Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 12, 2019 10:40 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 AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
Good morning. We are back. We're going to get started now, if members will take their seats. Any visitors please retire behind the rail. Before we start today, I'd ask a favor of anyone here today. If you have an electronic device, be it phone or any other device that makes noise, please turn it off or turn it on airport mode or any other mode that will not disturb your next-door neighbor. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer, Presiding Bishop of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, Incorporated. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Parker. I would ask all members and guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Our Gracious Heavenly Father, we are grateful for this Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 day, this time, and this place. We are grateful that you have carried us from the last session to the beginning of this one. We are thankful for life, health, strength, peace of mind, and happiness in whatever that we do. We ask that your spirit will continue to reign, not only in this place, with those that are in the positions of authority, but that you will give them the wisdom, the compassion, and the knowledge to make the right decisions that are good for the whole and not necessarily the part. We are grateful, God, that you are kind to us, and that despite what's going on in the world, your grace and mercy still yet covers us. We thank you for protection and we thank you for keeping us from those things that would have given us hurt, harm, or danger but, more importantly, we are grateful that you are the sovereign God and that you, besides none other, to Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 whom we may avow, are the one that helps us to be, for without you we would not be. So now, God, in this moment, with the esteemed President, the distinguished members of Council, those of the staff of each, those of us that are gathered by organization, community, or the City at-large, continue to cover them, cover our elected officials, from the Mayor, the Judiciary, and the law enforcement, for all that choose to serve. We pray, God, that you will stay your hand on the City of Philadelphia and that one more time we will be raised to know as the city of love and one of embracement. We can't help but give you thanks and give you praise, even in this moment, and we say thank you again. We ask it all in the name that is above every name, the name that we may say Jehovah, Jesus, or any other name by whom Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 honor. It is in that that we all say amen, amen, and amen. (Amen.)
Thank you. Thank you so much, Archbishop. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, Archbishop, again. Thank you so much for those very inspiring words. We really appreciate it. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 20th, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, June 20th, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Thursday, June 20th, 2019 stand approved. All those in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 much, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leaves 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 thank everyone and welcome you for taking time out of your busy day to come down to witness your government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here. We hope that your stay here today is a knowledgeable one, but more so a pleasurable one, so much so that you come back again. Again, thank you for being here. Today we actually have no presentations, but I'm sure we'll make up -- the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we have two young people. In fact, they just Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Patrick, but they have started their own company called Sprinkle of Jesus and Jumping Jack Tax. They're entrepreneurs of our city, young people, Dana Chanel and Prince Donnell, that we've been meeting with today. Could we ask them to stand. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 26, July 3, July 17, and September 11, 2019, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council on June 13, 2019; and that on June 26, July 3, July 17, July 24, August 14, and September 11, 2019, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council on June 20, 2019, except Bill Nos. 190099-AA, 190254, 190311, and 190359, which I am returning without my signature, and Bill Nos. 190232 and 190431.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Do you have an additional communications?
Thank you very much. And our next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
Good morning, Mr. President. This morning I offer one bill and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Derek Green, and I'd like to speak on the resolution after the title of the resolution has been heard.
An ordinance amending Section 3-207 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sale of Fuel Oil," to revise the standards for permissible grades and permissible sulfur content of commercial fuel oil.
And a privileged resolution Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Philadelphia Union League CEO and Executive Director Robert W. Sorrell.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have 14 bills and resolutions. Six are bills -I'm sorry; seven bills, six privileged resolutions, one non-privileged resolution, but they are co-sponsored by many members of Council, Derek Green, Cherelle Parker, Helen Gym, and other members. I do certainly want to thank all our members for their support. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And I'll come back. Councilwoman, I'll come right back to you. I'm sorry.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, in Sayre Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Morris Recreation Center located at 5800 Walnut Street for public recreational or other purposes; 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 Cedar Avenue, 52nd Street, Locust Street, and 46th Street; and An ordinance establishing a four-way stop on the intersection of 53rd and Woodland Streets; and An ordinance establishing a four-way stop on the intersection of 61st and Webster Streets; and An ordinance establishing a four-way stop on the intersection of 49th and Walton Streets; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Cedar Avenue and South 46th Street; South 44th Street between Walnut Street and Baltimore Avenue; Osage Avenue between South 42nd Street and South 53rd Street; Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Larchwood Street between South 49th Street and South 46th Street; Irving Street and South 53rd Street; Upland Street and South 50th Street; South 51st Street and Market Street; South 54th Street between Cedar Avenue and Catharine Street.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Those seven bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Finance to hold hearings to investigate the possibility of starting a fund to help decrease the cost burden on families living in historic districts who have additional expenses associated with maintaining their properties as required by the historic preservation guidelines.
Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Today's Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing The Palmer Foundation for all the great work they have done to bring recognition to the African American stories and fight racism in America.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Dr. Lucille Ijoy on her many accomplishments and for her energy and passion for inspiring and motivating others to make a difference in their own lives and the world.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2, 2019 as the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.
Also on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Honoring Christian Dunbar on his appointment as the City Treasurer.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing Philadelphia's Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble on its 50th Anniversary.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 190431, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
And that will be on -- the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Since the Clerk has read the title of the re-call resolution, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. This will be on today's Calendar for reconsideration.
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Greenlee. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by changing certain boundaries and establishing new permit parking districts.
And an ordinance authorizing James Herman, doing business as KFN Holdings, to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 1248 through 50 North Front Street.
Also referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring Lucy Noland on her successes in Philadelphia and with Fox29 News.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support the Jake Schwab Worker's Safety Bill, House Bill 1082 and Senate Bill 464.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, and welcome back, colleagues. I have three bills, one non-privileged, and three privileged resolutions, one more enthusiastically sponsored by all female members of Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Council, and I'll allow you to figure out which one that is.
Thank you, sir. I understand why. I appreciate it. Thank you, Councilman.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Stanton Street and Frederick Street; Warden Street and Henry Avenue; Midvale Avenue and The Oak Road; Calumet Street and Cresson Street to Ridge Avenue; Stokley Street and Midvale Avenue; Vaux Street and Coulter Street.
And an ordinance establishing a no motor home parking regulation on Drexel Road, from City Avenue to Upland Way, both sides.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wynnewood Road and Malvern Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Street; North 52nd Street and Overbrook Avenue; Market Street and North 57th Street; Oxford Street and North 59th Street; Edgewood Street and Market Street; Frazier Street and Market Street; Salford Street and Market Street; North 63rd Street and Arch Street.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Golden Globe Award-winning actor Idris Elba, and filmmaker Ricky Staub, for highlighting Philadelphia's rich history of African American cowboys and urban horsemanship in the upcoming film: Concrete Cowboy.
And a privileged resolution hereby declaring the week of September 16, 2019 through September 22, 2019 as the fourth annual "Philadelphia Legacy Week," commemorating esteemed Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Philadelphians who have made major contributions to our City.
And a privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 7, 2019 through October 11, 2019 as "Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week," which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the minority business community.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Belmont Mansion Drive from South Chamounix Drive to Army Road as "Audrey Johnson Thornton Way."
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committees on Environment and Legislative Oversight to hold joint hearings to assess options for the future of the refinery complex owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee to elect Johnny Sample as a member, in recognition of his legacy as a pioneering athlete, broadcaster, and advocate.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer a non-privileged resolution on behalf of Councilman Squilla and one privileged resolution on my behalf. I'd like to be recognized after the title of the re-call resolution is read.
A privileged resolution declaring September 15, 2019 through October 15, 2019 as Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the City of Philadelphia to honor the role that Hispanics have played and continue to play in the economic, cultural, and social development of our City and nation.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 190232, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Kensington Avenue, Hilton Street, Jasper Street, and Madison Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
The ayes have it. It will be a reconsideration on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Good morning, Council President. I have one bill today.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2020 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Director of Finance Contribution to School District.
That will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions, one co-authored by Councilwoman Bass and supported by all members of Council, the second introduced by all of the women of Council, and the next is an ordinance, and I wish to be recognized after the title is read.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2020 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Director of Commerce.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me note for the record that that transfer ordinance for $10 million is co-sponsored by yourself, Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 along with Councilmembers Johnson, Domb, and Green. I want to just note for the record that we're proud to introduce this transfer ordinance from the City's fund balance to develop a citywide business corridor cleaning program in which every Council district will receive 30 on-the-job trainees, each paid a living wage, who will be responsible for litter and blight removal as well as some additional maintenance work. Now, the details for the program's legislation are outlined in the transfer ordinance. We also put copies of a booklet on the desk of all of our colleagues. I want to just note for the record that the support that business corridors may or may not receive has created a system of have's and have not's, with some business corridors remaining relatively clean and well maintained while others struggle with Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 litter, blight, storefront maintenance, and branding challenges. We are hoping that if we are able to launch this program citywide, reduce litter and blight, that we can counteract the awful narrative that characterizes our beloved city as Filthadelphia. (Applause.)
We want to get rid of that narrative, Mr. President. I want to give an early shout-out right now to all of the co-sponsors of this legislation, along with the PACDCs, all of the Chambers of Commerce. I know I saw Rob Wonderling and I think I saw Sue Jacobson from the Executive Committee here, Steven Bradley from the African American Chamber of Commerce, SEIU 32BJ, Gabe and Andy, the Mount Airy Business Improvement District, the Philadelphia Building Trades, Bilal Qayyum, Michael Rashid, and there are Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 many others. Finally, I want to say that this program has already been successfully piloted in the Ninth District. Over the summer, workers in neon green shirts have fanned out across the district to clean Wadsworth, Vernon Road, Washington Lane, Ogontz, Stenton, Broad Street from Tabor to Godfrey, Broad Street and Old York Road from Wyoming to Wagner, Old York Road from Broad Street to Haines, Rising Sun and Castor Avenue. With that being said, I want the African American owner of the cleaning company, TWB, Trina Benjamin, to please stand -(Applause.)
-- James Bright, Anyia Stubbs, Daniel Park, India Richards, Mark Rainey, Khalil Taylor, Chrissy Wooten, Johnny Ortiz, Ronald Haines and Roger Jones and Keith Benjamin. Mr. President, I also have to Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 say to my staff, I know it's tough, but to Kyasha, Rachel, Solomon, Heather, Hilary, Michele, Romani, I know what it's like when you have a vision and you've got to connect the dots to make it work. Working with Commerce and PIDC, you did it, and I appreciate you. Now, when I walked into the building and I was excited about this program, Mr. President, my spirit was filled with a lot of good energy. And all of the sudden, Councilman Johnson, somebody said, $10 million for 300 part-time jobs, only 25 hours a week at $15 won't make a difference in the lives of Philadelphians. And what I say to those naysayers who are even sitting in the room right now listening -- and I came in with a good spirit -- $15 an hour at 25 hours a week is $375 a week. That's $1,500 a month. Until you've walked a mile in the shoes of someone who is underemployed, unemployed, or who has never had access to the opportunity -- Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 (Applause.)
-- to gain access to the tools that they need in order to survive and become productive members of our society, don't you tell me that $1,500 a month won't help. It will help buy groceries. It will help pay rent. It will help pay utilities. It will put gas in cars. It will help people buy TransPasses. So until you talk about what it won't do, you walk a mile in their shoes and then you tell me what $1,500 a month will do. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. That will be referred to the very appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution congratulating Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller on his "Silver Anniversary" at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Church.
And a privileged resolution celebrating the life and legacy of Toni Morrison and her magnificent contributions to American literature and culture.
And that will also be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have one bill.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," to revise the definitions of gender identity and sexual orientation.
That will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have two bills, and I also will be introducing several bills and resolutions for Councilman Squilla when it's his turn. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on McNulty Road from Townsend Road to its terminus further northeastwardly therefrom.
And an ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow-away regulations on McNulty Road.
Also referred to committee. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Yes, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilman Squilla, I offer seven bills, two privileged resolutions, two non-privileged resolutions, for which I wish to be recognized after the title is read on those two for a motion on the resolutions. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code), by increasing the fine for conducting certain construction related activities without a permit.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-502, entitled "/CTR, Center City Overlay District," by amending the Supplemental Use Controls for the Old City Residential Area.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Dickinson Street from Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Moyamensing Avenue to South 5th Street; Greenwich Street from South 6th Street to South 4th Street; Wharton Street and South Front Street.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Reed Street and South 3rd Street; Federal Street and South 5th Street; Cross Street and South 6th Street; Mountain Street and South 5th Street.
And an ordinance authorizing South Street Headhouse District, Michael Harris, to construct, own, and maintain proposed various encroachments in the Public Right-of-Way along the 500 block of South 2nd Street median island, at Headhouse Square Plaza, in Philadelphia.
Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district, to be known as the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District.
And an ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district, to be known as the South Philly Market District.
And a privileged resolution Honoring and Congratulating the Philadelphia Senior Center on the occasion of their 70th Anniversary.
And a privileged resolution Recognizing and Congratulating the Port Richmond Savings Bank on the occasion of their 100th anniversary Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 serving the community banking needs of Port Richmond and surrounding communities.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue, both sides of North Front Street from the north side of Poplar Street to the south side of Montgomery Street, both sides of East Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue continuing to the west side of East Fletcher Street, for which the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District Incorporated, which has organized itself as a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, serves as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 District.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be considered on today's Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district to be known as the Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 South Philly Market District in an area that generally includes both sides of South 9th Street from the south side of Fitzwater Street to the north side of Federal Street, both sides of Christian Street from the west side of South 7th Street to the east side of South 10th Street, both sides of Montrose Street from South 8th Street to South 10th Street, both sides of Carpenter Street from South 8th Street to South 10th Street, for which the South Philly Market District, Incorporated, which has organized itself as a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, serves as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you, Mr. Decker and Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 much, Council President. I offer one non-privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown and Al Taubenberger and one bill. I'd like to be heard after the title of the bill is read.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter 21-3100, entitled "Voting Machine Languages Requirement."
Thank you very much, Council President. I think a lot of people got a chance and many more didn't get a chance to see the new voting machine that's going to be used on November 5th's General Election. It's a great machine in terms of technology, but it's also an extremely difficult machine. I've watched a lot of senior Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 citizens especially kind of struggle with that machine, but one of the good things about it is that it can handle or provide instruction in 16 different foreign languages. Unfortunately, only two languages are on that machine, English and Spanish. And I am introducing a bill to require that additional languages be made available on the machine. We have, according to our census, 138,000 Philadelphians who say that they do not speak English well enough, and of those languages, they include French Creole, Italian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Albanian, Cambodian, French, Polish, Arabic, Malayalam. This bill would require that the maximum number of languages available on the machine be used so that we can ensure that all Philadelphians can vote. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings regarding the Music Industry Task Force Report and Recommendations.
And that will be on today's Calendar. Thank you. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a point of information on the voting machines, not necessarily the voting machines itself, but through federal HAVA Act in the states on the federal level down to the municipality, upon request, I just want to remind everybody that interpreters are available upon request for polling places where there's an immigrant population and Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 a language barrier. So as Councilmembers are out and doing God's work and the City's business in all our neighborhoods, I just want to remind everybody that we are -- there is available interpreters and workforce, like real people, who will help through the voting process upon request. It's just incumbent to us to request it and to educate our structures that are in place that helps make sure that the integrities of our elections and the accessibility of our elections are properly transmitted. So thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for that information. We have no reports from committee today, and our next order of business is -- one more second. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I have to leave Chambers early for Council Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 2ND READING business, and I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted and your vote shall be recorded on all bills and resolutions. Our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Bill Nos. 190618, 190629, 190233, 190406, and 190508. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Thank you, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment. Our public comment session will go as follows: If you have an interest in testifying on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage today, you may sign up at the table to my left, if you already haven't already done so. Upon being 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, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. You will be given three minutes to testify on a bill or resolution that is on the Final Passage Calendar today. I want to thank you very much Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 for your participation and your cooperation as it relates to our guidelines for public comment.
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, Governor, and others transfer private property to the government, probably unlawfully. Eighteen years ago, oath-bound public servants performed their known duty or task, many for the last time. Let their selfless devotion to the flag and their employers, the sovereign people, be forever honored. The supreme law is the constitutions. Oath-bound officials Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 swear to uphold and obey the constitutions. Has this government chosen to honor that heritage by spending federal taxpayer money to build a mall on top of my stolen home as unanimously passed by this Council in June 2018? Has this government allowed the theft of my home, theft of my just compensation? Has this government allowed denial of ten trial by juries in my case? If you do not want to obey your solemn oath to God, why do you run for reelection? The constitutions 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. 42 USC 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987; 18 USC 241, 242, 2381, 2384; PA Constitution, Article I, Sections 1 through 28; 26 PA CSA 703, 705, 708, 709, 711, 712, 713, 716, 902 and other laws listed in SCOTUS 15-8965, 14-1330, Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 14-4056 appear violated. I call on 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 25 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 oath, Constitution, and law be enforced, and jail is required for all of you who fail and violate the Constitution, oath, or law. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow all of this monumental corruption.
Lynn Landes, commenting on 180936. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes. I'm an 18-year resident of Philadelphia. I'm also the founder of various meetup groups, including Wild Foodies of Philadelphia, a foraging group of over 4,600 members. We educate the public in the uses of wild Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 plants for food, fiber, and medicine. We would also like to see this subject taught in our schools. In addition, we ask that City Council take steps to prevent parks and recreation from using Roundup and similar toxic products in our parks and along our streets and sidewalks, as there are safe and effective substitutes which will do a better job, such as simple 5 percent household vinegar. (Applause.)
I am also the founder of Philly Knits, a 2,000-plus member organization that meets in libraries and cafes across the City. We are also dedicated to teaching others how to knit and crochet. Again, we believe it is important for our schools to begin to teach skills as well as knowledge to our students as part of a balanced education. To that end, we have supplied over 100 boxes of donated yarn to the Philadelphia School District's Arts Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Education and Resource Center. In addition, I co-founded Health Alert Philly, which focuses on hot-button health issues, including vaccinations, fluoridation, smart meters, LED, flights, 5G, and other exposures that adversely affect the public health. And, lastly, my husband and I have co-founded two groups, the Philadelphia Society of Small Streets, that assists the Streets Department in its selection of historically certified streets to restore, and recently we started safestreetsphilly.org, where we seek to end living on the streets by the homeless, mentally ill, and drug addicts, and instead find practical solutions to ensure they receive the assistance they need and that quality of life issues for the general public are also effectively addressed. In the future I hope to be appearing regularly before City Council on these issues. Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 Thank you very much for your attention.
Good morning. Thank you. Dr. Alexander was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in the United States and the first woman to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She was able to do this in the face of racism at UPenn by students and professors. She fought for the poor and against racism as a lawyer. Philadelphia has a lot of greatness to celebrate. We should celebrate greatness. We should not celebrate our failures, which is why I Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 9/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING often wonder why Rizzo stands across the street still. Thank you. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment session for today. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 190618.
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 Stated Meeting September 12, 2019 9/12/19 - STATED - 2ND READING City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)