Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 26, 2016 11:10 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 May 26, 2016
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. We're running real late, and it's partially my fault. The hour has come. We have a quorum. If the visitors will retire behind the rail, we'll get started. I'd ask for your cooperation. Can you lower your voices, please. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Brian H. Grant of Germantown Christian Assembly. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Derek Green. I would ask all members and guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Thank you very much, Council President Clarke and all the distinguished members of the Council. It certainly is an honor and privilege for me to have this opportunity of giving the invocation today. And I just want Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 pray regularly for the Council, and we thank God for you and your dedication to the City. I am known as a storyteller. You need not worry. It's going to be very brief. But before I get going, I want to tell a story that I hope will inspire you as you deal with the challenging issues of our city. The story starts with this elderly lady living in Northern Ireland, and this is just at the time that electricity was getting popular. And she was rich, but she was very tightfisted. And so everybody was surprised that this tightfisted lady was willing to get her home electrified. After about three months, the meter reader came to read the meter, and he really was surprised there was hardly any usage of the electricity. So he said to her, Is everything okay? I notice you have hardly used your electricity. She said, Everything is working Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 turn on my lights just long enough to light the candles. The power was there, but it was having no impact on her life. And I just want to say to you this morning that the power is available. The power of God is available, available to help you deal with all the challenges that you must deal with, available to help you with the personal challenges you face in your own life. So let's just bow right now and ask God's blessing. Father, we thank you that we can approach a God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine. We thank you that despite your awesomeness, that not even one sparrow falls to the ground by chance. We thank you, God, that you have such an interest in us, that you desire despite the fact that you feel the universe that you desire to have a Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 through faith. Today, we ask your blessing on the members of this Council. Guide them in their deliberations and bless their efforts as they work for the unity, peace, and prosperity of this city. We ask a special grace for anyone here who might be passing through personal challenges. May they find strength, wisdom, and comfort as they put their faith in you. Lord, you have certainly brought us a mighty long way, but, dear Lord, we pray that you may keep us in your path, lest our feet stray from the places where we met thee, lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world we forget thee. And so shattered beneath thy hand may we forever stand true to our God, true to our native land. We ask this in the name of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. And thank you again, Reverend. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 19th, 2016, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 19th, 2016 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 19th, 2016 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We truly appreciate it. We hope that your day is not only a knowledgeable one but an enjoyable one, so much so that you come back again. So, again, thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution congratulating Roman Catholic High School Basketball Team. Would Chris McNesby and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Johnson.
Good Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 morning, everyone, and thank you for being here. I just want to say in a year where we are celebrating some great champions, that as we had earlier here Villanova winning the national championship, we also have some great, great schools here in the City of Philadelphia that really exceeded and are showing how great Philadelphia sports is. We have some great schools, and fortunately enough they're in my district to be able to win the state championship this year. And last year we had four. This year we have three. And it's an amazing feat to go out there. And I challenge you District Councilmembers to get some of your schools to compete with some of my schools to make sure we can see that happen. But anyway, this is a great honor, and being able to come here today to be able to, with my colleagues, be able to honor these young, great athletes and students that are going to move on to Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Philadelphia proudly. We're just going to read these resolutions. And today we're honoring and congratulating Roman Catholic High School Basketball Team, the Cahillites on winning the 2016 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship, The PIAA AAAA State Championship and The District 12 City Title for the AAAA Classification.
Whereas, the Cahillites, led by Head Coach Chris McNesby, graduate of 1995 class, finished with a record of 27 and 4; Whereas, the Varsity Basketball Program at Roman Catholic High School finished the season ranked No. 19 overall by USA Today and ranked 12 in the country by MaxPreps; and
Whereas, the Cahillites defeated Taylor Allerdice School out of Pittsburgh to win the State Championship by a score of 73 to 62 on March 19th, 2016; and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Whereas, based on their past performance, it is safe to assume that the Cahillites from Roman Catholic High School will only get better with time; therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate Roman Catholic High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the 2016 PIAA State AAAA Championship and The District 12 City Title for the AAAA Classification. Further resolved, that this engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Roman Catholic High School Basketball Team as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Ladies and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 members of the Philadelphia City Council, my name is Dan Hoban, Roman Catholic class of 1992 and, once again, honored as the voice of Roman Catholic Basketball to thank you for allowing us to join you today. I would like to present to you the back-to-back Philadelphia Catholic League PIAA District 12 and now the two-time PIAA AAAA State Champions, Roman Catholic High School Basketball. I would also like to congratulate the Saints of Neumann-Goretti boys and girls basketball teams who are with us today and Coach Carl Arrigale and Coach Andrea Peterson for their AAA State Championships as well. Led by USA Today State Coach of the Year Chris McNesby, the Cahillites defended their titles with a 27 and 4 overall record, including a 17-game winning streak to end the season. Along the road, the Cahillites defended their Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 DC Classic in December in a thrilling overtime victory over the host. After a few bumps in the road during the Catholic League season, Roman avenged earlier losses by beating Archbishop Carroll in the semi-finals and Neumann-Goretti by the score of 72-65 in front of a more than sell-out Palestra crowd. In fact, the attendance topped all but eight of the NCAA's conference championship games. After defending their City title, Roman once again ran through the state tournament, averaging double-digit wins against highly regarded opponents like Parkland and Plymouth Whitemarsh. The culmination occurred in Hershey where the Cahillites fought off a 10 to nothing deficit to defeat previously state-ranked No. 1 Taylor Allerdice out of Pittsburgh 73-62 for a second state title. The team consisted of freshmen Mikeal Jones and Seth Lundy, juniors Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Vilmar, Dakquan Davis, JP Sanders, and Colin Flach, along with seniors Khalil Vincent going to Valley Forge, Anthony Dawson headed to Penn State Abington, Mark Tobin headed to LaSalle University, also a First Team All-State soccer goalie, Paul Newman headed to Brown University, and the Penn State trio of Tony Carr, Lamar Stevens, and Nazeer Bostick, along with our managers Jake Hall, Jesse Murphy, and Kieran Flaherty. Carr and Stevens were recognized as First Team All-Catholic and First Team All-City. They were also joined by Nazeer Bostick as a Second Team All-Catholic, and all three were honored as First Time All-State by the Associated Press. Tony Carr was named Player of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Associated Press, and Mr. Basketball by USA Today, along with scoring a total of 1,065 points. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 as the Player of the Year by the Philadelphia Daily News and ended his high school career with 1,348 points. He was also the MVP of the Gonzaga DC Classic, joining on the All-Tournament Team by Tony Carr and Nazeer Bostick and also All-Tournament at the Chick-Fil-A Classic in South Carolina. On behalf of everyone at Roman Catholic, we thank you for allowing us to join you today, and thank you for honoring our two-time state champions Roman Catholic High School. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 want to take a moment to acknowledge a group of young people from one of the most outstanding public schools here in the City of Philadelphia. That public school is E.M. Stanton. So I want to ask the young ladies from E.M. Stanton to please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you. And thank you for coming down to see us today in action. Really appreciate the great work you all do. Thank you. At this time, one more time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution honoring Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Would Coach Andrea Peterson and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium. )
Thank you. And again honoring another school with a state championship. And knowing how hard this is, I mean, Philadelphia has only been in the state playoffs for the local teams for seven years, I think, and looking at the number of champions that we have had has been unbelievable, and it's a great credit to the schools and the programs that give these children an opportunity to play. (Applause.)
So thank you. And Councilman Greenlee and myself were actually at the games at the girls and the boys championship games down at the Palestra, and it was a great event. It felt like old time, big five basketball at its best. Today we're honoring the Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti High Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Team for winning the PIAA District 12 AA City Championship and the PIAA AA State Championship game while finishing the season 29 and 1 and with a national ranking No. 7 by ESPN.
Whereas, on Saturday, February 27th of 2016, the Saints took down the Panthers of Imhotep Charter School 48 to 36 to win their third straight PIAA District 12 AA City Championship and earning a top seed in the State Tournament; and Whereas, the Saints continued on in the Pennsylvania State Tournament, defeating the Squires of Delone Catholic 49 to 24, the Minersville Battling Miners 71 to 33, the Holy Redeemer Royals of Wilkes-Barre 48 to 39 and the Dunmore Bucks 52 to 26 to reach the Championship Game against the North Star Cougars of Boswell; and
Whereas, the Saints put on a dominant performance Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 game against North Star Cougars of Boswell, with a commanding victory of 65 to 28 to become the AA Pennsylvania State Champions. The Lady Saints finished their season with a record of 29 and 1; and Whereas, special accolades should be given to five Neumann-Goretti players named as All-Catholic selections: MVP, Alisha Kebbe; First Team, Kamiah Smalls, Chyna Nixon and Jada Russell; and Second Team, Morgan Lenahan. Additional special accolades should be given to Alisha Kebbe, who was selected as the Player of the Year for the Southeast Region by Philly.com; and
Whereas, the Lady Saints were led this season by second year Head Coach Andrea Peterson. Last season, Coach Peterson was named the top High School Girls' Basketball Coach in the United States of America, winning the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award, and being Named National Coach of Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Today. Coach Peterson has also been named Coach of the Year for Pennsylvania (Class AA) by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Association. As a player, Coach Peterson was a star athlete at Drexel University and Saint John's University. While at Drexel, Coach Peterson earned a Colonial Athletic Conference Student Athlete of the Year Award, CAA All-Academic Team Honors and led Drexel to their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. As a high school player in the Philadelphia Catholic League, Coach Peterson was the starting point guard on back-to-back Philadelphia Catholic League Championship teams at Archbishop Carroll High School, where she was a two-time All-Catholic League First Team selection, a two-time All-Daily News First Team selection, a Nike Tournament of Champions First Team selection and a Street & Smith's All-American Honorable Mention selection; and
Whereas, Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Let's give a big round of applause for Coach Peterson. (Applause.)
Whereas, the Saints bid farewell to their seniors Alisha Kebbe, Kamiah Smalls, Jada Russell, Morgan Lenahan, and Erica Brown and have a wonderfully promised future with returning players Chyna Nixon, Jabria Ingram, Minika Glenn, Dajiah Parmley, Angel Ricks and Kiara Kroger. Sorry about if I messed up your name. They do it with mine all the time. So now, therefore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby honor and commend the Neumann-Goretti High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team for winning the PIAA District 12 AA City Championship, the PIAA AA State Championship while finishing 88 and 2 in three seasons of basketball. Further resolved, that this Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 resolution be presented to the Head Coach Andrea Peterson, Assistant Coach Kat Scanlan, Letty Santarelli, and members of the Neumann-Goretti High School Girls Basketball Team as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Please recognize Coach Peterson for a few remarks. COACH PETERSON: Thank you, Council. We appreciate it. I just want to say we appreciate this honor for being here today and just say a few things about our young women. We have four kids. In the last three years, we've graduated ten Division I athletes. This year, Kamiah Smalls. (Applause.) COACH PETERSON: Kamiah Smalls right over here, attending James Madison Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 scholarship. (Applause.) COACH PETERSON: Jada Russell is going off to Longwood University on a full scholarship. (Applause.) COACH PETERSON: Morgan Lenahan is not here today. She's taking tests. She's going off to Wagner University on a full scholarship. (Applause.) COACH PETERSON: And also Alisha Kebbe, who was the MVP, is heading off to Syracuse University next year on a full ride. (Applause.) COACH PETERSON: Just one last thing. I always say I have a lot of chances to speak, but without these young women, the confidence I have and we have at Neumann-Goretti wouldn't be done without these kids standing behind me. They put in the work. They just follow my lead. You're only as strong as the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 with. So thank you, guys, for an opportunity. We appreciate it. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time, one more time, Councilman Squilla on his annual showcase of successful athletic teams will be presenting a resolution congratulating -we got Maria again. Okay. Man, you got a basketball factory down there -recognizing Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti 2015 and 2016 Boys Basketball Team. Would Coach Carl Arrigale and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilman, we have Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Johnson also.
One last time here. And normally we don't do a lot of resolutions, but on a special occasion, I'm really proud to be here, especially in the school that I attended in Neumann and now Neumann-Goretti, being proud of our alma mater and what they have accomplished. And it's a great honor to be here to just recognize this team that has done so much over the past seven years to really show -- even more than that, but just to show the character of the program there at Neumann-Goretti. So today we'd like to congratulate the Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti 2015-2016 Boys Basketball Team on winning the PIAA Division AAA State Championship.
Whereas, the Neumann-Goretti Boys Basketball Team load by Coach Carl Arrigale had an outstanding season finishing 27 and 4; Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Whereas, the team comprised of 1st Team All Catholic selections Quade Green, Zane Martin and Dhamie Cosby-Roundtree as well as 2nd Team All Catholic selections Rasheed Browne and Vaughn Covington; and Whereas, on March 18th, 2016 the Saints won the PIAA AAA State Championship at the Giant Center in Hershey by defeating MARS High School 99 to 66. In doing so the Saints set a state championship record by scoring 99 points with an outstanding team effort led by Zane Martin with 33 points, Quade Green with 25 points, Rasheed Browne with 18 points, Vaughn Covington with 11 points while Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree had 9 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks; and
Whereas, seniors Zane Martin, Rasheed Browne, Vaughn Covington, Amire Tyler leave the Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti with 3 AAA State Championships, 3 AAA Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Titles, 2 Catholic League Championships and a four-year record of 106 and 16. Wow. Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby congratulates Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti 2015-16 Boys Basketball Team on winning the PIAA Division AAA State Championship. Further resolved, that this engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti Boys Basketball Team as further evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Coach Arrigale for remarks. COACH ARRIGALE: Thank you. Sorry for the short crew here today, but a lot of our guys are taking their finals. The seniors, today is Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 finals, and I thought it was a little bit more important for them to do that than to be here. And recognizing those seniors, we have four guys that are going on to college. Three of them are going to play Division I basketball. Zane Martin is going to Towson University; Rasheed Browne, Florida Gulf Coast University; and Vaughn Covington is actually going to Caldwell University in North Jersey, and Amire Tyler is going to Marietta College in Georgia. So I'm proud of those guys. They couldn't be here today for reasons that were beyond their control, but I just want to say I'm proud of them. I'm proud of these guys behind me. Without them, I wouldn't be available. I want to thank City Council for having us today, especially Councilman Squilla, who I consider not only a very good Councilman, he's a good friend of mine. We've known each other a Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 was a basketball parent at one time. I had the pleasure of coaching his son Mark during this run where we won the six state championships. Mark was on the team that won the first state championship in our school's history. So thank you again. It's always great to be back here. Hopefully we can make another trip next year. It's become an annual thing for us. I really enjoy it, and I'm glad to be here, and I thank City Council again for having us. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Before our next presentation, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I would like the students of the McCall School to please Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 (Applause.)
Along with Councilman Squilla, I want to thank the McCall students for being here. They're working with the Urban League of Philadelphia to really highlight some of the youth activities that the Urban League is doing. Immediately after Council, the Urban League and these students from McCall would like to interview various Councilmembers. I know a number of Councilmembers have already signed up to do so. We'll be hosting a lunch for the students from McCall in the Caucus Room. So I hope all members of Council that are able could stop over in the Caucus Room to be interviewed by McCall students. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 coming down so much. Appreciate it. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution on my behalf to the Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Would past Grand Master Kruger and those accompanying him join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And we would also like to recognize Sheriff Jewell Williams and our State Rep Curtis Thomas.
As people are starting to gather up here for the citation, I want to thank Council President Clarke for allowing me to present on his behalf. I want to recognize again our Sheriff Jewell Williams, who happens to be the Grand Government Affairs official for Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Pennsylvania, and past Grand Master Leonard Heard, who is joining us here today. So I want to thank you and acknowledge your presence here with the rest of the folks up here at the dais. Today it is my pleasure honoring and recognizing and welcoming the United Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to the City of Philadelphia, Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection during their 135th Triennium Convention Meeting, which is this weekend. Whereas, the Scottish Rite has often been referred to as the University of Freemasonry, for it embraces all of the higher Masonic degrees, from fourth through thirty-third. Having been introduced in America in 1801 and subsequently to the Prince Hall Fraternity around 1820, it was adopted in 1881, upon the establishment of The United Supreme Council in Northern Jurisdiction, which by Constitution meets Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Philadelphia, with two remaining years in other cities; and
I would also like to say welcome, brothers. Brother Kenyatta Johnson hailing from Sheba Lodge No. 7, DeMolay Consistory. Whereas, much like the Symbolic Lodge, it encourages its members to study and engage in endeavors which make good men better men including believing in a Supreme Being, loving their families and being devoted to their country. It also stressed motivation, self-improvement and charity to all. Charity being one of the basic tenets; and Whereas, the United Supreme Council annually contributes more than $125,000 to various organizations including the NAACP and its Legal Defense Fund, the Urban League, the United Negro College Fund and several other charitable organizations. Matching educational scholarships are given to students in each of the 26 Orients that comprise the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Jurisdiction; and
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, Tuscan Morning Star No. 48. Whereas, they also annually support widows and orphans and benevolent contributions are made by the Consistories on the local level. In the past 24 years, two senior citizen complexes have been erected, one of them 14 stories, 128 unit building and the other a 13 story, 106 unit building, providing modern and comfortable living for senior citizens.
The buildings are located at 15th and Fitzwater Streets near the Scottish Rite Cathedral in the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Scottish Rite organization is over 120 years old and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 20 northern states, the Bahamas, Canada, Trinidad-Tobago, Asia, the Far East and Europe-Turkey, all of which are comprised in the Northern Jurisdiction. Complementing their endeavors, they take pride in the Ladies of the Golden Circle, which is an Auxiliary Organization made up of wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and members; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor, recognize and welcome the United Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection during their 135th Triennium Convention Meeting; and Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Illustrious Basil L. Sands, 33rd degree, Sovereign Grand Commander as evidence of the sincere Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 body. (Applause.)
I would like to first recognize State Representative Curtis Thomas. REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS: Let me thank Council President Clarke and let me thank each and every one of you stellar members of this august body, and let me thank all of my brothers that are assembled here this morning, Bethel 47, King How No. 5, DeMolay Consistory No. 1, and United Supreme Council, the Northern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall affiliated. I am here this morning to present a citation on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. We know that the centennial -- the triennial is taking place here in Philadelphia, but when we look at the individual and collective contributions of this stellar body, it has impact on all parts of Pennsylvania. And so we are honored to have them here in the City of Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Philadelphia, and we welcome them and we know that they're going to spend their money here, Council President Clarke, and help this great city. So I thank each and every one of you, and to our Sheriff, thank you for this opportunity. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes past Grand Master Kruger for remarks. GRAND MASTER KRUGER: Mr. President, to the august members of the City Council and to all present, it is indeed my privilege to present to you the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Honorable Joseph B. Jefferson. Please hear him. GRAND MASTER JEFFERSON: Good morning. I am the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge consisting of all Prince Hall Masons in the Commonwealth of Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 to support our Sovereign Grand Commander, Prince Hall, United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction. And now I'll call up past Most Worshipful Grand Master George M. Calloway. GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Thank you, sir. Mr. President and members of this Philadelphia City Council, thank you so much for devoting your time and energy to us this afternoon. I am George Calloway, the Scottish Rite Deputy for the United Supreme Council, and I'm here to introduce the line officers of this organization accompanying me here this afternoon. First let me introduce to you our Sovereign Grand Commander, who is our Chief Operating Officer, Basil L. Sands from the Bahamas. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Next we have our Lieutenant Grand Commander, Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Bazemore, hailing from Maryland, our Second Constitutional Officer. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: We have our Treasurer, Roland K. Lee, hailing from Philadelphia. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Our Secretary, Lorenzo Kruger, hailing from Philadelphia. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Our Recording Secretary, Ivory M. Buck, hailing from Maryland. (Applause. ) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Our Cathedral Secretary, Raynard W. Hughes, hailing from Philadelphia. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Our Assistant Recording Secretary, Edward M. Brooks, hailing from Chester, Pennsylvania. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 (Applause. ) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: And please let me introduce our Public Relations Chairperson, Phyllis Washington, the only lady in the group. (Applause.) GRAND MASTER CALLOWAY: Thank you so very much.
Thank you so much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much, and congratulations to all our honorees today. The next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, before you read those messages, I would ask if anyone has an electronic device that makes noise of any sort, would you please turn it off or Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read those messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills and proposed amendments: Amendment to Bill No. 160170, amendment to Bill No. 160171, Bill Nos. 160299, 160327, 160328, 160330, 160334, 160335, 160336, 160363, 160368, 160369, 160396, 160397, 160398, and 160399 and a University of Pennsylvania Master Plan amendment. And I am pleased to advise you that on May 20, 2016, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 12, 2016: Bill Nos. 160228-A and 160271-A. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 nomination of Supreme Dow, Patrick W. Jones, Daniel Conner, Byron Davis, Julie Baranauskas, and Trapeta Mayson to the Germantown Special Services District. 8 acres of land known as Parcel G, bounded by Island and Bartram Avenues and I-95; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to acquire one acre of land known as Parcel 8A located in Tinicum Township at Tinicum Island Road (rear) and bounded by Philadelphia International Airport to the south, east and west sides; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 140280), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Hope Street from Laurel Street to Pollard Street," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 305 and 306 by placing on the City Plan Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street; and An ordinance authorizing the opening of Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street and the opening of the unopened and widened portions of Buckius Street from Richmond Street to the southeasterly right-of-way line of the Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street and Buckius Street from Delaware Avenue to Bath Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 of Public Property and the Commissioner of Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for a playground owned by the School District of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to acquire land known as the Orange Line in Tinicum Township and Philadelphia, in the vicinity of Philadelphia International Airport, together with all improvements thereon, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you so much. The next order of business is Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by creating a tax credit to encourage certain merchants to provide healthy beverage alternatives in their stores.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. Okay. Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one bill.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land commonly known as 3033 West Glenwood Avenue, for further conveyance.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I have six bills, one on your behalf, one resolution on your behalf co-introduced by Councilman Green, Councilwoman Parker, and myself.
An ordinance approving a lease agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works, by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, in its capacity as operator and manager of the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Gas Works, and DelVal Realty Group for DelVal Realty Group's use of a certain 5 acre parcel and a certain 3.14 acre parcel located near Delaware Avenue and Tioga Street; and An ordinance authorizing the opening of Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street and the opening of the unopened and widened portions of Buckius Street from Richmond Street to the southeasterly right-of-way line of the Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street and Buckius Street from Delaware Avenue to Bath Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Parks and Recreation Commissioner to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority certain land and improvements known as McArdle Playground, owned by the School District of Philadelphia; and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 305 and 306 by placing on the City Plan Delaware Avenue from Orthodox Street to Buckius Street; and An ordinance amending Section 10-1002 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sheriff's Fees," by revising fees, commissions and reimbursements for various functions and services performed by the Sheriff and making technical changes.
Thank you. Those bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and welcoming the United Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection during their 135th Triennium Convention Meeting.
Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and three resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilman Oh, Blackwell, Green, Parker, and Reynolds Brown.
An ordinance authorizing the East Falls Development Corporation to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 4168 Ridge Avenue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing trailblazing news journalist Lisa Thomas-Laury upon her retirement from WPVI-TV Channel 6.
That Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 will be on today'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 Fourth and Thirty-Fourth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution adopting the report issued by Council's Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform on how to prevent youth from becoming involved with the justice system in the Summer of 2016.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have four bills and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to acquire approximately one acre of land known as Parcel 8A located in Tinicum Township at Tinicum Island Road (rear) and bounded by Philadelphia International Airport to the south, east and west sides; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to acquire an approximately two acre property known as 8365 Enterprise Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to acquire approximately 1.2 acres of land known as Parcel T located at the northeast corner of Island and Escort Avenues; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to acquire land known as the Orange Line in Tinicum Township and Philadelphia, in the vicinity of Philadelphia International Airport, together with all improvements thereon.
Those four bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2016 as Re-Entry Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Bob Grossman after Seventeen Years of Dedicated Service to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
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, Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 situate in the Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution. Both resolutions are co-sponsored by Councilwoman Parker and Gym.
A privileged resolution recognizing May 2016 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the work of Parity Track and its co-founders in raising awareness of federal and state behavioral health parity requirements.
And a Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 non-privileged resolution respectfully urging Congress to provide adequate federal funding providing for housing counseling, namely $60 million for the HUD Housing Counseling Assistance Program and $40 million for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation's National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program, which are critical to ensuring that HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can continue to serve families in need in the City of Philadelphia and across the country.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 establishing a no tractor trailer parking regulation on both sides of North 5th Street, from Spencer Street to Godfrey Avenue.
And a privileged resolution also naming -- and a non-privileged resolution also naming Wallace Street from Broad Street to 13th Street as "Samuel Staten, Sr. Drive."
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have one resolution today on behalf of the Administration.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Director of the Office of Supportive Housing, on Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file a proposal for Fiscal Year 2017 Emergency Solutions Grant Program funding with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Children and Youth and Education to hold hearings to discuss the impact of twenty years of the "1996 Immigration laws" on Philadelphia's Immigrant Community and their impact on the school-to-Prison-to-Deportation Pipeline on Philadelphia's Immigrant Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Youth.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good afternoon, Council President and colleagues. I have one privileged resolution, which is co-sponsored by Councilpersons Jones, Squilla, Parker, and Domb.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia "Be Your Best" program and the dedication of its Director, Collette C. McBratney.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 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 two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 140280) approved May 19, 2014, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Hope Street from Laurel Street to Pollard Street," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016
And an ordinance amending Section 9 of an ordinance (Bill No. 150377) approved June 18, 2015, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments into the right-of-way of Market Street, Filbert Street, 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street and 8th Street."
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 Thirty-First and Thirty-Ninth Wards of the City of Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Philadelphia.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer seven non-privileged resolutions and one privileged.
A privileged resolution declaring Johnson House Historic Site's annual Juneteenth Festival as the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival and recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Juneteenth in Philadelphia as the day when enslaved African Americans were freed in the United States of America more than 150 years ago.
And a Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to increase the penalty of the state law on Invasion of Privacy for photographing intimate parts of a person in a public place without their knowledge, increasingly known as "upskirt" photography laws.
And a resolution appointing Daniel Conner to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Trapeta Mayson to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Supreme Dow to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Patrick W. Jones to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Byron Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Julie Baranauskas to the Board of Directors for the Germantown Special Services District.
Those six resolutions read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. I offer no bills or resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will move to our reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee of the Whole reports out five bills with a Stated Meeting May 26, 2016
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 160170, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2017 through 2022 inclusive"; and Bill No. 160171, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2017 Capital Budget"; and Bill No. 160173, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax,' to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia"; and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 160174, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Tax, to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 160175, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage and Net Profits Tax,' by revising certain tax rates," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill Nos. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 160170, 160171, 160173, 160174, and 160175. (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. 160170, 160171, 160173, 160174, and 160175. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session -- for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee of Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 160467, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Managing Director," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
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. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 160467. (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 Bill No. 160467. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for a report from the Committee on the Environment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on the Environment reports three bills with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016
The Committee on the Environment, to which was referred Bill No. 160132, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes and Collections,' by adding a new Chapter 19-4100, entitled 'New Sustainable Businesses,' to reduce the tax burden on new sustainable businesses"; and Bill No. 160133, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Taxes,' to revise the sustainable business tax credit by changing the criteria for eligibility, by increasing the number of eligible businesses, by increasing the total tax credit amount, and by expanding the credit so that it applies against Sustainable Businesses' total business Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 liability"; and Bill No. 160362, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 16-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Maintenance and Supervision,' to require installation of LED lighting in connection with large City public works projects, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 160132, 160133, and 160362. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 160132, 160133, and 160362. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform issues an interim report pursuant to Resolution 160101.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016
The Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, to which was referred Resolution 160101, entitled "A resolution appointing members to the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, who will conduct public hearings examining the Philadelphia criminal justice system for the impact of current policies, and offer recommended strategies for reform that are in the best interest of public safety and the public good," respectfully reports that the Committee held hearings as authorized by Resolution No. 160101 on April 8th, April 15th, April 18th, May 13th, and May 23rd, 2016 and that the Committee issues to the Council the attached interim report, entitled "Summer of 2016 Youth Action Plan," on the matters discussed at the hearing.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And Councilman Jones and Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Johnson, thank you very much for the hard work that you put in on the Special Committee.
Thank you. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from the committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a motion concerning the resolutions and bills on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar: Resolutions and Bill Nos. 160255, 160344, 160345, 160346, 160410, 160411, 160413, 160414, 160426, 106427, 160428, 160429, 160535, 160537, 160542, and 160543. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Henon. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 2ND READING calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 160283, 160110-A, and 160072. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Councilman. Before hearing these resolutions and bills for final passage, we will consider our Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda will go as follows -public comment. I'm sorry. Public comment. I'm moving too fast. I must be trying to get out of here. We will consider the public comment session. It will go as follows: Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution 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. There's a light on that device. 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 will thank you for adhering to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to speak. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
Robert Burdge, commenting on 160537. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, Council, and thank you, Councilman Clarke. This is a very important thing Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 that we need to get done here in the City of Philadelphia. We have a serious problem here in the City, and we need to address it. We have people sleeping on the streets. We have homeless shelters that are not up to par. And we have things -- it's just getting worse. Now that the summers are coming, you might not hear about it because of people living on the streets, but it's something that's very important. And I believe in this, because I live this. I am a homeless person and I lived on the street, and I know what's going on. And if any of the Councilmembers need information about what's going on, they can get a hold of me. I'm going to make a point to talk to every Council office and give them a personal card in the next week when I get a cell phone. It's something that's very important, and we need to go to Harrisburg. And we know that the City don't have the funds sometimes. What we Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 need -- we need as a body -- you need to be as a body of a group to go to Harrisburg, and I'm willing to do that also, get a bunch of people and go to Harrisburg. I know the funds are not here in the City. I'm sorry, but that's my point.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 160481, 160426, 160535, and 160542. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. I should get elected to Council so I can Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 be one of the people that are paid to be here instead of having to take a lot of my time out to notify you of all this that's going on. In this age when voters are demanding accountability from our government employees, as the Council, the courts, the Mayor's Office, the City's attorney's office, and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority purposefully excluded the voice of the people. Twenty-two years, no hearing, no notice, no jury trial, yet my home was stolen, to pay a developer up to $100 million to build a mall on my stolen home in this city that is so strapped for cash, the Council is raising taxes on everything. Was Herbert Wetzel at the RDA while my home was being unconstitutionally sequestered? Reappointment signals Council's acceptance of his job performance. This is egregious behavior. De-fund the Redevelopment Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 Authority and the Land Bank and order the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations, 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, among others, and investigate the District Attorney's Office as to why no charges have been filed. Ben Franklin, quote, Political offices and baby diapers have to be changed often and for the same reason.
Louise Hanible, commenting on 160411. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, President Council. The reason why I'm here today, because I represent housing tenants all over the City, in your district and everybody else district, come to me with complaints. I was called early this morning because a lot of tenants watch Council on TV and this was Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 brought to my attention. I'm speaking really on Bill 14010 and 14011 [sic], and the reason why I'm asking you this is because a resolution reappointing tenants to the Board, I want to know is the tenants rights' now being tooken? Because we elect the tenants that we want on the Board. They are not reappointed by Council or the Mayor. The tenants reelect who we want on the Board. So could you please explain this to me, why they are being reappointed and not elected by the tenants? Can somebody explain that to me?
I'm not a member of the Board, so I can't respond to that.
Well, somebody in here knows something. How can they be Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 reappointed to a Board? Are y'all taking our rights away from us? Because we have the right to vote for the tenants that we want on the Board, not to be appointed by you, the President, or nobody of this Council. So I want to know is our rights being tooken from us and we now do not have the right to vote for who we want to represent us? Not that I have a problem with who is on the Board, but I want to know is our rights being tooken from us? Somebody in here got to know. Jannie, you once sitted on the Board.
But I want to know. I want to know do we still have the right to vote for who we want to represent us on the Housing Board?
I don't know. When I went to the Board meeting last week, they elected two people. I didn't know it was happening. Stated Meeting May 26, 2016 I thought it was -