Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 21, 2019 11:53 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 CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Good morning. I want to apologize for our late start, but we had to take care of the people's business prior to the start of Council. If members will take their seat. We have established a quorum. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Rodger C. Broadley of the Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Squilla. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
I want to thank the Council for the honor of giving the invocation today and especially to Councilman Squilla for the specific invitation. And also I consider this part of the celebration of the completion of my 40th year, soon to be retired, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 and the Epiphany as an Episcopal priest and the rector there. Saint Luke and the Epiphany is on 13th Street between Spruce and Pine, so right in this neighborhood. And I want to thank friends and family from the congregation for being here with me today. I bracket my brief prayer with a couple lines from Henry Fosdick. Many of you know, great progressive voice for urban economic and racial justice in the 20th century, and his voice still rings clear to me today. Let us pray. God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power. Visit this our city, Philadelphia. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders, and bless the work of this City Council. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, environmental degradation, and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 violence, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order, that people from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity here. Grant us wisdom. Grant us courage for the living of this hour, that your dream for all people may become real in our time. Amen. (Amen.)
Before we do the Council at ease, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Council President. I'd just like to say on this special day as the Reverend retires, we'd like to present from the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize and honor Reverend Rodger Broadley on the occasion of his retirement as the rector of Church of Saint Luke's and the Epiphany in the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Whereas, under Reverend Rodger's leadership, the church's response to the AIDS crisis was to provide meeting and start-up office space for AIDS service organizations such as ACT UP, Action AIDS, AIDS Law Project, and the Philadelphia FIGHT. In 1989, the Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany opened to Saint Luke's Hospitality Center, one of the earliest multi-faceted support structures for people living with HIV/AIDS. Father has conducted over 200 funerals for those who have died of AIDS related to the illness during the height of this crisis in the 1980s, and so much more; Whereas, therefore, by virtue of this citation, the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors the Reverend Rodger C. Broadley as he retires as rector of the Church of Saint Luke's and the Epiphany in the City of Philadelphia. We, this Council, extend Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much and, again, thank you so much for your spiritual guidance. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 14th, 2019, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 14th, 2019 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 14, 2019 Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. At this time, our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Green.
Thank you. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. On behalf of Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 minority, there's a request for leave of absence from Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Leave shall be granted.
At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has come down to witness their government in action. We genuinely hope that you enjoy today's session. We hope that it is also a knowledgeable one. So, again, thank you so much for coming down today. At this time, the Chair will recognize Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, who will present a resolution recognizing Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Lorina Marshall-Blake. Would Lorina Marshall-Blake and those accompanying her please join the Councilmembers at the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilmembers, we have Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Parker, and Councilman Domb.
It's rare that in this world of government and, more precisely, electoral politics that you meet younger women and then you look to partner around certain efforts and that collegial effort grows into a professional relationship, which grows into a friendship. That is symbolic of the relationship I share with the woman we are about to salute this morning. Our first effort, believe it or not, was a few decades ago when three of Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 us, Melita Jordan, Lorina Marshall-Blake, and myself, did our first effort for the former Congressman Bill Gray. Who knew that 30 years later we'd be able to salute all of the work you've been doing -- yes. Salute all of the important work you've been doing there at the Independence Blue Cross. And the record should always reflect when we have women in positions of leadership and responsibility, a leader. Because we know that leaders are like eagles. They don't flock. You have to find them one at a time. Thus is the case of the woman we're saluting this morning.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I would be remiss not to recognize the value, importance, camaraderie that the Dr. Reverend Lorina Marshall-Blake has offered to many women, particularly women of color. And so we really, really want to salute and celebrate you. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 of Independence Blue Cross Foundation -- they're important too -and the President, Lorina Marshall-Blake. Whereas, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation was founded in 2011 as a private charitable corporate foundation with a mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of the community; and
Whereas, the Foundation expands upon the more than 80-year commitment of Independence Blue Cross to improve the health and well-being of our neighbors in Southeastern Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, the Foundation focuses on access to care, advancing the healthcare workforce, and addressing national health issues; and
Whereas, since 2011, the Foundation has awarded more than $40 million in grants to community-based non-profit organizations, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 centers, and accredited nursing programs serving more than 300,000 residents in Southeastern Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, the Foundation is committed to being a thoughtful leader addressing the greatest challenges facing our healthcare system, producing award-winning publications to highlight successful strategies for improving community health, and commissioning research to help inform policies and practices related to community health; and
And the good doctor manages to teach Sunday school. Whereas, the Foundation works with all stakeholders across sectors to address the needs of our community; and Whereas, President Lorina Marshall-Blake has contributed significantly to the Foundation's success and overall health of Philadelphia and its community. While overseeing the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 $90 million Foundation, Marshall-Blake steered the Foundation to be a collaborator, innovator, convener of diverse organizations and through leadership in addressing emerging health needs in the Southeastern Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, the President Lorina Marshall-Blake has invested in continuing her legacy of philanthropy and social impact by offering mentorship, both on a personal level and a professional level, to future leaders in healthcare reform and serving this community in a variety of capacities, including, but not limited to, she is an associate minister of her church, serves on 25 non-profit boards and committees -- lucky for them -- and has been recognized for her leadership and community service by numerous organizations; now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of Philadelphia, that we Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 the extraordinary contributions of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation under the leadership of the esteemed President Lorina Marshall-Blake. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Lorina Marshall-Blake for remarks.
Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. President and all other members of Council. First, I want to thank Councilwoman Sanchez and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for introducing this resolution. It is indeed my honor and my delight to accept this on behalf of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. And, again, on behalf of my staff, I say you believe 100 percent in yourself, but 200 percent in the people that you're asking to follow you. So I stand here because of those Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 So I want to salute them today. It's not all about me. Again, a special thank you, as I said, to all members of Council. Again, today I am eternally grateful for the important work you do for our city every single day. And I get excited because I actually started here long, long ago, but we're not going to say how long ago, but many of us have friendships and relationships that go back 25, 30 years. Again, as been said, since the Foundation was established in 2011, our mission has been to lead sustainable solutions, solutions that will last, that will improve the health and well-being of our community. And I believe the only way we can fulfill this mission is through partnership and collaboration, one of our guiding principles. Again, as been stated, we have awarded nearly $40 million to more than 200 partners supporting 300,000 residents Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 PA, and all of this work is made possible through a shared mission with our community partners. Again, our partners are important to us. We don't tell them what to do; they inform us. Again, we are a convener of different organizations who are positively impacting communities where we live, work, and play. We believe in leveraging cross-sector collaboration to address the greatest health challenges facing our community, and hopefully many of you know about our Someone You Know campaign, which is dealing directly with the opioid challenge. And we look forward to continuing all partnerships and creating new ones to improve the health and well-being of our community. Again, many thanks for this honor, and as I stand here, I was thinking of a song -- I'm not going to sing -- that was called I Will Always Serve and the words from Jermaine Dolly. It says, I may have fame to my name. I Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 life could bring and still remain the same. I may have the house, the cars, the jewels and all it might become a song, but I will always serve. Thank you again for this honor. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution to Ken Woodson. Would Mr. Woodson and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.) (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
And joining the Councilwoman, we have Councilwoman Parker, Councilwoman Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Brown, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Squilla, and Councilman Domb.
Thank you, everyone. This is an extreme honor, and one of the main reasons is that I never thought we'd be able to get it done. I mean, Ken Woodson said no, no, no. It took him forever to tell us he was retiring, and then he didn't want to be honored. No, don't worry about it. No, thank you. No, no, no. So it took us a long and it was a hard battle to get him here, and I want to thank all my colleagues and thank all of his guests, thank the head of the Zoo for being here, and thank him. You know, he's also a minister, but he's always been wonderful. The Zoo is in my district. He's been wonderful, kind. Anyone who has had any relationship, any dealing with him knows that he's a fine person, upstanding character, who cares about our city, its youth, its schools, and all of us. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Kenneth Woodson on his years of service to the Philadelphia Zoo and congratulating him on his retirement.
All kind of good people are retiring around here. Whereas, Kenneth Woodson has been employed by the Philadelphia Zoo since 2004 as the Vice President of Community and Government Affairs. In his current role, Reverend Woodson works with the Zoo President and CEO to develop and maintain relations with community and regional civic organizations and government officials; and
Whereas, Kenneth Woodson has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Boston University, a Master's Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary, well preparing him for his role;
Whereas, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 active member of the community and sits on several civic and business organizations including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums National Government Affairs Committee, the East Parkside Historic District Coalition, the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, and the University of Pennsylvania Netter Center for Community Partnerships. He's also Chair of the West Philadelphia Community Trust Board; and
I too would like to take a moment and also acknowledge Mr. Woodson for his dedication and commitment to our communities and, most importantly, supporting our youth and giving them the opportunity to come and visit the Philadelphia Zoo. Whereas, additionally, in 2014, Mayor Nutter appointed Reverend Woodson Chair of the Department of Licenses and Inspection Review Board; and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Whereas, Mr. Woodson is the recipient of numerous awards including President Obama's 2013 Volunteer Service Award; Distinguished Service Award from the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania; the Service Award as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; the Echoes of Africa Spirit Award; and the Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Service to the East Parkside/Mantua Community from the United States Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors Kenneth Woodson on his years of service to the Philadelphia Zoo and congratulates him on his retirement.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 presented to Kenneth Woodson as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration, and recognition. And it's certainly signed by each and every member of Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, everyone. First, giving honor to God from whom all blessings flow, and to our Council President, President Clarke, and to you, the well-spoken term "west is best." So I want to acknowledge the Third District Councilperson, Jannie Blackwell. I've never met a Council elected person who is more passionate and committed to the well-being of those without resources and means. To my own Fourth District Councilperson, Curtis Jones, Jr. and to every member of Council here assembled, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 occasion, not because of what I've done. I've indeed done a few things, but not on my own power. I've done things with the help of many, many, many others. Many of them are standing with me today, including the pastor of our Mount Carmel Baptist Church, my wife, and she'll mention her name first. She and I have been together for a very long time, but she's been my partner in everything that I've done. (Applause.)
She is my staunch, staunch supporter and defender and also the one who pulls me aside when most of you don't see it and makes sure that I don't make the same mistake twice. So that's an important thing to note. But more than that, I'm also the beneficiary of God's grace. Nothing that I've done in all the time that I've served, even on my best days, has been because I'm such a smart individual or I know everything that's going to happen Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 be done. I've had some dark moments. I've had some challenging times. I've made some huge mistakes. But God's grace has always been present. Because just as you, you've been called to do this work of other people. You've been called to serve the best interests of the citizens of Philadelphia. But God called me to a different work, a work that requires nonetheless that I serve the needs of others, those who cannot independently make decisions to live their best lives. And I really believe that, as is stated in scripture, and we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. And I responded to the call and, therefore, today I'm not retiring, I'm just moving on to a new level of calling. So I'll be spending more work doing things at Mount Carmel Baptist Church and I will be doing more things traveling with my wife, but most of all, I will do Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 to respond to the call of God. Have a blessed day. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. And congratulations. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, and congratulations again to Mr. Woodson and Ms. Blake. Our next order of business is our communications, and the Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, will you please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Planning Commission on the following bills and amendments: Bill No. 190452, 190783, 190784, 190801, 190811, 190825, 190827, 190830, 190851, 190853, amendments to 190854, amendments to 190855, 190859, 190866, 190891, 190894, 190898, 190902, and 190916. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to enter into a lease agreement with HACE for use by HACE of certain properties in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2760 North Ringgold Street located in the Fourth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 dispose of 3848 Melon Street located in the Third Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Third Councilmanic District, which will be transferred by the City to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, by conveyance of such properties to the Philadelphia Land Bank; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land located at 2401 Chestnut Street, for Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Good morning, Mr. President. This morning I offer one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution, of which I wish to be recognized after the title of the resolution is read for a motion on the resolution.
A privileged Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 resolution recognizing and celebrating the life and extraordinary contributions of peace activist Dr. Kim Phuc Phan Thi.
And a non-privileged resolution voicing City Council's strong interest in and enthusiastic support of proposals to purchase the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery site that align with the City of Philadelphia's goals to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health, safety, and welfare of Philadelphia residents.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce a resolution on the future of the oil refinery with a rules suspension because, quite frankly, we are at a critical Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 juncture for the future of our city. It is important to acknowledge and say thank you to Councilmember Johnson and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell whose districts surround the refinery. Tomorrow, Friday, November 22nd is the deadline established by the Philadelphia Energy Solutions for proposals on the future of the former refinery site. And we know that the history there is not favorable and that we understand that there have been decades where PES has not been a good actor, but the good news is that their future is none. As everyone in this body knows, the future of that site continues to have the attention of thousands of Philadelphians, women, children, and families with implications for the environment, the health of the fence-like communities surrounding that facility, for businesses, and for the labor force. My staff and I have come to the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 conclusion that now is the time for Council to register its voice. For the last 20 years, we have seen several Administrations and dozens of Councilmembers work on bills, Charter changes, programs, funding sources, and all the rest to protect our environment for the health and welfare of those whom elect us. The resolution does not encourage one proposal over another. I repeat, this resolution does not encourage one proposal over another. It simply voices our strong interest in proposals that consider the long history of actions taken by this body and the goals of the current Administration to protect the health and well-being of our citizens. We need to consider things like smog, air quality, the quality of the soil, the high rates of asthma and cancer rates in that community. And for that reason and others, Mr. President, I urge Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 for its adoption.
I would ask that the rules of Council be suspended so as 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.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. That will be on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one bill on your behalf, three on my own behalf, four resolutions, two of which are signed by everyone present today. Thank you.
An ordinance authorizing the issuance from time to time of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of The City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance authorizing Reka Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of 30th Street and Market Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the northwest corner of 30th Street and Market Street; and An ordinance officially naming and designating the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center located at Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, in the City of Philadelphia as "Carole Williams-Green Community Environmental Education Center"; and An ordinance authorizing Neal and Linda Pakvina, owners and operators of the food truck, Linda's Cart, located at the northeast corner of 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the northeast corner of 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue.
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Third Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3848 Melon Street in the Third Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the unit block of Edgewood Street as "Destiny Smallwood Carr Way."
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 4600 block of Locust Street "Livingston Way."
Also next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer two resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold public hearings to explore the best ways to preserve the physical, cultural and social integrity of the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, including but not limited to the possible creation of a "Strawberry Mansion Preservation District" that would contain guidelines regarding future development.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 1600 block of North 25th Street from Cecil B. Moore Avenue to West Oxford Street, as "Reverend Robert J. Lovett, Sr. Way."
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
I have no Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 bills or resolutions today, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Mr. President, I have one non-privileged resolution today.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2760 North Ringgold Street located in the Fourth Councilmanic District.
That will be on next week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I have five bills, one on your behalf, Council President.
Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Thank you, Councilman.
I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Excuse me, Council President. I also have one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by providing an exception to the vending prohibition encompassing the vicinity of the intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and 84th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Development all or a portion of a parcel of land located at 2401 Chestnut Street, for further conveyance; and An ordinance authorizing Charles Peruto, doing business as Peruto Development, to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior stairway at 1640 through 42 Fitzwater Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with St. Agnes MOB for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion.
Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to dispose of certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District.
And that will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I have two non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to enter into a lease agreement with HACE for use by HACE of certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of certain properties located in the Seventh Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Councilmanic District.
Also next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Taubenberger.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution, and I'd like to speak after the title is read.
A privileged resolution celebrating the 127 years of Thanksgiving football games between the Northeast High School Vikings and the Central High School Lancers, the longest running football rivalry between public high schools in the country.
Thank you, Council President. This game has been meaningful for a lot of reasons to a lot of people, but specifically to me. I'm a graduate of Northeast High, graduating in 1971, class of 130, and I'm very, very proud of that. But also this body has a few or at least some other Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Central grads. I think one of them is Councilman David Oh. So we're going to see how that game progresses, but the game itself has done so much for young people in the City of Philadelphia. This year also I've only -- since 1968, only missed one game. So that will be my 50th game this year out of 127 played. I think that's a pretty good record, and Northeast has been doing pretty well. They hold the edge of 61 to 52, but that game is, you never know how it turns out. It's a great thing for Philadelphia, but once again, it is the oldest game in the nation between two rival schools. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution and one bill on your behalf, and I'd like to be heard after the title of the bill is read.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by modifying the duration and/or amount of certain tax abatements, and by providing for periodic evaluation of the abatements authorized by Sections 19-1303(2), 19-1303(3) and 19-1303(4).
Thank you, Mr. President. This day and this bill is long overdue. This bill will address the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 ten-year tax abatement and the inequities which have existed in the City of Philadelphia for almost 20 years now. There was a time when the ten-year tax abatement was desperately needed. The City was not growing. People were not coming. Things were not happening. When you fast forward to today, and while we still have significant challenges ahead, this tool clearly needs modification now. It did its job, and now it's time to retool and look at what we can do differently. The changes needed will bring much-needed dollars to the Philadelphia School District, which is very important and desperately needed as well, and it will begin to address the economic inequity that exists in our city. And so on your behalf, I would like to thank all members for their co-sponsorship of this groundbreaking piece of legislation. Thank you, Mr. President. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Thank you, Councilwoman. The bill will be referred to committee. (Applause.)
And a non-privileged resolution renaming the 6600 block of Germantown Avenue "J. Whyatt Mondesire Way."
And that will be on next week's Calendar. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I also wanted to just put in a few additional points and thank this Council body.
On the tax abatement bill, yes. Correct. And just want to thank this body and especially yourself for the leadership to bring this group to consensus. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 I also want to acknowledge the work of Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr., who introduced many of the bills that had been formerly introduced before, including exploring caps, exploring the phase-in, protecting the School District of Philadelphia from the tax abatement. All of those really started with a lot of the leadership of Councilmembers before us who have been long grappling with this. But, most importantly, as my Council colleague said today, this is a body that's been really thinking about it for a while. I certainly introduced the bill to do the phase-in, a cap, to explore the geographic boundaries of it. And it's so encouraging to be and I'm proud to be part of a body that is taking a bold step forward on evolving tax subsidies as tools. They are not meant to be fixed in time forever. They have to evolve as our city's economic needs evolve. And for anybody who saw Good Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Morning America and the interview with the School District of Philadelphia teacher who now has mesothelioma, which is unheard of as an educator, we know that this money needs to go towards supporting our school facilities and it needs to go towards affordable housing on the City end. This is only a start. There needs to be more that has to be done, which we will certainly take up with a robust new Council in January, but I'm really incredibly proud to be part of a body that is showing so much leadership on this, and I want to thank you as Council President for making that possible. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to say Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 that we all did put in some bills here, but it was through your leadership that this happened. So I want to thank you for that. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilman. I get paid the most out of Council, so I guess I have to have responsibility of providing leadership. And I know I'm not supposed to talk up here, but, folks, in all seriousness, I just want to thank the collaborative effort of everybody working together. There will never be a perfect bill, but the simple reality is the people understood and they've heard the people in terms of making an equitable situation, and the fact that money will potentially flow to both the School District and the citizens in providing tax relief is very, very important. So I want to thank all of you all, particularly over the last several weeks, in pulling together and working on this very important issue. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 I apologize for talking, because I'm not supposed to talk up here, but every now and then I break the rules. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
So it's on rare occasions like this that there is a win-win-win scenario, and I'm thankful for your leadership in trying to work with all of us varying interests to come to that common denominator. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Taubenberger.
Council President, thank you very much. And you didn't do anything that wasn't right, and the fact of the matter is that collaborative effort, that collaborative effort came about because of your leadership, and I think we all thank you very, very, very much. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you, sir. Councilman Oh. I lost my place. Councilman Oh.
Thank you, sir. Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports ten bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 190451, 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 Washington Avenue, 25th Street, Kimball Street, and 24th Street"; and Bill No. 190638, 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 Cedar Avenue, 52nd Street, Locust Street, and 46th Street"; and Bill No. 190718, 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 Upsal Street, Ardleigh Street, Washington Lane, the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Railroad Right-of-Way, Chew Avenue, Washington Lane, and Morton Street"; and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 190762, 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 38th Street, Sansom Street, 39th Street, and Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 190763, 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 38th Street, Chestnut Street, 39th Street, and Ludlow Street"; and Bill No. 190766, 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 Market Street, 22nd Street, Ludlow Street, 24th Street, Chestnut Street, and the Schuylkill River"; and Bill No. 190784, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to provide for a height allowance for certain solar collectors"; and Bill No. 190811, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to revise certain provisions of Section 14-507 entitled '/CDO, Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District,' to revise certain provisions of subsection 14-702, entitled 'Floor Area, Height, and Housing Unit Density Bonuses'"; and Bill No. 190825, 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 Sloan Street, Baring Street, State Street, and Powelton Avenue"; and Bill No. 190830, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code to revise certain provisions of Section 14-500 of The Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by modifying the /CTR, Center City Overlay District, Society Hill Area to create additional standards concerning height, parking, signs, and special reviews, and making related changes," 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 so as to permit first reading this day of the ten bills that were just read into the record by Mr. Decker. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day the bills that were just read into the record Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair will now recognize Councilman Greenlee on a report from the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out six bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 190554, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 "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 parcels of land generally bounded by South Street, the Bulkhead Line of the Schuylkill River and Grays Ferry Avenue for public recreational purposes"; and Bill No. 190710, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with 2401 Walnut Limited Partnership for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 2401 Walnut Street"; and Bill No. 190742, entitled "An ordinance officially naming and designating the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center located at 280 Cobbs Creek Parkway, in the City of Philadelphia, as 'Johnny Sample Recreation Center'"; and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 190744, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to acquire from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority fee simple title or a lesser interest in real estate to all or a portion of a parcel of land located in and about the area bounded by Montrose Street, Carpenter Street, South 17th Street, South 18th Street, with any improvements thereon"; and Bill No. 190827, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by West Thompson Street, North Orianna Street, West Girard Avenue and North 4th Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 190862, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Bethesda Manor CDC, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 7800 Ogontz Avenue," 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 so as to permit first reading this day of the six bills that were just read into the record by Mr. Decker. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day bills that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading for today's Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee of Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services recommends three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, would you please read the report, please.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 190715, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 'Health Code,' by creating a new Chapter 6-1200, entitled 'Prescription Data Collection,' to provide for submission of certain prescription data to the Department of Public Health solely for the purpose of administration and maintenance of the public health"; and Bill No. 190788, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, the 'Health Code,' to add a section establishing requirements for hospitals that anticipate closing"; and Bill No. 190804, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service and Other Businesses,' to add a new Section 9-638, entitled 'Sale of Electronic Smoking Devices in Youth-Accessible Establishments,' prohibiting selling and offering for sale certain electronic smoking devices in youth-accessible establishments and fixing penalties," respectfully reports it has considered Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 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 first reading on this day of Bills No. 190715, 190788, and 190804. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day Bill Nos. 190715, 190788, 190808. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Domb for a report from the Committee of Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, to which was referred Bill No. 190860, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 7 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Housing Code,' by adding a new Chapter 7-200, entitled 'Preservation of Affordable Housing,'" respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 190860. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day of Bill No. 190860. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. This will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just read from the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 2ND READING committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading for today. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars at our next session of Council. As there are no other additional bills for the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for the purpose of the Calendar for calling up the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Calendars today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 190920, 190921, 190636-A, 190802-A, 180969-A, 190749-A, 190600, 190854, 190855, 190856, 190857, 190637, and 190765. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Councilman. Before considering the resolutions and bills, we will now consider public comment, and the public comment is follows: It must be concerning a matter on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for today, and it must be actionable on today's Council session. All speakers are to sign up in order to testify. If you have not signed up already at today's session, please do so to my left, your right, at the Sergeant-at-Arms' table. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have three minutes to speak. In order to be fair, we're asking you to keep that in consideration because of duplicate issues that you would want to be speaking on. You will begin speaking. You'll see a green light at the podium. You will have 30 seconds remaining to Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 your time, the light will turn yellow, which is a reminder to conclude your remarks. Once your three minutes have passed, a red light will turn and the Sergeant-at-Arms have the options of disconnecting the microphone at that point, if necessary. Please respect the rules of City Council, and we do reserve the right for duplicate comments on the same matter to limit it, which isn't necessary at this point, but if we choose to exercise, we have that ability to do so as per Council rules. And I would ask the Chief Clerk please to read the name of our first speaker.
Shawmar Pitts. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Good morning, citizens of our great city and esteemed members of City Council. My name is Shawmar Pitts and I'm from Philly Thrive. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be heard. We are at a very critical time right now as we speak. This is a pivotal junction in our existence as human beings. We have met a circumstance where we are forced to make a choice. We have been blessed with the information letting us know, without a shadow of doubt to the rational-minded person, that our existence is at stake. We've been advised by the scientific community with undeniable proofs and evidences that we have to make monumental changes in the ways we produce and use energy. Global warming and climate change are wreaking havoc on our whole planet. We have to change the outdated, antiquated, in some cases murderous Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 energy and power industry practices, and fossil fuels that cause global warming has got to go. There is no easy way out. We have been warned, so we cannot afford another minute of inaction. The oil and gas industry have made huge fortunes in their developing energy which makes it hard to change. It becomes so convenient to them to make these huge amounts of money, to the point where they have become wicked and villainous in their practices. The desires to amass wealth has caused them to turn a blind eye to the ill effects of greenhouse gases and global warming. They have shown they will go to the greatest length unimaginable to preserve the way they do business, no matter what. They don't care about the destruction of the planet. This is where we step in and save the day. We have the opportunity right Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 now in our city to effect change that will benefit the human race on a global scale if we act right now. We have to get it right today. I come before my City Council humbly asking on behalf of the citizens of the community, can you please lead the way into the future of developing good, clean, renewable energy. We were in a City Council hearing right here in this room and we had the experts come and give us an analysis on what needs to be done and how it needs to be done. We need City Council to put the teeth back in that resolution that was submitted and go forward and bringing forth and protecting the citizens from the harmful effects of companies like the PES oil refinery and keeping it closed and stopping it from ever being an oil refinery again. Thank you. My time is almost up, so I won't be able to finish, but we really do come to City Council humbly Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 asking, please hear our pleas and save us from all the sicknesses and all the lives that's been lost and all the things that we lost by this terrible, catastrophic environmental disaster. Thank you for hearing me. (Applause.)
I'm Cameron Powell, also a member of Philly Thrive. First, I'd like to say good afternoon to everyone and thank you to everyone that came out to show support. On June 21st of this year, the former PES refinery was decimated by a cataclysmic explosion caused by the ignition of hydrofluoric acid, which was leaked from one faulty pipe. But moreover, this was caused by pure Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 negligence on behalf of the former owners of the refinery and the City of Philadelphia. This is years of negligence. That pipe was there for over 40 years. The City of Philadelphia has failed to adhere and to hold these companies accountable to a certain standard for the safety and health of their citizens. Now, I can't speak for City Council when I say that we don't want anything like this to ever happen again, but they can speak for us. So because of this, we proposed this resolution so that City Council can finally definitely say that their views are in line with ours, which is the advancement of the health and safety of this city's citizens. Unfortunately, the document being voted on today isn't the original that we proposed. It's a watered-down version allowing the local government to remain lofty on this issue. We figured Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 that the fact that over a million lives could have been lost that night would propel you all to start, quote, opposing bidders that hurt public health and safety and don't align with sustainability goals, but apparently you only wish to encourage bidders who protect health and safety and align with sustainability goals. You must understand that simply stating and showing favor for things that you're in line with, without actively vocalizing opposition to those that you are not, is insufficient for change. (Applause.)
There are a number of demands that were redacted from the document that I can't get into right now, but Philly Thrive believes in a better future, a future where all Philadelphians have the right to breathe. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Mr. Decker, our next speaker, please.
Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Matt Walker and I'm the Advocacy Director with Clean Air Council. We're a non-profit organization headquartered in Philadelphia. Council has been working to protect everyone's right to breathe clean air for over 50 years. Clean Air Council has over 37,000 members, including many in Philadelphia. I'm speaking on Resolution 190636-A. With Philadelphia Energy Solutions' closure of the refinery this summer, a number of organizations and institutions have called on the City of Philadelphia to promote a future use of the roughly 1,300 acres of refinery land that is protective of public health and the environment and promotes economic Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 development. With the very recent news about the impending deadline for bidders to submit qualifying proposals to purchase the PES refinery site tomorrow, November 22nd, it is absolutely critical that City Council make a public statement about its preference for the site's future use. Clean Air Council fully supports Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's resolution in support of proposals for the site that align with the City of Philadelphia's goals to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect public health and safety of Philadelphia residents. Clean Air Council strongly recommends that each City Councilmember vote to approve this resolution. We appreciate Councilwoman Reynolds Brown's leadership and that of the co-sponsoring Councilmembers. Thank you. Over the refinery's century and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 a half of storing and processing crude oil and petroleum products, it has heavily contaminated the soil and polluted the surrounding rivers and underlying aquifer. The refinery was the largest stationary source of toxic air pollution in Philadelphia. The permanent closure of the PES refinery would represent a major improvement to air quality, public health, and quality of life in Philadelphia and would remove the City's single largest industrial contributor of greenhouse gases. This moment presents the greatest opportunity in Philadelphia's modern history to reimagine a future use for such a large amount of land at one time, roughly 1,300 acres, with a lot of waterfront property. I urge City Council to approve this resolution and then make it a reality by enacting new policies that would ensure that this land can only be used for purposes that align with the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 City's sustainability goals and that fully protect public health and safety. Specifically, the Council asks City Council to consider an ordinance to prohibit the storage and use of unsafe levels of hydrofluoric acid, a deadly chemical, and to explore options for changing the zoning district in the area of the refinery site so that it reflects the City of Philadelphia's plans and goals. This resolution will make a powerful statement to potential bidders interested in the refinery site that City Council strongly prefers future uses at this site that do not pollute the air or water and do not negatively affect the health and safety of Philadelphia residents. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Mr. Decker, our next speaker, please. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Nikil Saval and I'm the democratic leader of the 2nd Ward and a co-founder and member of Reclaim Philadelphia. I'm glad to have the opportunity to speak. I'm grateful to this body for making the time available to me. I don't need to remind the members. They've been reminded already about the tragedy, near tragedy, that took place the early morning of June 21st when an outdated, corroded pipe at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery led to an explosion that released 3,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid into the air and hurled three vessels, weighing thousands of pounds, around the site and across the Schuylkill River. Nor do I need to remind people that we are lucky it was not worse. We are lucky and grateful that skilled Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 workers managed to prevent the explosion from being significantly worse, a death-bringing tragedy on a scale that we might not be fully able to imagine. It is perhaps worth reminding this body, however, that while many people suffered from the refinery and the explosion, the residents of Grays Ferry enduring toxicity and pollution for decades and the thousand laid-off workers who gave their bodies for the work and gave back to the neighborhood around them, it is worth reminding this Council that some people did benefit. The executives of Philadelphia Energy Solutions, before declaring bankruptcy, took four and a half million dollars in bonuses, like bandits. It is also perhaps worth reminding the members of this body that Philadelphia Energy Solutions was a recipient of $5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, or RACP, grants. It is worth reminding the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 members of this body that it is as if the state gave bonuses to the executives and that the sustenance politicians give to Philadelphia Energy Solutions was to the people at its very top who daily exacted their revenge on the rest of us below them. Fossil fuel executives are among the greatest criminals this society has ever known. There is nothing they will not pollute, nor ground or water they will not contaminate, no abomination on the land or body they are shy of committing. Who will we, will you support? The oil bosses, their outside investors and their insatiable greed, or the workers and people of the City and their desire for clean air, drinkable water, and work that does not kill you? It is time for members of this body and the people of this city to pick sides. This is why I'm speaking in support of Resolution 190636-A. Thank you. Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Meenal Raval, a Mount Airy resident and a volunteer with the Sierra Club. I'm here today to speak about Council's just introduced resolution to support proposals to purchase the refinery site that align with our goals. The fire this past June woke up all Philadelphians to the toxic giant at our riverfront. What happens here affects all Philadelphians, especially the near neighbors in South Philly who Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 inhale the emissions from this refinery and are paying for it with their health and their lives. At this late stage of planetary climate fever, this site must not become an oil refinery again. Yes, today we need their product to fill our gas tanks, but with electrified and improved transit and electric cars, we won't be as reliant on the products of this refinery. I repeat, we must not revive the refinery again. We must not accept any industry that dumps into the atmosphere or produces anything combustible. Therefore, no waste-to-energy plant, nothing that makes jet fuel or marine diesel. We ask simply for no new fossil fuel projects. Our commitment to 100 percent renewable energy means we go forward towards that, not backwards into the 20th century. What can the City do? Any tax Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 incentives we may have had for this site, such as Keystone Opportunity Zones, must be removed. We may need to rezone this space and take away this zoning so that this site is less viable for use as a future refinery. We need to make it financially unattractive for anyone to restart this refinery. Tomorrow I plan to talk more about creating family-sustaining jobs, remediation for our youth other than a refinery, and consideration of rising sea levels. Today my question to you all is, who decides what happens next? We'd like to participate. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman Henon and members of the Council. My name is Peter Winslow. I'm a resident of Mount Airy and I'm Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 President of A Smart Collaboration, ASC. I'm here wearing my Philly Thrive T-shirt and speaking and urging you to support and pass this resolution that's been introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. And Councilwoman Reynolds Brown said that this is a neutral, not favoring one -- a neutral proposal, not favoring one bidder over another. And aside from the two bidders who expressed their interest publicly before going into the bidding process, we don't know who the bidders are. So we're not in a position to say who we're for, but we sure can tell you who we're against. We're against the refinery reopening, plain and simple. You know, when the refinery blew itself up, there were some people who came to us and said to me, said to you that, oh, my goodness, this is the oldest and largest refinery on the East Coast, we're going to see a spike in gas prices, we're going to see shortages of Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 fuel. Did it happen? No. And the reason it didn't happen is because although the Philadelphia refinery accounts for 29 percent of the capacity in pad one, it's only about 2 percent of the national capacity. And the output of the refinery of 335,000 barrels per day is a fraction of the surplus capacity that exists in the system. So from a consumer perspective, we don't need the refinery. From the perspective of the City, as Councilwoman Bass said and Gym, who is not here anymore, but as Councilwoman Bass said earlier in regard to tax abatements, PES has received a free ride. The total amount of taxes that have been assumed that the City receives from PES is $33.2 million and it consists of sales taxes. It's a minor amount in the greater scheme of things in terms of the total budget of the City and compared to the amount of money that is made by this refinery and Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 flows through it. So, you know, the City doesn't need it. Doesn't need it for tax revenue. So I would urge you to use this as a starting point and to pass further ordinances and legislation that restrict the use of the refinery or anything like it in terms of requiring that there be provisions for hazardous materials like hydrochloric acid and other similar hazards to the community, that there be an executable procedure for actually sheltering in place and evacuating in the cases of emergency, which doesn't exist now. Thank you. (Applause.)
Joe Danihel, commenting on 180409, 190637, 190921, and 190765. (Witness approached podium.)
This is an official decree of the people in writ of Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 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. To paraphrase George Washington, a government that tries to deny God-given rights must be removed. Founding fathers required officials be oath-bound. Document consent of the people or God is required before action is taken. I quote, that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, driving their powers from the consent of the government. And I quote, it is the right of the people to abolish it and install new government. Where is the documented consent to steal my home, steal my just compensation without prosecution? The constitutions require immediate remedy of this breach of law, Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 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, 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 Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 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, constitutions, and law be enforced, and jail is required for all who violate oath, Constitution, or law. I remind Council, it takes a lot of cooperation to create and allow all of this monumental corruption.
Lynn Robinson, commenting on 190636-A. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, Councilpeople. My name is Lynn Robinson. I'm a Philadelphia resident for over 42 years and Director of Neighbors Against the Gas Plants. NAGP stands in solidarity with Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 the community living close to the refinery whose health has been sacrificed as collateral damage. The loss of vibrant health and premature deaths of loved ones is way beyond an inconvenience. When over 5,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid was released during the explosion, a miracle protected thousands of lives. It's a miracle of resilience that enables residents to stand and fight for the rest to achieve enforcement of the constitutional right to breathe clean air. Quote, the people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic values of the environment. Article I, Section 27 in the Pennsylvania Constitution is not reserved for only those wealthy enough to live in certain zip codes. Because the future use of the Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 refinery site is acutely important to the health and welfare of this city, from infants to the elderly, the resolution should be passed and translate into action. As our Governor right now is being investigated by the FBI, the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, and the District Attorneys of Delaware and Chester Counties as to whether he pressured the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to approve Sunoco's Mariner East 2 Pipeline project. Wolf is a democrat. Meanwhile, republican President Trump wants to drill, drill, drill and burn down anything vulnerable and sacred. Both politicians are guilty of the same ignorant bravado, ignoring common sense, thinking it's good to be macho, tougher than the surroundings, to survive on smoke and toxic water as long as there is a deal to be made. Which is more convenient for Stated Meeting November 21, 2019 Philadelphia at this point? Continue poisoning people with contaminated air, water, soil, and toxic school buildings while burning fossil fuels that push the climate towards no return in 2030 or reject entrenched habits created by the fossil fuel industry? We can start with cleaning up the refinery area and getting on a fast track transition to clean energy. Today you can pass the resolution. What is your position, legislators of the City? Can you see outside the machine that you are in? If you can, you will pass this resolution.