Stated Meeting, October 18, 2012

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 18, 2012 10:30 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

The hour has come. It appears we have established a quorum. I'll ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail and ask Councilmembers to take their seat. Today, to give our invocation, the Chair recognizes Mr. Arthur Larrabee, the General Secretary of the Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as the Quakers, in the Four State Philadelphia Area. He is here today as the guest of Councilman James Kenney. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)

Good morning, Mr. Larrabee.

Thank you, Council President Clarke, members of City Council, and guests. Thank you to opportunity to bring this invocation. My introduction reveals that I am a Quaker. The man underneath whose statue we now sit was also a Quaker. In a moment, I will invite everyone here to join me in a brief period of worship in the manner that would have been quite familiar to William Penn. The context of Quaker worship is a belief that there is that of God in everyone. We believe that the creator has endowed each of us with a measure of the divine essence. In our worship, we gather in the silence to listen for the still small voice of God stirring within us and speaking to us. When anyone feels moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, he or she stands and ministers to all those who are assembled. This is the worship that William Penn practiced. Sometimes in our worship, we the purpose of helping to center our thoughts. Please join me now in a brief period of worship, each of us dropping into a deeper place within ourselves, letting go of worldly concerns, getting as still as we can, and inviting the divine essence within each one of us, however we may name it for ourselves, to speak through the words of the reading or in any other way, expecting that our worship will make a difference in the lives we live and the way we do our work. We will be in a place of silent worship for what may seem like a long time, perhaps a minute or a minute and a half. The reading I will share is from William Penn. I will read it twice. I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for not pass this way again. I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. (Silent worship.)

Thank you. William Penn would have felt quite at home.

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

Thank you so much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 11th, 2012. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the of Thursday, October 11th, 2012 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 11th, 2012 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

All those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

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

Thank you. O'Neill.

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

Thank you, Councilman. At this time, I would dispense with the regular order of business to welcome all the guests and visitors today. I want to thank you for taking time out of your day to come down and see your government in action. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your presence here today, and we look forward to you coming back. So, again, thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring, celebrating and thanking Mr. Robert N.C. Nix, III, for more than 25 years of his dedicated service and leadership on the Fairmount Park and those accompanying him please come to the podium. And the Councilman is joined by Councilwoman Brown, Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilman Henon, Councilman Jones, Councilman Oh, and Councilman Johnson.

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

It is such an honor to present this resolution this morning to someone who has served our city and really transformed and shaped Philadelphia into what it is today. And for all of the things that he has done for the City of Philadelphia's Parks and Recreation system, it is just certainly fitting and, in my opinion, a little bit past due that we take a moment to recognize someone who has given so very much. When your grandfather was a member of Congress and your father was Justice, African American Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, you don't necessarily have to always give back and be of service and be someone who is interested in serving others. There's a path that he could have taken that would have been easier and not have been as stressful and not have been as committed to service, but we're here today to say thank you so much for all that you have done. And so I want to start off by reading this resolution which is honoring Mr. Nix, and it starts off by recognizing, honoring, celebrating, and thanking Mr. Robert N.C. Nix, III, for more than 25 years of dedicated service and leadership on the Fairmount Park Commission.

Whereas, Robert N.C. NIX, III proudly served the Fairmount Park Commission for 24 years upon being appointed in November 1985, and being elected as Treasurer by his thereafter; and

Whereas, in June 2002, Mr. Nix was unanimously elected as the 21st President of the Fairmount Park Commission upon the retirement of long-time President, F. Eugene Dixon, Jr. Mr. Nix remained President of the Commission until its dissolution in 2009; and

Whereas, the Fairmount Park Commission flourished during Mr. Nix's tenure under his leadership with projects such as the creation of the Please Touch Museum, the restoration of Memorial Hall, the building of the School of the Future in West Fairmount Park, the opening of the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center, and opening of the WaterWorks Restaurant, along with dozens of other projects which not only improve the historical, cultural, athletic, and recreational value of Fairmount Park, changed the Park, but also became symbols of Philadelphia renaissance; and

Whereas, Mr. Nix's progressive leadership of the Fairmount Park Commission manifested in the Commission's partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, both of which were created during Mr. Nix's tenure with the Commission. Cooperatively, these organizations broke new ground in the awareness and stewardship of the Fairmount Park assets; and

Whereas, Mr. Nix's legacy on the Fairmount Park Commission is one of great dedication and service. His tireless devotion to the Commission will forever link him with one of Philadelphia's greatest resource, the Fairmount Park Commission; now therefore

Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes, honors, celebrates, and thanks Mr. Robert N.C. NIX, III, for more than 25 years of his dedicated service and leadership on the Fairmount Park Commission.

And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Robert N.C. NIX, III, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)

The Chair recognize Mr. Nix for remarks.

I want to thank everybody. Sit back, relax. I have -they gave me 15 minutes. Some of the Council folks I've got to work with much closer than others. Councilman Goode, when I first came on the Commission, his father supported me. He was the Mayor. I worked with Councilman O'Neill at Burholme Park. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, if you think about it, we were at our darkest moment in park history. She was one of our champions, and it wasn't -- and I don't need to say it was a long time ago. It wasn't that long ago. She's much younger than I am. Councilman Jones, I had the pleasure of working on a number of occasions in his district with him and his predecessor. Councilwoman Tasco as well, Councilman Kenney. So everybody here is my friend, and I really appreciate it. So when I saw the resolution and I read it, I thought this probably isn't enough. If you think about it, there is a Nix building on 9th and Market named after my grandfather. I've spoken with the Governor about naming a building after my father. So I thought what would be appropriate for me? So I reached out first to Michael, to Mayor Nutter, I'm sorry, if he's listening, and I said, What would be appropriate? Michael, who I've known since college, said, Maybe the Robert N.C. Nix Recycling and Compost Center. So I thanked his honor for his kind thoughts and I thought, maybe that's not it. So I thought, maybe I should go to the private side and ask. So I called a friend of mine. I called John Egan, and I said, John, what would be -- you know the park pretty well. And John said, Well, how about if we do Nix's Oval. I said, I don't like that ring a lot. It would probably be one of those things where people could make jokes about it. Not that I can't take a good joke. I am standing here today. But I thought, no, no, no. So then I said, let me go to some others. So I went to Dave Glancey, my friend, my friend for years, and Dave said, I have an idea. How about the -since the Commission was housed at Memorial Hall, maybe the Please Touch Museum. If you think about it, it's quite an honor, but it doesn't ring true. So I said, you know, let me ask the gentleman who put all this together, Mr. Bloom, and Jim, who Dave and I would say it's all about being Jim Bloom, came through with flying colors. Jim said, how about if we rename the drives Bloom and Nix Drive. That didn't work. So at that point, I decided I have to go back to government, somebody who knows what he's doing, someone who served on the Commission with me, somebody who would be here today. So I called my good friend Council President Clarke and I said, Council President Clarke, and he said, Bobby, how long have we known each other? You don't have to call me that. Just call me Mr. Council President. And I thank you for that. And the Council President said, I have the perfect idea. We have in this city a roadway that is not too long, but not nearly as long as that was a slight; I'm not sure. And he said, but what we can do is, we can call it now instead of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Nix Way. So I thought isn't that appropriate, the Nix Way. Because it would be such a mystery. Two hundred years from now, people would say, What is the Nix Way? And the people that were here would say, What is the Nix way? So with that, I thank everybody. We will be sending petitions out for the Nix Way renaming, and I want to thank you for your kind comments and this day today. It's really greatly felt, and I really appreciate it. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

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

Thank you. At this time, the Chair Jones, who will present a resolution declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Would Mr. Charles Horton and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And we have Councilman Oh, Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilwoman Bass, and Councilwoman Blackwell and, of course, Councilman Denny O'Brien joining us, and we also have Councilman O'Neill and Councilman Henon.

Charles, as you can see, we still got work to do. We take a lot for granted in this city, in society, and in this nation. We take for granted our physical health. We take for granted how easy going up a flight of steps are, going through an archway is, until you don't have that ability anymore. And a flight of steps can seem like a mountain, across the street can seem like a cavern when City, when your environment isn't adapted to the needs of all citizens. To that degree, as members of Council, we've been educated and constantly reinforce the fact that this is a need for this city to continue to evolve. So acknowledging that, we have a resolution acknowledging the skills, contributions, and employment needs of individuals with disabilities by declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

Whereas, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities; and

Whereas, the effort to educate the public concerning issues related to disability 1945 when Congress enacted a law acknowledging in the first week in October the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to the National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and

Whereas, the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities celebrates National Disability Awareness with, among other things, an Annual Access Achievement Awards Breakfast to acknowledge and encourage the community of people with disabilities to strive for the best in life; and

Whereas, more than 20 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities, including injured veterans, are making immeasurable contributions to workplaces across our country; and

Whereas, the United States Department of Labor estimates that 20.7 percent of the national labor workforce includes persons with disabilities. We continue to ensure as a nation that both people with disabilities and their employers expect that they will fully participate in our workplaces. People with disabilities offer a wide variety of skills and abilities to employers with a level of loyalty that cannot be surpassed; and

Whereas, by nurturing the expectation that people with disabilities will contribute in every way to our economic successes and provide people with disabilities with unlimited employment opportunities, we can all benefit from their talents; now therefore

Resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia acknowledges the skills, contributions, and employment needs of individuals with disabilities by declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Mr. Horton.

Thank you, Council. I would like to acknowledge Council President Darrell Clarke and all the members of City Council who have always supported the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities. And a special thank you to Councilman Jones for recognizing and supporting the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities with this resolution. And I hope that this can be a beginning for employers to recognize that there's a valuable workforce within the community of people with disabilities. And, again, I would like to say you, and I would like to give our Employment Chair for the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities, Larry McGhee, a chance to say a few words. Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning. On behalf of the Employment Committee of the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities, I want to thank Councilman Jones and the rest of Council for recognizing October as Disability Awareness Month in Philadelphia. We greatly appreciate your continued support for our mission, which is to promote and facilitate the employment of individuals with disabilities by working on projects and supporting programs in cooperation with leading institutions and individuals. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

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

Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, will you please read the 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 recommendations of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill Nos. 120648, 120649, and 120723; and I am also transmitting herewith the Commission's request for an additional 45 days to consider Bill No. 120661; and I am pleased to advise you that 17, 2012, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on October 4, 2012: Bill Nos. 120566, 120567, 120650, 120657, 120659, and 120660, and that I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on October 11, 2012; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution confirming the appointment of Brian J. McCormick as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2016; and A resolution confirming the reappointment of Judge Phyllis W. Beck as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2017; and 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 number and 2305 North Smedley Street; and An ordinance authorizing Lucky 13 Pub to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1820 South 13th Street; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the General and Grants Revenue Funds from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Office to Property Assessment; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the General and Grants Revenue Funds from the Managing Director to the Department of Public Health, the Department of Human Services and the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 within the General and Grants Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Law Department; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the City to amend the payments due under an Alternative Funding Mechanism for a portion of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the City of Philadelphia Retirement System pursuant to the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act, through the execution and delivery of a supplement to a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Authority, such amendment of payments to be effected through the issuance of the Authority's bonds to provide funds to purchase outstanding bonds of the Authority previously issued to finance such Alternative Funding Mechanism, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you. Any other messages, Mr. Decker?

I have none, Mr. President.

Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions, which I'd like to be heard today.

Thank you, sir. Mr. Decker.

A privileged resolution, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is proud to honor James F. Muller, retiring after more than 39 years of dedicated service to the City.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Terry Ruggles on his retirement after 38 years of service and outstanding contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia.

That resolution will also be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

A privileged resolution recognizing November 12 to November 16 as Back on My Feet National Sneaker Week.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two resolutions.

Thank you.

A non-privileged 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 number and street address as 2305 North Smedley Street.

That resolution will be placed on next week's Final Passage 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-Eighth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will also be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill co-introduced with you, Council President, and myself. Thank you.

Thank you.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3100 by requiring the filing and enforcement of judgments for delinquent taxes in any jurisdiction in the United States where the judgment debtor has assets and requiring the submission of an annual report.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Mr. President, I offer one bill.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on 74th Avenue, between Ogontz Avenue and Washington Lane, both sides.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Mr. President, I have one bill.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance amending Section 5 of an ordinance (Bill No. 110436) approved June 23, 2011, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Kimmel Center, Inc., 200 Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, owner of the Kimmel Center located at 300 South Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the right-of-way on the south sidewalk of Spruce Street between Broad and Fifteenth Streets," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.

Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.

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

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.

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

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.

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

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills on behalf of the Administration.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, Law Department.

That bill will also be referred to committee.

And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Office of Property Assessment.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one resolution this morning.

Thank you.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and the Environment to hold hearings on the Greater Philadelphia Region's training and technical schools, colleges and universities on the development and incorporation of sustainable degree and training programs in an effort to establish a qualified workforce of Philadelphians who are prepared for environmental and sustainability related jobs.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Four bills, two on behalf of the Administration, one on your behalf, which I'd like to speak to, and two non-privileged resolutions, one co-sponsored by the Committee on Public Safety.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance continuing the Roxborough District, a neighborhood improvement district, beyond its termination date in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street to 7220 Ridge Avenue and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Ridge Avenue.

That ordinance will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Taxes and Rents - General," by changing the allocation of delinquent payments.

That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by changing the interest rate and penalty rate for unpaid taxes.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing and approving the City to amend the payments due under an Alternative Funding Mechanism for a portion of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the City of Philadelphia Retirement System.

That bill will be referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution adopting the report issued by Council's Committee on Public Safety on how Youth Courts could reduce juvenile recidivism rates, violence in schools, bullying and the cost of incarceration by engaging previously disconnected youth in a participatory and democratic system.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to: continue the Roxborough District, a neighborhood improvement district, beyond its termination date in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street to 7220 Ridge Avenue and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Ridge Avenue.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. The bill I introduced on your behalf and on behalf of the Administration is a proposed pension obligation capital appreciation refinancing. I think it's significant to note that we're talking about $400 million worth of refinancing, which will save us about $12 million a year, which will be redeposited into the pension fund to help make it more solvent. I'd also like to point out, Mr. President, that the City prepaid $130 million towards the pension bond, pre-paying it in a way that will save us an additional $19 million to the General Fund. As you've pointed out consistently, the more we pay down on our debt, the more we can appropriate towards goods and services the citizens need. And I want to applaud the Mayor and his team for being on it, if you would, to make sure that the City realizes those savings, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilman. Councilman, what I'd like to do, I'm reminded by our crack Chief Clerk, who is always on point, that the report on the Youth Court is rather extensive and we probably should give members an opportunity to review it before we adopt it. So if at all possible, can we have it on the Calendar for next week? Is that okay with you, sir?

That makes sense to me, and that's why we have such a competent staffer.

Yes, sir. Let the record reflect that the resolution from the report on Public Safety relating to Youth Court will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions -- Mr. President, I may have one bill. I'm sorry. I'll wait until the end.

Okay. Thanks. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions, and I wish to be recognized after the title of the re-call resolutions and read for a motion on each of those resolutions.

Thank you, Councilman.

An ordinance authorizing Lucky 13 Pub to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1820 South 13th Street.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 120563, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Brill Street, both sides, Frankford Avenue to Darrah Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of the resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

All those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That will be considered on the Final Passage Calendar today.

And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 120564, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Ellsworth Street, north side, 2nd Street to Front Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you again. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That resolution will also be considered on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills today and one privileged resolution.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

An ordinance amending Chapter 15-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Playgrounds," by providing for an annual report containing details of any and all reported violations of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and violations of Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Unconsolidated Statutes, Section 780-113, which take place on the grounds of any Park or Playground, located in Philadelphia County.

That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 15-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Recreation Centers," by providing for an annual report containing details of any and all reported violations of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

That bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution supporting Bilal Qayyum and the Fathers' Day Rally Committee as they convene to present the Call to Action: Black on Black Violence Conference in Philadelphia from October 26th through October 28th which will explore methods to develop an action plan to reduce violence and crime in the urban areas of the country over a three year period.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Councilman.

A privileged resolution recognizing October 2012 as Filipino American History Month in the City of Philadelphia.

That resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman from the Committee of Public -- I'm sorry. Councilman.

I apologize.

No problem. Simple rewind.

Thank you.

Mr. Decker.

An ordinance authorizing the Concession Agreement regarding the Burholme Park Golf Center, between the City of Philadelphia and the Burholme Golf & Family Entertainment Center, to have an Initial Term of ten years and, at the City's option, up to two Renewal Terms of five years each.

Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Again, at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of Public Safety.

Thank you, on Public Safety issues a report pursuant to Resolution No. 120263.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Resolution No. 120263, entitled "A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings on how Youth Courts could reduce juvenile recidivism rates, violence in schools, bullying and in conclusion have an effect on the expenses of incarceration by engaging and empowering previously disconnected youth in a participatory and democratic system," respectfully reports that the Committee held the hearings authorized by Resolution No. 120263 on June 19, 2012 and that the Committee to the Council the attached report on the matters discussed at the hearing.

Thank you. We're going to place that report, be it resolution, on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no other bills on the First Reading. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion concerning the bills on Second and Final Reading Passage.

Mr. President, in addition to bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills will be called up -- wait a minute. Let's go back. Rewind.

No problem.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on Reading and Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 120524, 120527, 120530, 120649, 120721, 120722, and 120723. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda by Councilman Jones. All in favor by indicating 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 Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second and Final Reading Passage.

Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills considered for the Consent Agenda, 2ND READING the following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 120803, 120804, 120805, 120808, 120644, 120648, and 120725. All other bills and resolutions are being held.

Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will have public comment. It will be as follows: Anyone who is interested in testifying on any bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar must sign up at the table to my left. At that time, your name will be called. You will testify or speak at the table. There is a device on the table. When the light turns green, it means it's your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, it means that there are 30 seconds before your time is up. When the light turns red, your time is up. You will be given three minutes. We adopted this policy to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak, because depending on the nature of the subject matter, we sometimes have very lengthy lists of individuals who are interested in testifying. So at this time, Mr. Decker, would you please read the first name on the list.

Robert Taylor, commenting on 120527. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, Mr. President, members of Council, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Robert Taylor, a citizen of South Philadelphia, also President of Local 700 with the TWU and a member of the PA State Conference with the TWU. I'm commenting on Bill No. 120527, parking regulations and all similar regulations. I oppose this entire plethora of bills proposing new parking regulations. This policy just keeps expanding all over the City. These regulations require citizens to pay high fees in the form of parking tickets or pay for freedom-robbing parking permits. Of course, many people need their automobiles for work and family responsibilities, yet cannot afford the difficulties that will be delivered due to the expanded set of rules. Therefore, the regulations are costly, complex, and unwanted. Members of the Committee on Streets and Services have said that the public wants these oppressive regulations. However, my experience reveals that a large portion of the process is removed from public view. I was told that the Philadelphia Parking Authority, PPA, website -- to go to that website to find information to remove these unnecessary policies. Sadly, there was no information available online. On the other hand, I was sent a petition to change or remove parking regulations from a PPA official who attended the hearing. Even so, this is not a sufficient replacement for having rules affecting many, many people publicly available. Furthermore, there is no provision for the public to inspect the petitions or an appeals process for those who don't like their neighborhoods taken over by these endless rules. As representatives of all the people, it should be the Council's top priority to make sure that the will of the people is properly represented. These issues were raised to key members of the Committee, and I am still awaiting a response. Moreover, when the people speak about these regulations, they aren't happy campers. Former mayoral candidate Karen Brown has raised issues about these parking rules creating hardships for her mother, and Sandra Rosenfeld complained that the policies -- of the policies of the PPA. She said that they were ticketing people with current permits, ticketing with reckless abandon. There were many reports in the local papers, televisions, such as Parking Wars, that documents the trouble of dealing with these convoluted regulations. This is a city often called the City of Brotherly Love. Hopefully with fewer needless rules, it will remain such a city. Thank you, and may we all stay in touch with the spirit which lies within each of us. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Judith Robinson, commenting on 120725. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning. My name is Judith Robinson and I am here to comment on Bill 120725 regarding these all-terrain vehicles. I'm here on behalf of the young men of North Philadelphia who ride these ATVs. It's so easy to criminalize young black and brown men. Don't we have enough things and opportunities for them to interact with the criminal justice system? Please. We know these vehicles can be unsafe, especially ridden in our neighborhoods in an inappropriate way, especially when police officers are chasing down these young men as they do their wheelies and show off, as we know young men do. But here is an opportunity that we adults, we the people who know how to do the right thing, here's an opportunity for us to do right by these young men. Give them an opportunity to do something besides get a gun in their hands and shoot up our neighborhood, as we know they have. It's unfortunate that I heard the Parks and Recreation at the hearing regarding these ATVs talk about not having land. Well, we're right now in a land banking mode. Why can't we find land for these young men to do their wheelies, to do it safe? I understand Yamaha was here talking about safety and sponsorship. You all want to go and suck down some dollars. Why don't you do it right. Do it like you did the skateboarders. But, you know, I know the black young, brown men. That's why I'm here today. They don't have a lobby. I bet you it's not one black man or woman down here standing up for an opportunity for these young men to sew their oats, to do the right thing. I know the Parks and Recreation has little regard for our community, because our recreation center at 15th and Dauphin is unstaffed and unused. With all that our youth need, recreation on all sides, I ask you all today to hold up on this bill. Don't disrespect our community and continue to say we can't, can't, can't. We don't, don't, don't have this, that or the other for young black and brown men in this town. You're out of order. This is disrespectful. Even when you have sponsorship, you can't find things? Let me throw out a few places, because I know land in Philadelphia, as I am a native. How about Byberry? It has plenty of land out there, industrial sites. You can even shut down the Naval Base after hours and call it a little city as it is. Let's be respectful of young black men. Maybe they'll turn around and be respectful of us. I thank you very much. I'm here on behalf of the riders of North Central. I would sponsor them as a business woman, and they would take all prizes. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

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

Thank you. Is there no one else? (No response.)

Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President.

You're welcome, sir.

I want to thank Judith for her thoughtful comments, but also note for the record, I think it was Councilman Curtis Jones who extended an invitation to myself and other members of Council to actually go out in Fairmount Park and kind of gear up and get on the ATV, correct, and kind of ride with some of the young men who ride these bikes, and also took an approach to be thoughtful and deliberate in this process to look at other alternatives and also take into consideration that at the end of the day, we also have to look at the issue of public safety and make sure that while we're regulating, we're making sure that young people are safe going to and from their homes, but also making sure that this process is thoughtful and deliberate. And so I just wanted to make that known for the record, because that's the invitation that I actually received. And so as we move forward in this process, we're looking at all the alternatives and all the proposals that are on the table, but also keeping first and foremost in mind the issue of public safety in the City and also for me and my district as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. Public safety is the number one issue with regards to this matter. I believe in something called process, with a capital P, underscored in bold letters and exclamation points. And so the record should reflect that the members of the Public Safety Committee, chaired by Councilman Jones, heard clearly the legitimate, thoughtful issues, concerns, and opportunities raised by the many witnesses. We're first going to deal with the issue of public safety, since that was the impetus for me putting on the table for discussion and deliberation anyway. Once we get past the issue of public safety, I stated at the public hearing and during the public meeting that like my menu labeling bill, like my lead bill, I will convene a task force, and we will meet with all those interested stakeholders to do exactly what they recommended, and, that is, to find non-public, non-park land and give these young people who indeed view this as a sport, a legitimate sport when it's legal and an illegitimate sport when it's done on park land and it puts children in harm's way. The Philadelphia Tribune did an article that I was completely unaware of where they talked with a parent who lost her child to ATV vehicles. And so with that, the record should reflect that, yes, public safety is the number one priority. Finding activities for these young people to get them engaged in activities that do not put others in harm's way is our next step. There will be a task force, and we invite any and all persons who care about this issue to sit with us. Let's figure out how we can find land to give these young people a place to recreate. And, finally, yes, we also listened to a number of business people who are ready to put money on the table. In keeping with my process, I and other members of the Committee are going to go to Egg Harbor and see a very legitimate ATV experience there as a part of my process, and after we visit with those persons there in Egg Harbor who are doing this right, then we're going to sit down and figure out what kind of recommendations we can present to the Administration so that we do exactly what we did with the skateboarders. Blondell Reynolds Brown was a sponsor of that skateboard resolution ten years ago, and ten years later we're getting a skateboard park. So as a part of the process, we're going to honor all that came before us during that public hearing. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Anyone else on the witness list? (No response.)

Anyone else interested in testifying on bills on Final Passage today? (No response.)

There being none, thank you very much. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all 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 be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent

Bill No. 120524, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080279), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 120527, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Pemberton Street, south side, 22nd Street to 23rd Street"; and Bill No. 120530, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Kater Street, south side, 17th Street to 16th Street"; and Bill No. 120649, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 224 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 'A' Street from Erie Avenue to a cul-de-sac turnaround therefrom"; and Bill No. 120721, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Preston Street, from Ludwick Street and Warren Streets to Lancaster Avenue, to Wallace Street"; and Bill No. 120722, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of University Avenue, from Woodland Avenue and Thirty-Ninth Street to University Avenue Extension, to Baltimore Avenue, and the changing of the name of University Avenue Extension, from University Avenue to Spruce Street, to University Avenue"; and Bill No. 120723, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 357 of a certain right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes in the area lying northeast of Island Avenue and northwest of Bartram Avenue."

Thank you. been read on two different days, the question now for each bill, shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll, and upon being called, each member 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.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Goode.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Green.

Aye on all

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Henon.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Jones.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Oh.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye on all bills.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye on all bills.

Council President Clarke. 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of these bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution No. 120803.

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 Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of the motion? (Aye.)

All opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 120803 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution 120804.

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, 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING situate in the Sixteenth, Twentieth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair 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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 120804 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120805.

A resolution appointing a five person committee entitled the "Responsible Banking Review 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Committee" pursuant to Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Resolution 120805 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 120808.

A resolution authorizing the establishment of a fund for Philadelphia City Council as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that it seek tax-exempt status under Section 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed?

No.

Let the record reflect that Councilman O'Brien is voting no. The ayes have it. Resolution 120808 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 120644.

An ordinance constituting the Thirteenth Supplemental Ordinance of the Amended and Restated 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable airport revenue bonds or notes of the City of Philadelphia.

Thank you. This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President, I recuse myself from voting on Bill 120644 due to a possible conflict of interest as set forth in a memo submitted to the Chief Clerk at the committee hearing on this bill.

Thank you, Councilman. It shall be noted.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman O'Brien.

Aye. 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are one. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 120648.

An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 9-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Senate Street from a point approximately one-hundred six feet west of Rosewood Street to its terminus westwardly therefrom.

This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye.

Councilman Goode.

Aye. 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilman Greenlee.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

One second, Mr. President.

Sure, Councilman. I would like to make a correction on the prior bill. The count was 16, zero, with a recusal by Councilman Green. It's not 16, one.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Kenney.

Aye.

Councilman 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING O'Brien.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120725.

An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by providing for prohibitions relating to all-terrain vehicles, and for penalties and enforcement.

This bill having been read on two separate days -- Councilwoman, why don't you hit your...

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 120725 be amended. These amendments have been circulated to all members of the Committee. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to 120725 be adopted. All those in favor? 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. 120725 is amended and it will placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. It looks like this concludes the written Calendar. The Chair now asks Mr. Decker to please read any other resolutions that you have in your possession.

A privileged resolution, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is proud to honor James F. Muller, retiring after more than 39 years of dedicated service to the City, introduced by Councilman Kenney.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Terry Ruggles on his retirement after 36 years of service and outstanding contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Kenney.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution recognizing November 12 to November 16 as Back on My Feet National Sneaker Week, introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.

Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and the Environment to hold hearings on the Greater Philadelphia Region's training and technical schools, colleges and universities on the development and incorporation of sustainable degree and training programs in effort to establish a qualified workforce of Philadelphians who are prepared for environmental and sustainability related jobs, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 120563, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Brill Street, both sides, Frankford Avenue to Darrah Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

The Chair -

Introduced by Councilman Squilla.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING

It's been moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 120564, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Ellsworth Street, north side, 2nd Street to Front Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council, introduced by Councilman Squilla.

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.

So moved, Mr. President. I ask for adoption of the resolution. 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

Moved and properly seconded. Those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution supporting Bilal Qayyum and the Fathers' Day Rally Committee as they convene to present the Call to Action: Black on Black Violence Conference in Philadelphia from October 26th to October 28th which will explore methods to develop an action plan to reduce violence and crime in the urban areas of the country over a three year period, introduced by Councilwoman Bass.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, 10/18/12 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2012 as Filipino American History Month in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilman Oh.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Been and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.

Thank you. At this time, we'll have a special order of business. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding special business.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)

It been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. We will have special business. The Clerk will please read the letters from the Mayor.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your resolution adopted October 18th, 2012, Bill No. 120563, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Brill Street, both sides, Frankford Avenue to Darrah Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the by which said bill passed Council; and I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted October 18, 2012 Bill No. 120564, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Ellsworth Street, north side, 2nd Street to Front Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 120563 was passed.

So moved, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)

All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 120563 was passed has been reconsidered. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion to reconsider the vote on which Bill No. 120564 was passed.

So moved, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the vote by which Bill No. 120564 has passed has been reconsidered. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. That completes our special order of business. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)

Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. This morning I would like to commend you, the Mayor, the SRC, the state delegation in the House, the state delegation in the Senate, because yesterday the legislation passed giving to move forward with property tax reform. I can't remember a time when this level of communication and cooperation between the second, the fourth floor, North Broad Street, and Harrisburg happened. You, your staff, and many participants such as Senator Pileggi, Representative Parker have spent a lot of time running up and down the highway and on the phone to move a common agenda forward. Further, it is not absent from the state, both houses the need for recognition of collection of outstanding property taxes that are owed to us, many by individuals that live outside the City of Philadelphia. And I know you can't speak about a lot of this in your position as President, but I wanted to, for the record, put this out there and say thank you for your diligence and hard work.

Thank you, Councilman. You are correct, speak, but I just would like to thank you for being my co-pilot as we drove to Harrisburg that day, and you did in fact offer to take the wheel through the monsoon, but we made it anyway. Thank you again for your support going to Harrisburg. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. President. As you mentioned in caucus, the Philadelphia Jobs Commission will hold two public meetings next Wednesday, October 24th at o'clock p.m. and at o'clock p.m. in these Chambers. The purpose of the Commission is to determine how City government and other agencies can best marshall their resource to create and preserve private-sector jobs for Philadelphians. These meetings are open to the public and the public is invited to testify. Those interested in testifying may call my office at 215-686-3414. Please give your name, organization, subject of your testimony, and at which hearing you want to testify, 3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you so much, Councilman. Thank you for your continued work on that Commission. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to take a brief moment to acknowledge a significant development and a fight against getting illegal guns off the street of Philadelphia. Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill mandating a five- to ten-year sentence for straw purchasing. And for many of you who do know and some who may not know, straw purchasing is basically going into the store, buying guns, and selling those guns on the street. It's real simple. as we focus on a comprehensive strategy in addressing the issue of youth gun violence, I'm always an advocate that will put out there there are no uzis made in Point Breeze, there are no uzis made in Richard Allen. Those guns come from somewhere. And so yesterday was a significant step forward. We expect Governor Corbett to sign this bill into law, and this goes a long way in the fight in ridding our streets of illegal guns. And so I just wanted to make sure that we acknowledge that, because each day -- and I think I'm quite sure that we're more than 260 homicides, and 80 percent of those homicides are gun related. And so I'm happy today that we have some public policy, which I call common sense public policy, that can assist us in ridding the streets of illegal guns. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do want to recognize and appreciate your leadership during this AVI struggle. It's so important to see that the collaboration now between Council and the Administration and the School District moving forward to try to even get more things done with our State Legislature, and realizing that if we do -- we need as much ammunition as possible in order to make this work, and without your leadership, it wouldn't be possible. So I do again commend you as well, because in order to make this an easy way to get AVI in place -- and not that it's going to be easy, but easier -if we get some state-enabling legislation, without your support and drive, it wouldn't happen. So I do again

Thank you, Councilman. And I do want to say that the contributions of all of the members of Council, particularly as we wrestle with the budget process in this fiscal year, lent itself to providing significant information that pulled together our ability to have a thoughtful and a thorough conversation in Harrisburg and reduce that conversation to actually hopefully in the very near future. So I just want to thank all of the members in Council for their contribution during the course of the last year. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. There are two things that I wanted to mention this morning. The first I hadn't intended to mention, but just on the conversation around ATVs, I thought as the Chair of Parks and Recreation, I would like to be on the statement on that. And first I do want to thank once again Councilwoman Brown for bringing that to our attention, and I know that Councilman Johnson is also passionate and, of course, Mr. Chairman, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. for bringing those hearings to light. One of the things that I just really wanted to say publicly, because it kind of stuck in my mind a little bit when the young lady was speaking about criminalizing young primarily African American men, and I want to say on behalf of the Council, that just to be on record, I don't think that anyone is interested in penalizing young African American men on this Council. I think that we take this issue very, very seriously, and the Council is focused on finding appropriate locations for this activity. And I just really wanted to underscore that as the Chair of Parks and Recreation, that our parks and recreation locations and neither are our city streets. So I just wanted to bring that back around, that we're focused on finding an appropriate location. One of the things that I did want to mention this morning is about an event that's going to be happening on Friday, November 2nd at 6:30 p.m. There'll be a viewing of a film called "Very Young Girls" and it's a film on human trafficking in the United States, and it's followed by a panel discussion. It's going to be held at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church at 2800 Cheltenham Avenue, and it's hosted by Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller. We want to make sure that people understand what's happening in our nation and in our city. We should not assume that this is something that is foreign. Just earlier this year, a Philadelphia man was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for buying, selling, and holding women for a prostitution very, very serious. The Department of Justice states that entry into the commercial sex industry in the United States, the average age is between 12 and 14 years old. Between 100,000 and 300,000 children are at risk in the United States annually, and 2,200 children are victimized annually just in New York City. And we're waiting for the statistics here in Philadelphia as well. So, again, we want to make sure that everyone knows that this is happening, and please don't assume that it's foreign and it's not happening here in our city, because we know that it is. And there's a flyer that each member of Council will receive so that they can make copies and disseminate to their constituents. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Very informative. Sanchez.

Thank you. I also want to salute you and thank everybody who worked on these AVI relief measures that are going to be so critical to our discussion, and in that light, I look forward to us very quickly beginning to look at how we're going to use these tools to protect Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens so that we can get AVI done, because now we have the tools to do so. In the Latino spirit, we have a month, which is September 15th to the -September 15th through October 15th, but true to who we are, we have extended that this year. Philadelphia is playing host to the National Association of Latino Artists here at the Loews Hotel this week. So there will be hundreds of folks from throughout the country coming to Philadelphia. As part of that, we've joined with Casa Venezuela in hosting a Conversation Hall. It's on all my colleagues' desks. I encourage you to join us as we continue to celebrate Hispanic extended month this year. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Thank you. I was delayed in getting my light on too slow. Councilman Jones took my speech, but I just want to say I join him and all the other Councilmembers for recognizing your leadership and the leadership of the City and the Mayor and Mr. Ramos for going to Harrisburg as a unified force to get the legislation we needed to deal with AVI. And certainly I want to give a shout-out to our state Philadelphia delegation, who listened, met with you, and worked closely to see that they were successful and we were successful in in Harrisburg. And I'm personally aware of all the many hours you've spent on the telephone trying to make this happen. The other victory I think or a temporary victory that we had in Harrisburg was that the payday lending bill died. So it probably will come again, but we'll take this momentary victory and work very hard to try and educate our legislators about the ills of payday lending. And so I'm glad that happened. So we had a good day in Harrisburg yesterday.

Thank you.

Thank you.