Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 4, 2019 11:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. We're running very late. If the members will take their seats and all visitors and guests will retire behind the rail, we can get started. And if we can ask for a little quiet, please, so we can have our invocation. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Owen Gowans of Mount Moriah Temple Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come again this morning just to give you glory and Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 God, we just thank you that you allowed us to plant our feet on solid ground. God, now as we come for this session of Council, we ask that you bless the Councilmembers, God, from President Clarke on down. God, we just thank you for Council and all that they do. God, we ask your blessings upon those that are visiting today. God, we know the struggles of life. We know the challenges and the issues that we deal with, but, God, we just turn it over to you. We do bless your name and praise your name. We give you glory and thanks. Continue to watch over this city. Continue to watch over the residents. Continue to bless this nation. God, we do love you and praise you, for it's in Jesus' name we pray. And the people of God said amen. (Amen.) Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, Reverend, thank you so much. We really appreciate you being here today. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 28, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 28, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 28, 2019 stand Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests of leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here today. We hope that your stay here today is a knowledgeable one but, more importantly, a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you so much for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Lynne Carter. (Applause.)
Would Ms. Carter and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
And joining Councilwoman Blackwell, we have Councilwoman Parker, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Gym, Councilman Henon, and Councilman Green and Councilman Domb.
Mr. President, tell me what the Boxing Hall of Fame doesn't mean in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Councilwoman, it means we need a bigger stage, I'll tell you. This is great.
Yes, indeed. We are honored. We want to recognize some people. I have a little list. I don't have them all because Judge Jackie Frazier-Lyde is standing right in front of me, and we are so happy to have some of those, and you let us know so that if I don't mention you, tell Lynne. She'll make sure she mentions you. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Witherspoon; Champion Nate Miller; boxing promoter Vernoca Michaels, Blue Horizon, we all know her; boxing writer George Hanson; even from college, Elmer Smith, former Daily News editor, who has been honored here in this Council.
All right. At the end, Mr. President, we'll ask that John DiSanto and Elmer Smith make remarks, along with Lynne, if that's all right, Mr. President.
And that took a long time to narrow that down, I'm telling you. We are so honored to present this resolution recognizing and honoring Lynne Carter for her momentous induction into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 (Applause.)
You all know this reminds me of Lucien Blackwell. Just cannot help it. Whereas, in February of 2019, Lynne Carter was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, a Philadelphia native, Lynne Carter has had a career in boxing for over 35 years. She was an apprentice under Commissioner James J. Binns, Executive Secretary Francis Walker, and Chief Inspector Charles Campbell. She was trained by Smokin' Joe Frazier, the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, and Carol Polis, the first female Boxing Judge in the United States, on the basics of boxing; and
Whereas, in 1982, she became one of the first females to start judging in Philadelphia, and later became licensed in New Jersey. Her goal was to work in Atlantic City, even Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 that was a challenging task in a male dominated field; and
Whereas, during her career, Lynne has had to overcome many obstacles. Her knowledge of the sport would be questioned because of her gender. However, Lynne did not let the negativity of other people stop her ambition; and
Whereas, Lynne's reputation grew with time and she established herself as one of the elite judges of the sport. She was the first female to judge a fight in Connecticut. She was the first African American female to judge a fight in New Jersey. Additionally, she was the first African American female to judge for the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Organization and the World Boxing Union; and
And whereas, I've been waiting almost 40 years to stand here. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 whereas, Lynne has judged over 750 boxing matches across six different continents. She has judged many world title matches, including Johns Hopkins I, Judah-Rangel, Ademek-Gunn, Gamgoa-Solis, Ibragimov-Briggs, as well as many other non-title fights; and
Whereas, Lynne has received many awards and accolades for her work. In addition to being inducted into Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this year, in 2012, Lynne was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, Lynne has crossed paths with many legends in the sport. She herself has become a legend in her own right. She has paved the road for other women to enter into the boxing arena and the boxing world. She has trained, she has assisted upcoming female apprentices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and she will continue to be her best and strive for Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 more; and
And whereas, Lynne Carter, Eighth District resident, 22nd Ward committee person; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognizes and honors Lynne Carter for her momentous induction into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Lynne Carter as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration, and recognition. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Dr. Portay too. I see you. They come from here and far.
Councilwoman Blackwell, you want Ms. Carter to speak first or do you want the Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 individuals?
Okay. Mr. Smith. MR. DiSANTO: Hello, everyone. I'm John DiSanto from the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame, and we're obviously all here to celebrate Lynne. She's truly had an historic career, more than 35 years judging, as you've heard, judging important fights all over the world, and as a result, next month, May 19th, she will be officially inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. (Applause.) MR. DiSANTO: Lynne made it through the ballot process, and her name was on the ballot and she received the most votes in her category, which is the non-boxer category, and this is a very tough category, because boxing judges compete with managers, who compete with Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 and everyone that doesn't actually put on the gloves. So very competitive category and it's an honor very well deserved. Lynne has been at it for, as I said, more than 35 years and she's going strong. So she still got a long ways to go in this business. So anyway, so congratulations, Lynne.
Thank you for this opportunity to come here and say something about my friend. Lynne and I don't see each other as much as we used to when I was still in the boxing game, but if I was to characterize her friendship in any way, I would say two words - ever and always. If she was ever your friend, she was always your friend. She's always my friend, but she is somebody who -- when I left this Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 a City Council reporter and went into sports and covered boxing, I expected that I was in the business that is not necessarily distinguished by its integrity. Lynne Carter represented real integrity. I remember when she started, I remember when Smokin' Joe was working with her and Carol, Eva Shain and others who preceded her, and I just knew from the first time I met her that she had the kind of character and integrity that would stand her in good stand in a business that was the wrath of both, to be frank about it. And she's done and been everything that I assumed that she would be. She's carried herself with dignity and distinction, and she is one of the best boxing judges that I've seen across the years. (Applause.)
Those of you who know me know that I'm a feminist, and so to some extent, what we are celebrating here is a victory for feminism over the Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Lynne started, you weren't supposed to be doing this. This was not a job for a woman, especially a woman who did not grow up in that sort of rough and tumble world of boxing. But she comported herself so well. She's distinguished herself over the years, and I'm honored to have this chance to say a few words in her behalf. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Carter for remarks.
First, I'd like to say thank you to Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and all members of City Council. This is such an honor. You talk about, wow, I came here with a speech. I think I forgot it. Okay? I'm so excited. I'm so excited with so many people that have come out to support me in this boxing world - my friends, my Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 family, my neighbors from Vernon House, you know, and it's just overwhelming right now. But I just want to tell you a little bit about me and how I got started. I was young. I was in my 20's and I decided I had to look for a job. So a friend of mine, we were looking for this job, and prior to that, I had gone to the fight with four brothers, okay? And I liked it, and I picked the winner of the fight. So they said, you know, wow, you're pretty good. So I said, okay, I'm pretty good at picking these winners. So since I'm looking for a job, I went up to the State Athletic Commission right out nowhere and said, listen, I want to be a judge. And they tried to discourage me a little bit, and I said, no, I want to be a judge. And so they said, well, where are you going to train? Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 to train, because I didn't know nobody in that. Okay? And so the only place I knew was Smokin' Joe Frazier's gym that was on Broad Street. So I said, okay. We took the subway up there. We went up there to Smokin' Joe Frazier's, and I walked into the secretary and I said, excuse me, but I'd like to speak to Joe Frazier. And she said, well, who is this girl coming up in here to speak to Joe Frazier? And she says, well, what is it? I said, listen, I want to be a boxing judge and I want Joe Frazier to train me. And she probably thought I was crazy. Well, Joe wouldn't come out at first, and then he did come out. And then the funny part about it was, the secretary -- Joe asked me a question about a champion, and he said, what do you think? Do you think they'll be a good champion? Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 to say yes, and she was behind him saying, no, no, no, no. So I said, no, of course not. He said, Imma train you. He said, I don't like judges, I don't like referees, and I don't like announcers, but I'm going to train you. And you know what? And that's how it started. I went to that gym religiously for three or four days a week, and it was a very, very popular gym. Everybody was coming to Joe Frazier's then. I didn't pay no attention to none of that. I came there to learn, to find out what I had to do, because I know I was breaking into a man's world. And it's truly a man's world. And he trained me. He did everything. He trained me on the basics of boxing. He made me get in the ring and put the -- act like I'm boxing with him, and he showed me all the basics. And once I did that and got my license in New Jersey, my goal was -- no; my license in Philadelphia. My goal was New Jersey. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 in Philadelphia in three months. I was in New Jersey in September, and then it began. I was so nervous the first fight that I did. I mean, so, so nervous that it was a glass in front of me and I went to get that glass to have a drink of water. I couldn't even reach it. I could not reach that glass. I said, oh, my God. But when the bell rang, I got -you know, that was it. And then them people that came to the fight in New Jersey on the Tropicana on Tuesday night fights, they were the worst. What's that young girl know up there? What she know about boxing? I'm like, oh, my God. So that made me even nervous. I'm the only female down here. They treat me -- I got to sit downstairs and wait. I can't go up with the guys in the room.
I had to do everything separate because I was the only female and the first black female in Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 just -- it was something. Okay? But once I got started, now -- like I said, I was nervous then. Now I can walk in the room, hey, y'all. What's up? You know what I'm saying? So that meant such a difference. But I want to just say a couple of highlights that took place in my life with boxing. Boxing has been very, very good to me. Okay? It has allowed me to travel around the world to places that I would never see. You know what I'm saying? I got my favorite places I like, Japan and China and Italy and South Africa, you know. It has done this for me, and the good part is, you get paid. You know, you meet everybody, you see all these people out there, you meet some of the best people in the world, and you get paid. Okay? And another highlight was -one of my other favorite highlights is, Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 1984 I got a letter from the Philadelphia Bar Association, and they were honoring pioneers, you know, women pioneers. So I wasn't going to go to that. I was working. I wasn't going to go. I thought, well, let me go around here and get some lunch. So I didn't even invite anybody. I had two tickets. Because I'm kind of low profile. I don't really say a whole lot about what I do or whatever the case may be. Matter of fact, my family probably don't know all the stuff that took place with me. But anyway, I said, let me go around here. So I went around there, and it was all these people there from the Bar Association and the people that they were honoring. It was the first female black gynecologist, Dr. Helen Dickens. It was Mae Jemison, the first female astronaut, and it was Lynne Carter. I'm like, what? So the funny part is, all the time that I've been judging boxing, I never -- I'm low-keyed with it, so half Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 people, like I said, don't know, because I don't never talk about it, you know. I never talk about it. So I'm like nervous right now. So many -- so the other thing too was like being trained by Joe Frazier. I didn't realize that that was such a big deal, but he was such an icon, you know, and him and I got a good relationship. That's how I met Jackie and Pete and all these people in boxing. They have great people in boxing, you know. And even today, I have to say this, because we have some people that came down today from New York, Robin and Eddie and Jean Grant. They're judges and referees from New York. Okay? Bernard just texted me last night and said, Lynne, I'm not going to be able to come. I'm still in LA. Larry Hazzard was supposed to come and say a few words. He said, Lynne, we got this big fight next week I gotta get ready for, and he has to get it situated because -- Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 people was coming out, just like people today. I am so thankful for everybody that came out to support me today. Y'all have no idea how elated I am about all of this. I mean, we got a crowd up in here, don't we? )
So I won't hold you too much longer, but what I do have to say, y'all, I'm trying to say, I tried to train women and tried to say, listen, I'll teach you, because I would like to see more women. We only have nine women in the world. Okay? We have nine women in the world, and I'm thankful for being the first to be able and to do a lot of these things in all the world organizations and this and that. And now I give seminars, the whole nine yards. Who would have thought this? I never thought boxing would have brought me here. I never thought -- because my favorite sport is basketball. So I never Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 want to say thank you to everybody. Thanks for all my friends. Thanks for my family. Thanks for just everybody that came down from out of town. It is just a blessing, and I want to say thank you, Jesus. Hear me? So thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you and, again, congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Together with you, I wanted to welcome 20 students from Friends Select School. They're up in the balcony to our left here, watching our government in action. One of the fine schools in the City.
Thank you for coming down. Appreciate you being here today.
Thank you, Mr. President. For too long, Mr. President, my colleagues and I, who are loyal Philadelphia fans, have been subject to a fan among us who supports a non-Philadelphia team. Today that will change. Support our Philadelphia teams, whether it's the Phillies, the Sixers, the Eagles, the Flyers, all Philadelphia teams. So I'd like to call upon William Foster to please remove his Dallas Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 (Applause.)
And replace it with a Philadelphia sports team hat. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. And next week you will be inducted into the Cameraman's Hall of Fame. Thank you so much. Thank you, Councilman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Yes, Mr. President. At this time, I would like to ask for a standing moment of silence. Councilman David Oh's mother passed away on Friday. She was 98.
Thank you. Will you all please stand. (All Councilmembers, guests, Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 (Moment of silence.)
Our condolences, Councilman. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution recognizing Ron Wilch. Would Mr. Wilch and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Ladies and gentlemen, Ron Wilch, a proud resident of the Eighth Councilmanic District, once said that the suit won't make the man, but the suit will make the interview. He said, dress for the job you want, not the job you have, and taught a lot of people in this room that want to claim it how to build a wardrobe. And for a lot of people who came from inner cities where that wasn't the norm, he said -- and I'll do it in my Ron Wilch voice -- first you Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 suit. It must be red, white, and blue - white shirt, striped tie, and blue suit. And then you build your browns and then you build your stripes and then you build your wardrobe. And for me some years ago, that was a very important lesson, because I was a poor boy from West Philly and we didn't talk about those things. But Mr. Wilch and his lovely family and particularly his wife, Julie, took that concept around the world as an ambassador for the City of Philadelphia and the fashion industry. He went and traveled the world wide, from China to Chinatown, from the Far East to the Far Northeast, where he taught in prisons. He taught not only the art of tailoring, but the art of fashion and took it to a new height, all the way up to Madison Avenue from Philadelphia Prisons, from Fashion Montage, which was always in Germantown, to Boys to Bosses. And just a second to talk about that, how that Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 for a young person on their first interview was critical. You only have one chance to make a first impression. If you choose to make that impression making a statement and having clothing that is unacceptable, then that is a conscious decision, but to make sure that it wasn't an unconscious decision, and that is what I've always loved about them. And as you can see, behind me all of the people, well dressed people, here always follow Julie's and Ron Wilch, the fashion czar's, advice. So I'm here recognizing and honoring Ron Wilch and his family, who have risen to become the biggest forces in the Philadelphia fashion industry. Whereas, Philadelphia has long been a leader in the design and manufacturing of textiles and wearing apparel, with many notable Philadelphia designers making significant contributions to this industry. For the Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 20 years in Philadelphia, he has been the host of many notable fashion events, including Paris in Philadelphia, Fashion Montage, Philly Fashion Expo, and Fashion is an Art. And I'll also mention a less famous member of his family named Eve, right? Whereas
And whereas, Ron Wilch of the Eighth Council District has become one of the biggest forces in the Philadelphia fashion industry. He has been designing and involved in the fashion industry for over 35 years; and Whereas, in addition to creating designs for his own clothing line, Ron Wilch Collection, he operates his business, The Wardrobe Clinic, located at 1500 Walnut Street, in the heart of Center City. A few notable celebrities in his client list include Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, and Katy Perry; Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Whereas, not only is Ron Wilch a fashion icon, his wife Julie, his right arm, Julie Wilch is a well-known fashion show producer and has served as a Backstage Manager for Philly Fashion Week for the past ten years. I might add, she's a fabulous model on the runway too. Her daughter, Grammy Award winning music artist Eve is admired for her profound sense of style and was the creator and driving force behind the Fetish brand. Mr. Wilch's son, Farrod Wilch, is also making a mark on the fashion industry through his private label fashion brand, Motion, businessman, making the Wilch family leaders in the Philadelphia fashion industry; and
Whereas, in 2017, Philadelphia Magazine acknowledged Ron Wilch's outstanding work in fashion at the Wardrobe Clinic, declaring him Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 "Best Tailor" in their annual Best of Philly issue; and Whereas, Mr. Wilch routinely gives back to his fashion roots by hosting a fashion networking event Fashion Night Out, which gives an opportunity for both established and emerging designers to showcase and market their brands on a larger platform. As a result of this increased exposure, employment in the manufacturing industry in Philadelphia is on the rise; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors Ron Wilch and his family as the "First Fashion Family of Philadelphia," for all they do to encourage the growth of Philadelphia's fashion industry. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ron Wilch as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 (Applause.)
I want to thank the Council. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, Councilman Jones and Cindy Bass and all. Listen, this is such an honor. I'm very emotional right now. I want to say this: I'm born and raised in Philadelphia. I had an opportunity to leave Philadelphia many times - Chicago, St. Louis - but I stayed. When Wilson Goode was the Mayor and Philadelphia Dresses the World was building, I was a part of that first time in 1987. That year I met my wife. I won the Award for Excellence. That year later, in '92, we did Paris in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music, first show for myself and the first show for her to produce, 300 people showed up, sold-out crowd. I was honored. We had Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 charged designers. We always promote designers. We always promoted the industry, because I know. I'm born and raised in Philadelphia. I worked in Botany 500, Fishman and Tobin's, Cychek and Sons, these vacant factory buildings. I lost jobs, from job to job. I know how it feel to get laid off, doing piece work, bundle boy. But my skill and tailoring -- I want to thank my teacher who passed away, Christopher Ramsey from Thomas Edison High School. My pattern and design teacher, Michael Pedolino, who passed away, taught me pattern making. For those two men gave me the skill to dress some famous people. I'm called constantly to LA and other places to do things, but now I want to take it further. I'm 58 years old, and what I have learned, I must pass on. So we did a deal a couple days ago. Can I say this, Councilman?
We just did a deal. I have dedicated from this day forward to invest my time and money and equipment into public schools. We are going to do -(Applause.)
We just did a deal with Overbrook. Overbrook, we are going to start a summer camp in May, free of charge to the kids, but the neighborhood adults is allowed to come and learn the basic sewing, how to put on buttons. You'd be surprised that people can't sew on a button today, and this is a shame. So what I have learned in my 36 years in the industry is to give it back to young people, because our young people are the driving force in the fashion industry. We must put the trades back in high school. (Applause.)
I know quick response is want to give money, but they Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 They don't know how. So I'm going after corporate dollars. I'm going after bailed out banks who got the bailout money in 2008. I'm going after corporations who have big box stores in our neighborhood and give nothing back. I am determined to create jobs. I am determined to leave something behind. I am determined to leave a legacy. (Applause.)
So I promised my mother in 1979 when I told her, I said, mom, I like this tailoring thing in high school, because my brother here, Sherman Wilch, Sherman, this was my example of how to dress. My father was coming and going, but he was my example how to dress. My big brother, he has the perfect closet. Sweaters was perfectly neat, shoes were -- he had shoe trees in his shoes, tailored suits, silk and wool slacks. And I asked my mother, I said, mom, I want to wear what Sherman has, and Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 said, Ma, Ronald can't wear this because this is tailor made. I'm like, why it's -- tailor made, meaning that it's made just for your specification and your size, your measurements. At that time, I was telling him that means I was too tall for his pants. But I promised my mother when I was in high school, I said, mom, if you buy me a sewing machine, you wouldn't have to buy me no clothes. And a week later in '79, she took me to 12th and Cherry, Al's Sewing Machine, a black Singer. I still have it. From that day forward, I never looked back. (Applause.)
I like what I do. I like to look sharp. I like to teach fashion, but now I'm on another level. I'm going to teach product designing, product development, product packaging, marketing. I'm known in 50 states and four countries. I got friends around the world. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 -- this is my mission. They want to be trained. They want a job. But I'm going to teach them self-employment, because I know in politics it's hard to create jobs out of thin air, right? You got to have budgets, you got to set law, but if I could teach you how to pin up a suit, how to take measurements, how you can show a person fabric and show them how to style and dress, you become a self-employed worker instantly. I know Macy's and department stores are looking for fitters and stylists, but most people in those department stores, they don't know how to fix you up, they don't know how to pin you up, they don't know how to take your measurements. But imagine young kids coming out of high school can measure you up, come in your office, pin up your suit, mark you for your alterations, bag it up, bring it to the factory, bring it to Overbrook, do alterations, and deliver Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 in a quality package at a reasonable price, and it's for a good cause. They not stealing. They not robbing. They looking sharp, with their pants pulled up. We got to set examples. My wife and I, we produce shows. We're going to do fundraisers for events for good causes. We're going to raise money. Imma reach out to Hollywood. Imma reach out to Eddie Murphy. I'm reaching out to Will Smith. Imma reach out to everybody I know. Put money back. Put your name, put your brand. Let us develop something for you with our kids designing it. I want young kids in high school designing new uniforms for the Police Department. We need new uniforms for the correctional officers. We need uniforms for charter schools and public schools. They should not be wearing the same old uniforms made in China. China don't pay no taxes here. (Applause.) Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
China don't pay no taxes here. Every uniform that the public and taxpayer spend on police uniforms, correctional uniforms, sheriff uniforms, school uniforms should be made in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
If we have contracts in Philadelphia, making uniforms for police officers and prisons, that's creating jobs overnight. All we got to do is get a vacant building and some machines. Look, I used to train blind people over in Jersey, best worker industry for the blind. I trained blind people for three years, totally blind. I taught them how to use an industrial machine, how to sew straight, how to make a part. Now they in Cherry Hill, New Jersey sewing for the government. They make a uniform, military uniform, right now. I had trained over 30 blind people. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 the prisons for ten years for PhilaCor. I trained at Philadelphia University. I taught at Dobbins High School. I asked the question to myself, who am I? Who am I? What's my mission? My mission is train and teach and put people to work and make jobs for ourselves. Jobs, no crime. Jobs, no crime. Because if you're too tired to do a crime, you got to go to work tomorrow. So I want to thank you, my wife, thank you. Listen, I am so honored to have a wife like this woman, Julie Wilch, who has been my right arm and my left leg almost, and she helped me produce the product. I have the idea; she put it in a plan of action. She is the push button to make things go. And I thank God for my wife, my son, who just came from Atlanta. He's now in Atlanta, but he's a designer, very fashionable young man. I never force him to wear a suit, let him be himself. And of course Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Eve, she'll be in tomorrow. She's been honored, but she can't make it. She thanks you for honoring us. She'll be here tomorrow. And, listen, all we are is Philadelphians trying to leave something behind for the next generation, for the next generation. (Applause.)
And at my father's funeral, a year dealing with my father's funeral, I said, my father left a footprint. My job is to make the footprint even bigger. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your honor. Thank you, Councilman. You look sharp. Thank you, Councilman. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 you, and congratulations again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution proclaiming April 21st, 2019 "Penn Relay Carnival Day." Would Dave Johnson, Scott Ward, and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Oh, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, we're proud of being able to join Penn in honoring the Penn Relays, and the gentleman who will stand next to me, Glenn Bryan, who is Vice President of Government and Community Relations, I've known so long that we're like brothers and sisters. So in spite of my opponent who thinks knowing a developer is just about the wrong thing, I'm proud of my Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 and twist that too. (Applause.)
They tell me don't be shy. You can only take so much crap from these people, you know. All right. Resolution hereby proclaiming April 21st, 2019 "Penn Relay Carnival Day" in honor of its 125th Anniversary.
Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival is the oldest and largest track and field event hosted every year by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field since the event started on April 21st, 1895; and Whereas, the University of Pennsylvania, located in University City, West Philadelphia, is the nation's first university, which was officially founded in 1740, and currently boasts over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students; and
Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival attracts more Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 15,000 high school and college athlete participants locally, nationally, and globally that compete in over 300 events over the course of five days; and
Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival has attracted elite runners such as Usain Bolt, Shelley Ann Fraser, and Alfred Yego; and Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival brings more than 100,000 spectators from around the United States and the world each year to the City of Philadelphia to partake of the festival and the event; and
Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival has been credited with popularizing the concept of relay racing under the expert leadership of Penn Relay Directors Frank Ellis, George Washington Orton, H. Jamison Swarts, Ken Doherty, Jim Tuppeny, Tim Baker, and Dave Johnson; and
Whereas, the Penn Relay Carnival has been Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 week of April every year since 1895. This year will mark the 125th Anniversary of the event, which has been a staple in the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, this Council is proud of the legacy and recognition that the Penn Relay Carnival brings to all of us in the City of Philadelphia and has brought to Philadelphia and recognizes and honors the millions of officials, staff, volunteers, and young athletes who have participated from around the world since its inception of the event in 1895; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Philadelphia City Council hereby proclaims April 21st, 2019 "Penn Relay Carnival Day" in honor of its 125th Anniversary. And further revolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Penn Relays at the Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 honor of the Penn Relay Carnival. Congratulations everyone who keeps this great tradition going. Thank you. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Scott Ward for remarks.
Thank you. On behalf of the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the members of the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics, and all the volunteers and competitors that make Penn Relays so great and what it is today, we'd like to thank the City of Philadelphia. We'd like to thank City Council President, City Council, and particularly Councilwoman Blackwell for this incredible honor as we celebrate our historic 125th running of the Penn Relays this month. (Applause.) Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
I would like to thank City Council, particularly because in honoring Penn Relays, whether you realize it or not, Penn Relays exists and was created out of an idea that could have happened any place, but one of the great things about the Penn Relays has always been the nature of inclusion, particularly racial inclusion, from the outset in 1895 and the fact that this occurred in Philadelphia is what caused it to flourish. The fact that it grew up in the southernmost city that was north of the Mason-Dixon line is integral to the history of the Penn Relays. And when you honor the Penn Relays, please remember that you are honoring also the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Thank you, and congratulations to all of our honorees. Our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, if you'll please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 2, 2019, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 21, 2019: Bill No. 180864 and Bill 190062. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Area, identified by house number and street address as 2224 through 2238 North Tenth Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2831 West Harold Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2449 North Marston Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 614 West Allegheny Avenue located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3411 North 7th Street, 3247 Tampa Street, 3133 Hurley Street, 2227 Waterloo Street, and 2518 North Hope Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1235 West Cambria Street located in the Fifth Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 District; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes in the First Councilmanic District on North 10th Street from Buttonwood Street to Callowhill Street and on Columbus Boulevard from Dilworth Street to Swanson Street, and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Richmond Street from Lewis Street to Berkshire Street, and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional messages? Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. I offer three resolutions this morning.
A privileged resolution honoring Marciene Mattleman for her tireless activism on behalf of Philadelphia's educational causes and celebrating her life.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Marsey's Law, which will enable Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Pennsylvania voters to codify the rights of crime victims and their families in the Pennsylvania Constitution.
And a non-privileged resolution opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposed revised definition of "Waters of the United States" and urging the Agencies to preserve the 2015 Clean Water Rule.
Also next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. I'm sorry.
Please forgive my oversight, but it's imperative that I state for the record that the Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Marsey's Law effort is a joint initiative that Councilwoman Parker and I have been working on for the past 18 years. She is indeed the co-sponsor. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Council President. I have to be excused to do work out in the district, but I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce two bills.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-516 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "West Overlay District"; and An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by amending Chapter 11-700, entitled "Right-of-Way Management," by amending Section 11-701, entitled "General," and Section 11-705, entitled "Construction," all to provide for the creation of a University City Aerial Utility Restriction Area.
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill on your behalf and I offer six resolutions, four of them on your behalf.
An ordinance Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 authorizing the Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education, doing business as Temple University, care of Kenneth Kaiser & Thomas McCreesh, to install, own, and maintain non-standard lights in the Public Right-of-Way at 1901 through 47 North Park Avenue, along the Temple University Library property frontage.
And a privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to examine the coordinated plan of the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia District Attorney, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, and Philadelphia's Office of Domestic Violence Strategies to implement recently enacted legislative changes to removal of firearms from abusers in domestic violence cases. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
And a privileged resolution Honoring Coach Fran Dunphy for his Outstanding Career as a Coach, Mentor and Educator.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 614 West Allegheny Avenue located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2224 through 2238 North Tenth Street; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2831 West Harold Street Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1235 West Cambria Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Those four resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Thank you, Councilman.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for its "Roots to Re-entry" Boot Camp Program, which provides returning citizens with the tools and support they need to obtain meaningful employment in the horticulture and landscape industries.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Children's Alliance and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 for their collaborative commitment to bringing healing and justice to victims of child sexual abuse in Philadelphia and declaring April 2019 to be Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3411 North 7th Street, 3247 Tampa Street, 3133 Hurley Street, 2727 Waterloo Street, and 2518 North Hope Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill and two privileged resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by providing for Adult Care, clarifying Day Care as Child Care, and related changes.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring Kambel Smith, accomplished artist and co-founder of the Autisarian Network.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Debra A. McCarty, on the occasion of her Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 retirement as Commissioner of the Philadelphia Water Department, for her decades of service to the City, citizens, and waterways of Philadelphia.
Also on this week's Calendar. Sorry, Councilwoman.
Sure. Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution that is co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing April as Limb Loss Awareness Month.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning -- or good afternoon, Council President. I have one privileged Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 resolution sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution in solemn recognition of the week of April 21 through April 28, 2019 as National Annual Remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs, who perished during the Holocaust.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. Good afternoon, colleagues. I have no bills or Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Knights Road, the Poquessing Creek, and Woodhaven Road.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to Sidewalk Sales, by adding new provisions prohibiting sidewalk sales in the Tenth Councilmanic District and making other conforming amendments. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Maurice German for literally going above and beyond the call of duty to rescue an animal in distress.
And a privileged resolution remembering the 10th Anniversary of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake which occurred in the Abruzzo region of central Italy.
Also this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cresheim Valley Drive, the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Railroad, Mount Airy Avenue, Chew Avenue, Johnson Street, Emlen Street, Carpenter Lane, and the SEPTA Chestnut Hill West Railroad; and amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-503, entitled "Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District," by amending the provisions of the "Germantown Avenue" /NCA overlay district.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Broad Street from Venango Street to Butler Street as "Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan Way."
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution, one non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla, Bass, and Taubenberger.
A privileged resolution celebrating the creation of the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors Hockey Team, comprised of injured and disabled military veterans.
This week's Calendar. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Community College of Philadelphia's administration, faculty, and support staff to quickly resolve their contract dispute to ensure the best possible education for their students.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will now move to our reports from committee. The next order of business -the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out three resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 190038, entitled a "Resolution appointing Betsy Oliphant Ross to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution 190039, entitled a "Resolution reappointing Richard Goldberg to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 190221, entitled a "Resolution reappointing Michael Woodward to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Resolutions No. 190038, 190039, and 190221 will be placed on our Final Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 2ND READING Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190239, 190240, and 190245. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering the bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar, we will have our public comment session. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a device on that podium. When the light turns green on that device, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, call the first name.
Damaris Alvarado, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. Please just state your name for the record. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019
Good morning, Councilmen and Councilwomen. I'm here to testify on Bill 170408. My name is Damaris Alvarado and I'm the Executive Director of Children's Playhouse in South Philadelphia. I'm here to testify on behalf of the positive effects that the sweetened beverage tax has had on our students, families, teachers, businesses, and how it prepares children for success in primary school, possibly reducing the rate of expulsions and suspension in schools. I have been a partner with the Mayor's Office of Education in providing high-quality education through these PHL spots since they first launched in January of 2017. We opened our first new PHLpreK classroom with 20 three- to four-year-old students in January. These Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 students have never been exposed to childcare before in their lives. In six months, we were able to successfully guide and transition ten of those students into kindergarten, with the foundations they needed to succeed. In 2018 school year, we expanded our PHLpreK seats from 20 to 60 children. We have been able to fill each of those PHLpreK spots before our school year started and maintain a waiting list for families that were interested in joining our Children's Playhouse school family. Throughout the school year, it has been an honor to watch these students grow with knowledge and confidence. The Philadelphia pre-K program has helped offer these services to families who otherwise wouldn't have been able to obtain them. Most of these children were not previously enrolled in any childcare or school setting prior, and we asked the families why. Most of their responses were that childcare costs Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 too much and they couldn't afford it. Families are working paycheck to paycheck to survive and at this time having to choose between school and bills. We all know that bills will win, but that choice should never have to happen. The Philadelphia pre-K slots also allows us to offer families consistency, stipulating affordability of high-quality, developmentally appropriate classrooms. This includes children with IEPs. In most areas, especially in South Philadelphia where we are located, there's an early learning center drought in general. Now let's think about children who need support - speech therapy, physical, occupational therapy, sensory accommodation or just a quiet place to decompress. Those centers are few and far in between. Not because they want to be but because they're not able to be. The PHLpreK slots has helped us offer these services to these families as well. Stated Meeting April 4, 2019 Time is up?
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Melissa Blatz, commenting on 170408. (Witness approached podium.)