Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move that Resolution 160659 be taken off the table. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 160659 be untabled. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and 160659 has been untabled and is now on the Calendar. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING much. I move that the resolution be adopted.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
All right. There's been a request for roll call.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Councilman Greenlee. I'm sorry. My fault. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I don't want to get into a long discussion on this, but obviously the purpose of the resolution is to conduct an audit of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Certainly I don't think any of us are against audits. I just want to put on the record, though, that just a couple weeks ago, we got a copy of a 50-page audit that was state mandated by an independent auditor for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. So in my opinion, at least we need to consider that audit, that document before we start asking for another audit. So I think at this point, this resolution should be rejected. Respectfully, I ask that it be rejected and let us at least all be able to deal with the audit that's in front of us, Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING again, a state-mandated independent audit. Some of the other issues that were brought up are certainly serious issues, but we're talking about an audit here and we have just been, within the last week or two, been delivered an audit. So I would ask at this point that the resolution be rejected. Thank you, Mr. President.
Hold on. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me just state for the record that I respect and have a deep level of admiration for my colleague and believe that several of the issues that he has raised regarding the need for Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING an audit and/or overview and oversight is extremely important, but let me just repeat something that I heard a woman we've all been listening to quite frequently say not long ago, and that was she said that, I am a progressive, but a progressive who likes to get things done. And with that being said, let me say that one of the things that I would have liked to have seen happen as a result of the audit we just received was an intergovernmental cooperative work group, Mr. President, established that would have included representatives from our School District, along with our SRC, along with the office of our executive, our Mayor, and this City Council via our technical staff to actually review the independent audit that had been conducted and report those findings to this body so that we could have determined based on data, based on a data-driven, research-based approach that we needed to have further research conducted into the Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING findings of the audit that were presented to us. And, Mr. President, why is this important for me to say this today? It is incumbent upon me, particularly being one who just spent ten years in Harrisburg, and I know what it is like when you are not -- you don't have the luxury of simply being an advocate -and, believe me, the advocacy drives the legislative process from the outside in, but when you're responsible for actually getting some things done on the inside, it would have given great levity for us to be able to say we've done our homework, that there was a process. And I know a lot of time, research, and energy has gone into this, but the layer that I just described -- and I'm going to keep on echoing intergovernmental cooperation planning, because I know what it's like when everyone at the table and we all agree with the findings. Not one branch, not one office, not one elected Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING official, but every branch of government and/or office that is responsible particularly for funding for the School District of Philadelphia, that they be a part of this process. And I just needed to state that for the record with transparency regarding our vote not support for this measure in mind. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to echo some of the comments made by Councilwoman Parker in this issue. The other thing I would like to raise is that considering I have not personally had a chance to review the audit information that this body has received, I would like to see that information. I also don't like to be spending additional money until we've Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING actually seen the information presented to us. But also this body is a legislative body where we have hearings, and deferring a review of the Parking Authority to a separate entity at this point without having all the information I don't think is prudent at this time. I would like to see this body take the time to be able to investigate some of the issues and concerns. And with a child in the School District, I'm also concerned about the amount of money that's going to the School District from the Parking Authority as well as some of the other concerns going on with the Parking Authority, but before we as a body defer to a separate entity, I think we should take an opportunity to review the information that was presented and also have a conversation within this body regarding this issue.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. Thank you very much to my colleagues and especially Councilwoman Parker and Councilman Green for pointing out some -- and others who have echoed some real need for accountability and standards at a troubled agency. You know, I think that one of the things that I'm definitely committed to is working with my colleagues to figure out a good solution to how we approach this. And more than ever, I think what should be made clear is that there has been a number of financial audits. The Parking Authority has one done every year. This one that was just delivered is not much different from others that we've received before, and it is fundamentally different from what the resolution requests, which is a performance and management audit. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Members from the Taxi Workers Alliance have noted that the taxi and limousine service, for example, has doubled in terms of numbers. Those types of things won't immediately be evident from a financial audit. Those would be more clearly determined under a performance audit. I know that my colleagues share a tremendous amount of concern about the news that has been revealed in the papers. I know that we're dedicated to figuring out issues of transparency and holding them accountable when they need to be called for, but I do think that this is an entity that has relentlessly pulled its weight in Harrisburg to lobby against more money for school kids around the Uber/Lyft money. It has systemically underfunded schools for the last four years and refused and in fact dissembled somewhat before City Council in appealing for a rate hike just a few years ago, not ten years or five years ago, and that Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING troubling issues around potential taxpayer money being given for settlement to silence or quiet victims is something that I know that we're all going to pay close attention to. I'm going to stand with my Council colleague on this, but if it doesn't move forward, I'm hoping that we can work with our other colleagues to figure out another solution.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I'm not sure where this weighs in, but I was just going to give you my business observation, because I have a few parking garages, of what I've seen from the PPA. We own four garages. I'm not sure this comes out in an audit, but I know the PPA was going to meet with me to discuss this. But I've looked at the Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING numbers and it's probably $300,000 to $500,000 per year per facility of these four garages that we could save on expenses and revenue enhancement. That's just one piece, which could be $1.2 to $2 million. We also don't charge for loading zones. So one of the thoughts was we charge $3 per hour for loading zones. There's a thousand loading zones. We could generate over $10 million a year just from loading zones. So there's a lot of revenue potential, is my point, that could come out of this that -- I'm not sure it's an audit or how we handle it, but I think there's potential there. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. This resolution Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING requests that the City Controller, who is the proper authorized entity, elected official -- we cannot audit the Parking Authority. This Council body could hold a hearing. We've held hearings, and we've had various things said to us that are not true. The accounting that we've seen are very general. And so a performance audit and a management audit digs deep into what's happening at the Parking Authority. The last time a performance audit was done of the Parking Authority was 2009, and both Rob Dubow and the City Controller, Alan Butkovitz, have stated that they believe a performance and management audit is a good idea. I think in light of what is revealed and what is going to be revealed about the Parking Authority, the train has left the station. The issue right now is whether or not the public believes that the City Council is not a party to what has been going on at the Parking Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Authority. And I'm just saying public perception-wise. I'm sorry, my colleagues. Public perception-wise. Because what happens is, Vince Fenerty did not act alone. He was in a cohort. He was in an environment that encouraged him and supported him and covered him, and that is what the public wants to see. They want to see that this is looked into. They want to see how far it goes. And to my colleagues who have expressed it, the bill that I introduced withdraws the City parking functions, street operations, garages from the Parking Authority. It brings it back into the department, the Streets Department, and we will go from there. But I think it is -- unless we have legislation and unless we dig deep, because the issues about like the performance audit, they only lead to how we're going to negotiate if we negotiate with the state about how the Parking Authority is run and operated. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING And with that, we're going to take a vote and I would make a motion that we have a roll call vote.
All right. And I'm not allowed to influence votes or decisions. I just want to point out one simple fact with respect to the City Controller. The City Controller does not need the authorization of City Council to do a performance audit or any other audit on an entity that has a relationship with the City of Philadelphia.
Agreed. And I will just respond that the City Controller does not need a resolution from us to go ahead and conduct an audit. The Attorney General staff has already said they are looking into auditing the Parking Authority from the state functions, because the Parking Authority cannot be audited by one entity, not a performance audit. The Attorney General does the state portion. City Controller Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING does the City portion. I think the Attorney General can do both. It could do a complete audit. But why would the City Council not pass a resolution making the request for the City Controller so that we unify in our interests to ensure transparency and good governance of a public entity under such problematic circumstances where even the Board now is being questioned? Thank you.
All right. Like I said, I'm not trying to influence the vote, but I just want to state out the fact that Mr. Butkovitz does not need our authorization to do an audit.
I just want to give a little clarity on that. Okay. You want to make another motion? You previous -- make another Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING motion.
Okay. There's a significant level of flexibility on roll calls per the authority of the Council President. So I'm going to do this: I'm going to simply ask those individuals, since the voice vote was somewhat unclear, members who support the Resolution 160659, can you simply raise your hands? (Some Councilmembers raised hands.)
Five. That is clearly not the majority of the members present. So, therefore, the motion fails. Thank you very much. As I told the witnesses, that you will see your democracy in action. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING That you did. Thank you very much. We will move on. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 160797.
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 Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.) Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and 160797 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160813.
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 Forty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160813 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160814.
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 Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160814 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160815.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2056 East Sergeant Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 160815 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160817.
A resolution denouncing Pennsylvania House Bill No. 2258, which would allow for the National Rifle Association and other similar organizations to challenge local gun regulations and hold municipalities liable for their legal fees.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 160817 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160820.
A resolution also naming the 2200 block of McClellan Street "James C. 'Hott' Hudgins, Jr. Way" to honor the memory of James C. Hudgins, Jr., to recognize his years of service to his community, and to memorialize his lasting legacy.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 160820 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160821.
A resolution appointing Paulette Adams, Jennifer Kates, Michael Koonce, Angel Rodriguez, and Courtney Voss to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 160821 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 160824.
A resolution calling upon the United States federal government to suspend construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline and expressing solidarity with the Indigenous resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Yes, Mr. President. I'll be voting no on this. I would vote for a hearing on this. I called a friend I know Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING through the National Association of Counties up in North Dakota and I spent some time up there a couple of times. It is flatter than flat gets. There are no raised railroad crossings or places for trucks to go over roads. I was told that this has been vetted and compromised by every agency involved. It goes way beyond just what's in this resolution. I think we're just going too far with it, but I would certainly vote for a hearing on it and have people come in and explain why they got to this point. But I was told the train traffic would be, from all the oil that's coming out of the ground there and helping all the local economies and the state economy, there would be a nightmare, and that was part of what went into this. And I don't really care what the reasons are, but sometimes all politics is local and all government is local, and I'm going to vote no, but I would have voted for hearings, because we may some day have a natural gas fracking Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING issue here and I don't want to get out on a position one way or the other that may be brought up later that we feel one way about North Dakota where we don't know anything and now we got a lot of facts in front of us here and we're making other judgments. But thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I'm going to be voting yes on this, but by no means does that mean that I am in opposition to any pipeline using our natural resources that we have here, exercising our ability as a commerce port and to create a better economy for our schools and for our neighborhoods, although I respect the holy land and the indigenous tribe 1,000 percent. So for that, I will be voting yes on this resolution, but by no means Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING does this mean I am at all any way opposed to natural resources and using some of these ways to transfer some of our natural resources to build up an economy for us to become the energy hub here in the City of Philadelphia. So thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. There being no additional speeches, a motion by Councilwoman Gym.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, please. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. 160824 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 160828. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution calling on Congress to reinstate abortion service coverage for women enrolled in public insurance programs by enacting the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act, and further calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide abortion coverage in public insurance programs in Pennsylvania and to lift the ban on such coverage in private insurance plans sold through the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution because it's time to end Hyde. (Applause.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
Let the record reflect there are two nays, Councilman O'Neill and Councilman Oh. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, 160832.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reject House Bill No. 1885's proposal to withhold all state funding from Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Let the record reflect there's one nay, Councilman O'Neill. 160832 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 160708-AAA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area," by providing for additional Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman O'Neill. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are one. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 160516.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Henry Avenue, Kalter Street, School House Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, and Lincoln Drive, and certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Henry Avenue, Warden Drive, Calumet Street, Merrick Street, Gypsy Lane, and School House Lane.
This bill has been heard on two separate days. The question is -- Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, I'll be abstaining on this bill. The law firm with which I am employed is representing a party, has represented a party on this matter, and I've had no discussions either with the sponsor, any law firm, any discussions, any deliberations, and this is the first public time I've had the opportunity to put that on the record. Thank you.
Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Councilman. Let the record reflect that Councilman O'Neill will be abstaining on this particular bill. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING passes. Mr. Decker, 160365.
An ordinance amending Subcodes "A" and "PM" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by establishing a separate offense for certain chronic, non-compliant violators of the Property Maintenance Code.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 160365. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of this amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 160365 has been amended. It will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.
A resolution reaffirming the Zero Tolerance Approach against Sexual Harassment in the Work Place in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to speak on this, if I may.
First, I want to say thank you to all of my Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING colleagues who co-sponsored this resolution and a very special thank you to my colleagues for being available this weekend, for also being responsive as we paid close attention to the events this week. There is an educational psychology principle that says when it comes to teaching children content or subject matter, they have to hear material five to seven times before it is fully absorbed. I would argue that this also applies to some adults. And so in that spirit, I want to first ask my colleagues to reference the purple and white graphic, which visually speaks to the still insidious and prevalent issue of sexual harassment. And we need to be reminded that sexual harassment occurs in all industries, professions, and companies and, therefore, no space is exempt. As we speak up and speak out on this issue this morning, this injustice, Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING I also believe we have to be circumspect and we have to be cautious, as there are victims who want to remain nameless. I've spoken with the Mayor's Commission for Women, a number of my colleagues, and heads of women organizations this week, and while I have spoken with multiple sides and stakeholders about this issue, I have not spoken to all sides of this issue. Nonetheless, City Council has responsibility to use our collective voice and have our say on issues that troubles us, issues that sicken us, and on issues that we find reprehensible. In spite of the work that my office and others have done on behalf of women, children, and families, and my office specifically, the women on boards bill, the Mayor's Commission for Women, the Yes Means Yes legislation, we're still reminded that we have a lot of work to do on behalf of women and girls. Laura Bates of the Sexism Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Project says it best. This issue is not just about women. It is not a women's issue. It is a matter of human rights. To describe sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual violence as a women's issue sidelines and reduces women. Further, it neglects male victims and let perpetrators get off the hook. The good news in doing our homework this week is that our city government has policies that have been in place and were more recently updated in 1998, allowing and providing City employees a clear path and course of action during times when they have been sexually harassed. The bad news is that some of our state agencies and quasi public entities still have serious work to do. Leaders and heads of those Boards of Directors have to take serious attention and look to make sure that they encourage a culture that normalizes "see something, say something." Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING While we are encouraged by the action of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, we will formally request a copy of a report that shows evidence that they have taken a closer look to sharpen, refine, and redefine their policies on sexual harassment. We have a vital role to play in helping to combat normalized sexism, and we have a role to speak up for those who fall in this ugly space, but it's clear given what we know this week that the Parking Authority Board should feel compelled to do more when it comes to their sexual harassment policy. I want to thank my colleagues again for working collectively to register our voice in a way that's respectful and in a way that sensitizes us to the victims that have been caught up in this mess. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you. I feel compelled to join and thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for taking the leadership on this issue, not only because of the PPA issue but there have been several other publicly funded institutions that have recently come to light where there has been cases of sexual harassment where Board of Directors and others have tried to put this under the rug. Having spoken to many women who have experienced this, some women who are currently in those situations who are in the process of EOC claims, it is very, very difficult for women to come forward in environments where men think that there will be no recourse and no justice and that there is retaliation, open retaliation. We've seen dozens of women get laid off, their jobs eliminated for speaking up, and many of those women have not come forward. And that's why I think Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING it's important that we send a message that particularly if you are a public funded agency and you're a volunteer on a Board of Directors, you have a responsibility -- some of us would say an obligation -- to have a zero tolerance on this issue, and it really disheartens me about the unwillingness of a public agency and public-funded agencies to ensure that there is a work environment for men and women that is safe. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman, can you make another motion.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution declaring the week of October 2, 2016 as Manufacturing Week in Philadelphia in recognition of the importance of the sector to the City, introduced by -
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting September 29, 2016 9/29/16 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.