City of Philadelphia - File #: 140059

• File #: 140059
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 1/30/2014
• In control: Committee on Public Property and Public Works
• Final action: 1/30/2014
• Title: Authorizing the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings to investigate the current condition and status of all firehouses and police district buildings after multiple reports of unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Reynolds Brown

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
1/30/2014	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar	Pass
1/30/2014	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED & REFERRED

Title
Authorizing the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings to investigate the current condition and status of all firehouses and police district buildings after multiple reports of unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

Body
WHEREAS, On December 17, 2013, the Fire Department was forced to close the firehouse at 7720 Ridge Avenue due to toxic fumes from over 20 chemicals, causing one firefighter to be rushed to the hospital. The firehouse's unit, Engine 66, was moved and this station remains closed; and

WHEREAS, On September 27, 2013, Medic Unit 44B caught fire inside the firehouse at 4th and Arch Streets, severely damaging the building. News reports in December stated that the repairs to the firehouse would not be completed until sometime in the Winter 2014, allowing the station to stay closed for over one year; and

WHEREAS, The firehouse at 1127-29 W. Louden Street that is home to Engine 72 is currently in a state of tremendous disrepair. Recent tests have found mold spores in the air, major plumbing issues that have caused interior flooding, and electrical violations; and

WHEREAS, Other firehouses throughout the City are in need of much repair. Rodent infestation, missing ceiling tiles, basement mold from apparatus leakage and other issues are found in far too many buildings; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, the Philadelphia City Controller issued a report on the condition and status of Police Facilities. This report found amongst other issues: electrical problems, fire safety hazards, structural issues, inadequate storage, rodent/roach infestation and potential asbestos exposure. Recent reports have confirmed that these conditions persist still today and little has been done to rectify these unsafe and unsanitary conditions; and

WHEREAS, City Council recognizes that our Police and Fire personnel deserve safe, secure, and sanitary work environment, and it is a moral obligation of this City government to provide this environm...