Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment. Public comment will be as follows: If you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that's on the Final Passage Calendar today, you must register at the table to my left. You will be given three minutes for your testimony. You will come to the middle of the Council session where there's a podium. There's a device on the podium. That device indicates the three minutes. When it's green, it's time to speak. When it turns yellow, that means you have 30 seconds before your time, and when it is red, it means you must conclude your remarks. And we thank you all very much for adhering to these guidelines. At this time, Mr. Decker, can you please read the name of the first individual who wishes to testify. Before we do that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Councilman. That shall be reflected. Mr. Decker, please read the name of the first individual.
Bertha Simmons, commenting on 130279. (Witness approached podium.)
Well, hello everybody. I know all of you think you're grown today because you're sitting here looking all bright and shiny and pretty. But you're not grown yet, hear?
130279. I'm only here to let all of us know we need the prayer back in school. When we went to school, didn't we have a little grace that we always said good morning. Everybody prays a different prayer, but you can meet and greet each other and go on about your business. The teachers need the prayer. Do you teach your kids to pray at night before they go to bed? When they come from school, do you ask them how was their day? The kids tell me their parents are not talking to them like they were brought up. We got to stop now. The prayer needs to go back in school. Everybody prays different, but meet and greet each other, say hello, how are you, may God bless you. This is the worst thing to do for children nowadays, because they're getting older, they need more respect from all of us, and let them know we care about them. So I want you to know when my daughter Jannie Blackwell -- get up, Jannie. (Applause.)
I raised her at Richard Allen project when her mother passed. I raised her up when she was a little child trying to strut across the street. I had to hold her back because I said, Wait for the light to change. She want to jump and run. I had to hold her back. But look at her now. And I want we all to respect her and do what she ask us to do. We want to stay on the right track and do the right thing. When you go to bed at night, don't you say your prayers before you go to bed? Don't you thank the Lord for waking you up and carrying through a day? See, I know all about it. I was raised up to say my prayers every night when I was four or five years old. My mother taught me say your prayers, and I've been doing it ever since. And I want everybody to know, all of you, don't forget to say your prayers. How do you think the Lord brought you up this far? And some of you may be 75, 65, 85, but you're still not grown if you cannot thank the Lord for blessing you right now. Thank you.
Thank you, ma'am, for your testimony. (Applause.)
Carol Green, commenting on 120054. (Witness approached podium.)
Excuse me. Those that know how to pray, please pray for me. I'm the worst of the sinners, mother. Please pray for me. I thank you all for having me here. I don't want to pay taxes if I have a house. And the bill is 120054. I don't want to pay taxes because it's wrong. And I go to the grocery store to buy food and I don't have to pay tax on the food because it's necessary, and it's necessary -- it's necessary. So a house is necessary, so I don't want to pay taxes for a house and...
Thank you, ma'am. Thank you for your testimony.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you so much. We have one more? Yes, sir. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you very much for hearing me. My name is Clarc King, and I came up to address the Resolution 120118. That's the resolution authorizing the Committee of Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of transferring ownership or operations of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity. I think personally that selling the Philadelphia Gas Works is a great mistake. Philadelphia Gas Works is a power source for the City, the core of its strength. Its economic potential has 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING not been fully realized. It must be explored. I think the Councilmembers need to hear input from both scientists, engineers, and people understanding the workings of an economy. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, sir. Is that it? Thank you. This concludes today's public comment. We will now consider resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of 130279.
A resolution calling on the City Council of Philadelphia to support the efforts of the Honorable Stewart J. Greenleaf, State Senator, 12th District, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as he introduces legislation to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by providing for greater awareness of religious freedoms in public 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING schools.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130279 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130280.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130281. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 3134 Page Street.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130281 is adopted. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, 130282.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 637 and House Bill 923 which establish a minimum ratio of registered nurses to patients at Pennsylvania hospitals.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
One? The ayes have it. Resolution 130282 is 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, 130283.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2320 through 24 Emerald Street.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130283 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130290.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fifth and Thirty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130290 is adopted. Mr. Decker, 130293.
A resolution calling upon the Administration to take action to fully explore opportunities presented by natural gas development in Pennsylvania to stimulate the local economy thereby creating family sustaining jobs and revenue for the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Let the record reflect there's one nay. Resolution No. 130293 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 121038.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "First Source Jobs Policy," by clarifying certain definitions and responsibilities of financial assistance beneficiaries and of the City.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130136.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, 22nd Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Hamilton Street, and 21st Street.
This bill having been read on two separate days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130137.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Thompson Street, 9th Street, Girard Avenue and Hutchinson Street.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 130137. A copy of the amendment, which is the equal opportunity plan, has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 130137 is amended and will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. Mr. Decker, 130162.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-405, entitled "Entertainment (Special Purpose) District," by revising certain provisions relating to setback, parking requirements, parking lots, and off-street loading.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120775. 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to provide for a private right of action to enforce certain tax laws, including penalties for nonpayment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 120775. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 120775 has been 4/18/13 - STATED - 2ND READING amended. It will be placed on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, 130135.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by amending Section 9-605, entitled "Towing," to provide for certain exceptions to licensing requirements for towing companies located outside of the City.
This bill has been read on two separate days. The question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.