COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 10, 2013 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY 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,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
Quite a stir here this morning, for obvious reasons. It appears that the quorum is established, so I would ask all members to please take their seats. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Pastor Steve Eichner of Bethel Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman David Oh. I would ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Guests and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. Dear God, I want to thank you for each leader standing in this room today, and I thank you for giving them the gift of leadership. pivotal time when our people hunger for wise and purposeful leadership. Father God, I pray that you would give the Mayor and each leader here wisdom to lead skillfully. Give them insight and clarity. They're often faced with complex and perplexing decisions that they are called to make and there's often no easy answer. Be with them as they wrestle through their options. God, I pray that you would give them wisdom. Also help them to skillfully work together in unity for the common good of the people of our city in spite of passionately differing views at times. May their passion continue to inspire excellence and creativity. May the greater love for our people and our city outweigh our personal preferences. And, God, please give them courage and endurance along the way. They live in the public spotlight, which often is challenging and hard, so give and loyal friends to walk with them through the ups and through the downs. And, Lord, I pray that you would bless their relationships with their families. May each one of their homes be a safe refuge to return to each day, and may their homes be places of love, comfort, and of peace. I thank you for the great honor that they have to serve this incredible city that you've blessed us all with. In Jesus' name, amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for those inspiring words. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Pastor. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 3rd, 2013. Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you so much. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome and thank everyone here today. We really appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to come down and witness your government in action. We genuinely hope you enjoy yourself, so much that you come back again. We'd like to at this time -I'd like to welcome a good friend of ours, State Representative Vanessa Brown Lowery. (Applause.)
She always fights the good fight for us up in Harrisburg, and Lord knows that is a pretty challenging job. So we really appreciate what you've done for us up there. Thank you. And a little later on we'll introduce our other special guest. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who will present a citation recognizing Reverend Al Sharpton for his outstanding leadership in the area of civil and human rights. Would Reverend Sharpton and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Applause.)
And joining Councilman Johnson, we have Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Goode, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilman Jones.
Today I am truly honored and privileged to have the opportunity to stand with my colleagues and also on behalf of the host, Council President Darrell Clarke, and the members of City Council in honoring a key leader of the civil rights movement and an advocate for justice and equality for all people, both nationally and internationally. He has been a consistent voice of justice for the voiceless, a political leader who have paved the way for the inclusion of African American in politics. And I know if it was not for the work that he have done in the early '60s, I would not be standing here as an elected official and also the first African American 2nd Councilmanic District. He speaks truth to power, giving conservative talk show hosts like Rush Limbaugh and David Beck [sic] hell, and he has no problem telling it like it is. If it was not for his recent involvement in the Trayvon Martin murder case, the life of Trayvon would be another African American young male murdered in America. He has continued the legacy of the civil rights movement, recently organizing the 50th anniversary march on Washington with his outstanding organization, the National Action Network. And so I want to encourage everyone who is here today listening to this citation as we honor one of our great giant leaders, not only in the African American community but a leader for all people, to participate in his book signing at the Free Library today at 12 o'clock, rightfully titled "The Rejected Stone." So if you're an advocate and you believe in advocating on behalf of the voiceless, you will recognize that a title such as "The Rejected Stone" is the title that you will wear as a badge of honor. So at this time, with my colleagues, I would like to read this citation to our good friend and leader, the Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton. It's okay to clap. (Applause.)
The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize the Dr. Reverend Al Sharpton for his outstanding leadership in the areas of civil and human rights. (Applause.)
Whereas, Al Sharpton was born October 3rd, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. He began his ministry at the tender age of four, at Washington Temple Church of God and Christ in Brooklyn. Just five years later, legendary bishop F.D. Washington licensed Al Sharpton, his protege, to be a Pentecostal minister; and
Whereas, the Reverend Sharpton's civil rights career began almost as early as his ministry. At age thirteen, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and William Jones appointed the Reverend Sharpton youth director of New York's SCLC Operation Breadbasket, an organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1971; and
Whereas, early in his career, the Reverend Sharpton set out to stoke the fire of the civil rights movement as "the voice of the downtrodden," leading marches and rallies to call the public and the media's attention to racial injustice. He has been at the vanguard of issues promoting equal standards and decency and political establishment to include all people regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or belief; and
Whereas, the Reverend Al Sharpton is the founder and President of the National Action Network, a non-profit civil rights organization headquartered in Harlem, New York, with over sixty chapters nationwide including a Washington, DC Bureau and regional offices from coast to coast; and
Whereas, the Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton has been praised by President Barack Obama as the voice of the voiceless and he has served as one of the nation's most renowned civil rights leaders in our history so that a March 2013 Zogby poll said that one out of every four African Americans admit that Reverend Al Sharpton speaks most for them;
Whereas, on October 8th, 2013 the Reverend Al book; The Rejected Stone: Al Sharpton and the Path to American Leadership. It intimately discusses his personal evolution from street activist, pulpit provocateur and civil rights leader, to the larger than life man he is today. The chosen title of his book was inspired by a passage of scripture which refers to a stone which was rejected by builders that, in the end, became the chief cornerstone. To the Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton that message sums up his life's journey and that of so many of African Americans; and
Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby honor and recognize the Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton for his outstanding leadership in the area of civil and human rights. We greatly appreciate for all he has done and we extend to him the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. On behalf of the members of Council, the City of Philadelphia, we want to say we thank you and we appreciate you for all the work that you have done on behalf of the African American community and humanity at-large. We'd like to present this citation to you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Reverend Sharpton for remarks. Reverend.
Thank you very much. Let me say that it is a very, very moving experience to have this happen, particularly in Philadelphia. I've been coming to Philadelphia since my pre-teen years for many reasons, but never honored like this. And certainly we don't always have to agree, but we can operate without being disagreeable, and to know that your work has caught the attention of those that have been elected and trusted by the people of this city is more than I could express in words. a single mother, whose best friend lives in Philadelphia, and I wish that they were alive to see this, because it is because of people who never made a newspaper, never was on television but believed in their children and raised their children to have a better life, that's who I fight for every day, the forgotten, the marginalized, the rejected, because if we can understand in our society no one ought to be rejected. Everyone should have equal rights to vote, to jobs, and to the American way of life, and that's what the fight is all about. So I'm honored to have this. I thank you, Kenyatta. I thank all of the members of the Council that made this possible. I thank the President of Council. And I'm here because of my deep, deep appreciation for that, and I'm also here because I wanted to see a government that was open and working today. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Dennis O'Brien, who will present a resolution recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Would Mr. Matt Aaron and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman O'Brien, we have Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Johnson, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, and Councilwoman Bass and also Councilman -- oh, no. Please proceed, Councilman.
Thank you, Mr. President. It is only fitting today as we celebrate the accomplishments of Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and the significant difference this organization many lives that we also introduce legislation to end the use of the "R" word in The Philadelphia Code. Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, marginalizing, dehumanizing, and exclusive effects of the word "retard" or "retarded." In our ongoing effort to create communities of respect, where all people are valued, it is important to change the language of our laws at all levels of government. Language affects attitudes. Attitudes affect change. This inclusive language legislation brings Philadelphia in line with federal and state governments by removing the words "mental retardation" from The Philadelphia Code and replacing it with "intellectual disabilities." It celebrates the gifts and uniqueness of disabilities. This was manifested in the first-ever Unified Soccer elective course, a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, individuals with and without intellectual disabilities playing together and experiencing success. It is this genuine, authentic sharing of core values and empathy-building that will change attitudes and effect permanent change. Now I would like, with my colleagues, to read the following resolution: Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and the significant difference the organization has made in the lives of thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities by giving them an opportunity to express joy and to experience success through athletic training and competition.
Whereas, that people with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. Eunice and husband, Sargent Shriver, started up a day camp in their background that eventually turned into the Special Olympics, a global movement that today serves more than 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities in more than 170 countries; and Whereas, the mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community;
Whereas, an official chapter in May of 1970 and hosted their first competition with 135 athletes. Today, Special Olympics Pennsylvania trains more than 20,000 athletes who participate in 22 Olympic-type sports at more than 260 local, sectional, and state level competitions and is at work in every county in Pennsylvania; and Whereas, Special Olympics Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that combines an approximately equal number of Special Olympics athletes and partners without intellectual disabilities on teams for training and competition. The Unified Sports program promotes health, wellness, and social inclusion. Athletes and partners experience a sense of belonging, develop mutually rewarding relationships, are recognized as contributors, and are received with acceptance and respect; and
Whereas, incorporates Unified Sports along with education programs, leadership opportunities, and advocacy components designed to empower youth as agents of change in their schools and communities fostering respect and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. Project UNIFY helps school districts fulfill social inclusion, anti-bullying and school climate goals; Whereas, in just four years, Project UNIFY has engaged over 500,000 youth in 2,100 elementary, middle and high schools across 42 states. Here in Pennsylvania, the School District of Philadelphia has been leading the way. The Project UNIFY program in the School District of Philadelphia has engaged thousands of youth in more than 25 schools;
Whereas, last year, the first-ever Unified Soccer elective course was offered in 10 high course, developed in partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Special Olympics Pennsylvania, included curriculum with youth leadership components, anti-bullying elements and soccer training and competition; and Whereas, a culminating citywide championship game brought together athletes, fans, administrators, and dignitaries for an exciting morning of competition. Project UNIFY will grow to include 38 schools in Philadelphia during the 2013-14 academic year and also expand to include schools in both Northampton and Adams Counties. Through a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Special Olympics PA plans to build on the success in Philadelphia and expand Unified Sports to schools statewide; therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize Special Olympics Pennsylvania and the Special Olympics Unified Sports program in bringing together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on teams together for training and competition and allowing all involved to experience a sense of acceptance and respect. And now I would like to ask Matt Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, to accept this resolution on behalf of City Council. (Applause.)
I would like to introduce before Matt makes his remarks not only Matt Aaron, who is the President and CEO of Special Olympics, but Tony Gillespie, who is the Chairman of the Board; Lisa Barber, a Philly athlete; Margaret Barber, Lisa's mom; Eddie Glover, a Philadelphia athlete; and Cushing, Vice President of Marketing and Development. It is my pleasure now to introduce Matt Aaron. (Applause.)
Good morning. Councilman O'Brien, thank you for your leadership. President Clarke, members of Council, thank you for this opportunity, this recognition, and thank you for your leadership in introducing this groundbreaking legislation here this morning. I think the theme for today's meeting seems to be leadership. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. So Councilman O'Brien introduced the members of our delegation, but I'd like to share with you a little bit about how they're each leaders in their own right. Tony Gillespie is the Chairman of our Board of Directors. He is also the parent of one of our athletes in Montgomery County. He has been leading the last two years. Eddie Glover, who was introduced, has been competing in Special Olympics now for 30 years. For 20 of those years, he has also served as a staff member with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. He has competed in two world games. He's competed in national games. He continues to compete today. Lisa Barber -(Applause.)
And you'll notice that Eddie is wearing a couple of medals. He couldn't bring them all with him today or he wouldn't be able to walk. Lisa Barber serves as an athlete in Philadelphia. She is also a leader in our Philadelphia program, serving on the management team, guiding and directing our program here in Philadelphia. So Lisa, as one of our athletes, is also a leader amongst her peers, and in fact this morning just she is now taking on a role where she is coordinating the leadership activities of all of our athletes as they go out in the community and speak to other organizations on behalf of Special Olympics. So we're so proud standing here before all of you, the leaders of our city, this morning that we were able to bring and introduce some of our own leaders. (Applause.)
I know that many of you were able to join us for the soccer championship, the Unified championship that was mentioned this morning. So you've had the opportunity, several of you on Council, to witness what we call the magic of Special Olympics firsthand, and you've seen what happened in those 25 schools with those ten high schools in that league, but we have a lot more work to do. And I believe that this work is important. It's transformative. And many, many aspects to what we do, but I'll share just one this morning. A quote from the Superintendent of public education for the State of Arizona shared in a recent national meeting that it's not just enough to be against bullying, you have to be for something. And what he said was your program, talking about Special Olympics Unified Sports, your program is one of those examples. So we are using what is happening here in the City of Philadelphia. We're using that Unified Soccer League and that program in 25 schools here in the School District of Philadelphia as the beacon and the model for what we hope to do statewide. So we're very, very pleased at what we've done. We're pleased of the progress we've made. We're thankful for the support that many of you have given us, but we also realize that there's a lot more work to do. Despite all the good things that are happening, we're 1 percent of the eligible population here in the City. So while we're very thankful and we're celebrating today, we also hope that we can count on your continued leadership and support to help us reach that other 99 percent. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Before we move ahead with our next presentation, I would just like to have one request, that if anyone has a device, electronic, phone, beeper, pager, whatever it may be, I'd ask you to please turn it on silent or, better yet, turn it off. Thank you. I know beeper, I'm dating myself. I understand. Believe it or not, Councilman, I actually saw a beeper last week. Thank time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who will present a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Would Ms. Jeanine Lisitski and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And joining Councilwoman Tasco, we have Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning. We are pleased to again recognize Women Against Abuse for the wonderful work they do providing services to women and families throughout the City, and we recognize them each year because each year they continue to do a fine job and we appreciate your work in the community. Thank you. This is a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Whereas, "Domestic Violence Month" is being sponsored locally by Women Against Abuse and, through their sponsorship, they are encouraging everyone to help to increase the awareness of domestic violence in our homes and communities and decrease its negative impact on Philadelphia; and
Whereas, in 2010, the Philadelphia Police Department responded to more than 115,000 domestic abuse calls, and domestic violence is not just a local problem but a national issue where more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that women experience two million injuries from intimate partner violence each year; and Whereas, founded in 1976, the mission of Women Against Abuse is to provide quality and compassionate services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons by domestic violence; and Whereas, Women Against Abuse has grown to become one of the largest domestic violence programs in the United States, created the nation's first legal center devoted to victims of domestic violence, founded the only emergency shelter in the City exclusively for women and children, and there's going to be one more; and
Whereas, Women Against Abuse provides education and training to the community about domestic violence issues and resources and has partnered with the City of Philadelphia, the Lutheran Settlement House, Women in Transition, and Congreso de Latino Unidos to operate the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline and, in 2011, over 9,000 calls were answered through that Hotline; and Whereas, to support victims of domestic violence, Women Against Abuse 12-unit transitional housing program called Sojourner House, which enables victims to take the crucial first steps to reclaim their lives and move forward toward a brighter future; and Whereas, to support its mission and work, Women Against Abuse will hold its 6th Annual iPledge Press Campaign as a social awareness initiative to promote knowledge about domestic violence and to build community support so that all Philadelphians will stand against violence; now, therefore
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and recognizes October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Women Against Abuse as a sincere expression of Council's gratitude, appreciation, and public awareness regarding domestic violence. This was introduced by Tasco, Brown, Greenlee, and supported by all members of City Council. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilmembers Tasco, Greenlee, Reynolds Brown, and all of the members of City Council. I must say that we share this resolution with the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative, which includes Congreso, Women in Transition, and Lutheran Settlement House. We work hand in hand with them, and together we form a comprehensive array of services here in Philadelphia. I also want to thank Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown for her support, for being here today, and at the state level. As you know, Women Against Abuse operates the only emergency shelter in the City for abused women and their children, and we serve approximately 15,000 people a year through all of our services, which not only includes emergency residential but permanent supported housing, legal aid, hotline counseling, and education and advocacy. And we are so grateful to be standing here again this year to receive the support of City Council. It is, as you know, a community effort to raise awareness that family violence is a foundational issue for all of us to grapple with if we want to have a community that's healthy, that's safe, and that's productive. So we applaud your steadfast leadership, and we want to recognize again our members of the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative that are here today. We have Julie Avalos from Congreso; Vashti Bledsoe, Lutheran Settlement House; and Roberta Hacker, Women in Transition here and others from the staffs of the organizations. We thank each of them for all that they do to help create safety and freedom for survivors. Each year I come here and I deliver some bad news about the overwhelming need for safe shelter in our community, and it's true Philadelphia has only 100 beds for survivors, much less than any other city our size, and with the issues of poverty that we see in our community, it's so much needed. And unfortunately I'm standing here again to tell you that that number rose again in Fiscal Year '13. We denied 9,000 requests for safe shelter. But I also have something incredible to share that all of you -most of you know. We will soon have significantly more capacity to address this need. We're in the process of developing Philadelphia's second 100-bed Not only will we have more safe haven beds but we were also able to establish a domestic violence specialist within central intake of the City's family shelter unit. And additionally, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative now has resources and supports to place families in temporary emergency beds when our safe haven is full. This work allows us to better serve male and LGBTQ victims of abuse and gives us additional capacity to better serve the needs of Latina survivors. The new shelter and services comes at a time of significant momentum towards change and how our city responds to domestic violence. One of these important changes is our partnership with the City health and human service agencies, and our work together is to create a truly coordinated community response to domestic violence. To this end, we are meeting Schwarz of Health and Opportunity and the Commissioners of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Behavioral Health, the Office of Supportive Housing, and the Health Department. We're working to make changes in how the City's system screen for and intervene into domestic violence. So this being said, we've made much progress, but there's still much to be done. There's major gaps in our ability to serve victims who need legal representation in child custody cases. And we know that children are often used as weapons to trap victims in abusive relationships.
We know that the work that we do in schools to teach students about healthy relationships, how to recognize abuse and where to go to get help is so impactful, but we can only reach a small percentage of students. We envision a community where violence in our homes and violence in our streets is not the norm but the exception, and we know that together we can get there. So I thank all of you for standing with us each year. And to learn more about what can be done, we hope you'll join us in the Caucus Room later today. We're going to be talking about some of our innovative progress and other ways that we can move forward. And I also want to invite you to join us for the Walk to End Domestic Violence, which is hosted by Senator LeAnna Washington. This walk raises funds for the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline, and it will take place Saturday, October 26th at 9:30 on West River Drive. So we sure hope to see you there, and bring as many people as you can. Thank you again for your commitment to ending violence in our homes and in our community. )
Thank you very much. I would like to ask one more time for individuals who have devices, phones or whatever other type of electronic device, please turn them off or turn them on silent. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will present a resolution honoring the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Philadelphia County. Would Ms. Wendy Graham and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. And joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilwoman Tasco and also Councilwoman Blackwell.
Good morning. First I'd like to thank CASA Philadelphia Executive Director Wendy Graham and everyone from their organization who has joined me and us here today. The work that they do is given day, more than 4,000 Philadelphia children are in foster care. The public face of foster care is often viewed as a last resort. CASA steps and works towards building personal relationships with these children and families, establishing a positive, stable environment. They also have an outstanding working relationship with Family Court, Administrative Judge Kevin Dougherty, and all the judges in the court system. We talk a lot about setting up a good example for our kids, and this is no different. As victims of abuse and neglect, these kids all need support that they can get, and CASA is there for them. I stand here today, along with my colleagues, to say that we stand with CASA and recognize them for their efforts. Honoring the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the County of Philadelphia. Whereas, on an average day, more than 4,100 of Philadelphia's abused and neglected children are living in the foster care system, often separated from their siblings and spending much of their time and their childhood being shuffled from group home to group home, having to continually adjust with every move; and
Whereas, the system designed to care for them fails to adequately provide for their future and is overburdened with too many children. A typical worker carries between 30 and 50 cases, and the attorneys who represent the children handle upwards of 300 cases at a time; and Whereas, children in the foster care system have the same needs as all other children: security, stability, support, compassion, and a healthy environment in which to learn and thrive; and
Whereas, the mission of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Philadelphia County is to train and support community volunteers to advocate for the health, safety, stability, and well-being of abused and neglected children; and Whereas, court-appointed community volunteers work through the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Philadelphia County. They help ensure that children in the foster care system, facing some of the most difficult circumstances, have an independent voice advocating for their needs; and
And whereas, on October the 13th, CASA of Philadelphia County will host the CASA Superhero 5K Walk at the Philadelphia Zoo to raise awareness about the needs of abused and neglected children in the foster care system and the role that CASA plays in advocating for these young people. CASA requests that all support to this important cause; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and recognize the outstanding service provided to our city's children by CASA of Philadelphia County and its volunteer. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the Board of Directors of CASA, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Councilman Henon, for all of your help and support, and I want to for recognizing the important work that CASA and our CASA volunteers do every day on behalf of the City's abused children. We are very honored to be here today, really excited to talk about our first-ever Annual Superhero 5K Walk at the Philadelphia Zoo on Sunday. We believe at CASA that every child needs a hero, but children who have been abused need a superhero, and that's exactly what our CASA volunteers do every day, our CASA staff, our Board of Directors, our supporters, every day acting as superheroes on behalf of these children, providing them with one-on-one advocacy and support. And the impact cannot be overstated. These are literally superheroes, and we hope that you guys can dust off your superhero capes -- we know everyone has one in the back of their closet -- join us at the Zoo on Sunday. I think Councilman Greenlee is a secret superhero. Maybe would love to see you at the Zoo this Sunday, 8 o'clock. And if you can't make it this year, we'll be there next year too, October 11th. So put it on your calendar now. Thank you very much for your support. (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, will you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you 9, 2013, I signed Bill No. 130532, which was passed by Council at its session on September 26, 2013; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution agreeing to participate in the "Headquarter Hotel Tax Increment Financing District," if it should be created by the Council of the City of Philadelphia in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act of July 11, 1990, as amended, in the Center City Redevelopment Area, in an area generally bounded by South Penn Square on the north, Broad Street on the east, 15th Street on the west, and Chestnut Street on the south; and Also 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 2516 Gaul Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 71 and 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Swanson Street from Catharine Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom, and striking from the City Plan and vacating Fitzwater Street from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to its terminus westwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Mr. Decker, do you have any other communications?
Thank you, sir. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings to investigate the current status of all Fire Department apparatus, medic units and other vehicles after Medic Unit 44b caught fire damaging the fire house at 4th and Arch Streets.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three resolutions, two non-privileged resolutions and one privileged, and I'd also like to note that the one non-privileged certainly I introduce on your behalf and I'm happy to co-sponsor. Thank you.
A privileged resolution recognizing October as American Pharmacists Month and congratulating University of the Sciences student pharmacists on their efforts to educate the local community.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution calling for the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings on the fiscal decision-making of the School District of Philadelphia including the School Reform Commission and School District Officials responsible for making financial decisions.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixth and Twenty-Fourth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution.
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 Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on your behalf together with you.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to accept title to certain real estate owned by the School District of Philadelphia and to convey the same to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for further conveyance.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Champlost Avenue, from Front Street to Hammond Avenue, both sides.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Shelbourne Street, from Lardner Street to Cottman Avenue, to Shelbourne Street.
That bill will also be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code), by authorizing the code official to gain access to enclosed and secured vacant lots for the purpose of abating violations.
That bill will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-603 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Pawnbrokers," and Title 9-615, entitled "Dealers in Precious Metals," to revise the length of the holding period during which pawnbrokers must retain articles of personal property and dealers in precious metals must retain precious metals.
And a privileged resolution calling on the Committee on Public Health and Human Services of the Council of the City of Philadelphia to hold hearings examining the startling level of poverty in the City of Philadelphia, including the incidence of poverty among the City's municipal workforce, and identifying governmental policies that can contribute to resolving this crisis.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill for introduction today.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," Title 17, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," and Title 20, entitled "Officers and Employees," all of The Philadelphia Code, by replacing references to "mental retardation" with references to "intellectual disability."
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by authorizing the School Reform Commission to determine whether certain tax exemptions from the School District of Philadelphia real estate taxes shall continue.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer one resolution this morning.
A privileged resolution commending the United States Green Building Council on selecting Philadelphia as the host city for the 2013 Greenbuild Conference and Expo to be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from November 20 through 22, 2013.
That resolution will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you again, Mr. President. Two non-privileged resolutions, one on your behalf and one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell.
A privileged resolution calling for joint hearings by the Committee on Public Safety and Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to explore methods of detecting and mitigating subtle forms of discrimination that create barriers to minority renters and homebuyers in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution agreeing to participate in the "Headquarter Hotel Increment Financing District," if it should be created by the Council of the City of Philadelphia in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by clarifying the criteria for granting a variance.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 71 and 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Swanson Street from Catharine Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom, and striking from the City Plan and vacating Fitzwater Street from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to its terminus westwardly therefrom.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Laurel Street, Front Street, Delaware Avenue, Water Street, the Delaware River, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and Oregon Avenue.
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 New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2516 Gaul Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this week.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 18, 2013 as National Martial Arts Day in Philadelphia to encourage all Philadelphians to learn about the important benefits of the Martial Arts.
That this week's Final Passage Calendar. This concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 130531, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by authorizing the assignment or transfer to third-parties, real estate tax claims that are absolutely or as collateral security, for an amount to be determined by the Department"; and Bill No. 130583, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 130325, entitled 'An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works'"; and Bill No. 130591, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Discounts and Additions to Tax,' by tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal"; and Bill No. 130592, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax,' by tolling interest, penalties and costs when the assessed value of taxable property is under appeal"; and Bill No. 130635, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by further providing with respect to the annual fee for neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services provided to owner-occupied duplexes," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just mentioned. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and rules of Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 130531, 130583, 130591, 130592, and 130635. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 130577, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 from the Grants Revenue fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 130577. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended this day so as to permit first reading of Bill 130577. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just read have been deemed to have -- with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and 2ND READING resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 130704, 130709, 130710, 130711, 130712, 130713, 130714, 130272-A, 130491, 130594, 120099, 130490, 130561, 130562, 130563, 130564, 130565, 130580, 130581, 130582, and 130588. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, we will have public comment. The public comment process will be as follows: You will be given three minutes to speak. If you have not already done so or you're interested in speaking on any bill or resolution on the Final Passage Calendar today, I ask that you please sign up at the table to my left. When you come up for your public comment, you will go to the middle of the Council Chambers. You will see a podium with a microphone and a device. When the device turns green, it is your time to speak. When it turns yellow, you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, we ask that you please adhere to the guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much for your participation. Mr. Decker, would you please read the names.
Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, Councilmembers. Resolution 120118, authorizing the feasibility of transferring ownership of Philadelphia Gas Works to a private entity should not go forward. Newspaper accounts tell us that J.P. Morgan and other Wall Street entities buy and horde steel, copper, aluminum, other commodities to create shortages and price hikes. They buy energy-generation facilities and sell energy at 80 times the going rate. The monetary financial system that can only generate the population's economy collapse is going after public assets, public schools, and public utilities with stolen money. Private-sector finance terms demand austerity that can only cause a depression, depressing wages, purging jobs, resulting in price declines, declining and falling revenues for the City and State. The creation of a Philadelphia public bank is necessary. We reference the Dodd-Frank Act, mindful that an insolvency crisis can trigger the bailout process -- or pardon me; bail-in process. We are informed that the Philadelphia public bank is a matter of the City's security. The sequester, the irrational or reckless expansion of perpetual war, the crisis of the impending default, the hovering attack on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are all driven by the demands of the Wall Street fed unrelenting unemployment, unlimited bailout system. A national security crisis exists. Political leadership at every level must work for the stabilization of the United States. Demand the reinstatement of Glass-Steagall standard in U.S. banking. Reorganize the fed into the U.S. national bank credit system. Enact the Wall Street sales tax. Activate full employment through the funding of the redevelopment of North America. Stop perpetual war already in World War III mode. No other options exist, and time is wasting. On Saturday, October 12th, a presentation of the Philadelphia Public Bank at United Methodist Church, 50 North Broad Street, starting at 8:30 in the morning, you are all invited. Thank you so much.
Robert Taylor, commenting on 130564 and 120118. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Robert Taylor, President of Transport Workers Union Local 700, a member of the International Executive Board, and a member of the PA State Council, also a host of -- a co-host of the WPEB 88.1 FM Jasper Jones Show. I'm commenting on Ordinance 130564, permit parking districts. I do not support these districts. In the past I have spoke about the constantly expanding districts to all parts of the compass. These districts present a burden to the poor, among others, in the community. There is little transparency to the process. Then I was told that, Well, rates are low. As is the case in many government programs and activities, this board now wants to massively expand the rates from $35 to $50 to $75 to a hundred dollars and on and on. And I guess soon it will expand to infinity and beyond. Enough is enough. Resolution 120118, Philadelphia Gas Works, I too have concerns about the Gas Works being put into private hands. I'm worried about the protections that will exist for the poor. Heating is not an option for the poor in winter. Will constitutional requirements be put ahead of profits if it changes to private hands? Ordinance 130251, I am in favor of an independent rate-making body for the Philadelphia Water Department. We see the results of what they do by doing it themselves, and I welcome to have an independent body be in control of that. Thanks for your time, and God bless Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Good morning, City Council. Good morning, constituents and fellow Philadelphians. I'm here to address the Ordinance 130419. It's about the Gas Works paying more money to the City of Philadelphia. My question is, will, as usual, the increase be passed on to the consumers and the customers of PGW? And what, if anything, is in this ordinance that will protect the consumer from the undercover, side-door rate hike? Now, I remember gas bills and electric bills when I was -- you know, my parents would give me the money, send me up to 40th and Walnut to pay the electric bill. They say electric bill. Now look on it, it's about seven entries. Distribution, rate this. You know, it's crazy, and I know these rates will be passed on. Gas company don't care. They just passing on like every other bill. I'm worried about the privatization thing with the gas. I share the past two gentlemen's sentiments. I'm also a resident in Germantown and I watched Germantown High be sold to Camelot. I watched my old alma mater, West Philadelphia High, be sold. I watched the School Board building on the Parkway be sold. Now, I'm not a real estate person, but I would suggest that a lot of these buildings are just under a billion dollars. My question, where does the money go? And if I as a taxpayer been help maintaining, servicing, and purchasing everything that school needs like the rest of us for the past 50 years, do we have any input on where the money goes? It seem like enough of that money would be here to bail out the entire school system. So where is the money? We need to have a third party. I need a contract as a City worker, and I'm still on my lunch hour, I might add. I need City Council to back us up like you want me to back y'all up every time it's election time. You know, we have a lot of juice here. The Tea Party has changed the paradigm of the entire American fiscal system. We need an Arab Spring. We need a Tea Party here to change Philadelphia, and we can do it. You know, these crazy racist people talking about affordable healthcare, talking about Obamacare. It has nothing to do with that. It has one thing to do, and that's income. Obamacare is code for skin color, and we know it and I know it. Lastly, I'm going to say, there's a big celebration this evening of WURD radio. It's going to be a gala affair. It's the only black-owned radio station in Pennsylvania. People be coming from all over the country and all over the world. I celebrate LEVAS communication, Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Lomax family, Dr. Beverly Lomax, and under the leadership of Sara Lomax-Reese. I can't wait to party tonight and celebrate communication. Long live Philadelphia. Long live Cye, the Nubian Warrior King. Thank you.
There are no other speakers on the public comment 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING list, Mr. President.
Thank you. There being no other speakers, that concludes our public comment session. We will now move forward to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of 130704.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 530 North Thirty-Sixth Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130704 is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 130709.
A resolution calling on the School District of Philadelphia, the Community College of Philadelphia and all regional school districts to provide Occupational Safety and Health Administration training and certification to students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Resolution 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 130709 be removed from the Calendar and that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 130709 be removed from the Calendar and referred to the Committee of the Whole. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and Resolution 130709 will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Decker, 130710.
A resolution urging the Commonwealth Review and Advisory Committee, the State Legislature and the Governor to support, review and alter the codes adoption process to 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING ensure the well-being, health and safety of all Pennsylvania residents.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that Resolution No. 130710 be removed from the Calendar and that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 130710 be removed from the Calendar and referred to Committee of the Whole. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution carries. 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 130710 will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Decker, 130711.
A resolution authorizing the formation of a Hazardous Material Policy Group, to consider and make recommendations on the abatement of additional hazardous substances at demolition sites.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Once again, thank you, Mr. President. I move that Resolution 130711 be removed from the Calendar and that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 130711 be removed from the Calendar and referred to the Committee of the Whole. 10/10/13 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution carries. Resolution 130711 will be referred to Committee of the Whole. Mr. Decker, 130712.
A resolution calling on the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections to strengthen oversight and enforcement of the construction and demolition industry through effective use of technology by reporting on technology improvement opportunities.