COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 12, 2015 11:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN ED NEILSON 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, CHIEF CLERK
Thank you. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
We're going to start now. We have a quorum. I'd ask all guests and visitors to retire behind the rail. The members have taken their seats, and we will begin. Sorry for the tardiness. We had some matters that we had to take on. And sorry for the heat. We didn't anticipate these summery days so soon. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Robert Lucas of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Brian O'Neill. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Mighty God, we give you thanks for the wonderful weather we have been experiencing in our fair you watch over and protect our residents as they enjoy this weather and emerge from their homes after a long winter. May they be considerate of each other and remain safe in their activities. And as this Council gathers here assembled to conduct the business of City government, we ask that they be guided by the principles of establishing the common good of the people they represent. May they work to ensure the health, prosperity, and well-being of the residents of our city. And may you, oh Lord, in your great mercy and love, graciously bestow your abundant blessing upon our nation, our Commonwealth and our City. May God bless the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our beloved City of Philadelphia.
Thank you so much, Father. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. Before we proceed with the Council session, I would like to ask for a moment of silence for our fallen hero, Officer Wilson, and his family. If we can just have a moment of silence, please. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you so much. Before we move ahead, I'd just ask one favor of anyone who may have a cell phone or any other electronic device that makes any noise, if you can just turn it off or turn it on silent. Thank you so much for your cooperation. At this time, we will have the approval of the Journal, and the Chair requests that Councilman Greenlee give us an approval of the Journal of Thursday, March 5th, 2015.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 5th, 2015 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of Thursday, March 5th, 2015 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. Thank you very much. That sounds like that was one of those devices that I just asked someone to turn off. Thank you. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and 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, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh for request of leave of absence.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you so much. The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We really appreciate you coming down. We hope that your stay here is a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much for your participation. At this time, the Chair Henon, who will present a resolution honoring the Commodore John Barry Club, more commonly known as Philadelphia's Irish Center. Would Sean McMenamin and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman O'Brien, and Councilman Neilson. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Until everybody gets up here, good morning to everybody here today. A little point of personal privilege, if I may, Council President, before we start the resolution. I want to wish everybody a happy St. Patrick's Day, and as a reminder, because we have a lot of good, hardworking people who live by the Irish culture and principles every day of their lives, they transcend many different boards and they are joining us here behind me, who also is a part of the Commodore Barry Club, is the St. Patrick's Day Observance Committee. We have our President, Chris Phillips, and our Vice President, Mary Frances Fogg, AKA Frassee, as we all know as Vice President. We just wanted to remind everybody that the St. Patrick's Day Parade is this Sunday, March 15th. It kicks off at 16th and JFK at 12:30. It airs on CW57. It airs 1:00 to 4:00, and it is the oldest, oldest -- second oldest parade, 245th Anniversary, and this year is very special. We have a Grand Marshal that has been voted on with an incredible theme of the World Meeting of Families and the first woman Grand Marshal of the parade history, Kathy McGee Burns. So it's a pleasure and an honor to be a part of that parade this year. And special thanks to a lot of partners, which I will speak about in the today honors the Commodore Barry Club. I'd also like to mention Councilman Jones, who happens to be a proud graduate of the Commodore Barry Elementary School, so I want to recognize that publicly. But the resolution is a celebration of a larger influence of the Irish culture and how both Philadelphia and this body share similar cultural values, values like loyalty, courage, justice, and again loyalty. This City Council has time and time again stood together in a cohesive unit on behalf of the constituents that sent us here. For that, I want to thank each and every one of you and all my colleagues in this Chamber. So in honor of the Commodore Barry Club: Whereas, in 1958, the Commodore Barry Club, more commonly known as Philadelphia's Irish Center, was founded by the Irish Community. They purchased a as the "Ross House" in West Mount Airy, at Carpenter and Emlen Streets, that housed several bars, restaurant facilities, meeting rooms and auditoriums;
And whereas, when the Irish Center opened, it had a non-political mission which was to provide a common Irish social facility where county societies could hold large fundraising balls, meetings, concerts and other events; and Whereas, the Commodore John Barry Club quickly grew with a regular bar patronage -- surprising -- a calendar of meetings and a steady yearly cycle of Irish society balls and dances. Since its inception, the Irish Center has allowed a growing number of Irish-born and Irish Americans to mingle together on a regular basis in a warm, inviting place; and
Whereas, during the Bicentennial years, Billy Brennan, member of the Commodore Barry Club and of the Heritage Council of the Federation of Irish American Societies of the Delaware Valley, spearheaded the founding of the Irish Center's Library. The library has grown to house a large collection of historic books, rare photographs, society charters, and memorabilia which celebrate Ireland's history and its rich cultural heritage; and
And whereas, for 57 years, the Irish Center has promoted Irish culture attracting an enlivened Irish American community seeking out their Irish roots. It has fostered the growth of Philadelphia Ceili Group -- right? MR. McMENAMIN: Ceili.
Ceili Group. See, my Irish isn't that good. The Ceili Group -
That hurt. Okay. They pulled out the Scotchman on me. I wore my green tie for you, Bobby. Which has promoted traditional Ceili Group -MR. McMENAMIN: Ceili.
Say it right, will you? MR. McMENAMIN: It's called the Ceili.
See, Bobby gave me the good one. And set dancing for generations of Philadelphians; and Whereas, currently, the Irish Center's Board, championed by President Vincent Gallagher and long-time member Sean McMenamin, has spearheaded a highly successful fundraising effort to keep the Irish Center functioning well into the new millennium; now, therefore
Resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the Commodore -- the John Barry Club, more commonly known as the Irish Center. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sean McMenamin, further evidencing the respect and admiration of this legislative body. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. McMenamin for remarks. MR. McMENAMIN: I don't sing, and I might dance. On behalf of Vince Gallagher and our Board of Directors, I'd like to thank Councilman Clarke, also Councilman Henon, and our representative, Councilwoman Cindy Bass. She's our Councilwoman at Mount Airy. Again, just real quick, the Commodore Barry Club, which we have now evolved into more of a community, and I believe one of the evolutions has been not just the Irish Center, but we are part of a greater community of Philadelphia with many different cultural events that go on there during the year. So I think that's our future. I have been involved since 1966. It was originally formed in 1958. You are all welcome to stop by there, and I know that we have quite a few people that have been there. It's in a great revived area of the City called the West Mount Airy, and you can see the revival that's been going on in that area thanks to the Council. We just -- I'm not going to get into our problems that we've had, but we are always, let's say, cash flow, and I think that can refer to us all around here. We've had a rough year, but our people have responded, the tax implications, and, again, we are working through that to get ourselves the proper classification so that we can meet some status. Again, thanks, City Council and our President, Councilman Henon, and Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Again, you're always welcome at 6815 Emlen Street, and it's not just St. Patrick's Day. We're there 365 days a year. And if you -- as I said, we cover a lot of our cultural areas there now where we've expanded, and it's called the Ceili, which means it's Irish dancing and music. So you're all invited, and thanks again. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution declaring March 25, 2015 as National Social Work Month. Would DHS Commissioner Vanessa Garrett her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Bass, we have Councilman Neilson and Councilman Jones. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
So March is National Social Work Month and we wanted to get together this morning and just recognize the people who really make a difference and who step in when there's crisis. And being a social worker is a very, very challenging job, and I would say that at this point it's probably more challenging than at any other time particularly in our city's history, and I wanted to say thank you so much for all of the work that you all do, because you step in at a time when people are in need need of healing. And so it's very appropriate that we offer this resolution this morning recognizing March 2015 as National Social Work Month and recognizing the dedication and commitment of social workers in Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Community Umbrella Agencies. And so the resolution reads: Whereas, social workers help people in every stage of life function better in their environments, improve their relationships with others and solve personal and family problems; and
And whereas, social workers in Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Community Umbrella Agencies create support circles for the youth and their families to enhance their well-being and meeting the needs of the vulnerable children. Together they work to devise plans for the reunification and permanent housing; and Whereas, one in three families in Philadelphia is involved with the child welfare system at some point in their child's life; and
Whereas, social workers support diverse families in every community, understanding that individuals and communities can come together to improve outcomes for all children and families; Whereas, Philadelphia social workers and families work together using the Improved Outcomes for Children Program to build comprehensive plans that families can follow to reduce the number of children in the system and bring families together while still ensuring children's safety; now, therefore, be it
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it declares March 2015 as National Social Worker Month and in particular commitment of social workers in Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Community Umbrella Agencies. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Department of Human Services and Commissioner Vanessa Garrett Harley as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Commissioner Harley for remarks. COMMISSIONER HARLEY: Good morning. I just want to say thank you on behalf of those very hardworking and dedicated staff at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services as well as our ten Community Umbrella Agencies. I'm going to ask if any of the social work staff is here from either DHS or any of the CUAs if you would stand. Now, the majority of our staff are out in the field servicing kids and families, but I see a few in the back that I just wanted to recognize. (Applause.) COMMISSIONER HARLEY: I'd like to say a special thank you to Councilwoman Bass, who has proven to be a great friend to the Department and really someone who cares about kids, as well as Councilman Jones and Councilman Neilson. We definitely need all the help that we can get. We certainly believe in that old adage, it takes a village to raise a child, and also to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds I see in the audience, who has helped us a lot, as well as Councilwoman Sanchez. And so we want to thank all of you. And Councilwoman Tasco who heads up our Health and Human Services Committee, and really all of City Council has been very helpful to us. We appreciate that and we thank you. And, Councilman Clarke, thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh, who will present a resolution recognizing the 2014 winners of Philly LIVE Center Stage. Would Recreation Commissioner Slawson, Sue Slawson, and those accompanying her join the Councilman at the podium. I also see Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Oh, and Councilman Squilla, also Councilwoman Bass and Councilwoman Sanchez. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
-- Chief Cultural Officer Helen Haynes and all the guests of PHL LIVE Center Stage would you come up and join us, but would the winners please stand in the front.
I'd ask the winners to stand in front of us and all the judges and hosts to join us on stage. And while they're approaching, I'd like to just let you know a couple of numbers. The 2013 numbers for Nashville, population of 609,000 and we're a city of 1.5 million. The economic impact, annual economic impact, of music in Nashville is $10 billion. The labor income that is produced annually in Nashville is $3.2 billion, and the number of jobs that music produces in Nashville is 56,000 jobs above the national average on the income side. And so let me just say that joined with some really outstanding people, and today is no exception. The only addition is, outstanding people are not always celebrated, and so we have some celebrities with us. And let me say that in addition to Commissioner Susan Slawson, our Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recs who runs the Dell Music Center, and Helen Haynes, our Chief Cultural Officer, we have two-time Grammy Award winner and 18-time Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, hit-maker with 80 million records sold, Carvin Haggins. We have Brent Porche from WMMR; Shelly Easton, Program Director of the Year with WXTU; Bex from Wired 96.5; Bennett from Wired 96.5; Joe Vettese from WXPN and The Key, 88.5; Lovett Hines from the Philadelphia Clef Club; Erik Sabo, Project Manager at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. And we are joined by four of Philadelphia's star musicians - Chill Moody, GoGoMorrow, Carol Riddick, and in front of us are the winners of the 2014 PHL LIVE Center Stage, and we're going to recognize them in our resolution, and I'd ask the winners just to give a shout-out when your name is called. And so let me say this is a resolution recognizing and honoring the 2014 winners of PHL LIVE Center Stage.
I want to thank Councilman Oh, who became a producer as well as a Councilman for this wonderful, wonderful event. Whereas, Philly LIVE Center Stage is a music initiative established by Councilman David Oh as Chairman of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative and Innovative Economy; and Whereas, Philly LIVE Center Stage provides local musicians with an exciting opportunity to be discovered, to be promoted and to achieve success here in Philadelphia;
Whereas, performances and Award Show is structured across 10 different genres of music, bringing diverse musicians together. The 10 different genres include Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Classical, Gospel, Country/Folk, World, Pop, R&B and DJ. In addition, a "People's Choice" Award is selected in the 11th category; and
And whereas, the finalists perform live in prominent local venues such as World Cafe Live, Milkboy, Relish, Underground Arts, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Silk City, Time and Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church; and Whereas, the final winners for each genre are decided at an ultimate performance at the Award Show by judges who are considered experts in the industry in December at the Trocadero; and
Whereas, the "People's Choice" Award is voted by Award Show; and Whereas, the winning artists from each genre receive top prizes such as "sharing" the stage of the Dell Music Center with a world-class performer, $1,000 cash, studio recording time, music videos, documentaries and opening at major concerts; and Whereas, the 2014 winner of the Rock category is Kid Felix; (Yay.)
Whereas, the 2014 winner of the Hip-Hop category is Aime; (Yay.)
Whereas, the 2014 winner of the Jazz category is the Vibe Plus Five; (Yay.)
And whereas, the 2014 winner of the Classical category is Abigail Hong; (Yay.)
And whereas, 2014 winner of the Gospel category is Donielle Rodwell; (Yay.)
And whereas, the 2014 winner of the Country/Folk category is the Alfred James Band; and (Yay.)
And whereas, the 2014 winner of the World category is The Underwater Sounds; (Yay.)
And whereas, the 2014 winner of the Pop category is Emma Cullen; (Yay.)
And whereas, the 2014 winner of the R&B category is Aaron Parnell Brown; and (Yay.)
Whereas, the 2014 winner of the DJ category is DJ Ricochet; (Yay.)
And the 2014 "People's Choice" category is The Voices of Fellowship; (Yay.)
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors the 2014 winners of PHL LIVE Center Stage. And we are presenting the resolutions to Deputy Commissioner Susan Slawson, who on her own offered up the stage of the Dell to the winners, and to Helen Haynes, our Chief Cultural Officer, who on her own came up with half the prize money. And let me say -- thank you. They deserve applause. (Applause.)
And I see David Ivory, Grammy-nominated producer, standing right back there as well. So thank you for being here. And I'll ask Susan Slawson and Helen Haynes to come up.
The Chair recognizes Commissioner Slawson. SLAWSON: Good morning. I am really excited to see all these winners, but I'm even more excited that you're going to be on the stage at the Dell Music Center. It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful time. But I want to just acknowledge Councilman Oh for coming up with this idea, because we have so much wonderful local talent here in Philadelphia and this is an opportunity for us to open up our doors to show Philadelphians and the tri-state what we can produce right here in Philadelphia. So I'm excited about that. But I also want to acknowledge the Councilmembers, this Administration, because in 2008 when there was not enough funds, I went to a few Councilmembers and I asked for additional funds. And I asked for a lot of money.
Yes, you did. COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I to say that. He was the first one that I went to, and he said yes. Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Jones, and former Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, I went to all of them because we were short on funds, because this wouldn't happen and we wouldn't be able to stand here today and say that you'll be performing on this stage without these Councilmembers. And so I want to say thank you to you for believing that we could raise up again and that Dell Music Center could be the force that it is right in North Philadelphia. So thank you so much, Councilmembers. And, Councilman Oh, what a wonderful job you've done bringing together all of these musicians so we can enjoy them right at the Dell Music Center. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
I just want to say Councilman Oh brought up the Nashville, because Nashville brands itself as Music City, but there's no more of a music city than Philadelphia. It has a great music tradition that goes back -- that goes way back and in many genres. And so we have some of -- raised some of the greatest artists in the country right here in Philadelphia, and we still do. So when Councilman Oh approached us about this idea for PHL LIVE, we were happy to support it as a part of the mission of the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, to support local musicians as well as local venues that feature these artists and keep that whole area going in music. Also, we stand ready to support cultural organizations within the community that act as platforms for these performances. And we're doing programs and performances in public places. We're going to be supporting 16 different locations around the City that support all about the local artist. So we're very happy to be a part of that. We stand ready to work with any Councilmember who has such a wonderful idea to continue to support their organizations in their community as well as their artists. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. Well, after this presentation.
Good morning. Good morning. So just to talk about the PHL LIVE event and how it all came about was surprising to me just to get an inbox on Facebook requesting me to come to City Hall, which was kind of nervous for me. But I came down. I talked to Councilman Oh, and he explained what he was trying to do, and immediately I was on board. I was on board because most of the producers and writers that are right now industry are from Philadelphia. And you spoke of the legacy and what Philadelphia stands for. This is a music mecca. This is a sole music mecca, from Bon Jovi to Chubby Checker to Patti LaBelle to Gamble and Huff to right now this day we have Will Smith and the up-and-coming Chill Moody and GoGoMorrow. And what Philadelphia stands for is creating and bringing great music to the world. This music is loved worldwide, but the great part about it is that the income it can accumulate, the income it could make for the City for tax revenue. So we look at this business right now and there was a court proceeding recently where 7.3 million was awarded to Marvin Gaye's family. That's great to know, but there were actually $28 million made for that actual record. Now, imagine if that artist or those writers lived in this city. Then that taxable income would be coming to this city. writers, up-and-coming producers, up-and-coming artists that can have taxable income that could help this city thrive and cover the bases that need to be covered. So I thank Councilman Oh for even supporting and being a part of what's going on. And I'm Carvin Haggins, songwriter/producer. He told me to mention myself. But just understanding that what this can bring to the City and recognizing that we can help our city grow by recognizing the music industry of this city, and I thank you, Councilman Oh, for that. (Applause.)
In addition, we have joining us today, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Overbrook Elementary Student Council. Joining us are teacher Ms. DeMarco and guidance counselor Jeanine Wells. Could members of the Overbrook Elementary Council stand, and we welcome them. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 10, 2015, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at 26, 2015.
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional communications?
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, President Clarke. I have to leave to attend to some Council business. I have no bills or resolutions to introduce today, and I vote aye on all bills and resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge some of the students from Maritime Charter School that's in my district. They made the trek here to City Hall to see our government in work and democracy in action, as Majority Leader had just stated. We are joined by the Student Government Association Advisor Ms. Weiss. I had a chance to speak with all the students today, and they are very, very promising, smart, and some day you never know, they may want to be up here in one of these seats if they choose to do so. So I want to welcome them today and ask them to please stand so we can recognize them, and thank you for joining us. (Applause.)
Welcome. Thank you, Councilman. Thank you all so much for coming down today. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two resolutions.
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-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling for the Acting Insurance Commissioner of Pennsylvania to find as a matter of fact and law that every Pennsylvania motorist who has health insurance has met the legal requirement of having included in his or her auto coverage a medical benefit of $5,000 and should not be forced to pay for the same coverage a second time.
And that resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar also. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduce one bill, which is co-introduced by Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance amending Sections 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Discounts and Additions to Tax," and 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," by further tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal and further limiting tax payments due based on certain assessments under appeal.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
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 Forty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding expanding the number of high-quality afterschool offerings in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution calling upon the international community to conduct an independent investigation into the disappearance, and alleged killing, of forty-three students in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico and to use such an investigation to hold those responsible, in accordance with international standards of justice, for their crimes.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Neilson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating Drexel University Senior Christopher Gray for serving as an exemplary role model of entrepreneurship, and on the business success of his software application Scholly, designed to improve access to scholarship support for aspiring college students in Philadelphia and beyond.
That will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 2015 as Autism Awareness Month in honor of individuals living with Autism, their families and those working to improve the quality of life for the entire Autism community.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," to clarify the obligations of certain places of business that sell food to provide waste and recycling bins for use by their patrons.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subcode PM of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Section PM-308, entitled "Rubbish and Garbage," to add requirements for provision of separate containers for recycling materials.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Celebrating the Academy of Vocal Arts on the occasion of its 80th Anniversary.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia's Women of Moxie: Mo'ne Davis, Tina Sloan Green, Patricia Georgio-Fox, Clarena Tolson, Katherine Gajewski, Judith Von Seldeneck, Irene Hannan, Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, Nora Lichtash, Vanessa Fields, Kathy Black, Evelyn Marcha-Hidalgo, Cynthia Figueroa, Dorothy Sumners Rush, and Sophie Bryan for their gumption, leadership, and excellence in the areas of athletics, government, business, non-profits, and education in observance of Women's History Month.
This week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. Could I defer to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown who has something to say about the previous resolution.
Friendly observation, Mr. President, and I apologize to the Chief Clerk. The one name that was added -- not added, but inadvertently omitted is Yvonne Roberts. I just want that to be on the record. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions, one sponsored by all members of Council and the other sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell, Tasco, Sanchez, Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Councilwoman Bass.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Donna Allie, president and founder of Team Clean Inc., Philadelphia's largest minority and women-owned janitorial business, for her entrepreneurial skills, integrity and compassion for providing employment opportunities to underserved populations as we further recognize March as Women's History Month.
And a privileged resolution honoring and commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Branch of Alcoholics Anonymous for their commitment to recovery and ineffable service to the community by aiding in the recovery of thousands of Philadelphians since the inception of the branch in 1940.
And that also will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Mason Wartman, owner of Rosa's Fresh Pizza, for his entrepreneurship and generosity to Philadelphia's homeless population.
And that resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. And that concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will now have reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 150122, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, 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," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150122. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading this day of Bill No. 150122. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes report from the Committee of License and Inspection.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on License and Inspection reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 150079, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter providing for the licensing and regulation of donation bins, establishing penalties, and making conforming amendments and technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 150079. (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. 150079. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill will be 2ND READING placed on our First Reading Calendar today. And at this time, we will have the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. Those bills will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 150129-A, 150173, 150176, 140895, 150006, 150055, 150074, 150089, 1500 -- no, excuse me, correction; 150121, and 150123. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have not already signed up to testify on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, I'd ask that you sign up at the table to my left. When your name is called, you will come to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device. When the light turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify on a bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please call the names of the first individuals that will be testifying on this resolution.
Individuals commenting on Resolution No. 150129-A: Tracey Carluccio, Tamara Clements, Ann Dixon, Lynne Iser, Michael Roles, Carol Ward, Janet Post, Rodney Platt, Peter Winslow.
Good morning. Thank you -- excuse me. Thank you, Councilman Johnson, for your leadership in introducing this resolution. com) and flammable Bakken crude through the City, right up against our neighborhoods and schools and hospitals, businesses, parks, historic landmarks, transportation corridors, along both our rivers, over old bridges and over our water supplies. Even City Hall could be affected if a train derailed and exploded on City tracks. Fortunately, Philadelphia escaped disaster when two train car derailments that occurred here in January 2014 and 2015 did not end in catastrophe, but it is only a matter of time unless something is done. The first step is to remove the currently used tank cars, a main objective of this resolution. com) exploded in the most recent train derailments in West Virginia and Mississippi. These cars puncture easily due to the thin single walls of the tanks. S. DOT puncture at 18 miles per hour, which is why the resolution's insistence that the federal government require tank cars designed to the highest safety standards is absolutely key. In fact, tank cars in use today, none of them are designed to safely transport this oil, and this resolution rightly calls on the federal government to prohibit their use now. S. DOT themselves predict an average of ten derailments of trains hauling crude oil or ethanol per year over the next two decades, costing hundreds of lives and more than $4 billion in damages to our nation. com) a fiery derailment were to happen in the City, hundreds of thousands of people would be in the blast zone and people simply wouldn't be able to get away. This is the nightmare that's keeping people awake at night. This is why we are asking you, we are asking City Council to pass this resolution. Stand up for people's safety, save lives, and support the public health and avoid untold millions in damages that would occur should the City and our water supplies be harmed. The resolution's directive to Philadelphia OEM will directly help Philadelphians get the vital information and understanding they need so they can get some sleep at night. The public has a right to know the basic information about train traffic and what is in those mile-long trains that course through past their homes to Philadelphia Energy Solutions two to three times a day. com) where people can learn this information. S. They operate the highest crude-by-rail yard in the nation, and they are the largest oil refinery complex in the eastern seaboard, and they are expanding their production. This means more oil train traffic. That makes this resolution absolutely urgent. They continue to use these substandard cars, as does their carrier, CSX. And presently those companies that are benefiting from this enormous and rapid increase in oil trains here in Philly have no limits placed on them at all. But the truth is, they don't --
-- consult the public. You have to, and thank you for doing that. We greatly appreciate your support for this resolution.
Before you sit down, please state your name for the record.
Tracey Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. My name is Tamara Clements and I work with the Philadelphia Fossil Fuel Transportation Group. Council, first of all, thank you for introducing this resolution. I am actually reading a letter for Dr. Ryan McCormick. Dear Council, I am a Bella Vista resident, family doctor, and father who's very concerned about what has been going on in Philadelphia in regards to the fossil fuel industry. I'm speaking for other healthcare workers, neighbors, and concerned Philadelphians. There have been several oil train derailments in the country already this year, the most devastating in West Virginia this month, ruining the water supply. Furthermore, there have been several black smoke fires at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery, which released toxins, causing short-term cardiovascular and respiratory problems, which include the risk of asthma and heart attacks as well as long-term increased risks of cancer. We are also furious that some members of the Philadelphia political leadership have been entertaining the idea of allowing us to become a fossil fuel energy hub. This is morally, environmentally, and socially irresponsible and will literally derail the ongoing rebirth of our great city. Philadelphia is already a polluted mess, and to increase this would cause droves of families to leave the area, creating a brain drain and disproportionate exodus of those with financial resources who would otherwise have a lot to offer the City. Those without the resources to pick up and leave will predictably suffer ill consequences. On a larger scale, I fear for the continued undermining of the progress Philadelphia has made in terms of leading the country redefining itself as a green city. To go back on this promise and make Philadelphia a fossil fuel energy hub is to continue to allow PES to pollute our environment, waterways, and air, and it betrays the promise made to all Philadelphia. Frankly, we should stand up for ourselves and work to close this refinery, which should never have been allowed to exist. My family and families like mine will certainly leave this region if it keeps going down these polluting paths. As an idealistic family physician who trained at Jefferson, I have become increasingly alarmed by young patients of mine with new diagnosis of cancer. Of course, cancer is multifactorial, but we should do all we can to reduce the chance of another 18-year-old about to go off to Brown University finding a tennis ball sized lymphoma in his neck or an 18-year-old inner City black male who survived his violent neighborhood, only to be told he has metastatic lung cancer. I could go on, but I digress. Please contact me if there's anything I can do to help you. Dr. Ryan McCormick, M.D. from South Warnock Street.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. Ann Dixon, Protecting Our Waters. Thank you, Councilman Johnson, for proposing to let those living along the train tracks know about evacuation plans in the likely case of an oil train explosion. After all, there have been many explosions. In fact, there have been five major incidents on a recent three-week period: February 14th, a train carrying tar sands oil from Alberta exploded in Ontario. February 16th, a crude oil train derailed along the Kanawha River in West Virginia upstream of Charleston. Residents fled for their lives in the cold. A water treatment plant downstream was closed since oil spilled from the train into the river. It took four days for all the fires to be extinguished. March 16th, cars derailed and burned outside Galena, Illinois. These cars were retrofitted with protective shields to meet a higher safety standard than federal law requires. March 5th, derailments blocked Canadian National Railway's main line in Northern Ontario. March 7th, a 94-car oil train derailed about three miles outside the northern Ontario town of Gogama and destroyed a bridge. Five tank cars landed in a water, some on fire. So five incidences in three weeks. For many urgent reasons, we need to rapidly transition to renewable energy. I am deeply disturbed and opposed to City Council's Special Committee on Energy Opportunities. The proposed fossil fuel energy hub will destroy our health and ultimately our economy.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Lynne Iser and I speak to you this morning as an elder. I turned 65 yesterday. I am a citizen, I am a mother, and I'm a Philadelphian, and I'm proud of all those things. I'm a woman who is concerned about our city and the precious world in which we live, and I want to add my words to the words that you have heard previously from people that have offered you statistics and information about the dangers of these fossil fuel trains. I want to thank Councilman Johnson who introduced this resolution and to the Council for holding these hearings. In our opening prayer, we asked that this Council be guided in your deliberations so as to achieve the common good. The passage of these fossil fuel trains through our city, through many neighborhoods does not provide for the common good of the people, but represents a true threat to our health and our safety of our citizens. Over 700,000 Philadelphians live within the evacuation zone of these oil trains' passage, and you have heard about how unsafe these oil trains are and of the previous accidents that have been occurring regularly and in our city as well. It is said that we have dodged the bullet. We have been fortunate up to now. It is easy to only hear about the benefits and supposed money and jobs that will come to our city through this fossil fuel energy hub, this booming commerce, but that story is not the full story. It does not clearly represent the dangers posed by the transportation of fossil fuels and the money that goes to the many multi-national corporations that will profit by these fossil fuel trains. But our city will not, and they don't talk about the true cost. Our citizens will not benefit. We hear about the jobs that will be created, but the truth is that through green energy industry jobs create five times the number of fossil fuel jobs. We don't hear that. We are not hearing the full story. It is your moral responsibility as leaders in our city, as Councilmembers, to protect our city and provide for our well-being and our common good. It is my responsibility as a citizen to speak up. I'm grateful that you're holdings these hearings, and I urge you to pass this resolution. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Michael Roles and I'm the Program Organizer with Clean Water Action here in Philadelphia. com) one million-member national organization of diverse people and groups joined together to protect our environment, public health, economic well-being, and quality of life. Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, we represent roughly 40,000 members, and on behalf of our members, volunteers, and the dozens of concerned neighbors from whom we've heard, I want to thank Councilman Johnson and this City Council for standing up for the health and safety of our communities through this resolution, 150129-A. Clean Water Action renews its call for the Office of Emergency Management to engage communities who are most impacted by crude by rail. And as the resolution calls for, we want to see the United States Department of Transportation move aggressively to replace all tank cars that do not meet the highest safety standards and that have demonstrated a failure to transport Bakken crude safely. com) For more than a year, Clean Water Action has been examining the risks, activities, and oversight involved in crude oil being transported along our railroads and in our neighborhoods. In February, we hosted a series of listening meetings with residents who live in impacted communities, and we continue to schedule many more sessions. Here I have 400 signatures of Philadelphians who support this resolution. After learning the facts of crude by rail, the natural reaction from any is to share concern and ask a myriad of questions about how best to prepare and protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Unfortunately, the transparency is lacking, especially by the Office of Emergency Management, and people are only left to hope that a crude-by-rail emergency does not occur in their community. Indeed, the facts behind this issue shed light on some distressing truths. com) In Philadelphia, the risks run high, as the City is the country's largest receiver of crude by rail and sees more than 20 oil trains per week, potentially impacting almost every Councilor's district. Seven hundred thousand Philadelphians reside within an impact zone, and oil trains are traveling along our two major rivers, which provide the drinking water for virtually the entire City. S. DOT projected that fuel-hauling trains will derail nationally at an average of ten times per year over the next 20 years, causing more than $4 billion in damage and possibly killing hundreds of people if an accident occurs in a densely populated area. S. DOT. com) never become a reality. This means that comprehensive risk assessments, updated plans for oil train incidents, and disclosure of critical information are undertaken so that every first responder and every resident of every impacted community knows exactly how to prepare and respond should an incident occur. It also means holding all responsible parties accountable, including the federal government and the industry. The petroleum and rail shipping industries need to come forward publicly and explain their plans to protect our neighbors and ensure that accidents never occur. S. DOT must finalize the strongest safeguards possible, which should include specifications for tank cars that meet the highest safety standards, as well as stringent preventative protocols for the transportation of crude oil. com) protecting every member of our community.
Real change happens from the bottom up, and today's resolution on crude by rail sends a strong message to the public, key decision-makers, and the industry that Philadelphia City Council refuses to allow the City to become a cautionary tale. Moving forward, I look forward to working with you to ensure that our communities receive the protection that we deserve. Thank you to Councilman Johnson for leading us to this moment, and thank you to the entire City Council for your support. This is a tremendous step forward. )
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Janet Post. I live in Germantown and I'm a member of the Socialist Workers Party. I agree with the representatives of the environmental organizations here today who have pointed out the seriousness of these train derailments around the world. Unfortunately, in the case of the Quebec derailment, the railroad companies are trying to frame up the engineer who was running that train, and I support him in his fight against this frame-up. The railroad bosses are pushing to impose a one-person crew, with only an engineer on freight trains across the United States. These trains have grown longer. Some now exceed two miles, and the amount of highly volatile crude oil being transported daily has skyrocketed. The bosses press railroad workers to run longer trains and work on smaller crews with less rest. The answer is not to eliminate trains, but to demand 100 percent railroad workers union control over their working conditions, including an eight-hour day, which we won many, many years ago, double the crew size, and reduce the length of the train to 50 cars, in addition to the recommendations by the environmental groups on the durability of the cars themselves and reduce the length of these trains. Fights like the battle by the railroad workers and their union against the one-person crew are part of the broader fight for working conditions on the job. At this time, oil workers at 15 refineries in seven states are picketing 24 hours a day in the strike by the United Steel Workers Union for safety conditions at the refineries. These strikers are supported by refinery workers here in Philadelphia at Philadelphia Energy Solutions and Monroe Energy in Trainer. These workers are not our enemies. We are part of these workers who are fighting in support of the workers on strike as they stand up for safe working conditions in both refineries and on the railroads. As we struggle together to fight for safe working conditions and a safe environment for all workers, we need to remember that we start with the world, where in many countries workers have very little access to fuel, electricity, food, and other necessities of life. In my opinion, we need a labor party in the United States that can fight in the interest of working people for our ability to create energy safely, which is not just a question of science but a political question that workers and farmers can fight to solve. These are not issues that are beyond our ability to resolve, but we can and must join in solidarity with those who are now in struggle, be it in support of the oil workers on strike or railroad workers fighting for safe working conditions on the railroads. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Carol Ward, member of Food and Water Watch. Two or three times a day, as you've heard already, freight trains with cars carrying three million gallons of unrefined crude oil go through our city. This is a city that I'm very fond of. I've been here 38 and a half years working in the City and then retired more than that almost. There have been two near disasters already, one January 20th, 2014 when an oil tank car hung over the Schuylkill River for days. There is a very graphic picture that some of us have been showing you of that thing suspended over the Schuylkill Expressway it looked like, and if these type of accidents occur, we will be losing a lot of tourism, and that is very important for the City's financial future. The other incident happened January 31st, very recently, when 11 tank cars derailed in the CSX rail yard between Route 95 and Delaware River. If either of these accidents had not been resolved, we would have had an explosion, fire that could have mounted right up to the sky, and then also or an oil spill. It would have ruined the quality of our water perhaps for all time. We think that accidents in the water can be resolved easily. They can't. With the density of our population in the City, many people would have been killed in this accident and the drinking water ruined. We have only to remember the incident in Quebec where 47 people died when there was an explosion in the railroad area there. So these highly flammable chemicals contain so much material that's dangerous. Some people call these freight cars bomb cars, and I know that this is a terrible risk that we're taking. I know that you all are very intelligent people in City Council and know that these things are very risky. So I urge City Council to pass the oil train resolution, 150129, in which the best regulations will occur to keep these cars as safe as possible. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Robby Platt. I'm with many organizations, but I represent Food and Water Watch today. I agree with all my colleagues preceding on the issue of oil trains, especially traveling through the City, and I also believe that the oil that is being carried should stay in the ground, because it is foolish or foolhardy to transport it. I also believe that there is -oh, I want to thank Council for its proposed bill and urge them to pass it, but consider this only a responsible start. The issue of the car safety is only part of the problem. The infrastructure is the other. The tracks are not designed to carry the weight that these trains are transporting. They're much heavier today than they used to be, and Council should be asking Conrail to upgrade or inspect these rails going through the City to protect its people. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Peter Winslow speaking on behalf of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light. I'd like to thank Councilman Johnson in absentia and urge the Council as a whole to adopt this resolution. A year ago the Pennsylvania Chapter of Philadelphia Interfaith Power and Light, along with our colleagues at Clean Water Action and Clean Air Council and others, formally presented our position to the Council regarding the clear and present danger that we see is posed to the citizens, the property, and the environment of Philadelphia by the transport of Bakken oil by rail. Only the willfully ignorant or callous can sleep and rest easy while this condition persists. So I applaud the Council for taking this action. I realize and we realize that there is a limit to what the Council is able to do because so much of the regulation of these trains is out of the hands of the Council and is in the control of the federal government. But there is much that can be done to make the citizens of Philadelphia safer and protected from the potential danger of these trains. So thank you for this action, and I hope and we hope that you will continue on this road to make the City safe from this clear and present danger. Thank you. (Applause.)
Charles Goodwin, commenting on 140906. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Mr. President, distinguished members. My name is Charles Goodwin. I come on behalf of the Center City Residents Association, where I am a Vice President. We speak against Bill No. 140906 and 0907 as well, its companion. These are the bills concerning the so-called Urban Experiential Displays. Opposition to the proposed displays has been uniform in our organization. We are the oldest civic group in this city. Our purpose for over 60 years has been to preserve and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood. These signs neither preserve nor enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood or anyone's. These signs might have a place where people don't really live the sports complex, a casino parking lot, on top of an Essington Avenue strip club - but not in a real neighborhood where people live. Philadelphia is a beautiful city. These displays as proposed are both enormous and ugly. The comparisons to Times Square in Las Vegas are demeaning to Times Square in Las Vegas. The sign proposed for Broad Street is nothing but dime store Mardi Gras. There's nothing about a three-story tall, electric blue or mustard yellow treble clef that speaks Philadelphia or its heritage. You saw earlier today with the musicians you honored some of the great artists who are coming up in our city, and this so-called Avenue of the Arts billboard has nothing to do with that. The hand erupting through the sidewalk with the globe looks like something that should go on the cover of an Ayn Rand novel, not on the sidewalks of Philadelphia. What's it got to do with Reading Terminal? Nothing. While it's easy and fun to mock the ugliness of these displays, the important thing is to recognize the real and negative impact that they will have on the community and its well-being. These ill-thought displays will suppress economic activity in their vicinity. That's what outdoor advertising does. The City will lose - less property tax, less sales tax, less wage tax - as these signs put a drag on economic activity in their vicinity. These signs will benefit their owners at the expense of everyone else, including the City as a whole. CCRA also opposes the overlays proposed. We don't see how the City can say no to the next proposal if it says yes to these first three billboards, especially at the time when the Lit Brothers signs are being used to justify these signs, even as they're being criticized on the editorial page of the Inquirer and by the nearby residents. We are glad that one of our two Councilmembers representing our area has exercised his prerogative to exclude these signs. Thank you, President Clarke. We are disappointed that our other Councilman has not so acted. In conclusion, we strongly urge the Council to do what is right and to vote down these bills. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) 3/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. At this time, we will move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, if you can please read the title of -- I'm sorry. Councilman Johnson, did you want to speak?
Do you want to do it now? You say at the time of the vote? You want to wait? I'm just responding to your -
No. I would like to -- when we call up my bill, I wanted to speak on my bill before we actually take the vote. 3/12/15 - STATED - 2ND READING