A Greener Philadelphia
Accessible & Responsible Government
Pedestrian Access and Construction & Building Safety
City Services & Public Safety
Quality-of-Life Legislation
Resolutions
A Greener Philadelphia
Councilman Kenney is improving the urban quality of life by focusing on the environment. In February 2007, Jim sponsored a resolution to create a City Council Committee on the Environment, which he now chairs. Since that time, he has championed a number of sustainable initiatives and has led the way in greening Philadelphia.
LED Street Lighting (Resolution 100291, Hearings Held 6/14/2010)
Councilman Kenney called for public hearings to discuss the vast economic and environmental benefits of installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) street lights throughout the City of Philadelphia.
In the interest of achieving goals set forth in Mayor Nutter’s Greenworks Plan, the installation of LED streetlights would greatly reduce city government energy consumption by 30 percent. New LED lights use 50 percent less energy and last twice as long as the current lights used by the City of Philadelphia. In addition to the tremendous energy savings, LED light installation would help reduce the City’s carbon footprint and light pollution. Moreover, LED street lights are often preferred by residents, pedestrians, and drivers since they produce a cleaner, brighter light with less glare.
Cool Roof Requirement for New Buildings (Bill 090923, Enacted 5/5/2010)
Under this legislation, all new commercial and residential construction is required to install reflective roofs, a feature that will reduce cooling costs and energy usage in the city.
Unlike traditional black roofs, reflective, or cool, roofs reflect the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere and release absorbed heat. This keeps buildings cooler and lessens the demand for air conditioning by 10 to 30 percent. On new construction, reflective roofs are comparable in price to traditional roofing materials but average energy savings of 20 percent.
With electricity rate caps scheduled to come off in 2011, Pennsylvania residents and business owners will experience increases in their electric bills, making now the right time to proactively reduce energy demands. In addition to energy consumption benefits, reflective roofs last 5 to 10 years longer and help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Similar requirements for new construction already exist in New York City, Chicago, Austin, Houston, and Dallas.
Recycling Policy for Philadelphia Schools (Resolution 090882)
Councilman Kenney has called for public hearings on the School District’s recycling program, since there are concerns that recycling programs do not exist in all public schools.
There are both environmental and economic benefits to improving the recycling programs throughout the District. Recycling programs are less expensive to operate than waste collection and landfilling, which could lead to additional funds to put towards educational programs and facility improvements. Furthermore, a comprehensive recycling program in Philadelphia schools will serve as an educational tool for teaching the value of conservation so that our City’s future generations will be more aware of their waste’s impact on the environment and economy.
Sustainable Irrigation System (Resolution 090269, Hearing Held 9/1/2009)
Many of the City’s recreation fields are in poor condition and are commonly referred to as “dust bowls.” This is because many do not have proper irrigation to keep the grass regularly and adequately watered, especially given the amount of time that the fields are used.
Given the importance of having functional fields for residents, Councilman Kenney called for public hearings on sustainable irrigation systems for recreations fields. These systems capture stormwater in basins under the field and allow the water to be absorbed upwards as needed to maintain healthy grass. This system is of particular interest because it also addresses a serious issue that the city faces – managing stormwater. Capturing stormwater and diverting it from the sewer system helps to save city money and protects residents from flooding.
By effectively using stormwater through sustainable irrigation systems for city recreation fields, the city has the opportunity to improve field conditions, reduce maintenance needs and costs, and extend the lifespan of the fields.
Tax credit for Sustainable Businesses (Bill 090119, Enacted 12/16/2009)
This legislation aims to attract sustainable businesses to Philadelphia by offering a credit towards the receipts portion of the business privilege tax. The credit is available to 25 sustainable businesses and remains in effect for tax years 2012 through 2017.
In order to be considered a sustainable business, the company must meet rigorous and comprehensive social and environmental performance standards. This incentive positions Philadelphia to be more competitive and attractive to businesses looking to locate or grow in the city.
This tax credit model is the first of its kind in the United States.
Electronics Recycling (Bill 080832, In Committee)
This legislation would require electronics manufacturers to set up a take-back program to accept electronic equipment from any person in Philadelphia for reuse or recycling.
Construction & Demolition Recycling (Bill 080361, In Committee)
This legislation would require a certain percentage of construction and demolition materials to be recycled.
Energy savings through ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs (Resolution 080283)
Councilman Kenney called for public hearings to investigate the energy and cost savings associated with replacing all light bulbs in City buildings, particularly City Hall, with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs. In the end, PECO donated 1,300 energy efficient light bulbs to the City of Philadelphia to efficiently illuminate City Council Chambers, Caucus Room, Chief Clerk’s Office, and general offices next to Chambers, in addition to the Mayor’s Reception Room and Conversation Hall. These energy efficient bulbs have decreased energy consumption in these buildings and subsequently saved money.
Plug-in Vehicle Incentive (Bill 070788, Enacted 11/1/2007)
Councilman Kenney sponsored legislation to provide homeowners who own an electric vehicle the option to apply for a designated “electric vehicle parking” space along the curbside of their property. The owner is responsible for installing and maintaining the curbside outlet under guidelines established by the Streets Department.
Rubber Sidewalks (Resolution 070206)
Since 2007, Councilman Kenney has advocated for the installation of rubber sidewalks. Rubber sidewalks have many proven environmental benefits. They allow water to reach tree roots, eliminating the cracks and breaks in pavement which are caused from roots. They last longer than concrete and are easy to remove to access cables or pipes underground. While rubber sidewalks cost more than conventional concrete slabs, their functional and environmental benefits make them a viable alternative in select areas.
Green Roof Business Privilege Tax Credit (Bill 070072, Enacted 3/29/2007)
Councilman Kenney’s green roof legislation provides a Business Privilege Tax (BPT) credit for building owners who install a green roof on their property. The BPT credit is worth 25 percent of the total cost of the green roof installation, up to $100,000. Green roofs are layers of living vegetation placed on rooftops. They improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff and act as an insulator to reduce energy costs for the building.
Hybrid Vehicles (Bill 051139, Enacted 3/16/2005)
In an effort to make Philadelphia’s fleet more environmentally friendly, Councilman Kenney created a purchasing preference for hybrid vehicles. Now, the city is required to purchase hybrid vehicles if the price is no greater than 10 percent higher than a comparable vehicle.
Accessible & Responsible Government
Councilman Kenney is working to cultivate a more responsive and accountable city government for Philadelphians.
Modernization of the Procurement Process (Bill100334/Res. 100342)
Councilman Kenney sponsored charter change legislation to update the procurement process to allow for electronic bidding, reverse auctions, Electronic execution of contracts, and cooperative purchasing. If approved by the voters, these changes would allow for a more modern and efficient procurement process.
Rainy Day Fund (Bill 100303/Res. 100314)
Councilman Kenney reintroduced legislation creating a Budget Stabilization Reserve. He introduced similar legislation last term, but it faced opposition within Council and from the previous Administration.
If enacted and approved by the voters, this legislation would create a Budget Stabilization Reserve to be maintained by the Director of Finance as a separate fund that is not to be commingled with any other funds of the City. Appropriations to the Fund would be made each year, provided that the total unencumbered appropriations in the Budget Stabilization Reserve do not exceed five percent of General Fund Appropriations.
Establishing a Rainy Day Fund is fiscally prudent and would provide the City with additional funds to be used to maintain services if revenue collections were significantly down or to fund emergency programs to protect the health, safety or welfare of city residents. Withdrawing funds from the account would require approval from the Mayor and a supermajority of Council.
Capital Program Process (Resolution 100203)
Councilman Kenney sponsored a resolution to investigate the processes within the Capital Program to execute funding for projects and improvements and to identify and address regulatory and statutory obstacles in order to streamline the system and create a more efficient process.
Iran & Sudan Divestment (Bill 080746, Enacted 12/16/2009)
Councilman Kenney championed legislation to divest from businesses that do business in Sudan and Iran. The legislation applies to all city contracts and city depositories. In 2006, the city’s Pension Board adopted a divestment policy regarding Sudan. While working on this legislation, the Councilman also collaborated with the Pension Board to extend their policy to cover investments in Iran as well.
Computerized Ethics Training (Resolution 080726, In Committee)
In order to fully train City employees, Councilman Kenney sponsored a resolution to look into computerized ethics training.
Computerized ethics training programs provide a consistent, proactive method for managing and following a code of conduct. These programs are also customizable for each individual taking the training based on their specific role and city department.
Computerized training also ensures that the information being communicated is clear and consistent. This type of training is also more interactive, which may lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the code of conduct.
311 Call Center and Database (Resolution 060745, Hearings Held)
Over the past 2 years, Councilman Kenney has advocated for a 311 call center and database for Philadelphia. 311 is a non-emergency service number for residents to call to place direct requests for city service as well as obtain other city information.
Cities with 311 call centers are able to serve their constituents more efficiently by dealing with individual problems and by tracking calls to recognize neighborhood and city-wide concerns. Furthermore, cities with 311 call centers can use this system as a 911 backup and in conjunction with the city’s emergency office for special events and crisis situations.
With Mayor Nutter’s commitment and the work of the Managing Director’s Office, Philadelphia launched its own 311 call center on December 31, 2008. This new service will streamline our city’s accessibility and improve city responsiveness and insight.
Pedestrian Access and Construction & Building Safety
Façade Inspection Ordinance (Bill 090568, Enacted 2/17/2010)
Councilmen Kenney and DiCiccio worked together to create Philadelphia’s first façade inspection ordinance. Many other cities, such as New York City, Boston, and Chicago, have similar laws requiring regular inspections to enhance public safety.
Philadelphia’s law requires all buildings 6+ stories in height and all buildings with any appurtenance in excess of 60 ft in height to have a Professional inspect exterior walls and any appurtenances on a 5-year cycle. Any unsafe conditions must be contained immediately to protect the public and work must begin to repair the issue within ten days.
Covered Walkways around Construction Sites (Bills 080623, Enacted 12/22/2008)
This legislation aims to further the use of covered walkways around construction sites. Rather than giving the green light to close sidewalks adjacent to construction sites, applications for closures now must include written determination that a covered walkway is impractical or unsafe.
Prior to this legislation, pedestrians were forced to cross back and forth across streets to get around closed sidewalks, greatly increasing their risk of injury. Philadelphia now joins New York City, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Minnesota in requiring covered walkways in certain circumstances.
Tower Crane Safety (Bill 080622, Enacted 12/3/2008)
In light of recent crane tragedies in other cities, Philadelphia responded with pioneering legislation to regulate the individuals who install, inspect and operate tower cranes. Philadelphia is the first major city to enact this type of legislation, which will be viewed as a model for best practices by other jurisdictions throughout the country.
The new regulations requires qualified individuals specifically trained for the tower crane being used to supervise the operation of the crane and certification for those who operate the crane, provide hand signals, verbal communications or rigging duties. The legislation also mandates a certificate of insurance (minimum $15 million).
This legislation represents collaboration across the board to create an unprecedented standard of tower crane safety. The additional safeguards in certification and inspection will enhance Philadelphia’s solid track record in tower crane operation, which translates into greater safety in and around construction sites.
Improving the Safety of Covered Walkways (Bill 080624, Enacted 12/22/2008)
While improving pedestrian access and safety with Bill 080623, Councilman Kenney sponsored legislation to increase the load limit that covered walkways are required to support under the Building Code.
Now, covered walkways are required to support 300 pounds per square foot (psf), which is the same safety regulation as New York City. The increase from 150 psf to 300 psf improves the overall stability and safety of covered walkways. This change has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Closures and Contractor Parking Around Construction Sites (Bill 080466, Enacted 7/15/2008)
This legislation created time limits for road lane and sidewalk closures and prohibited contractor parking on any closed sidewalk or road lane around a construction site.
Prior to this legislation, lane and sidewalk closures were granted without time limits, allowing these areas to remain closed unnecessarily. Additionally, contractor vehicles were often parked in these closed areas, giving the impression that the closures were merely for parking convenience.
Now, any closure permit issued can only be valid for up to one year from the date it was issued. Additionally, the permit contains a condition the prohibits any vehicle from parking, stopping or standing on the closed areas covered by the permit, unless the vehicle is in the process of loading or unloading materials, equipment or supplies.
Defining Paramedics as Firefighters (Bill 100214, Enacted 5/20/2010)
Philadelphia Paramedics are trained and work beside our city’s firefighters. Councilman Kenney sponsored legislation to clarify that these two units should be considered under the same umbrella for public safety purposes.
Increasing International Flights at Philadelphia International Airport (Resolution 100016, Hearings Held 3/2/2010)
Enhancing Philadelphia’s International Image (Resolution 090881, Hearings Held 3/2/2010
Councilman Kenney called for public hearings to discuss ways to improve Philadelphia’s international appeal and accessibility by expanding flight options and resources for international travelers at the Philadelphia International Airport.
Already, PHL is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating $14 billion annually into the local economy. Currently, there are 22 airlines that operate out of the airport, 4 of which offer international flights. Furthermore, the Airport has Passenger Assistance Staff assigned to greet international flights and offers language services through courtesy phones located in all terminals.
However, room remains for improvement. Compared to other airports in the region, PHL does not offer as many international flights and does not have as many international or domestic carriers. In addition, opportunities exist to improve customer service through multi-language information kiosks, which the Chicago Airport System uses.
Improving these two areas would provide exponential benefits to the city. Increased international flight options would benefit residents, enhance business opportunities, and bolster our city’s economy. Expanding resources for international travelers would help improve the customer experience and help Philadelphia continue to emerge as a world-class city.
Department of Human Services Adoption & Foster Care Policies (Resolution 090753, Hearings Held 12/15/2009)
Councilman Kenney held public hearings to expand the understanding of the foster care and adoption system, and discuss ways to decrease wait times for adoption, implement new strategies that will reduce the number of children that age out of the system, and address concerns that discourage people from considering adoption.
Removal of the Civil Service Pre-Residency Requirement (Bill 080003, Enacted 4/10/2008)
This legislation provided the city with a uniform residency policy for all City employees. While all city employees are required to live in Philadelphia, prior to this legislation anyone applying for a civil service position had to live in the city for 1 year prior to beginning the job.
Councilman Kenney championed this legislation to eliminate the pre-employment residency requirement. This change allows the city to recruit locally (including from our colleges and universities), regionally and nationally for the most qualified candidates for municipal jobs.
Removing the pre-residency requirement allows the city to achieve the most capable and experienced municipal government for the citizens of Philadelphia. The only exemption to this bill is for the laborer classification which constitutes 766 routine manual work positions. The reason for exempting this classification is that the City does not have problems filling these positions.
This legislation was not intended to dismiss the talent and skills right here in Philadelphia. However, this legislation was intended to ensure that municipal positions are fully filled with the most qualified individuals to improve the City’s effectiveness and ability to provide the best services for residents.
Towing from Private Lots, Driveways, and Property (Bill 100213, Enacted)
This legislation further regulates towing from private lots, private property, and driveways to protect drivers from illegal tows and towing practices. By clarifying the rights of a vehicle owner and requiring increased oversight of towing locations, signs, and complaints, the legislation aims to provide a number of safeguards to protect vehicle owners from being victimized. Specifically, the legislation requires additional information to be on the towing signs, clarifies that the tow company is responsible for this information, and requires tow companies to report a list of their sign locations to the City. In turn, the City will review these locations to ensure they are legal and post the information on the City's website. The legislation also requires a vehicle be ticketed prior to a tow by an enforcement agency. The purpose of the ticket is to create a record of the vehicle's location and violation.
Victimization in the towing industry occurs all too often in Philadelphia. This includes illegal towing and towing practices, such as overcharging, denying payment by credit/debit card, etc. The legislation creates additional transparency and a record of these tows to ensure compliance with the existing laws.
Private Right of Action for Towing Disputes (Bill 090827, Enacted 1/13/2009)
Councilman Kenney sponsored legislation to provide for a right of action for victims overcharged for consensual tows. These persons are able to bring their grievance before a court of competent jurisdiction and may recover actual damages, exemplary damages of $2000.00, reimbursement for reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs, and such other relief, including injunctive relief, as the court may deem appropriate.
30 day limit for parking boats, motor homes, campers or vending carts (Bill 080276, Enacted 4/28/2008)
Prior to this legislation, the city often received complaints about parking spaces in their neighborhoods being occupied boats and campers. Councilman Kenney responded with legislation to limit the amount of time these vehicles and equipment can be parked to 30 days. The legislation also covers motor homes and vending carts, and requires them all to be on wheels and readily movable.
Increasing Penalty for Misusing Handicapped Placards (Bill 080149, Enacted 11/19/2008)
When a person is issued a handicapped placard, they are also given a corresponding ID card. When a PPA attendant witnesses a questionable case of an individual using a placard to park in a handicapped space, they can now ask to see their identification.
If the attendant finds that an individual is misusing someone else’s placard or a counterfeit placard, a fine of $1000.00 can now be issued. This hefty fine is aimed to deter people from misusing the placards in the first place.
Require Towing Companies to accept Credit/Debit Cards (Bill 080004, Enacted 6/5/2008)
This legislation requires all towing companies conducting non-consensual tows to accept credit and debit cards for full payment.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority already had the policy of accepting credit and debit cards as a form of payment.
Resolutions
Honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations for their contributions to the City of Philadelphia and supporting causes that enhance the city.
Resolution 100255 – Adopted 4/15/2010
Congratulating the Saint John Neumann Maria Goretti Boy’s Basketball Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholics League Championship, City of Philadelphia Championship, and the PIAA AAA State Championship.
Resolution 100137 – Adopted 3/4/2010
Urging PIDC to rename the Philadelphia Navy Yard as the Honorable John P. Murtha Navy Yard.
Resolution 100105 – Adopted 2/25/2010
Congratulating the Community College of Philadelphia’s Men’s Basketball Team for winning the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association State Title Game.
Resolution 100103 – Adopted 2/25/2010
Fully endorsing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s pending application before the Federal Highway Administration to toll Interstate 80.
Resolution 100083 – Adopted 2/12/2010
Congratulating the New Orleans Saints on winning the 2010 Super Bowl.
Resolution 100082 – Adopted 2/12/2010
Recognizing and honoring the life of Representative John Patrick Murtha.
Resolution 100064 – Adopted 2/4/2010
Honoring the LaSalle College High School Explorers Football Team on winning the City Catholic League and district XII State Championship.
Resolution 090911 – Adopted 12/10/2009
Calling for a United Ireland
Resolution 090883 – Adopted 12/3/2009
Congratulating Major General Wesley E. Craig for his lifelong service to his Country, community, and the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey
Resolution 090854 – Adopted 11/19/2009
Recognizing Governor Edward Rendell for his involvement in mediating the 2009 SEPTA strike.
Resolution 090853 – Adopted 11/19/2009
Recognizing Congressman Bob Brady for his involvement in mediating the 2009 SEPTA strike.
Resolution 090815 – Adopted 11/5/2009
Recognizing Kahn and Company Real Estate on the occasion of celebrating their 100th Anniversary
Resolution 090593 – Adopted 9/18/2009
Recognizing the Society Hill Playhouse on the occasion of celebrating their 50th Anniversary
Resolution 090414 – Adopted 5/14/2009
Recognizing Judge Annette M. Rizzo for her involvement in the ground-breaking Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program.
Resolution 090270 – Adopted 4/2/2009
Recognizing Independence Charter School on the occasion of receiving The Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize for Excellence in International Education.
Resolution 090251 – Adopted 3/26/2009
Welcoming the 2009 World Irish Dancing Championships to Philadelphia
Resolution 090250 – Adopted 3/26/2009
Recognizing Dominic M. Cermele for his enormous contributions and lifetime of service to Girard College and to the City of Philadelphia.
Resolution 090249 – Adopted 3/26/2009
Congratulating Girard College, its outstanding students and alumni, its accomplished academic and residential faculty, and its dedicated staff as Girard begins its 161st year, and furthermore celebrating Girard College’s distinguished history, its proud record of achievement and service to our city and its promise to keep the vision of Stephen Girard alive for future generations.
Resolution 090248 – Adopted 3/26/2009
Honoring the life of Edward Burke.
Resolution 090099 – Adopted 2/25/2009
Honoring the life of O.V. Catto.
Resolution 090077 – Adopted 2/5/2009
Congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers on the occasion of winning Super Bowl XLIII.
Resolution 080906 – Adopted 11/20/2008
Honoring the life of Catherine Baker Knoll.
Resolution 080668 – Adopted 9/18/2008
Honoring the Career of Frank Cappuccino on the Occasion of his Retirement.
Resolution 080667 – Adopted 9/18/2008
Congratulating the Philadelphia Soul on the occasion of their ArenaBowl championship.
Resolution 080666 – Adopted 9/18/2008
Honoring the History of the Spectrum
Resolution 080664 – Adopted 9/18/2008
Recognizing the volunteers who cleaned up Eden Cemetery after it was vandalized.
Resolution 080551 – Adopted 6/5/2008
Congratulating Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School’s Baseball Team for winning the 2008 Catholic League Baseball Title.
Resolution 080506 – Adopted 5/15/2008
Supporting Temple University’s bid to host a NCAA Women’s Final Four Division I Tournament in 2012 through 2016
Resolution 080438 – Adopted 5/1/2008
Honoring The Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary
Resolution 080409 – Adopted 4/17/2008
Recognizing The American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter, on the occasion of relocating their operations to the historic Young, Smyth, Field Company Building at 1218 Arch Street.
Resolution 080322 – Adopted 3/27/2008
Calling upon the U.S. Congress to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
Resolution 080284 – Adopted 3/13/2008
Recognizing the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia and supporting their efforts to construct a new museum.
Resolution 080170 – Adopted 2/14/2008
Encouraging Major League Soccer to locate a team in Philadelphia
Resolution 080087 – Adopted 1/31/2008
Recognizing the Electric Factory on the occasion of celebrating their 40th Anniversary.
Resolution 080038 – Adopted 1/24/2008
Supporting Philadelphia’s grant application for the Department of Energy’s Solar America Initiative Market Transformation: Solar City Strategic Partnership.