Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 21, 2016 10:55 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
Good morning, everyone. We're going to start now. If the visitors will retire behind the rail, the members take their seat, we'll get started. Before we start, I'd like to ask if anyone has a cell phone or any type of electronic device that makes noise, I'd please ask you to turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you very much for your cooperation. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. Jose Carrera, Jr., Pastor of Urban Worship Center and President of the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez. I'd ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Good morning. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 (Good morning.)
Thank you, Council President Clarke, and thank you, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, for the invitation. Before praying this morning, I'd like to read a short scripture from the Book of Nehemiah when he asked regarding the state of affairs in his hometown, and he got a report that things were not going well and that there was great trouble. And after hearing this, the Book of Nehemiah declares that he sat down and wept and mourned and fasted and prayed to the God of heaven. And so everything begins with prayer when we're looking for solutions, when we're looking for answers, when we're looking for restoration. And so I thank you for this opportunity as a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, born and raised in Philly. I love Philadelphia, and it is such an honor to be able to have this privilege today in Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 let us pray. Heavenly Father, we love Philadelphia, and we invoke your presence in this gathering today. Lord, we pray for courage to make right decisions. We pray for strength, for wisdom. As your word says, if any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives unto men liberally and upbraideth not. Lord, there's not a shortage of wisdom. There's only a shortage of asking. And we ask for the wisdom today to make right decisions. Lord, we lift up these Council men and women, that you bless them, that you give them personal peace in their lives and joy in their task at hand. Lord, that as they have the privilege to serve this great city, that you give them grace to face and to overcome the serious challenges that we face. Lord, I feel so led to just Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 of our city. Lord, not just the neighborhood, not just a zip code but, Lord, that you will turn the tide on the poverty and the hunger that our city faces. (Reverend speaking in Spanish.)
Your word says that when good men are in authority, the people celebrate, but when wicked men are in authority, the people are unhappy. I pray that you will keep good men and women in authority in our city, and I ask that you promote and raise up a generation of able politicians who are men and women of truth, full of wisdom and respectful towards you. So, Lord, as we close this invocation today, we thank you for wisdom to govern amid the conflicting interests and issues of our times. And we pray for the ability to work together in harmony, even when there is honest disagreement. Lord, we give you honor, and we cling to mercy and truth and allow them Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 forsake us. We receive your blessing, we receive your presence, and let this meeting be the greatest ever. And we pray in your precious name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee to approve the Journal of Thursday, April 14th, 2016.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 14th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 14th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the majority, there are no leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We truly appreciate it. We hope that today is an enjoyable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you. We look forward to seeing you again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Veronica Joyner. Would Ms. Joyner and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilman Domb, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Oh and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Councilman Jones is up here threatening folks. Good morning. This is a great honor for us. It takes me back to the days of the late and great Lucien Blackwell, who knew Veronica Joyner when she first started PUBS, and it's wonderful to be able to make this presentation. Resolution recognizing and honoring Veronica J. Joyner, for her commitment and dedication to educating all children in matters of intellect and civic duty in the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, Veronica Joyner began her career in education as a teacher in the Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 in 1974. During the next ten years, Ms. Joyner strived for excellence and equity for all students she taught. She began to realize the importance of parental involvement in the system as a change agent in order to make excellence in the classroom a standard for all students; and
Whereas, it was with that that prompted her to found and serve as President of Parents United for Better Schools Incorporated (PUBS), a non-profit, multi-racial, parent advocacy corporation in 1984. Parents United for Better Schools, Inc. now has a membership of over twenty thousand parents in Philadelphia and continues to evolve; and
Whereas, PUBS Tutoring Program provides tutoring to thousands of public and private Philadelphia school students in grades one through twelve throughout the Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Valley, an adult tutoring program to aid adults attending college or trade school, and GED classes to high school drop-outs and adults; and
Whereas, as an outgrowth of PUBS, Ms. Joyner received state approval to open The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School of Philadelphia in September of 1999 where she now serves as its Founder and Chief Administrative Officer; and
Whereas, MCSCS has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as one of the City's top ten schools out of more than 300 public and charter schools in Philadelphia and has received praise for the most prestigious educators on both a local and national level since its inception; and
Whereas, Veronica Joyner received her Bachelor's in Social Work/Education from Temple University and her Master's in Education Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 She is also a candidate for the Ph.D. program at Temple University. She is the recipient of an overwhelming number of awards and recognitions for her in and education and in the Philadelphia community; and
Ms. Joyner had me crying at a tour in her hallways when I saw those young people. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognize Veronica J. Joyner for her commitment and dedication to educating all children in matters of intellect and civic duty in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Veronica J. Joyner as a sincere expression of Philadelphia City Council's gratitude and recognition. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Joyner for remarks. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
And I am so happy to have all my supporters here, and these are the people that I have turned to many times when there were issues, advice needed. And so you're going to still be a part of my team, I'm sure. I have my basketball team there. I am very humbled and I am just so honored to be honored by a city that I grew up in. I was born in Philadelphia, raised in North Philadelphia, and attended Philadelphia public schools from 1st through 12th grade, so I am a Philadelphian. I would like to -- my mother and father, I just wanted to tell you, were both City employees. My mother had cleaned schools and my father picked up the trash in the City, and I ended up in the school as a teacher. That's progress. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 say that MCSCS has 100 percent graduation rate, a zero drop-out rate, and 97 to 98 -(Applause.)
-- percent of our graduates attend college. And I've given you information to outline some of the graduates, the teachers that are teaching at our school, eight of them, that graduated from our school, graduated college, and came back to teach. The homeless program that Jannie has had to stand with me on many times. We feed homeless citizens in Love Park every Thursday since 2005. Our students fund the program. We also donate to the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross. We recently were able to collect over 600 cases of water to go to the Flint residents. So our school does civic duties. And we have a law academy and our students practice law. But there's one thing I'm here I really, really need Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 team came in as runner-ups, and we had no gym, started two months behind the other teams, and maybe had three hours of practice a week. And I am just so honored that my basketball team was able to reach the heights that they reached, and I would like for you to join me in giving them an applause. (Applause.)
These young men are what it means to be a Philadelphian. They fought their way to the top, two months behind, three hours a week of practice and they came in as runner-ups. We have won the PIAA in 2011. I have a very, very big challenge ahead of me, and I'm going to need everybody. We have to build a gym and we need to have a gym for our students to practice. And I don't think it's something that's out of reach for any of us in this city. It's a great City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 -- and thank you for your visit too, Councilman Kenyatta. We had a national story, and it's in your packet, if you could take four minutes today to look at it. They did a national story on our basketball team and their success and achievements without a permanent gym. They wanted to know how are you guys doing this? So now we're left with no gym. Berean was sold last year. We found out in August. And we were unable to find a practice site. I was able to write the Commissioner of Recreation and we were able to find some space at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center. We are now left with no gym to practice. I have things underway, the planning, the zoning, everything for the gym, and what we're asking is that everyone contribute. You know, tell your donors that you know that are looking for a non-profit to donate that this would be Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 to to help us build a gym. Our goal is to get started in July and have it built by the end of August. And I know I could count on Philadelphia. We have someone running for President of the United States with $27 donations on an average, was able to raise millions. I'm sure we can do it here. I would like for my students to stand, because these students are excellent students. They're outstanding. (Applause.)
And I am asking you guys here to help me, City Council, everyone here to help me. Many of you have come to the school. You see the level of education that's going on at the school. We're asking you to help us. We're trying to put books and basketballs in the hands of our youth so that they are -- and not guns. We want basketballs and books and not guns, and we want them Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 not each other. I need your help. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 19, 2016, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 7, 2016. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Christopher P. McGill to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Jafar Maleki to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Lynn Martin Haskin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-707 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-707 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District that will be transferred by the City to the Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, with further transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and A resolution approving the Assignment, Assumption and Consent Agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Center City Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel 1A (Electrical Room), Parcel 1B (Mechanical and Trash Rooms), Parcel 1C (SRO Storage Room), Parcel 1D (Lobby and Offices), Parcel 1E (Storage and Trash Rooms), and Parcel 1F (Floors four through seven) and identified as certain air rights of portions within 2025 through 2029 Chestnut Street; and Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or part of a parcel of land located within an area bounded by Buttonwood Street, North 10th Street, Hamilton Street, Ridge Avenue, and North 11th Street, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Department of Streets, the Fire Department, the Department of Public Property, the Director of Finance, the Procurement Department, the Law Department, and the District Attorney, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications? Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
Thank you so much. The next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. This morning I offer one bill on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," by modifying the monetary threshold triggering the requirement of an economic opportunity plan on City funded projects or contracts Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 and by modifying the required contents of economic opportunity plans.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I proudly say that I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District in accordance with Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 terms of Chapter 16-707 of The Philadelphia Code.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the Assignment, Assumption and Consent Agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion the Center City Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel 1A, Parcel 1B, Parcel 1C, Parcel 1D, Parcel 1E and Parcel 1F and identified as certain air rights of portions within 2025 through Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 2029 Chestnut Street.
And that will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have two bills, one on your behalf and one resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Review Board," by providing a limited exception to the requirement that all hearings be public.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Holme Avenue, Fairfield Street, Solly Avenue, Farnsworth Street, Fuller Street, Revere Street, Rhawn Street, Farnsworth Street, Loney Street, Lister Street, Carnwath Street, Revere Street, Ryan Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard.
And a privileged resolution Honoring the Reverend Joseph Campellone on His Induction Into the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Councilman. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, North Ferry Road, Kelly Drive, Lincoln Drive, Gypsy Lane, School House Lane, Cresson Street, Indian Queen Lane, and Conrad Street; and An ordinance renaming and designating Daisy Field as "David Montgomery Field" in the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District," by amending the subsection entitled "East Falls Neighborhood" and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I too also am proud to introduce this legislation on your behalf regarding keeping our young people safe as it relates to gun violence. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for your support.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-834 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Responsibility to Avoid Possession and Discharge of Firearms by Children," by requiring safe storage of firearms and ammunition.
That bill will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two non-privileged resolutions and one bill Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 on behalf of the Administration.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Department of Streets, the Fire Department, the Department of Public Property, the Director of Finance, the Procurement Department, the Law Department, and the District Attorney.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District in accordance with terms of Chapter 16-707 of The Philadelphia Code.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fifth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I do not have any bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 you, Mr. President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution supported by prime co-sponsors Councilmembers Gym, Bass, Green, Blackwell, Reynolds Brown, and Domb and supported by all members of Council, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion on the resolution.
A resolution urging the United States Senate to perform its constitutional duty to advise and consent on the President's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Councilwoman, that motion will be next week. So do you want to do the speech now or at the time of the motion?
Well, Mr. President, I wanted to move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of the Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that this resolution be heard on today's Final Passage Calendar. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I offer one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Jones, Councilman Domb, Councilman O'Neill, and Councilwoman Gym. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by amending Section 10-820, entitled "Cutting Weapons in Public Places," by excluding certain emergency personnel from the prohibition on the use and possession of cutting tools.
That Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have three bills and three resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Buttonwood Street, North 10th Street, Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Hamilton Street, Ridge Avenue, and North 11th Street; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," with respect to the North Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Trenton Avenue, Norris Street, Front Street, Coral Street, Boston Street, Emerald Street, Hagert Street, and Kensington Avenue.
Those bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Christopher P. McGill to the Board of Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Lynn Martin Haskin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A non-privileged resolution appointing Jafar Maleki to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
Thank you. Those resolutions will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilman Henon, Squilla, Green, Gym, Jones, Oh, and Domb and also, on the other, co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Domb, and Oh. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Opera Philadelphia on their prestigious nomination as the Best Opera Company at the 2016 International Opera Awards.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Central High School Robotics Team, the RoboLancers, on qualifying for the FIRST World Championship by virtue of their second consecutive and fourth ever Chairman's Award, the highest honor in FIRST robotics.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. I offer three privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Councilmembers Domb, Taubenberger, Henon, Squilla, Gym, Bass, Johnson, and Green. Thank you.
A privileged resolution proclaiming the week of April 29, 2016 to May 7, 2016 as the Sixth Annual Philly Tech Week Presented by Comcast, and Honoring the Broad and Vibrant Philadelphia Technology Community.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing Freedom Theatre on the Occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 30th as Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Day Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 the Contributions of the Vietnamese-American Community in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. The next order of business will be reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee of License and Inspection.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on License and Inspection reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 160075, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), providing for the posting and public notice of the demolition of structures, and making related changes"; and Bill No. 160130, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Subcode 'B' (The Philadelphia Building Code), and thus amending the PA Uniform Construction Code for Philadelphia, to add sections requiring contractors, design professionals and developers to add additional fire-resistant material to structures containing truss construction and other light frame construction, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 160075 and 160130. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 160075 and 160130. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 2ND READING The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage on today's Calendar: Bill Nos. 160306, 160307, 160308, 160309, 160310, 160314, 160315, 160320. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 Before hearing these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, if you have not already done so, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green, 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 would ask that you adhere to the guidelines and please conclude your remarks. Mr. Decker, please call the first name of the witness testifying today.
Faruq Robinson. (No response.) Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 160306.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160306 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 160307. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1507 Frankford Avenue.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160307 is Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, 160308.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160308 is Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, 160309.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 809 West Tioga Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. 160309 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160310.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to conduct hearings to examine the inclusiveness, transparency and efficiency of the City of Philadelphia's processes for the procurement of professional services, capital programs and commodities.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and Resolution 160310 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160314.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by Buttonwood Street, North 10th Street, Hamilton Street, Ridge Avenue, and North 11th Street, for further conveyance.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Resolution No. 160314 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 160314 be withdrawn. All those in favor? Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160314 is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, 160315.
A resolution calling for the installation of a City Historic Marker in front of the Quaker Meetinghouse at 4th and Arch Streets and for dedication of this marker to occur during the Democratic National Convention, July 25 to 28, 2016, when over 400 LGBT activists from every state will be in Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160315 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160320.
A resolution also naming the 3600 block of Hamilton Street "In-Ho Oh Memorial Way" to honor the memory of In-Ho Oh and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160320 is adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution Honoring Reverend Joseph Campellone on His Induction Into the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame, introduced by Councilman Henon.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution urging the United States Senate to perform its constitutional duties to advise and consent on the President's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States, introduced by Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution and wish to be recognized to make some remarks. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, with the prospective passage of this resolution before us, I am proud to note that in conjunction with the national leadership role that our Mayor Jim Kenney has taken regarding this matter, our legislative body, the City Council of Philadelphia, will be officially joining mayors and local legislative bodies across the U.S. in calling on the United States Senate to perform its constitutional duty and advise and consent on the President's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court and just wanted to note for the record, Mr. President, that the Senate has confirmed more than a dozen Supreme Court Justices in presidential election years, including five in the last 100 years. The Senate Judiciary Committee has never Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING denied a Supreme Court nominee a hearing since it began holding public confirmation hearings. In addition, they have refused to consider -- the Senate refuses to consider a Supreme Court nominee until after the next President is sworn into office. This will result in the longest Supreme Court vacancy caused by Senate inaction since the Civil War. And if they do not act on making sure that they advise and consent on the President's recommendation and nomination of Merrick Garland, who, Mr. President, is a well-qualified judge and has more judicial experience than any Supreme Court nominee in history, the Supreme Court nominee was not withdrawn by the President and has received an up or down vote within 125 days of the President's nomination of this announcement. It has never occurred in the history of our country. So this action requires and requests that the Senate promptly Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING schedule a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, that they hold a confirmation vote on the Senate floor, and that they ensure that the vacancy on the Supreme Court is filled without undue and unnecessary delay. And I ask all of my colleagues for an affirmative vote. Thank you for your patience, Mr. President.
You're welcome. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill before we take the vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. I had a heads-up that this was going to be introduced today, but I thought it was going to be heard next week, so because of that, I will be unusually brief. I was going to do a lot Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING of reading, making sure all my facts were perfect. Some people see this as a partisan issue and I as a republican am going to take a different position than most people in this Chamber. But one of my political heroes is former Senator, now Vice President Joe Biden. I just think he brings it all to the table and he's balanced. He has some of the best relationships ever forged in the Senate, with a tough partisan Senate, much tougher than we had seen for many, many years. And when this story first broke that the nomination would not get a hearing, the first thing I saw was that when Vice President Biden was in the Senate, I believe it was first President Bush -- I'm not positive. It might have been second President Bush, 43 versus 41, but I'm almost certain it was a President Bush, and the then-Senator Biden made some compelling arguments for holding a nomination, in fact demanding that it be Stated Meeting April 21, 2016 4/21/16 - STATED - 2ND READING held, until after the presidential election. And this is one that can go either way, and it's one that whether it's republicans galvanizing their base or democrats, I understand, but I do want you to know as far as I'm concerned, I'm on the side of the angels on this one and I'm going to be voting no. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. There's a motion and a second for the resolution. All those in favor? (Aye.)