Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 25, 2017 11:05 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 May 25, 2017
Good morning. Can we have a little quiet, please. We're going to get started. We've established a quorum. Thank you. At this point, we would like to have our invocation, and this morning the Chair recognizes the Imam Muhammad Abdul-Aleem of Masjidullah. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Parker. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
As we begin this invocation, I would like to first give a few remarks. I want to give thanks to my Councilwoman, Cherelle Parker, who has been a great blessing to our councilmanic district and who has shown great visionary leadership in terms Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 the members of her district, and as a Muslim, I'm always happy to know that people see us as partners in the need to make the society and our community better. I also want to thank Councilwoman Helen Gym, who has come up and helped to stand with us and to stand with all of the disenfranchised people in this current political environment. I want to thank my brother Councilman Curtis Jones, who has had the foresight to understand that as a Muslim, you can't wear your religion on your sleeve, but you must be a servant of the people and look for the good of humanity. I want to thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who has for years stood with us in terms of making her councilmanic district better and us working as partners. And, lastly, I want to thank my brother Council President Darrell Clarke, who has made us all proud by being a true Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 and working hard to put neighbor back in the hood. These are the people that I worked with over the years, and I want to just thank them before I give this invocation. Our Lord, the merciful benefactor, the merciful redeemer, who opened the doors to all people a way of good conscience and good work. Grant to this Council as they continue to serve the people of this city taking pride in human dignity, human industry, and the search and struggle for human excellence. Let us pray that this Council be an inspiration to other city councils, this state, and this nation to move toward social and economic justice for all. Grant that this Council always have the human heart for charity, compassion, and mercy for the weak and less fortunate among us. Grant that we as human beings Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 than trouble and ever-growing goodness and in wisdom. Bless us to always cherish our freedom and the noble excellence of our own human life. Grant that we as citizens understand better our brothers and sisters in our neighborhoods and also around the world, and reject unsuitable racism, sexism, dualism, and we work for a human society of brotherhood and peace. Bless us as citizens to live up to the noble name of this City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Bless us in the City neighborhoods to return the neighbor back to the hood. Bless us to establish our city as a city of safety and security for all citizens. Bless the workers of our city and those in uniform and those not in uniform. Bless all citizens and government that we work together, those of great means and small means to appreciate more our city and work together to make the environment good for Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 and our schools. Bless our parents. Bless our troubled youth, our burdened neighborhoods and never be without hope or direction. Bless us as neighbors to keep the best of our ways. Bless us to cherish more the pride of industry and self-reliance. Bless the efforts of this Council and all efforts and progress for more jobs and more opportunities for this great city of ours, more for all of us. Bless marriage and matrimony and families here and around the world. Bless us to understand the great time in which we live, the time of the human being. Increase the Council and its leadership and every member of the Council, the leaders of this city to strive more for the excellence of the human spirit, the excellence of the human intellect, and that of statesmen so that we may build a better world for all of Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you so much, and I pray that our words will be sufficient to help us grow. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Imam, so much for those inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Imam, for those inspiring words. We really appreciate it. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 18th, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 18th, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 18th, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council 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. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to come down to witness their government in action. We 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. As we celebrate Small Business Week in the City of Philadelphia, City Council would like to extend a warm welcome to the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia small business members and representatives who are joining us here today. Could I ask them to please Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. We really appreciate you being here, and we appreciate all the wonderful things you do in our wonderful city. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass, who will present a resolution recognizing Imhotep Charter Men's Basketball Team. Must have won another championship. Would Coach Andre Noble and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilwoman Bass, we have Councilman Green, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, and Councilwoman Blackwell. Oh, here we go. (Applause.) Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Good morning. Well, what a wonderful day it is. Despite the weather, this is a day for winners. And so everybody likes a winner, right? And I have to say Imhotep has just done an outstanding job. Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
We hear so many negative things about our young people that when we have an opportunity like this, I just really want to celebrate. And everybody likes a winner. Everybody plays ball to some degree, you know. And I can play. I can do a little something-something, in my mind, but I can't do anything near what these young people have done. And so I am just really honored and pleasured and pleased to be able to recognize them here today. And so we have a resolution and it reads: Honoring and recognizing Imhotep Charter men's basketball team for Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 2017 Philadelphia Public League Championship title.
Whereas, on February 23rd, 2017 at Saint Joseph's Hagan Arena the Imhotep Charter Panthers won the men's basketball championship for the Philadelphia Public League by defeating the Martin Luther King Cougars 53 to 49 in overtime; and Whereas, Imhotep's starting point guard Daron Russell was deemed the Most Valuable Player for the second time in his basketball career for scoring a game-high of 24 points; and
So now I have to do Helen Gym's part. This is punishment. But congratulations. Whereas, with the Philadelphia Public League Championship Imhotep will have won its 6th Public League championship and now faces Conwell-Egan on March 4th, 2017 at Philadelphia University for the all-city title and the right to go on to the state playoff game; Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Whereas, even before the recent win, Imhotep's men's basketball team was ranked number seven in the nation by USA Today;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors and recognizes Imhotep Charter men's basketball team for winning the 2017 Philadelphia Public League Championship title.
Let's hear it for Northwest Philadelphia. Do we have the Sixers in the house? Anybody from the Sixers here? Let's recruit. We're building our Sixers team, folks, right? Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Imhotep Charter School and its Head Coach Andre Noble as evidence of the high esteem and deep admiration of this legislative body. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 (Applause.)
Six years. COACH SUTTON: On behalf of Dr. Ayesha Imani, our Executive Manager, and Principal Jury Segers, we want to thank City Council for recognizing us. I'm very proud of the young men that are behind me. Council, this is -- winning state titles is usually the second best day of our calendar. The first day is when our young people sign their national letters of intent to go on to post-secondary education. (Applause.) COACH SUTTON: With that, two seniors, David Beatty will be going to the University of South Carolina and Daron Russell will be going to University of Rhode Island in the fall. So we're grateful for that. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 our Councilwoman for inviting us down. And I didn't want her to know that I actually had something for her, so I had to stick it in my pocket, but we have a state championship medal for her to be a part of our state championship team. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla, who will present a resolution recognizing the American Bible Society. Would Dr. Roy Peterson and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining Councilman Squilla, we have Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Green, Councilman Oh, and Councilwoman Blackwell.
Good morning, everybody. Today is a special day in honoring the American Bible Society on the occasion of its 200th Anniversary and now also back in Philadelphia where it all started. So it's a great honor to be here and have this honor today. The American Bible was founded on May 11th, 1816. Philadelphia native Elias Boudinot, a president from the Continental Congress, served in the first president. Other early leaders of American Bible Society include John Jay, Francis Scott Key, and John Quincy Adams; and Whereas, American Bible Society originally sought to unite more localized Bible societies with the goal to distribute the Bible across the country. This vision soon expanded worldwide. Over the past 200 years, the American Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 approximately 6 million Bibles around the world;
6 billion. Whereas, American Bible Society has supported the American military since its founding. It distributed Bibles to the American military for the first time in 1817, and it has delivered Bibles and New Testaments to American soldiers in every war in which American troops have participated since the Mexican-American War in 1846; and Whereas, in a 1901 address to an auxiliary of American Bible Society, then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt remarked, quote, Every thinking man, when he thinks, realizes what a very large number of people tend to forget that the teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and intertwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure to ourselves what that life would be if these Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 would lose almost all standards by which we now judge both public and private morals; all the standings toward which we, with more or less resolution, strive to raise ourselves; and
Whereas, a pioneering spirit has always been a vital part of American Bible Society's success and longevity. It co-published the first Bible in Braille in 1842. Between 1918 and 1919, American Bible Society appointed its first women board members and two women vice presidents, a year before women had the right to vote in America. In 2012 it introduced The Digital Bible Library. Visitors to American Bible Society's website can search the Bible in over 582 versions and over 466 languages. New endeavors include developing Bible-based online games and virtual reality programs to help new audiences discover the stories found in the Bible; and Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Whereas, after nearly 200 years in New York City, the American Bible Society moved into a new Philadelphia headquarters at 101 North Independence Mall East in August of 2015. Most of American Bible Society's approximately 200 employees work in this new office; and
Whereas, the bicentennial legacy of American Bible Society is a testament to over 200 years of religious liberty in Philadelphia and the United States which has proven beneficial to moral, civic, and public life. Philadelphia is excited to build its relationship with American Bible Society as it celebrates the promising start of a new century, establishes a wider presence, and has a deeper impact in its new home; therefore, be it
Thank you. I do want to say this Bible Society is going to be one of the places to go to, Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Philadelphia, it's going to be a "must see" once they get everything up and running, and we are proud, and I'm sure we'll hear from them later on what it is that they're going to be presenting to us here in Philadelphia. So resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor American Bible Society on the occasion of its 200th Anniversary. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to American Bible Society, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. Introduced by myself, Councilman David Oh, and Derek Green, Councilwoman Blackwell, and all members of Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Dr. Peterson for Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you very much. On behalf of American Bible Society, our Board of Trustees, and our staff, we express our sincere gratitude to you for this honor. Councilman Honorable Mark Squilla and Honorable David Oh and to each of you, thank you for this gift. To Council President Honorable Darrell Clarke for your leadership of this Chamber, we give you thanks and gratitude for making this a vibrant city for us to relocate back to. To each of you on the Council, we appreciate your service and are thankful for the honor that you have given us today. We feel welcomed and back at home in Philadelphia. We've had a wonderful two years here already. Our roots do go back to 1740 with Elias Boudinot born in this city as our founding President. One thing that you may not know Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 back, we incentivized all 200 of our staff to locate in the City, to be in the neighborhoods, to be in the churches, in these schools, and to be serving this city along with you. As we opened our doors, we had the privilege of being part of the Host Committee to welcome Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families here in Philadelphia, and we produced a Scripture portion for the Catholic church for that occasion as he arrived in our wonderful city. We've recently produced a Scripture portion for all the police chaplains, thousands of copies for Commissioner Ross and the chaplains to serve the men and women in our city who serve us day by day. And we've also linked arms with ministries that are working with the homeless and with veterans as a beginning of our first chapter here being back in Philadelphia. So it would not be possible to Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 things without your support, your incredible support, and the welcome you've given us to come back home. When it comes to serving the people of Philadelphia, we think of you and how you sacrificially serve the people day by day in our government. Your service reminds me of the words of Christ when he said, I did not come to be served, but to serve. You are truly public servants, sacrificing for the good of Philadelphia. As a thank you, we have placed on each of your desks a personalized engraved copy of the Bible as a gift. And as you look at that piece of Scripture, I want you to remember it represents our commitment to serve alongside of you to serve this city, and we believe working together the future is bright for Philadelphia. And Councilman Squilla is correct, we are opening a Faith and Liberty Discovery Center on Independence Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 the story, the amazing history that happened in that square mile that we live in today in Old City. This beautiful space will proclaim the liberty, justice, and faith that are part of our heritage here in our nation, the brotherly love that William Penn saw was possible if we would all work together. And, finally, I remember the words of William Penn when he said this city is a holy experiment. And so today we are thankful to join hands with you to be part of this holy experiment for many, many years to come. God bless the City of Philadelphia. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon, who will Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Construction Safety Week. Would Mary Pat Geppert and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Point of information for Councilmembers when we come up. When Council is at ease and we take pictures, it would be appreciated if you wore and brought the hard hats as a symbol of our appreciation for Construction Safety Week.
Thank you, Councilman. Joining Councilman Henon, we have Councilman Squilla, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
I don't want to get written up by the Public Safety and Construction Safety Committee, but thank you. It's May 1st through May 5th, Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 presentation now because we didn't have the opportunity when it was National Construction Safety Week, and we observed it here, and no better than observing that is through the GBCA, which is really old. It's an old organization. It's been around since 1891. So some information that I think is important, because they have a history and a culture of being safe and promoting safety on our work sites. As you know, this Committee, our legislative body, through a lot of different policies, Special Committee on Demolition that our Council President put together working with the Administration, had a lot of recommendations, and those recommendations were in consultation with the GBCA. So with Philadelphia currently experiencing the growth of construction, more than ever, more than ever, we need construction safety awareness and Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 all our communities. And this is beyond Safety Week. GBCA has worked closely with the City of Philadelphia, again, like I had indicated, on a lot of its policies, a lot of its building codes and have invaluable information dating back from 1891 where we observe national best practices. We implement best practices not only here in the City, but they do that every single day with Philadelphia workers on all our Philadelphia work sites. So this is an opportunity to thank and acknowledge them for all of their hard work that they do from the Chairman, Jim Dolente, Benjamin Connors, who is the President, and Mary Pat Geppert, who is the Chair, who has the awesome responsibility of being the Chair of the Public Safety Committee. So it is my honor recognizing and observing the week that has passed, May 1st through May 5th -- but we Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 -- 2017 as "Construction Safety Week" in the City of Philadelphia.
Let me add, the value and the importance of having the relationship that the GBCA has had with this City Council and this Administration I believe has led us to being more proactive and putting forth better legislative initiatives. So we really appreciate their partnership all year long. Whereas, every year across the United States more than 80,000 workers suffer an injury on construction job sites; and Whereas, the General Building Contractors Association Safety Committee works to support safe construction practices here in Philadelphia; and
Is my hat crooked? Mess my hair. And whereas, the Construction Industry Safety group and the Incident Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Forum have joined forces to create U.S. Industry Safety Week with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the construction industry to be leaders in safety and to make safety the number one focus in the U.S. construction industry; and Whereas, "Construction Safety Week" is recognized annually by thanking workers for supporting safety and recognizing their efforts to be injury free, increasing awareness of the importance of being committed to safety, inspiring the construction industry to work together to strengthen safety culture, celebrating the need to be injury free, and conducting on-site safety awareness activities to support education; and
Just to take a second, Mr. President, when you appointed the Demolition Safety Committee, this organization stepped up to the plate without hesitation, without Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 positive input, which helped keep people safe on construction sites and around. So I am thankful for what your contribution is. Whereas, "Construction Safety Week" increases awareness of the importance of being committed to safety, every day, and inspires sharing of best practices and working together to strengthen construction industry's safety culture; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia and the City Council have worked diligently in recent years to ensure and improve safety in construction practices and pass regulations encouraging safe, injury-free construction in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the third annual U.S. Industry Safety Week will occur this year on Monday, May 1st to Friday, May 5th. Therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the May 1st through May 5th, 2017 as "Construction Safety Week" in the City of Philadelphia; and Further be it resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the GBCA, General Builders Contractors Association, as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. And no matter what we do, whether it's on a work site or whether it's a home site or anywhere, safety is always first. So thank you and congratulations. (Applause.)
And the Chair recognizes Ms. Geppert for remarks.
Good morning, and thank you, Council President, for allowing me to speak this morning. I am Mary Pat Geppert, the President of Geppert Brothers Incorporated, one of the Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 demolition contractors, and I am Chair of the General Building Contractors Association Safety Committee. On behalf of the GBCA, I would like to thank Councilman Bobby Henon and all of City Council for recognizing Construction Safety Week here in the City of Philadelphia and for the Council's extensive work on the issue of construction safety throughout the City of Philadelphia. The GBCA is the Philadelphia chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. With more than 250 member companies, safe construction is the number one priority to our organization and all of our member companies. Construction Safety Week is designed to thank our employees and recognize their efforts to be safe on job sites and to highlight the importance of our collective commitment to safety by strengthening the construction industry's Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 greatly appreciates the work the City Council and City departments such as License and Inspections have done to ensure that Philadelphia continues to be a city focused on safe, injury-free construction work. Through the City's efforts and the continued work of the GBCA Safety Committee, we will continue to emphasize safety as the number one focus in the Philadelphia construction industry and keep Philadelphia a safe construction city. Again, thank you to the members of City Council for recognizing Construction Safety Week and particularly to Councilman Bobby Henon for introducing this resolution. Together, we will continue to make safety the highest priority in Philadelphia's construction. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The 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. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills and amendments: Bill No. 170195, 170196, amendments to, Bill No. 170262, 170282, 170285, 170287, 170357, 170397, 170398, 170399, 170402, 170403, 170404, 170405, 170428, 170430, 170435, 170436, and 170437. And I am pleased to advise you that on May 22, 2017, I signed the Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 passed by Council at its session on May 11, 2017. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution adopting the 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the City of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District in accordance with terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution approving the reappointment Lee Huang to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and A resolution approving the appointment of Wendell Anthony Ewing to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land generally in the area bounded by Susquehanna, Lambert, Norris, 22nd, Diamond and 21st Streets, and authorizing an agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Redevelopment Authority for the PRA to act as the City's condemnation agent, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have any additional communications? Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three resolutions today co-sponsored by members Parker, Blackwell, Squilla, Green, Taubenberger, Gym, Bass, and I thank them.
A privileged resolution recognizing June 5, 2017 as World Environment Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Wanda D. Paul for her extraordinary dedication, Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 tireless advocacy and lifetime of service for the citizens of the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings to investigate the resources and current practices available to students and their families within the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to prevent suicides among children and youth in the City of Philadelphia.
Also on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce three non-privileged resolutions and one Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 privileged, signed by nearly everyone, sponsored by nearly everyone in Council, and I also introduce the Community Development Block Grant application on your behalf and two other bills on my own.
An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 3001 through 23 Market Street.
And an ordinance authorizing Mr. Baldev Shunta, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the west side of 34th Street, 148 feet north of Convention Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the west side of 34th Street, 148 Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 feet north of Convention Avenue for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand.
And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao for her many accomplishments in the medical field and also for her work in international relations, working with African countries on behalf of the United Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 States. We welcome her to Philadelphia and we are humbled to have her as the keynote speaker for the African Business Forum of the 42nd Annual Odunde Festival.
And a non-privileged resolution adding Sadique Water Ice Way to the street signs on South 6th between Locust and Spruce Streets.
And a non-privileged resolution adding Sonny Hill Way to the street signs on South 50th between Larchwood and Osage Avenues.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 5200 through the 5300 blocks of Vine Street as Crystal Bird Fauset Way. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating certain sub-surface portions and certain aerial portions of Moravian Street from 19th Street to 20th Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest by purchase, Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 condemnation or otherwise, in parcels of land generally in the area bounded by Susquehanna, Lambert, Norris, 22nd, Diamond and 21st Streets.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I offer two bills.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 170195 (approved in June of 2017), entitled "An ordinance to Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2018 through 2023 inclusive," by adding, revising, and/or removing certain projects, amounts and sources.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the City of premises located at 400 North Broad Street and 1501 Callowhill Street.
Referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution and one bill. I'd like to speak briefly to the resolution.
Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Condominium and Cooperative Conversions," to add provisions requiring notification to tenants upon intent to terminate or alter leases under certain circumstances.
And a non-privileged resolution adopting the 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll defer the proper execution of eviction orders for another day. What I'd like to talk about and refer to my colleagues is the OEM briefing flyer that should be on your desk. I wanted to explain what this is. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 It's a mitigation plan by the City of Philadelphia of various hazards that the City of Philadelphia may face. As Chair of Public Safety, the Administration asks that we review this and then actually vote on it, not this week, but in the following week to give you time to look at it. But it is a fascinating document. It talks about what we do in case of emergencies. It's required by FEMA in order for in the case of any disaster for them to come in and add federal dollars, they want to know did we have a plan, do we have a plan for active shooters, do we have a plan for earthquakes, do we have a plan for cold and heat emergencies. And, quite frankly, having glanced through this, I think we do, but I'd love to give an opportunity for all members to come by the office. I would make copies of it, but a lot of trees would have to pay the price for this much paperwork, but it's for your review for the next week. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 If you have questions about particular sections that may be germane to whatever your committees or interests are, please feel free to do so. I think the City has done a really good job every five years of updating this plan to make sure that we as a big city aren't caught unprepared for whatever manmade or natural disasters there are, Mr. President. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have four resolutions, one bill also on -- four resolutions, one resolution on your behalf, and also one bill, and I would like to speak briefly on one of my resolutions, sir.
Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a bicycle lane, in the southbound direction, on 15th Street between Carpenter Street and Washington Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the reappointment of Lee Huang to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June as Reentry Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman, which one do you want -- this Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 one?
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduced a privileged resolution and prime co-sponsorship with my colleague Councilman Curtis Jones recognizing June as National Reentry Month here in the City of Philadelphia. I just want to acknowledge the following organizations who are here today supporting this event as well -- supporting this resolution as well as the Managing Director's Office. So we have Philadelphia Reentry Think Tank, New Leash on Life, Mothers in Charge, we have Ms. Dorothy Johnson-Speight who is here, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Mr. Tracey L. Fisher and Dr. Simmons from Gateway to Reentry, JEVS Human Services, Philadelphia Department of Prisons. We specifically have Blanche Carney, who is Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 the Commissioner of the Department of Prisons. The U.S. Attorney's Office of Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Friends Rehabilitation Program, Gaudenzia, Graduate Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition. And immediately after the Council session, there will be a reception for all of the groups in honor of National Reentry Month in the Caucus Room. Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2, 2017 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And that will also be on this week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution celebrating the career of Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Michael Stiles on the occasion of his retirement and honoring him for his exceptional leadership in the Philadelphia Phillies front office and his dedicated service as a prosecutor and as a judge.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
An ordinance revising parking regulations on Granite Street, south side, Frankford Avenue to Darrah Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Hi, Council President. I have one bill, and I'd like to be recognized for remarks. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
An ordinance amending Chapter 20-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Compensation and Benefits," to require the provision of coverage of egg freezing, in vitro fertilization and related procedures under City health insurance plans.
Thank you very much, Council President. Before Council today, I joined 12 other women leaders, including my Council colleague Councilwoman Bass, from across Southeastern Pennsylvania to hear testimony on women's health and in particular on women's reproductive health and the dangers posed by HHCA. We're here today to firmly Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 declare that healthcare for women, LGBTQ people, cancer survivors, and those who struggle to build their families mustn't be optional. The choice to have children, as a mother of three, is a deeply personal one, and the freedom to build a family in whatever ways we choose is at the center of what it means to be human. For many of us, though, this choice isn't simple and it's not free. When the City insurance plans covered medically assisted family assistance and pregnancy treatments, 14 of our colleagues across the entire City workforce, 14 of our friends and neighbors had access to procedures and treatments necessary to make that choice, to build their own families and to forge their own paths in life. These were women, these were LGBTQ family members, they were cancer survivors and families that got the help and care that they needed, and that's why, along with my Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Council colleagues, I'm introducing a bill today to require that all insurance plans for City employees cover care for egg freezing, in vitro fertilization, and medically approved procedures for establishing pregnancy. And I deeply want to thank the co-sponsors of this bill - Councilmember Henon, Parker, Greenlee, Reynolds Brown, Bass, Green, Blackwell, Johnson, and Quinones-Sanchez, and the Mayor's Administration for working with us on this. As we fight for a medical system for all, for a system that truly meets the needs and the choices and the lives of all Philadelphians and all Americans, we are firm in the conviction that it's up to all of us to share the burdens of caring for and lifting up one another in our moments of pain and of challenge and especially of joy. And in this moment, I just want to give special recognition to one of our Council colleagues, Randi Trent, who has Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 bravely faced a cancer diagnosis and fought to keep open the possibilities of carrying children and starting her own family. We stand with Randi, whose strength is an inspiration to all of us, and we stand with all of our colleagues and friends who deserve this care. I look forward to working with the Administration and City employees to implement this critical policy and thank everybody involved who helped make it possible. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill on your behalf, of which I am co-sponsor.
An ordinance amending Section 2-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Office of Property Assessment; Chief Assessment Officers; Powers and Duties," by further providing with respect to the manner in which assessments are determined for certain properties that are subject to rent restrictions, affordability requirements and other related restrictions, and for properties with respect to which federal or state income tax credits have been obtained.
Thank you. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Gaul & Company Malt House to install, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 3133 Gaul Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 9 of an ordinance (Bill No. 150377) approved June 18, 2015, as amended by Bill No. 160566, approved June 16, 2016, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the construction, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the right-of-way of Market Street, Filbert Street, 11th Street, 10th Street, 9th Street and 8th Street, and authorizing the assignment of certain rights with respect to an overhead pedestrian bridge." Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
And a non-privileged resolution also naming 13th Street between Mifflin and McKean Streets as Tommy Coletti Way.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing Council's joint Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Education to hold hearings to examine the practice by the Department of Human Services to deny due process protections to public school teachers accused of child abuse and the Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Philadelphia School District's reliance on such findings to terminate teachers prior to an actual determination of abuse.
And that will be on this week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions co-sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Taubenberger, Blackwell, Bass, and Domb. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Tax," by adding definitions for "Smart Parking Technology" and "Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure," and imposing a reduced tax rate on any person conducting Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 or operating a parking facility that includes smart parking technology and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to enact legislation securing the citizenship of internationally adopted idle individuals.
And a non-privileged resolution opposing proposed taxes for technology and computer services in Pennsylvania.
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and we will now have our reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this day Bill -- never mind. Mr. President, the Committee of the Whole reports out six bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 170195, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2018 through 2023 inclusive"; and Bill No. 170196, an ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2018 Capital Budget"; and Bill No. 170197, entitled "An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 2018"; and Bill No. 170198, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage and Nets Profits Tax,' by revising certain tax rates"; and Bill No. 170199, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Tax,' to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 170200, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax,' to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on the use or occupancy of real estate within the School District of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I now move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit the first reading this day Bill Nos. 170195, 170196, 170197, 170198, 170199, and 170200. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 170195, 170196, 170197, 170198, 170199, and 170200. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no other additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and 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 Calendars Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 today: Bill Nos. 170526, 170527, 170532, 170533, 170534, 170282-A, 170265-A, and all other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment session. It will go as follows: If you have not already done so and you are interested in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today, you may sign up at the table to my left. 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 would ask that you please Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify. Mr. Decker, please call the name of the first witness.
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170526. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. This is an official decree of writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. If God created the people, if God gave the people inalienable, involatile rights, if the government is created by the people, how can the government steal from the people and defy and deny God-given rights? Every week the Council and Mayor take property from people, possibly illegally, and give it to the government. Mandamus quo warranto asks by whose authority. Where does the government, Council, and the Mayor claim their power Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 to violate the Constitution and law? Clearly your oath reminds you no authority exists. Clearly, God and the people's sovereignty over government has been usurped. Clearly, by the people, for the people has been violated. When did "by the people" and "for the people" become screw the people? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Section 1 through 11, 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 712, 713, 716, and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, 14-4056 appear violated. I call upon the federal and Commonwealth governments to perform their constitutional obligations to investigate and prosecute all involved in the theft and illegal deed transfer of my home, Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 1038 West Wyoming Avenue. The denial of God-given 42 USC 1982 property rights for 23 years is egregious, extraordinary, oath-violating, and requires immediate remedy. A just government must obey the rule of law. This color of law government must have its Charter to govern revoked until a constitutionally compliant government is installed. Public servants cannot refuse their sworn duty to act any more than a fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require the Constitution and laws be enforced. Jail is required for all who violate oath or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow monumental corruption.
Thank you. I would ask the Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
Maria Ortiz, commenting on 170285. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. I'm here on Bill 170285. It doesn't provide an appeal process for the RCO. We know the importance of an appeal process. In this case, for example, our Smith School, the community was not allowed to appeal the SRC decision of the sale of our school to a market-rate developer and now -- and to now to learn that Concordia turned around and sold to another developer after arguing for months about a five package deal of a school. Within 24 hours after May 19, they resold the property to another high-end developer. If there had been an appeal process, that would never have happened. The point of appeal is important to give the right to see the process done in the right way. An appeal gives you a chance to explain why it should or should not be done. I feel an appeal process would have benefit a Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 project. RCO plays an important role if done in the right manner. Community needs to have an input to make community safe if all -- for all, a community safe for all. When new people come in the community, they want to see schools, recreation center. I know this because we lost my neighbors, nine new neighbors, because there is no place for children or seniors. An appeal plays an important part. It is a right for all. Now our Smith School will be turned into market-rate housing, pushing low-income, moderate, and working family out of the community. If the appeal was put in place, this would never have happened. Appeal is the right for everyone, not just for some. (Applause.)
Thank you. Clerk, please read the name of the next speaker, please. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Tiffany Green, commenting on 170285. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. I ask that City Council vote no to 170285. This bill gives the Planning Commission the right to suspend community groups in Philadelphia without an independent appeal process. An independent appeal process allows us to go and make an argument if we feel that we've been suspended wrongly. Initially the RCO process was supposed to be a registry for notification for new development coming into the community, not to turn into a private club where you have to now follow rules, regulations and now suspension and then no appeal process. This bill gives the Planning Commission -- to make them a judge and a jury. How can you make them the judge and jury when our community, 250 minority registers came out and voted no to 20th Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 and Wharton, what was on fire last week, and the Planning Commission voted in our face to pass it through for one particular developer, with very little community support. In that community, that's bitter feeling. Councilman Henon, this might be a good bill for your district, but you have no right to go around to other districts where there is not a good relationship with the Planning Commission. We need an independent appeal process. At this particular point, thank God our forefathers, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, had the foresight to put an independent appeal process so that if you don't give -- if you're not able to -- you're able to go to someone. You, of all people, should understand the importance of having an appeal process if you are falsely accused of something that you did not do and you need to be able to go ahead and defend yourself and everything. Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 Who is going to do the investigation? Who is going to look into it? The Planning Commission has passed over 500 new market-rate developments over the last five years, and you want to make them the judge and the jury? I don't think so. We need leadership that's going to stand up for us. Thank God our forefathers stood up for us and had the leadership. If the leadership supports suspending community groups that come to your fundraisers, that come to your community events and you don't feel the need to give them appeal process, then you don't have their best interest at heart. As the minister said, have a human heart. Understand that everything is not perfect, but you cannot be suspending groups and making this into some type of private club that allows new groups to come in with the resources to set up a non-profit quickly in your neighborhood and then claim RCO status as Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 if they have the power and the say to say what goes on in your community. And if you want to talk about construction safety, then why is 20th and Wharton still building after 15 open violations after that fire? Let's start with that. Let's deal with that first before you start talking about canceling community groups throughout the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Toni Ebright, commenting on Councilman Johnson's resolution introduced today on Reentry Awareness Month. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting May 25, 2017
Good afternoon. My name is Toni Ebright. It's a privilege to be able to show my support for the reentry bill. I'm here as a returning citizen, an employee of Mothers in Charge, and an advocate for many people that are returning home from jail. I just basically want to show my support and want to briefly tell you who I used to be and who I am today to show you the importance and the significance of reentry to people like myself today. I've been -- I'm actually a grateful recovering addict today, but I was in addiction for nine years, went in and out of incarceration nine times in the last ten years, eventually made it upstate. I had two children, one daughter, who followed in my process and also became a heroin addict. The opiate epidemic is a nightmare today in Philadelphia and across the country, and I've lost many Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 friends to the disease, and I'm here today to show my support, because many of us -- I wouldn't be where I am today without that support that I received when I arrived in Philadelphia a year ago. I work for Mothers in Charge today. I started off in a program called Women Working for a Change. It's a job readiness program that basically has a cognitive piece to that. There's problem-solving, social skills, and that actually saved my life when I came here to Philadelphia. So I wanted to basically just get up here and speak today in support of that. Today I actually work for Mothers in Charge. I'm the Program Coordinator for that program. I go to college again. My daughter has over two years in sobriety, and I have my life back again today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 5/25/17 - STATED - 2ND READING for your public comment. Clerk, is there anyone else here that wish to sign up for public comment?
That being none, this concludes our public comment period for today. We will now consider the consideration of the bills and resolutions on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Clerk, would you please read the title of Resolution 170526.
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 Fourth Ward of the City of Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 5/25/17 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Clerk, could you please read the title of Resolution 170532.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt House Bill No. 393, which would "uncap" the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit program.
The Chair Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 5/25/17 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Chairman. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Clerk, could you please read the title of Resolution 170527.
A resolution naming Paschall Avenue, between South 64th Street and South 65th Street, "Albert Willis Way," to honor Albert Willis, the Commander of William P. Roche American Legion Post No. 21 and 1st Stated Meeting May 25, 2017 5/25/17 - STATED - 2ND READING District Commander of Pennsylvania, to commemorate his life and service to the City of Philadelphia and the United States of America.