at Community College of Philadelphia. I am here today because the faculty and staff union at CCP is a member of the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities, and we -- thank you; lots of folks in the house -- and we appreciate you standing with us and supporting Bill 190859, the commercial density bill. I've also got some holiday cards for you all that will be passed out. In our classes at CCP, we see firsthand how urgent the issue of affordable housing is in a rapidly changing Philadelphia. As I'm sure you can understand, when a student loses their housing, they are unlikely to succeed in their studies. I've seen many Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 bright students struggle with homelessness and sudden eviction, et cetera. It's hard to focus on your English 101 essay when your housing has fallen apart. These students stop coming to class. They lose hope. Despite the fact that they can do the work, they struggle to continue to see college as a viable option. Over half of CCP students qualify for federal Pell grants and nearly all of our students and so many of our faculty and staff members are living paycheck to paycheck. Housing is a human right, and we can and should do better by all Philadelphians. This bill is an important step in the right direction, and this bill is a lot better than the for-profit housing CCP's administration and Board of Trustees gave away to developers to make a profit on CCP's public land. We will continue to support Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 initiatives that truly help our students and our members. Thank you for supporting Bill 190859. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Mr. Decker, our next five speakers, please.

Dominique Howell, Joe Danihel, Francis McCloskey, Evan Kassof, Gail Loney. (Witness approached podium.)

Hello. My name is Dominique Howell. I am an independent living specialist with Liberty Resources, the Leading Center for the Independent Living in Philadelphia. Liberty Resources is also a member organization of the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Housing. I'm here to speak on Bill No. 190859, the commercial density bill. Our coalition and -- sorry. We have been working on making the Housing Trust Fund Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 one that meets our city's needs for over 20 years. We live in a city where over half of us renters -- where over half of its residents are renters, where 16 percent of the people are disabled and many are on fixed incomes, making anywhere between $738 and $1,200 a month. This equals to 14,000 a year or less. As the population grows, they continue to be underserved. Our coalition and member organizations have fought for more money for the Housing Trust Fund and are excited to be here today to support Councilmember Green's bill again, commercial density bonus bill, to create -- sorry. We support this bill because it would get more money to very important but underfunded programs like Adaptive Modification. At LRI, we help consumers get out of renting homes and back into the community, but our severe shortage of accessible units make it very difficult Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 to locate housing and get out of the nursing homes. If you haven't lived in a nursing home, you have no idea how awful it is. My personal story involves the Philadelphia shelter system. Myself and my four-year-old daughter were homeless for nine months and then lived in a shelter that could not accommodate me due to my disability for nearly two months. During all of this time, I was trying to find an accessible and affordable place to live. It was the scariest and hardest experience of my life. I have made it a personal and professional goal to prevent this from happening to other women and children. Seeing the post-traumatic stress my daughter still experiences is something that I don't want for any mother. I am testifying today on the behalf of myself and our members. Most of us live in subsidized housing and we know the value of it. So vote yes for the community Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 density bonus bill. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week, Council, Mayor, Governor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally and unlawfully. In the 1770s, the government in Philadelphia was stealing people's private property, causing the people to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Clearly, history is repeating itself, as the government that stole my home, stole my just compensation, asked the people to turn in their arms as the Red Coats did. Has Philadelphia stolen thousands of homes, as court filings indicated? Did men die on December the 7th, 1941 for this type of government? Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Failure to perform a known duty or task is treason and requires your prosecution. The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987; 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28; 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appeared violated. I call on the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 25 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow all of this monumental corruption and taxation without representation. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Evan Kassof. I'm President of the Temple University Graduate Student Association, although I am here today as a food truck advocate. I'm here to speak about Bill 190851, which was about the food truck rezoning issues around 33/34th Street and Market. Food trucks serve a vital role in the fragile ecosystem of university food services. Students rely on food trucks because they are less expensive than options provided on campus by Drexel Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 and Temple's food service company, Aramark. Additionally, the trucks through their owners, employees, and menus provide a sense of cultural diversity and sincerity precipitously lacking in any campus dining hall. The dreams of immigrant and low-income families to build a business by making food they love are at stake when corporations like Aramark act in conjunction with major institutions like Drexel or Temple to clear out the competition. This is a food scarcity issue. This is a jobs and working families issue. This is an issue at the heart of the American dream. These businesses have succeeded on shoestring budgets, laser-thin profit margins, and competition from all sides. Yet now this proposed bill will see the government interceding on behalf of a large corporation at the expense of the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 little guy. I see that there's a couple other bills today that have the same flare. I think it's terrifying that -what is it? It's like nine to one or something. All but one democrat City Council is running all these bills through about the Fishtown, about abatement, about the food trucks against the little guy for big corporation. Come on, guys. We're better than this. This isn't Scott Walker's Wisconsin State Legislature where on the last day of business they push through all these bills just to spite the incoming, more left-winging government. So please, for the love of God, for the love of small businesses, do the right thing. ) MR. McCLOSKEY: Good morning, everybody. My name is Francis McCloskey and I am a college graduate, but I guess Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 that doesn't count for much because I'm a low-income citizen. I work in the retail industry, and in the retail industry, yes, we use plastic bags. So I am here to express my opposition to this plastic bag ban. Block the ban. I do not want to lose the only job I have. It's part time, and it at least is something, something I can at least survive on. I don't want to lose it. Before I had this job, I was unemployed for eight years. I went to company after company after company. I was living off my parents, like a baby. I'm an adult. When my parents died, I lived off my sister and my brother-in-law, like a baby. I want to live like an adult. I want to keep my job. Do not ban plastic bags. I work in the supermarket industry. A supermarket finally said yes to me when I Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 was asking for a job. Supermarkets, like me, do not want to see plastic bags blowing through the streets, ending up in our rivers or, God forbid, around the necks of animals. They want to find more efficient ways to handle plastic bags. Sit down with them. Talk to them. They want to hear from you. They're willing to work for you -- work with you. I do not want to lose the only job I have. I'm struggling to find another one. I do not want to go through eight more years of unemployment. Don't make me suffer through that. I don't want to go through that ever again. I don't want to be unable to pay my bills. I don't want to rest on my sister's shoulder. She's struggling too. I may break her shoulders as an adult if I had to sit on hers. I want to keep my job. I don't want to lose it. Find more efficient ways to handle plastic bags. Don't ban them. )

Hello. My name is Gail Loney. Can you hear me? Hello. My name is Gail Loney. I am a retired compliance analyst and I live in the Fifth District. So I'm talking about Bill 190944 and 190553. I recently went to a public poverty hearing and I listened and heard a lot of stories about organizations that help and support individuals, but through the conversation, no one talked about how important housing was. And what you don't realize is that housing is a huge issue around poverty. People are being moved out of their homes. People are being displaced through higher taxes, Sheriff Sales. They're aging out and have nowhere else to go and they have no one to help them. And, in effect, losing your house, like someone said earlier with Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 regards to children, it has an effect. If a child has to keep moving and moving, they can't get the education that they need because they're so busy worrying about where am I going to stay today, where am I going to stay tonight, how am I going to eat, where am I going to go tomorrow. The abatement was to bring development and jobs and beautify and add growth to our communities, but the flip side has been ignored. People of color are not getting many of these jobs. Our communities are experiencing great disruptions socially, emotionally, environmentally. You have no way to get out your neighborhood because of so many developments all over the place. You have to reroute yourself in traffic. And so with the high-impact development, now you're saying that the communities have to decide amongst themselves how to get these community benefits from these high developers, and it's a problem. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 I want you guys to realize that we're people just like you, and you need to think from a more compassionate way when you write some of these bills. (Applause.)

Thank you. Mr. Decker, our next five speakers, please.

Mandy Duong, Catherine Blunt, Jacqueline Wiggins, and Michael Phillips. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi, everyone. My name is Mandy Duong. I'm here to ask you to vote no on the 190944 bill. Although this bill is a small step to ending the ten-year tax abatement, it is only a small bill -- it is only a small step that will take way too long to get funding into our schools. I'm currently a student teacher at Furness High School this year, and the ten-year tax abatement has contributed to a lot of structural barriers for my Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 students. My students are learning from 20-year-old textbooks, sitting in classrooms with peeling paint, and eating expired school lunches. Some classrooms do not have air conditioning, and the heating system is very inconsistent. This detracts students from their learning. In addition, this also puts students' and teachers' health at risk, because they get triggered by the conditions at Furness. Students and teachers should have safe access to a safe, positive environment that is conducive to their learning and teaching. Furness and many other schools in Philly are in desperate need of funding and resources that the end of the ten-year tax abatement can bring. Additionally, the end of the ten-year tax abatement will help fund affordable housing and programs that can help low-income communities of color. It Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 will also end land insecurity, because there will be less incentives to turn vacant land into luxury housing, providing more space for communities to build gardens or other spaces that benefit long-term residents as a whole. This will alleviate the stressors for many of my students, which will further contribute to creating better learning environments for them. For over three years, communities and organizations across various issues of schools, housing, and land have fought to end the ten-year tax abatement in order to help the communities of Philadelphia, especially the most marginalized and overlooked ones. Finally you have moved because of our fight and our efforts, but this bill is too weak. You had an opportunity to do this by working closely with the most impacted communities, but instead you listened to the Building Industry Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Association and their wealthy developers and you let them dictate the conditions of the bill. In addition, the process was shady. We want an end to the tax abatement, and we will not accept this bill, which was introduced undemocratically. We are pushing for you to vote no. (Applause.)

Thank you. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Catherine Blunt. I am speaking on behalf of legislation 190894 and 190898 dealing with Cobbs Creek and Kingsessing neighborhoods in West Philadelphia. I am a member of the 46th Ward RCO Committee. We recently formed our RCO with the goal of preserving, protecting, and providing for our homeowners, our renters, our communities, and our neighborhoods. Many of us have lived in our Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 racially, ethnically, economically diverse, and supportive communities for many years, welcoming our new neighbors into our communities as we said goodbye to our old neighbors who moved out or passed away. We intend to remain in our homes and our neighborhoods to help shape the future of our communities while preserving the history and an appreciation for the unique community attributes and architecture. We support correct zoning or down-zoning, as we also call it, or save zoning as a way of ensuring homeowner and residential engagement in area development, especially if that development adversely impacts the character of our immediate communities and/or the larger neighborhood. We engaged in community outreach. We organized. We educated in order to promote legislation that aligns with our mission to preserve, protect, and provide for our neighborhoods and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 communities. Our communities worked for and did support the creation of the legislation. We thank Councilwoman Blackwell for listening to our concerns and supporting us by correct zoning our residential single-family homes, blocks, communities, and neighborhood. We ask Councilmembers to support us by supporting this legislation. Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Jacqueline Wiggins. I'm a long-term resident of North Central. I live in the Fifth Council. Today I'm representing the Stadium Stompers, a community-based movement to prevent any further encroachment of Temple University in my neighborhood for any high-impact development projects with square footage in the range of 100,000 to 250,000 square Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 feet, especially in the form of a stadium. Now about Bill 190944. It seems to be moving along at a pace that many everyday taxpaying residents may not be aware of. Oh, they know change is coming, but at whose expense. If people were to know the details of how our schools and other services were being put to the side in favor of big business in the building industry in particular, they would have grave concerns to worry about what I call the human trinity - food, shelter, and clothing. It is tiring to see how some folks can benefit from housing development and how a municipality, our city, can favor this sector, but give short shrift to decaying schools and other needs of our city's residents. This tax abatement must end and end right now. You know the people in this town. The Isley Brothers put it very nicely. Fight the powers that be Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 when certain principalities -- oops, I meant to say a municipality is not in sync with the will of the people. And please know this, as I know you do, the people united will never be defeated. Vote no 190944. Vote no. (Applause.)

Mr. Decker, our next five speakers, please.

Michael Phillips, Cleveland Best, Tiffany Green, Charles Carrington, Jihad Ali. (Witness approached podium.)

Tiffany Green. I'm here to oppose Bill 190553, which is the community benefit agreement. I oppose the rezoning inside the bill because of the fact it takes away the property owners going down to the ZBA and being able to present their case. If you can't -- if you don't agree with the community benefit agreement that is set up with the developer -- because developers want rezoning. They don't Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 want to go down to the ZBA. And so at this point, if you do a rezoning bill and you allow that to take away the ZBA process, then independent property owners, some people that don't live in the neighborhood, will not have an opportunity to go down to the ZBA and present their case. I'm asking you to hold that bill, because it needs to be re-amended and everything like that. Secondly, I want to talk about the fact that I have a real concern with the fact that I feel that activists, particularly black women activists, are being shunned here. I didn't appreciate some of the things that was said to me regarding talking about uncooperative and that type of thing. The reality of it is at this particular point is that we came down here in 2013, '14, '15 with a pureness of heart, asking for help, and we fell on combativeness, not willing to meet with Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 us, not willing to hear what we have to say. And the thing about it is is that some of you and many of you voted for Michael Nutter's bills. You voted for his zoning bills. You voted for his pro-development bills, and you planted them seeds. And when them seeds came back, it came back with the highest poverty rate in the City, in the country. It came back with the worst case redlining in our area. It came back with no blacks going into the housing, no blacks being able to get mortgages. An independent investigation came and ran on national news how Point Breeze and others had the worst case redlining. So we feel as though we have been vindicated. Don't try to vilify black women activists or activists that come down here trying to say that we trying to block progress. We're not blocking progress. How could we be blocking progress at this particular point when Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 you have the highest poverty rate in the country, when you have an increasing homeless rate? At this point, you have 26,000 residents getting ready to lose their home to Sheriff Sale and 6,000 are seniors. If anybody is to blame, blame yourself. You can't have a two-facedness. You sit up here and vote for developers and then act like you all care about the poor.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

How you doing? My name is Charles Carrington. I'm the President of Local 427 and I represent Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 the sanitation workers and enforcement officers for the City of Philadelphia. It's my understanding that you're introducing a bill, 190659, and I'm here to oppose that bill wholeheartedly, because at the end of the day, no one does this job to clean this city better than anybody in Local 427. I applaud -(Applause.)

I applaud Councilwoman Parker for the things that she's trying to do. She's trying to introduce some things in her district to get the streets cleaned, but she's partnering with the union to make sure these people have an avenue of getting full-time jobs and getting wages. So I ask you to take a look at, let's say, after the Made in America event. The turnaround, how we open those streets up, we get those streets clean, we do that in hours. So that proves that nobody around here can do our job better Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 than us. So when you want to introduce bills that's going to take away from union jobs, we ask that you partner with us where these jobs can lead to union jobs and people can have better wages and become good-paying citizens for the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President Clarke. My name is Jihad Ali. I'm a citizen of Philadelphia. I have been involved in coming down to Council for almost 15 years. I'm an active participant. I'd like to think of myself as an activist also. I'm here today to ask you to -to thank you, Council President Clarke and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, for introducing Bill 190553, which is known Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 as the community benefit agreement. It's really leveling the playing field, because too many benefit agreements existed in other parts of the City for a long time, but this levels the playing field. Because I could tell you, Councilwoman Blackwell can tell you, many times we were negotiating with developers. They called us crooks. They said every time we demanded something for the company, we were strong-armed. So this really gives us a legitimate way to be able to say we want something for the community. I'm also here for Bill No. 190891. That's for -- I want to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for the EOP plan. That's for the Penn medical site that they're going to give. Without you, Councilwoman, we would have been kicked to the side, because the Administration when it comes to these issues with big-time developers, we really lose at the table. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 I also want to thank you for Bill No. 190898, which was for the neighbors on the 5300 and the 5400 block of Angora Terrace and the rezoning of their houses, which were built as duplexes, but unbeknown to Planning, they changed them to single-family houses. So we thank you for that. In closing, I'd like to thank the Councilpeople that are leaving, Councilman Greenlee and Councilman Taubenberger. Thank you for always giving us respect when we came down here to talk. And Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Blackwell, I can only tell you when I think about legislation, I'm reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King. And I think when he came and gave his speech of two Americas, I've often thought of Philadelphia being two Philadelphias. Dr. King said the power of legislation was to change behavior, and your Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 legislation throughout the years has changed behavior, and I thank you for serving us well and thank you for your service. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Laverne Friend and I'm here to speak on Bill No. 190944, the tax abatement. Now, I just found out not too long ago that the School District was given $550 million. Is that correct? I need somebody to say yes or no, one of you Councilpeople in agreement with that. I just wanted to know for the clarity of my heart, because I couldn't understand where if the school superintendent said he need $50 million to get the asbestos cleaned out of the schools and the developers and the contractors was getting over $70 million, so why couldn't Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 the school get their money? Why couldn't you hold the tax abatement up so that the schools can get the money? Is anyone going to answer that question? Did the schools borrow $550 million? Can I get a yes from any one of the Councilpeople? Because I need my heart satisfied. Because if not, if they did not get that money, then it's a disgrace. It's truly a disgrace to allow this ten-year tax abatement to go as it is, because I already know in my heart that it's going to be passed. I don't need to play no games. I knew from day one three weeks ago when all those names bashed Councilwoman Cindy Bass that that bill was going to be passed. So, you know, it's no sense in us acting like it's not, because it is, and I am so sad in my heart about it. I truly am sad about that, because I'm watching people make money off the backs of taxpayers that almost can't afford their own taxes, and I'm watching them move in, move out, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 two to five years they're gone, rip the house out. And I'm not against anybody to make any money legally. I really am not. But I am against the fact that we have to sit around and come up with a bill like this. Y'all put your heads together, 17 members, and this is what you come up with? This is a disgrace. It truly is. And then you didn't wait for the new members to come in. I need y'all to hold that bill. It need to be held, because it's a disgrace. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

Munish Datt and Nghe Ly. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Hi, everyone. I'm Munish Datt. I'm from India. I came in Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 this country 30 years ago. I started a business in the Drexel 15 years ago. When I know the Councilwoman was Jannie Blackwell, I felt like I was in the right hand. I feel like I'm in home. And she did keep us alive. I heard a bad thing, Drexel don't want a lunch truck, and Jannie Blackwell always fight for us, keep us alive. And I feel like it was Mother Teresa came in my life, you know. She just remind me of Mother Teresa. (Applause.)

So she's leaving us. It's very sad. Also we having the same issue again. Before she leaving, Drexel trying to get us again out. Hopefully she doesn't pass this, because we are -without this place, I can't live. I have two heart attack. I really can't afford the third one, you know. So please, Jannie, think before you sign that bill. I know Drexel has a lot of money. I don't have a lot of Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 money, you know. We are very poor. We work very hard. I go in the rain, snow, hot weather, every single day in that corner, feeding every single student and faculty member. I have 7,000 people signing in two days they want us there. So please do not throw us out from there. This is only thing I have. My kids, I don't want them to do this work. I want them to go to college. Only way I can send them to college, if I have a job. So please think for us. Thank you so much.

Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. I'm Nghe from South Philly with VietLead and we're part of a coalition working across issues demanding an end to the tax abatement, and I'm here to urge you to vote no for this watered-down bill, Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 190944. Every day our young people pass shiny new developments against tumbling toxic schools. At the same time across the neighborhood, black, brown working-class Philadelphians are being pushed from their homes and gardens because of rising rents, property taxes, and Sheriff Sales. For more than 20 years, the ten-year tax abatement has been the driving force behind development and displacement in Philly, and after years of grassroots organizing calling for an end to the abatement, we're extremely disappointed with what has transpired over the last few weeks. A lot has happened since Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced the bill on November 21st to decrease the tax abatement on newly abated residential property over a period of ten years, and then the Building Industry Association like influence the whole process with the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 City Council and the Mayor deciding to listen to them and push back the implementation date to December 31st of next year, which is unacceptable. We are urging the City Council to vote no on the proposed bill. A no vote ensures that new Councilmembers will have an opportunity to take part in voting on this issue that will have a significant impact on their tenures. This is not only fair; it is just. The process has been unduly rushed at a cost of potential impact on the bill. In order to rebuild trust, we demand the Councilmembers be included in any and all review processes of abatement's impact on our communities moving forward. We are on the front line and deserve to be considered in identifying metrics, analyzing the data, and leading our path forward. We are the experts here. These are our lives, neighborhoods, and schools, and the floor Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 bill is not enough. We will continue to push for complete end to the abatement until we win. Our communities cannot wait. It is essential that City Council start a fund to address our toxic school commissions now. Our kids can't wait. And for a different reason, we agree with Mayor Kenney's declaration to Council. If he wants to make this change, we must ensure that we get it right, and we ask Councilmembers, how can you ensure that you are getting it right when you can't define the bill you're signing. So we urge you to do the right thing, vote no on this bill.

Thank you. (Applause.)

There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 now move to our Calendar. And at this time, we will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such objection and without debate, the resolution will immediately be removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda.

Resolution No. 190970, entitled a "Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 3601 through 3615 Haverford Avenue, 3623 through 3637 Haverford Avenue, 3603 through 3627 Mount Vernon Street, 622 through 624 North Thirty-Sixth Street and 628 through 634 North Thirty-Sixth Street"; and Resolution No. 190972, entitled a "Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1532 North Marshall Street and 1543 North Seventh Street"; and Resolution No. 190973, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 190974, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2166 Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 190981, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1703, 1707, and 1711 North 55th Street located in the Fourth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 190982, entitled a "Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 1, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 5508 Haverford Avenue, 5510 Haverford Avenue, 5512 Haverford Avenue and 5514 Haverford Avenue"; and Resolution No. 190984, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain property located in the Second Councilmanic District, which Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority by conveyance of such property to the Philadelphia Land Bank"; and Resolution No. 190985, entitled a "Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1324 through 1332 South Capitol Street"; and Resolution No. 190986, entitled a "Resolution appointing Eric Bodzin to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank"; and Resolution No. 190987, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 190989, entitled a "Resolution calling upon the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 and Health Administration to recognize Secondary Traumatic Stress as a workplace hazard, recommend steps to address mental health injury as a psychological hazard in the workplace as they do with physical injury, and create a standard for Secondary Traumatic Stress"; and Resolution No. 190994, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1853 East Ontario Street located in the First Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 190996, entitled a "Resolution approving the appointment of Lloyd Remick to the Veterans Advisory Commission"; and Resolution No. 190997, entitled a "Resolution approving the appointment of Charles Forshee to the Veterans Advisory Commission"; and Resolution No. 190998, entitled a "Resolution approving the appointment George Perez to the Veterans Advisory Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Commission"; and Resolution No.

190999, entitled a "Resolution approving the reappointment of Jose Melendez to the Veterans Advisory Commission"; and Resolution No. 191000, entitled a "Resolution approving the reappointment of George Ginder to the Veterans Advisory Commission"; and Resolution No. "

Finished, Mr. Decker?

Yes.

With that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Agenda. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda have been adopted. We will now consider today's Bill Consent Agenda, and I ask Mr. Decker to please read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will immediately be removed from the Consent Agenda and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 our regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda. And I can understand why you got some water.

Bill No. 190786-AA, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance,' by making revisions to definitions; to contract and reporting requirements; to exceptions; and to enforcement provisions; and making related changes to Section 20-613 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Ethics Related Matters Incorporated as Part of this Chapter'"; and Bill No. 190106-A, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 3 of Subcode PM ('The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code') of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code to add provisions Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 bed bug infestation; adding Chapter 9-4500 of the Code, entitled 'Responsibilities Concerning Bed Bug Infestations,' to establish various requirements for landlords and tenants relating to bed bug infestation and to establish requirements related to bed bugs in connection with certain residential occupancies and the sale of residential property"; and Bill No. 190638-A, 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 Cedar Avenue, 52nd Street, Locust Street, and 46th Street"; and Bill No. 190784-A, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to provide for a height allowance for certain solar collectors"; and Bill No. 190811-A, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to revise certain provisions of subsection 14-507 entitled '/CDO, Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District,' to revise certain provisions of subsection 14-702, entitled 'Floor Area, Height, and Housing Unit Density Bonuses'"; and Bill No. 190830-A, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code to revise certain provisions of Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by modifying the /CTR, Center City Overlay District, Society Hill Area to create additional standards concerning height, parking, signs, and special reviews"; and Bill No. 190860-A, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 7 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Housing Code,' by adding a new Chapter 7-200, entitled 'Preservation of Affordable Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Housing'"; and Bill No.

190659, entitled "An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district, to be known as the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, in an area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue, both sides of North Front Street from the north side of Poplar Street to the south side of Montgomery Street, both sides of East Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue continuing to the west side of East Fletcher Street, the north side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to Front Street, and the south side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to Howard Street, and certain blocks of streets that intersect portions of these streets; designating the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, Incorporated, which has organized itself as a Pennsylvania Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 corporation, as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District; approving a plan for and report concerning the District; authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, Incorporated relating to the District; and authorizing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, Incorporated to assess property owners within the District a special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan; all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Economic Improvement Act"; and Bill No. 190717, entitled "An ordinance continuing the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District, a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 of Philadelphia, and continuing the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation to serve as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District; approving a new plan for the District, including a list of proposed programs and services related to the development and promotion of the hotel and tourism industry in the City and County of Philadelphia and their estimated cost; providing for special assessment fees to be levied on eligible hotel property owners within the District to fund such programs and services; authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with PHiL DC relating to the District; and reauthorizing PHiL DC to assess eligible property owners within the District and collect or cause to be collected special assessment fees to be used in accordance with the approved plan; all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Act"; and Bill No. 190766, 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 Market Street, 22nd Street, Ludlow Street, 24th Street, Chestnut Street, and the Schuylkill River"; and Bill No. 1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Homestead Exclusion,' to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion"; and Bill No. 190553, entitled "An ordinance establishing a new Chapter 17-2300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Community Benefits Agreements,' and requiring Community Benefits Agreements for certain High Impact Projects or Development Projects that receive City Support or Financial Assistance"; and Bill No.

190853, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 the eighth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Washington Avenue, South Twenty-Fifth Street, Reed Street, the rear property lines of the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Taylor Street, Tasker Street, South 25th Street, Moore Street and South Broad Street"; and Bill No. 190859, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-702, entitled 'Floor Area, Height, and Housing Unit Density Bonuses,' by amending the provisions for Mixed Income Housing"; and Bill No. 190866, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode A of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Administrative Code,' and Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to revise certain provisions concerning building permits in the /NCO, Neighborhood Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 District"; and Bill No. 190889, 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 Spring Garden Street, Lancaster Avenue, 38th Street, Hamilton Street, and 31st Street"; and Bill No. 190890, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Chestnut Street, 45th Street, Ludlow Street, and 46th Street"; and Bill No. 190891, 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 Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, and University Avenue"; and Bill No. 190893, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ogden Street, 40th Street, Parrish Street, and Preston Street"; and Bill No. 190894, 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 Locust Street, 49th Street, Baltimore Avenue, and 58th Street"; and Bill No. 190897, 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 Haverford Avenue, 42nd Street, Powelton Avenue, Market Street, and 46th Street"; and Bill No. 190898, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cobbs Creek, Baltimore Avenue, 49th Street, Grays Avenue, 58th Street, Springfield Avenue, and Cobbs Creek Parkway"; and Bill No. 190902, 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 22nd Street, Market Street, 21st Street, and Ludlow Street"; and Bill No. 190916, 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 Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street"; and Bill No. 190917, 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 Broad Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Street, Snyder Avenue, 7th Street and Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No.

190850, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Office of the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into one or more agreements with FIS AvantGard, for the installation and maintenance of an information management system for use by the Treasurer's Office"; and Bill No. 190911, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 13-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates,' to provide for enforcement of prevailing wage provisions of the Code that apply in connection with the receipt of charity water rates"; and Bill No. 190935, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the issuance from time to time of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of The City of Philadelphia; authorizing the Mayor, City Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell the bonds at public or private negotiated sale; setting forth the purposes for which the proceeds of the bonds will be expended; providing for the maturities and for other terms and conditions and for the form of the bonds; providing that the bonds may be redeemable prior to maturity; providing sinking funds for the bonds and for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment thereof; authorizing agreements to provide credit enhancement or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds and certain other actions"; and Bill No. 190436, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a temporary construction easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Girard Avenue, North 34th Street and Zoological Drive, commonly known as 3400 West Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 190892, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or a portion of certain parcels of land in and about the area bounded by University Avenue, Civic Center Boulevard, Hamilton Street and 34th Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 190896, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by South 50th Street, Pentridge Street, South 51st Street and Willows Avenue, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 190942, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street"; and Bill No. 190555, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 270 by placing on the City Plan Sigma Way from Erdrick Street to Tackawanna Street, northeast of Vankirk Street, and Tackawanna Street from Vankirk Street to Sigma Way, northwest of Erdrick Street"; and Bill No. 190557, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the paving of Sigma Way, from Erdrick Street to Tackawanna Street, and Tackawanna Street, from Vankirk Street to Sigma Way"; and Bill No. 190644, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Permit Parking Districts,' by changing certain boundaries and establishing new permit parking districts"; and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 190645, entitled "An ordinance authorizing James Herman, doing business as KFN Holdings, to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 1248 through 50 North Front Street"; and Bill No.

190743, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: South 15th Street from Morris Street to Mifflin Street; South 16th Street and Moore Street; 16th Street and Ritner Street; Bancroft Street and McKean Street; Ellsworth Street and South 23rd Street; Watkins Street and South 18th Street"; and Bill No. 190745, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: South 17th Street and Passyunk Avenue; 17th Street and McKean Street; Carlisle Street and Moore Street; McKean Street and South 15th Street; South 24th Street and Snyder Avenue; Hicks Street from Ritner Street Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Street"; and Bill No. 190851, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Steven Cook to install, own, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1301 through 05 North Howard Street"; and Bill No. 190852, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Sheffield Avenue, from Walker Street to Cottage Street"; and Bill No. 190858, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of Ruth Street"; and Bill No. 190867, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of Elkhart Street"; and Bill No. 190868, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Jasper Street and East Clearfield Street"; and Bill No. 190899, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Newsstands,' by revising requirements for sales, design, and advertising"; and Bill No. 190900, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to construct, own, and maintain a proposed set of non-standard bollards at 1503A through 11 Arch Street"; and Bill No. 190901, entitled "An ordinance authorizing MMB Contractors, Incorporated to construct, own and maintain hardscaped patios, an accessible ramp, and planter boxes at 2225 Spring Garden Street"; and Bill No. 190903, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Aspen Operations to install, own, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 741 North 23rd Street"; and Bill No. 190904, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Brown Street between North Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 22nd Street and Corinthian Streets, both sides"; and Bill No. 190905, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by allowing for sidewalk sales near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue"; and Bill No. 190910, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 050670, entitled 'An ordinance granting permission to Center City ERUV Corporation, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Center City eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities including a maximum of ten poles along, over, and in certain public rights-of-way and City streets,' to modify applicable boundaries"; and Bill No. 190915, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 195 by striking from the City Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 vacating a dead-end portion of Cumberland Street extending from Beach Street to a terminus southeastwardly therefrom, reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes within a portion of Cumberland Street being stricken, and plotting on the City Plan a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes extending from the said terminus of Cumberland Street to the Pierhead Line of the Delaware River and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way being reserved"; and Bill No.

190918, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Coscia Massimo to install and maintain an existing exterior building ramp at 2723 East Cumberland Street"; and Bill No. 190936, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Reka Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of 30th and Market Street, to construct, use and maintain Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 in, under and across the northwest corner of 30th Street and Market Street, for the purpose of supplying electrical service to the newsstand"; and Bill No. 190938, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Neal and Linda Pakvina, owners and operators of the food truck, Linda's Cart, located at the northeast corner of 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the northeast corner of 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said food truck"; and Bill No. 190939, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by providing an exception to the vending prohibition encompassing the vicinity of the intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and 84th Street"; and Bill No. 190941, entitled "An Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 Charles Peruto, doing business as Peruto Development, to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 1640 through 42 Fitzwater Street"; and Bill No. 190713, entitled "An ordinance amending various provisions of Subcode 'P' of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Plumbing Code,' by making additional additions, deletions and amendments to the City's adoption of the 2018 edition of the 'International Plumbing Code,' as published by the International Code Council"; and Bill No. 190824, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as Mill Creek Park, located at 4615 Fairmount Avenue, as the 'Lucien E. Blackwell Park' in the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 190829, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Parks and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 to lease from the School District of Philadelphia certain land and improvements known as a portion of South Philadelphia High School, owned by the School District of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 190864, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Health Code,' by amending Chapter 6-200, entitled 'Preventive Medicine,' to require the reporting of information related to substance use treatment, drug overdose treatment, and related information, to the Department of Public Health"; and Bill No. 190912, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor to enter into a multi-year contract with a provider of codification, editing, and marketing services to produce printed and electronic versions of The Philadelphia Code and related services and material"; and Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 "

Thank you, Mr. Decker. We will now move on to our vote. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk shall call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills, or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. Mr. Decker, call the roll. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Domb.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Green.

Aye on all bills, except for Bill No. 190638-A in which I previously recused myself.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Gym.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Henon.

Aye on all Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Councilman Johnson.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Jones.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Neill. (No response.)

Councilman Oh.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Parker.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Taubenberger.

Aye on all bills.

Council President Clarke.

Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now -(Applause and booing.)

We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING And, Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190610-A.

An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter 9-4500, entitled 'Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags and Checkout Bag Charge,' to permit the use of only certain bags by retail establishments at the point of sale or for a delivery.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. Before we vote on this legislation, I just wanted to say that this has been a long time coming. The bring-your-own-bag legislation is historic for the City of Philadelphia. It's been a long process, and I'm pleased to do my part to improve the environment for generations of Philadelphians to Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING come. We need to stop being a disposable society and work towards and strive towards becoming a more reusable society. I know more work is needed to ensure the retailers, large and small, have low-cost options for their customers to reduce litter and waste in the City of Philadelphia in their neighborhoods. Although fees are not desirable, studies have shown that they reduce single-use bags. In the next session, I will continue to work with all stakeholders and my Council colleagues on a solution that is best for the City's environment, and this will be a legislative priority. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, call the roll -hold on one second. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Mr. President. Before we call the roll on this bill, I'd like to be recorded as aye on all resolutions and bills on the Consent Agenda.

Thank you. Let the record reflect that. Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, call the roll on 190610-A.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Domb.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gym. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Nay.

Councilman Oh.

No.

Councilwoman Parker.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman Taubenberger.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are two. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 190944-A.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by modifying the duration and/or amount of certain tax abatements, and by providing for periodic evaluation of the abatements authorized by Sections 19-1303(2), 19-1303(3) and 19-1303(4).

This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass. Hold on one second. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.

Thank you very much, Council President. I want to thank and acknowledge the folks who spent time coming here today to speak on the importance of change for the ten-year tax abatement. This was a long journey. I want them to know that their voices resonated through the course of a number of years that we've had the discussion about the ten-year tax abatement, going back as many years from when Councilman Goode had introduced a whole series of bills to reform the ten-year tax abatement, and many of us also followed in his footsteps when the new term came through. But today is the first change that we've seen, unique in the history of Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING a 20-year program. It's a first step, and people are right to be here to demand more for their schools. It's a complete crisis. It's why we're making this change. And just because we made this change doesn't mean it's over. We need to take a first step and we need to keep fighting. We need to keep fighting and demanding affordable housing, sustainable jobs, good schools, safe and clean school buildings, rent control, a green new deal, all the things that our kids deserve, but this is a first step, and I'll be looking forward to voting for it. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilman Domb.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gym.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Taubenberger.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190848.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area,' to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits.

This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is -- I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Council President. I need to be excused for the remainder of the session, so I want to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions. Unfortunately, I won't be here to wrap up the session to acknowledge our four colleagues who will be moving on, but I just want to personally thank them for their contribution to this body as well as to the residents and constituents here in the City of Philadelphia, and I wish them much success in their future endeavors. Thank you very much, Council Stated Meeting December 12, 2019 12/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING President.

Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted and you shall be reported as voting aye. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.