Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 16, 2017 11:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
We're going to get started. We're running a little late. If the members will take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Terrence Griffith. Good morning, my friend. He is here from the First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and he is the guest of Councilman Jones. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
We certainly give honor to God, to Council President Clarke, to my Councilman, to all the Council individuals. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 in whose presence our soul takes the light, in whom an affliction we call, a comfort by day and a song in the night, a hope of salvation of all. Almighty God, we come to you today. We come acknowledging you as our God, our savior, our father. God, we bless you because you're God all by yourself. And as we come, God, we confess our sins, because there are many like the sands of the sea, but you said that if we confess your faithful and just, you'll forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And so, God, we ask for your forgiveness today for sins of omission and sins of commission. But, God, as we come, our nation is in crisis. We know, God, that you do all things right. We know, God, that you set up and you take down, but our nation needs your help. We pray Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 that, God, that you'd act in our fears, gun violence on every hand, disrespect and, God, we pray that you'd look down from heaven and you'd hear our cries. But you said in your word that if my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and heal the land. God, we ask that you heal the land together. Heal America, God. Heal our cities. Heal our states. And, God, we pray as Council deliberates today that, God, they'll deliberate, they'll discuss, and then they'll make decisions. May they be fair in their dealings. And, God, we're careful to give you the praise, the honor, and the glory. In the name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen. God bless you. (Amen.) Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
Thank you. Thank you, Pastor, so much. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. And thank you again, Pastor, for those inspiring words. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 2nd, 2017, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 stand approved. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Good morning, Mr. President. Thank you. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmembers Parker and Green.
The Chair thanks the gentleman, and leave shall be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there's a request of leave of absence for Minority Leader Brian O'Neill.
The Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Leave shall be granted. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Council President, thank you very much. I just wanted to take this moment to introduce some students from Devon Prep and their teachers. If they could stand. That's Peter Haas, Dan Macini (ph), and Marie LaPrise. Please acknowledge them. (Applause.)
Just a moment about them. Devon Prop is a private Catholic preparatory school in Devon, but their colors are the same colors as our city, and I thought them coming down here today and working with their teachers to show the history of our city and City Hall is something that can educate all students, and I believe it is incredibly important to educate these students on the way our local government works, with the hope that they one day Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 local government. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. And welcome. Thank you for coming in. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Council President. I also wanted to recognize students from Jubilee School, Central High School, and the Workshop School who are here today for today's resolution reading.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And good morning and welcome, and thank you all for coming today. At this time, I would like to Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 order of business and I would like to thank everyone, particularly these young people that have come here today, to witness their government in action. We genuinely appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to be here. 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. So, again, thank you so much for being here. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym, who will present a resolution commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the November 17th, 1967 Citywide Black Student Walkout. Would Karen Asper-Jordan and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.)
And joining Councilwoman Gym, we have Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, Councilman Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Henon, Councilman Johnson, and Councilwoman Blackwell.
We have a big group, so just getting ready. Thank you very much, everybody. Fifty years ago, the elders who are standing here with us today in Council were middle school and high school students who on November 17th, 1967 bravely stood up from their desks, walked out of their schools, along with thousands of other students all across the City of Philadelphia. With the teaching, support, and love of community leaders, Cecil B. Moore, Mary Seymour, William Mathis, Karen Asper-Jordan, David Richardson, and Walter Palmer, among others known and unknown, these brave students walked miles from every corner of our city to demand their civil rights and basic fairness in their schools. Today we honor you all. We honor your bravery. We honor your Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 a fact that we have African Americans in leadership as teachers, as administrators, and superintendents. Today African American history is a mandated course in the School District of Philadelphia, and today students still use the tools of non-violent protests like walking out and speaking out to demand even greater civil rights for themselves and for all of us. Today our youth, especially our black, brown, immigrant, and LGBTQ youth, are carrying the baton of justice and showing us what it means to believe and to fight with passion and energy. And as we are today on the brink of restoring local control back into our public schools in Philadelphia, let us remember that this fight for education equity remains alive and well because of the courage of those who came before us. This movement continues. (Applause.)
On behalf of Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Council, today City Council commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the November 17th, 1967 Citywide Black Student Walkout, and honoring the continuing tradition of youth organizing and activism around education equity and racial justice in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Whereas, the Black Power Movement marked a period in which cross-generational activists in the City of Philadelphia organized mass protests and boycotts in order to speak truth to power; and Whereas, in 1967, Black students joined and expanded the growing Black Power Movement by writing a student bill of rights and demanding community control of their public schools; and Whereas, Black students decried the African American student dropout rate, and called for a greater representation of African Americans in Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 force, administration, and governance of their schools as well as the teaching of African American history. Sound familiar? And whereas, school administrators at a number of high schools refused to recognize Black student unions as legitimate clubs; students sought recognition of these unions in order to strengthen their voice and role in school policies and governance; and
Whereas, students who protested racial injustice and school segregation demanded the right to refuse to salute the United States flag or say the pledge of allegiance without penalty, greater representation of Black students in union-sponsored apprenticeship programs, the freedom to express themselves through wearing African clothes and jewelry, and the use of African names; and Whereas, Walter Palmer of the Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 and William Mathis of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality provided youth activists with training and resources to develop an organizational strategy and create a students bill of rights; and Whereas, youth organizations dedicated significant time, energy, and spirit to create demands around issues of representation, self-determination, and diversity in their schools; and
Whereas, with strategy and materials in place, student activists led a series of organized student walkouts throughout October and November 1967. The first demonstration occurred on October 26th when 300 Gratz High School students exited during lunchtime to rally outside of the school, holding signs that read "The School Board Doesn't Serve the Black Community" and "We Need an Independent School Board." Three hundred students at Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 followed suit; and Whereas, these demonstrations culminated on Friday, November the 17th, 1967, with the walkout and non-violent gathering of over 3,500 Black student protesters from South Philadelphia High School, William Penn, Gratz, Germantown, Kensington, Bartram, Bok, West Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin, Edison High School, and I am so sure Girls High School as well. Hundreds of elementary and middle school students also walked out of their schools to show solidarity with high school student protesters; and Whereas, student activists marched from their schools to the School District of Philadelphia headquarters at 21st Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, chanting "Black Studies Now" and "more Black Power in the school system." Superintendent Mark Shedd met with march leaders upon their arrival to acknowledge demands and attempt to address student Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 updates from the windows of the School District building, eventually declaring that the Superintendent and the school board officials had agreed to almost all of their demands. (Applause.)
And the struggle continues. I'm so honored to be with all of these wonderful trailblazers and all of the young people who remind us why we do what we do. Whereas, Walter Palmer described the mood of the walkout and gathering as one of hope, energy, and possibility that must never be forgotten and the Evening Bulletin described the atmosphere as more like a picnic than a demonstration; and Whereas, while the plainclothes civil disobedience squad was present for much of the gathering, as more Black students gathered outside the School District headquarters, Police Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 111 newly sworn-in police sergeants in full riot gear to control the crowd of students. When police attempted to arrest the students who ran across a series of parked cars, police violence escalated, starting with the beating of a young woman and an Episcopal priest who sought to protect protesters from police violence; and Whereas, officers charged at student activists with their clubs drawn, shouting racial epithets and launching tear gas. Some students held their ground, as some leaders called for students to fight back; and Whereas, activists, School District employees, and bystanders said they broke down in tears witnessing the violence against the youth. School Board President and former Mayor Richardson Dilworth described the events this way: Things were under control until Commissioner Rizzo, without our request, Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 loose a couple of hundred men, swinging clubs and beating children; and
So these millennials believe they started civil rights and all that stuff. Well, here they are behind us right here. All right? So whereas, the School District of Philadelphia responded to the protest by meeting with students and staff from predominantly Black schools and discussing means to quell racial tensions and improve teaching practices. Schools established community-parent-student committees in predominantly African American high schools to diversify the curriculum and better serve the African American students, by providing space and resources for the Black students union to meet; and Whereas, the November 17th, 1967 student protest inspired a generation of Black students and youth Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 work for Black Power, racial justice, and inclusion in Philadelphia; and Whereas, the legacy of this walkout catalyzed a wave of community and political activity in 1968, including the establishment of the Council of Organizations of Philadelphia Police Accountability and Responsibility -Police Accountability and Responsibility -- the Black Coalition, the Philadelphia Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and the Black Political Forum, and launched the careers of ground-breaking Philadelphia politicians such as Hardy Williams, David P. Richardson, Wilson Goode, John White, Jr. and Novella Williams; and
And whereas, in 2005, the School Reform Commission Chairperson, under the direction of Commissioner Sandra Dungee Glenn, honored the determination of student protests by unanimously approving Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 in African American history. The SRC recognized that the goal of the 1968 resolution had not been fully realized, and that the concerns related to academic achievement addressed by this resolution remained a concern in 2005, and in an effort to close the largest academic achievement gap in the District, the School District of Philadelphia became the first and only school system in the nation to require each of its students to complete a course in African American history; and Whereas, the 1967 Citywide Black Student Walkout remains a key event in the vibrant, ever-growing history of youth activism in the City of Philadelphia over the past half century; and
Whereas, Philadelphia's youth activists - led by Black, Brown, and Immigrant youth of color - continue to lead the call for Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 justice in their schools and in our city, including the sit-in during the state takeover of the Philadelphia schools, walkouts to decry school budget cuts, and the immigrant students who boycotted and won the federal civil rights settlement around racial harassment at their school. They demand a more racially diverse teaching force, a democratic governance, and an end to the school-to-prison pipeline, fairer school discipline practices, clean water access in schools, a student complaints process, and other changes that advance racial equality in the Philadelphia school systems and far beyond;
And whereas, Philadelphia's youth organizing movements, including the Philadelphia Student Union, Youth United for Change, Asian American United, VietLead, and many others continue this activist tradition today, broadening the work into deeply Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 organizing, which has earned them national recognition despite too few resources supporting youth leadership programs; and Whereas, in a time when too many talk about youth as tomorrow's leaders, we build organizations -- we have organizations which build the youth leaders of today; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the November 17th, 1967 Citywide Black Student Walkout and honors the continuing tradition of student organizing and activism around education equity and racial justice in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
And the Chair now recognizes Ms. Asper-Jordan for remarks.
Good afternoon, everyone, and I want to thank Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Council for having us here and honoring us today and the very humbling experience. Fifty years ago, just imagine, our children -- and we were all children then -- going to demonstrate for equality and justice for schools that catered to our needs, and that was education. This is what the children wanted 50 years ago. Why are we still fighting for the same thing now? (Applause.)
Just imagine your children, many had never been in a demonstration at all in their lives, going to the Board of Education just to voice their concerns. I was standing a few feet from Rizzo, Commissioner Rizzo, and Earl Vann, who was a Councilman then. I was standing on the side and I heard Earl Vann plead with Rizzo, tell him not to attack the children. Earl Vann said, They're only children. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 said, Get their asses. This was what was done to our children. Imagine a child not having anything to fight with, digging up dirt out of the ground to throw to defend themselves. When I was thrown to the ground, I was dragged about a half a block. Formerly known as "Dick Trailer," Mr. Imgeesi (ph), while they were dragging me by the front door of the Board of Education, he jumped on my body to keep them from dragging me. They beat him with those blackjacks unmercifully. I want to thank the children. Know that you are our future. You have to continue the fight, and through you, we have new ideas. To the old folks, and us included, we don't know everything. You have to listen to these children. They're the ones that are on the front lines in these schools. They know what's going on. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 best and future commodity in this world. They deserve an education. To our young people out there, if they kept education from the enslaved Africans, this is a question you must ask yourself: Why are they trying to keep it from us now? All right? To our older staff, our representatives, fight for these children. You have to fight. And I know money goes a long way, but as I said before when I spoke here about Cecil B. Moore, you have to look out for the little person. You have to. And I thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to thank the President and the City Council in general. I'd like to thank Councilwoman Helen Gym in particular for driving this Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 initiative, and I want you to take away from this a couple of things. One is, I want you -- don't focus on the attack on the children. I went to jail. I was charged with conspiracy, riot, mayhem, assault and battery, profanity, et cetera. That's not the focal point. I've been used to going to jail for these matters for years, but it was my babies. These are all my babies, right? I was 33 years old at the time. And so what happens is, I want you to remember, it did not happen like a flash mob. This was -- this started -- I started this journey in 1955. 1955. I want you to picture Philadelphia in 1955. There were no black police officers. There were no black bank tellers. There were no black telephone operators. There were no blacks driving taxicabs and driving of any recognition, the El's and the trains, et cetera. It didn't exist. Blacks were sequestered into Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 that had been run over from previous years. There were no professors at University of Pennsylvania where I teach now. I started 50 years ago training teachers at Penn on racism and racism courses and still continue to do that today. So the Black People's University, Black People's University created a template, 1955, a grassroots template, organizing and training and teaching young people from preschool to high school and beyond how to take care of themselves, self-help, self-reliance, and self-determination, how to become the future leaders. You cannot become a leader without training. You cannot have social training without training. If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail. And the reason it was so successful, because we had a template. We had an organizational template. That is the same template we use in order to make sure that there were blacks inside of Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 then, there was no, Councilman Oh, there were no Asian Americans in Council. Councilwoman Sanchez, there were no Hispanic Latinos. We used that template to force people to recognize there's a black and Latino population. We helped to create the first Spanish parade in 1967. We had to fight for Dr. Ethel Allen, a black woman, to become here in Council. What I learned along the years was to be able to recognize this problem we face as not an either/or. It's not a here or there. I was able to work on the inside and the outside. I worked with Bill Barrett of the Congress, the legendary Barrett of South Philadelphia, C and Frannie (ph), Jimmy Tayoun, Fumo. I worked with all the people on the inside as well as the outside, which gave us leverage. So by the time 1965 came Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 around, we had perfected a template, the same one that would go on to create the National Black Power Conference, the Black Panther Conference, the anti-war movement. It was not by accident. These children were willing to spend a year training. They couldn't wait to get from these schools to get to training at the Black People's University, where we go into Heritage House. They came there. It was orchestrated. And out of that came a young Dave Richardson. He started with me. He was just 18, 19 years old. He became the first and the youngest person ever in the history of Pennsylvania to be in the Legislature at 24. John White, Jr. John White, Jr. became a councilman and a legislator and went on to become Secretary of Education. A young Chaka Fattah and a young Curtis Jones, they were able to Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Falaka Fattah and David Fattah, the House of Umoja, based upon the template. It was organized.
These young people are required to come for these trainings. They had to take this information back across the City. They had to engage the gangs in the neighborhood. They had to engage the churches, the black churches. They didn't have cell phones. They didn't have copy machines. We took a mimeograph machine at Black People's University and built 5,100 page copies of African American history. Then they had to distribute it all across the City. Please take away from this. These are not victims. These are not victims. These are people who stood up at the plate, and they became the models. I watched the idea of an older people, elders, taking time with me. We created that model. I watched in this Council. I watched Schwartz, George Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 here. I watched David Cohen. David Cohen mentored in here. I watched Hardy Williams mentor Kenyatta. I watched a young John Street be mentored by Lucien Blackwell. I watched John Street mentor President Clarke. These are the things, these are the outcomes of serious organizing and planning. It's not the flash in the pan. And I continue that move. I don't know how long it will last. Seven years from now I'll be 90, but I'll tell you this, I continue working every day of my life. I jog and train 40 blocks every other day. I still box. I got a shot. And I won't stop until I drop, and hope that none of you. This is only a stepping stone. We cannot bail on our laurels. We have to continue to build and build and build until we make the change we want. This country is worth saving, and it's those that are left at the bottom who make the top. )
When we took the template to build charter schools, we got Governor Ridge the kind of support he needed across the state with the template. The first school I got was Saint Michael's at 2nd and Master. That was a school for the Irish. The Irish were abused in this town. Mayor Tate would be the first ethnic person to be able to be a mayor in this town. The Italians were abused in this town and abused across this country. I've watched it. I've seen it all, and I remember it. And I know this, that you can never have freedom unless you're willing to fight for it and you're willing to die for it. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Okay, folks. We have to continue Council. So if you want to have conversation, I'm going to ask you to please do it in the hallway. Thank you. 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, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 13, 2017, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 26, 2017. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Ashley Peel to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Carlos Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Donn Clendenon to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Jennifer Nagle to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lewellen Street from Delaware Avenue to Canal Street; and An ordinance amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing," to revise certain requirements for participation in and provisions for administration of the rotational towing system, and to adjust the fees for tows in the rotational system; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 "Communication," to provide authorization for and to establish requirements and fees associated with placement of communication antennas associated with mobile wireless services on poles and other structures in the public right-of-way; and to revise existing requirements; and amending Chapter 16-200 of the Code, entitled "Sales, Leases and Other Grants of City-Owned Property and Facilities," to remove related provisions; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with EB Realty Management, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 667 North Broad Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to an existing lease agreement with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 1234 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by purchase, condemnation or otherwise title in some or all of the parcels of land together with the improvements thereon commonly known as 4301, 4303 and 4305 Germantown Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to an existing lease agreement with Washington Service Corporation for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 8747 Frankford Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into one or more agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to amend, restate, or otherwise replace the lease and sublease authorized by Bill No. 090330 to permit the Philadelphia Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 construct, operate, maintain, and repair a Holocaust Memorial Plaza on the "Premises" identified under the previously authorized lease and sublease; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB, LLC, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease with an option to purchase with Ujima Community Transformation Partners, LLC, for use and/or purchase by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 6750 Lindbergh Boulevard, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those messages will be printed in today's Journal. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Do you have any additional communications?
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. This morning I offer one resolution on my behalf and one on behalf of Councilman Green.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I'm going to ask anyone that has -- electronic devices having been going off quite frequently this morning. I'm going to ask if anyone has an electronic device that makes any noise, will you please turn it off or take it in the hallway. Thank you.
A privileged Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 resolution recognizing the Month of November as National Family Caregivers Month and Celebrating the Outstanding Supports Provided to Family Caregivers by AARP.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating The Food Trust for its research, programs, and advocacy on behalf of a well-fed populace on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.
Also on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill on your behalf, four on my behalf, one privileged resolution, and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
An ordinance authorizing the Revenue Commissioner and the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a contract or contracts for a term not to exceed four years for the design, implementation, and management of a securitized sale of the City's liens for real estate tax and possibly other municipal claims; and a contract or contracts for a term not to exceed four years for the sale of such liens under which the City would be obligated to provide substitute liens or compensation for any defective liens; 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 Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, Spruce Street, and 34th Street; and An ordinance amending Section Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 14-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District," to reverse requirements and designations relating to said overlay district; 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 Chestnut Street, 40th Street, Locust Street, 42nd Street, Woodland Avenue, 43rd Street, Spruce Street, and 45th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire by purchase, condemnation or otherwise title to the 3900 block of Delancey Street from the Delancey Street Residents Association, together with all improvements thereon.
Thank you. Those bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings to discuss how we can better implement educational standards in the early childhood years from Pre-K to 3rd grades to prepare our children for success later in life.
And a non-privileged resolution calling upon the Managing Director's Office of Philadelphia to Promptly Comply with Council Bill 1156 passed on February 25, 1987 by transferring fee simple title to 451 South University Avenue from the Department of Public Property to PIDC; and (ii) requesting that PIDC transfer fee simple title to 451 South University Avenue and the Land Upon Which It is Located to The Consortium for nominal consideration as soon as practicable. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
And that will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. Before I call the next Councilperson, I'd like to recognize a good friend of mine, of all of us. I know you don't want me to do this, but I got to recognize you, my good friend and all our good friend, former Councilman Johnson White, Jr. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman, for all your great work. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three bills.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation, on Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 behalf of the City, to enter into one or more agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to amend, restate, or otherwise replace the lease and sublease authorized by Bill No. 090330 to permit the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation to construct, own, operate, maintain, and repair a Holocaust Memorial Plaza on the "Premises" identified under the previously authorized lease and sublease; 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 Oxford Street, 22nd Street, Jefferson Street, and 24th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement with EB Realty Management, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 667 North Broad Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Street.
Those will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Bustleton Avenue from Magee Avenue to Unruh Avenue; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Unruh Avenue from Akron Street to Roosevelt Boulevard; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 amendment to an existing lease agreement with Washington Service Corporation, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 8747 Frankford Avenue.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
He's exiting with the Dallas hat on. I just wanted to double check if it was okay for him to be in Council session with that hat on. I'm sorry, Council President. Bye-bye.
I understand. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
Thank you, Councilman. We'll see him on Sunday.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Paoli Avenue, Umbria Street, Fountain Street, Manayunk Avenue, Gates Street, Pechin Street, and Fountain Street; 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 Henry Avenue, Valley Avenue, Domino Lane, Domino Lane North, Ridge Avenue, Harmon Road, Fowler Street, Domino Lane, Silverwood Street (Extended), Parker Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Avenue, Pechin Street (Extended), Fountain Street, Pechin Street, and Hermitage Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded on the northeast by the Manayunk Canal, on the southeast by Green Lane, on the southwest by the Schyulkill River, and on the northwest by Leverington Avenue with a straight line extending from Leverington Avenue to the Schuylkill River; and An ordinance providing for the repeal of an ordinance, Bill No. 170203, and the restoration of the intersection of 57th Street and Wyalusing Avenue to the traffic controls existing prior to the enactment of said bill.
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings on the "First Chance Trust Fund" legislation introduced by Senator Vincent Hughes, which would aid children and youth impacted by the state's prison system.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Sheila Oliver for being elected as the first African American Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey.
And also this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I have one non-privileged resolution and two bills.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease with an option to purchase with Ujima Community Transformation Partners, LLC, for use and/or purchase by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 6750 Lindbergh Boulevard.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB, LLC, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on Congress to reject the GOP tax plans, Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 which eliminate or shrink programs that promote housing affordability.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution, two administrative bills, and one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Greenlee and Squilla.
An ordinance amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing," to revise certain requirements for participation in and provisions for administration of the rotational system.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Kensington Avenue, Adams Avenue, Leiper Street (extended), Frankford Creek, Castor Avenue, Wyoming Avenue, G Street, and Erie Avenue.
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 Allegheny Avenue, 2nd Street, Lehigh Avenue, and 6th Street.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center for 15 years of service to members of the Philadelphia Community.
And that will be on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
Co-sponsored by Councilman Majority Leader Henon and Councilman Squilla.
An ordinance authorizing the Revenue Commissioner and the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into (i) a contract or contracts for a term not to exceed four years for the design, implementation, and management of a securitized sale of the City's liens for real estate tax and possibly other municipal claims; and (ii) a contract or contracts for a term not to exceed four years for the sale of such liens under which the City would be obligated to provide substitute liens or compensation for any defective liens.
And Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions, the first being co-sponsored or co-introduced by myself and Councilwoman Blackwell and the other I would like to speak on either now or at the time of the vote.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and its Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 work towards eliminating childhood cancer, and both Executive Committees of the 57th Ward of Philadelphia for holding a charity event to raise money and to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
And that's on this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. Just very, very briefly. The 57th Ward, both republican and democrat Executive Committees, under the leadership of leaders Pat Parkinson and Brian McCann, have really teamed up together to work on this project that is so vital to fighting cancer and is so good for the community. I just think it should be acknowledged a little further that republicans and democrats can get together. If we can do it in Philadelphia, a lot of other places should be able to do it too. Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
Thank you, Councilman. If only it happened in Washington.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding Campus Philly and their efforts towards fueling the economic growth in Philadelphia and their efforts towards increasing the retention rates of college students.
And this week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer eight bills and eight non-privileged resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Noise and Excessive Vibration," providing for a Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 prohibition against the use of drums and cymbals and devices and objects used as drums and cymbals outdoors in certain areas of the City audible at a certain distance from the activity; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 771 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lewellen Street from Delaware Avenue to Canal Street; and An ordinance authorizing Atul Amin, owner and operator of the newsstand located at the southeast corner of North 10th Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the southeast corner of North 10th Street for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand; and An ordinance authorizing Sanjay Jhaveri, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of North 9th Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 across the southeast corner of North 9th Street for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Discounts and Additions to Tax," by tolling additions, interest and penalties on real estate tax when the assessed value of property is under appeal and limiting tax payments due based on certain assessments under appeal; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," by tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal and limiting tax payments due based on certain assessments under appeal; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 amendment to an existing lease agreement with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1234 Market Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Communication," to provide authorization for and to establish requirements and fees associated with placement of communication antennas associated with mobile wireless services on poles and other structures in the public right-of-way; and to revise existing requirements; and amending Chapter 16-200 of the Code, entitled "Sales, Leases and Other Grants of City-Owned Property and Facilities," to remove related provisions.
Those eight bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 appointing Donn Clendenon to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Jennifer Nagle to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Ashley Peel to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Carlos Sena to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution reappointing Greg DeShields to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution reappointing Romulo Diaz, Jr., to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution reappointing Robert Lane to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; and A resolution reappointing Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Joseph Zuritsky to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
Those resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer three bills and two resolutions, one on your behalf.
An ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts," by creating a special sidewalk vending district on North Twentieth Street between West Clarkson Avenue and Belfield Avenue.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Germantown Avenue, west side, West Phil-Ellena Street to Gorgas Lane.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire by purchase, condemnation or otherwise title in some or all of the parcels of land together with the improvements thereon commonly known as 4301, 4303 and 4305 Germantown Avenue.
And a privileged resolution also naming Diamond Street between 23rd Street and 25th Street as Dawn Staley Lane.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Joseph Meade to the Board of Directors Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Services District.
And that will be referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Domb and Taubenberger.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support on the Occasion of its 100th Anniversary.
The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 on Rules reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 170902, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District,' by creating the East Mount Airy /NCA Overlay District; and amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Fayette Street, East Vernon Road, Michener Avenue, and Greenwood Street"; and Bill No. 170924, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cheltenham Avenue, Ditman Street, Cottman Avenue, Ditman Street, Bleigh Avenue, Edmund Street, Cottman Avenue, Vandike Street, Robbins Street, Torresdale Avenue, Devereaux Avenue, and Hegerman Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of Bill Nos. 170902 and 170924. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 170902 and 170924. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 13 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Services, to which was referred Bill No. 170363, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 1900 block of North 76th Street between Overbrook Avenue and City Avenue, both sides"; and Bill No. 170713, entitled "An ordinance authorizing 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue Condo Association to install, own and maintain a sign encroachment at 2601 Pennsylvania Avenue"; and Bill No. 170723, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Germantown Special Services District to install, own and maintain various bollard encroachments at 57 West Maplewood Mall"; and Bill No. 170820, entitled "An ordinance to amend Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Streets,' by revising certain provisions of Chapter 11-600, entitled 'Construction, Encroachments, and Projections Over, On, and Under Streets,' to amend the encroachment regulations for signage"; Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 170823, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the relocation of the southerly curbline of Carpenter Street, from Broad Street to Fifteenth Street on City Plan No. 15-S, a variable distance southwardly, so as to widen the cartway of said Carpenter Street"; and Bill No. 170824, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 359 by relocating the southwesterly houseline and curbline of Byberry Road, from The Roosevelt Boulevard to a point northwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 170825, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 130355) approved June 17, 2013, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon a portion of City Plan No. 58 of a two feet wide area for public pedestrian use extending along the southerly side of Pearl Street, Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom, and the relocation of the curblines of Pearl Street, from Tenth Street to a point approximately one-hundred thirty-eight feet westwardly therefrom, so as to widen the cartway of said Pearl Street,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 170826, entitled "An ordinance revising parking restrictions on Maplewood Avenue, between Greene Street and Wayne Avenue"; and Bill No. 170850, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Ralston Center to construct, own and maintain bench encroachments on Spring Garden Street, Brown Street, North 37th Street, North 35th Street, and North 34th Street"; and Bill No. 170851, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Convention Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Avenue, from Health Sciences Drive to South Street, to Health Sciences Drive"; and Bill No. 170855, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation to install, own and maintain various planter and bike rack encroachments on Passyunk Avenue, South 12th Street, Morris Street and Watkins Street"; and Bill No. 170905, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Vendors,' by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Olney Avenue and creating a special street vending district on North Twentieth Street between West Clarkson Avenue and Belfield Avenue"; and Bill No. 170961, entitled "An ordinance authorizing The Bagel Place Shop LLC to install, own and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe at 404 Queen Street," respectfully reports it has Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of the 13 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 13 bills that were just read into the record by Mr. Decker. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion regarding Bill No. 170902.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the amendment to be offered to Bill No. 170902 at this time. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the motion will signify by Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And again the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of Councilwoman Parker, I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 170902. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 170902 has been amended. Bill No. 170902, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 170966, 170714, 170803, 170818, 170717, and 170726. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up, please do so by giving your name to the Sergeant-of-Arms at the table to my left. You will be called in the order in which your name appears. You will have up to three minutes to speak. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, the three-minute limit will be adhered to. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your time to conclude your remarks. Once three minutes have passed, the light will turn red, and at that point, please yield the podium to the Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 next speaker, if you have not already done so. I would ask Mr. Decker to please read the name of our first speaker.
Rochelle Bilal, commenting on 170726. (Witness approached podium.)
First of all, I'd like to thank Councilman Clarke, Councilman Curtis Jones, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilman and the king of this bill, the illustrious Councilman David Oh -(Applause.)
-- Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and the queen of this bill, Councilwoman Blackwell, and all other Councilpeople, including Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Kenyatta, that is supporting this bill. Let me thank all of y'all for doing the right thing at the right time. Let me first say that we very much support this enforcement bill. It adds integrity to this bill to ensure that any policies or procedures or contracts that come into the City is fairly distributed amongst all of us, black and brown people included, to be fairly represented on these contracts and these places of work in the City. This helps make sure that people don't take us for a joke. This helps make sure that the people in this city is cared for by you. So when they vote for you, they know that you're caring about them too. This helps you, helps Council, helps the City, helps those who live here, pay taxes, work here, and if they out of work, can gain worthful employment. This helps all people in this city, and if you come in here for a Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 contract and you sign an agreement, you can't go back later and say, Oops, my bad, I'm going to change it in midstream. You're going to sign it, you're going to do what's right, or you're not going to work here anymore. And this is just the beginning. This is not just now. This is for all that comes into the City. I'm free now. I lived here all my life and I'm not going nowhere. So I'm letting you know, we're going to stand up and make sure that this enforcement bill works properly and that it is fair across the board and that black and brown people are included for the first time. Thank y'all for standing up. Thank y'all for pushing the envelope. And if anybody that don't want to approve this going through, thank you. We'll see you at voting time. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017
Pastor Smith, commenting on 170726. (Witness approached podium.)
To Council President, members of the Council, my name is Matthew Smith, President of the National Action Network here in Philadelphia. We support enforcement of this bill. We echo the sentiment of our dear sister who just addressed this Council. We are beginning to look at things a whole lot different. We will vote for anyone who vote for our interest, and the interest is the interest of the community. So support us in order that we support you. We are not wedded to anyone who does not look out for the interest of our people. Thank you.
Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 Thank you for your testimony, sir. (Applause.)
Emmanuel Bussie, commenting on 170726. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Council President, members of Council. I just want to take a minute just to read the names of the people that are in support of this bill and this new initiative to support City Council in a way that we've never supported you before. So it's 26 community leaders. I just want to read the names of the community leaders that are in support of you who have come together in an unprecedented way to support you, not just today but on election day, and we're Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 going to support those that support us. Democrat, republican, independent, green, black or blue, whoever supports the interest of our people, we're going to support you in an unprecedented way. Paula Peebles, Rochelle Bilal, Greg Brinkley, Mark Harrell, Darisha Miller, Marie Patterson, Danilo Burgos, Albert Littlepage, Talia Taylor, Anton Moore, Chante Love, Mel Wells, Movita Harrell, Tracy Hardy, Rob Bachuro (ph), Danita Bates, Malik Aziz, Mike Reid, Jada Irwin, Bishop Marie Palmer, and myself, Emmanuel Bussie. We've come together in an unprecedented way, again, to support Council in a way Council has never been supported before. So when the unions come at you, we got your back. When business come at you, we got your back. As long as you look out for us, we will make sure that no one comes after you without getting pushback from the community. And when I say community Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 leaders, we got over -- I think we added it up -- 320 years of experience of fighting in elections and getting people elected and fighting on the ground. So, again, we appreciate what you've done in terms of this enforcement bill to add an enforcement mechanism, add another tool to your tool chest in terms of making sure people keep their word. If you make an agreement with City Council, no longer you're just going to be able to break that agreement and get a fly-by pass by the Mayor's Administration. We appreciate Council adding this level of enforcement to what you do. We can't thank you enough. And, again, this is just step one, and again we thank you.
Good Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 afternoon. MS. McGRAW: Good afternoon. This is a first for me speaking publicly. I'm a 65-year-old grandmother and I'm also a different kind of democrat. I want you to understand what this type of discrimination has meant to families like mine and what it means to the future of my children. I'm going to tell you about my deceased husband for a moment, so please be patient with me. Lawrence graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1980. He had carpentry skills. He was proud of himself. He was going to take care of his family and the child we were expecting. He had a hard time gaining employment and gaining experiences that he needed, but finally he secured an interview with a job that he thought he was going to be happy at. He was going to finally build a career that he could take care of his family. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 He was interviewed by a 45-year-old middle age -- that was middle age then -- white man. He brought him into the shop. He allowed Lawrence to try, you know, showing him what he could do, show him his skills. He treated Lawrence and introduced him around to everybody in the shop, you know, praised him, because he was good at what he did. He was young, but he was good at what he did. As the interview concluded, they went back to his office. The gentleman continued to praise Lawrence. So happy you interviewed. When Lawrence stood up to shake his hand because the interview is over, he's proud of himself. The gentleman didn't shake his hand. The gentleman, the supervisor in the shop, he slapped his face, an 18-year-old man. He slapped his face. A scuffle ensued. My husband ran home, afraid for weeks how was this going to end up. Are they going to come lock me up? What do we do now? Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 How does he feed his family? This kind of discrimination, if you allow it to continue, is nothing but a continuous slap in our faces. Lawrence and I have two grandsons, 23 and 25, aspiring carpenters. They want to have their own business. I plan on buying them a truck. Don't discriminate against my grandchildren. We need jobs with equal opportunities the same way yours do. We will be sharing the same community. I appreciate you making this very first start, but to continue this practice is a continuing slap in our faces, and it's our after life. Once again, I'm Elizabeth McGraw, a 65-year-old grandmother. I represent all grandmothers and all of our grandchildren in our society when I speak.
Thank you. MS. McGRAW: Thank you for this Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 time.
Thank you for your testimony, ma'am. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel, commenting on 170966, 170714, 170878, and 170726. (Witness approached podium.)
This is an official decree of the people in writ of mandamus quo warranto and, as such, requires immediate action and remedy. Every week Council, Mayor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably illegally. Last meeting Council spent a lot of time praising and admiring a convicted oath-violating official. Council spent very little time mentioning veterans and their sacrifices. Does Council care about veterans? Veterans Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 give it all up to fight far from home so their families, friends, and neighbors can be secure in their houses, persons, and effects. Then why does Mayor, Council, and others dishonor their sacrifices by stealing homes, repeatedly denying trial by jury, and due process? Cooper v. Aaron states you cannot violate the Constitution and laws without first violating your oath of office to uphold, obey, and defend the Constitution and laws. Justice Brandeis is quoted, If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for the law. It invites every man to be a law unto himself. It invites anarchy. Why has the elected monarchy not provided constitutionally required immediate remedy for 1038 West Wyoming Avenue? The Constitution and laws require immediate remedy of this breach of law, breach of close, breach of fiduciary duty. Your oath of office requires you to act or face prison. Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384, PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 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 for 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, 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 Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 11/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING fireman can refuse to fight a fire. The sovereign people require Constitution and laws be enforced, and 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.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will move to our Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 170966.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Osage Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and Stated Meeting November 16, 2017 11/16/17 - STATED - 2ND READING street addresses as 6216, 6217, 6218, 6221, 6222, 6223, 6224, 6225, 6226, 6228, 6230, 6232, 6236, 6238, 6248, 6250, and 6256 Osage Avenue and 6212, 6214, 6218, 6220, 6222, 6224, 6226, 6228, 6232, 6234, 6236, 6238, 6240, 6242, 6244, 6246, 6250, 6252, and 6254 Pine Street.