Stated Meeting 1 5/19/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 19, 2022 10:24 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 5/19/2022
Thank you, and good morning to everyone. We're going to get started now, but before we begin the Council session today, I would like to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, Inquirer, and Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, just say a word or two to make sure that your image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the Stated Meeting 3 5/19/2022
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. Present.
Sorry. Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Sisterly Love. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the viewing public. I am present.
Good Stated Meeting 5 5/19/2022 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Just sending out prayers to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence. Good to see everyone as well.
Mr. President, colleagues, Philadelphia, I am present, and good morning.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present as well. Stated Meeting 6 5/19/2022
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good Stated Meeting 7 5/19/2022 morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
And good morning to all. We've established our quorum, and we're going to get started. So to give our invocation -
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present. I hope you can hear me.
Yes. We have you. Thank you, Councilman. We have our quorum, so we're going to get started, but to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Minister Anastasia Marie Stated Meeting 8 5/19/2022 Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation.
Greetings, President Clarke and the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Thank you, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, as I am humbled and honored by your invitation. This is indeed the day that the Lord has made, and despite all trials and tribulations facing our city, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his faithful love endures forever. Dear Heavenly Father, the creator and sustainer of all things, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the ability to be involved in life-changing work. Thank you for the ability to spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness to those we Stated Meeting 9 5/19/2022 another opportunity to gather in this place to carry out the tasks assigned to each individual, for every member of this Council is on a divine assignment and has been called to be the leaders of this city working on behalf of your children. You, oh God, have entrusted them to make the difficult decisions, to work collaboratively with one another, to strategically plan for the improvement of Philadelphia, and to attend to the concerns of their constituents. And so as they work, remind them to do nothing out of selfish ambition but rather in humility, valuing others above themselves. Remind them, Lord, that to whom much is given, much will be required. Grant them the wisdom needed to address the issues of gun violence, food insecurities, educational funding, environmental pollution, adequate pay for work, and the various humanitarian crises Stated Meeting 10 5/19/2022 Lord, strengthen the members of City Council. They wear many hats, and at times the weight of it all can be too heavy to carry. So in those times when the pressures of life tries to paralyze them, Lord, renew their strength and replenish their soul. Build them with your supernatural power to overcome each and every obstacle in their path. Remind them that each and every day brings new mercies. As I bring this prayer to a close, Lord, bless our city. We are called the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, so help us to love one another just as Christ loved us. We are the birthplace of the United States, so help us to be united as we birth new vision, new dreams, and new purpose. We are the home of the Rocky statue, so help us to fight for what is right. We stand on the land which was once inhabited by Lenape tribe, so help Stated Meeting 11 5/19/2022 stand in peace. Thank you once again for hearing our prayer and blessing this gathering of your people. In Jesus' name, I do pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Amen. Thank you so much, Minister, for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate it.
And we need it. Thank you, Minister. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 12, 2022. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 12th, 2022 be approved. Stated Meeting 12 5/19/2022 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 12th, 2022 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Stated Meeting 13 5/19/2022 Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments on bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a Stated Meeting 14 5/19/2022 resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Can I get a second? And someone needs to make sure that they're on mute. (Duly seconded.)
I heard you, Councilman. I just want to make sure -- somebody is not on mute that should be on mute. Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of Stated Meeting 15 5/19/2022 favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And our next order of business is communications. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 18, 2022, I signed the remaining bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 5, 2022, and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution adopting the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard Stated Meeting 16 5/19/2022 City of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Stated Meeting 17 5/19/2022 (Extended), the Delaware River, Dock Street (Extended), and 2nd Street, in order to facilitate development of public open space extending above Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware Expressway; and An ordinance authorizing the Public Property Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to execute all documents necessary and appropriate, including conveyances and easements, title, and other interests in City-owned real estate, new leases and amendments to existing leases, to facilitate and support the coordinated and comprehensive development of the Delaware River waterfront, Interstate 95, and Christopher Columbus Boulevard (formerly a portion of Delaware Avenue), in the area bounded by Market Street, Pemberton Street, Front Street, and the Delaware River bulkhead line; and authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to Stated Meeting 18 5/19/2022 execute corresponding conveyances, amendments and agreements, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we're asking that all resolutions, including resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. Thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilwoman Parker offers three bills and three resolutions. On behalf of Council Stated Meeting 19 5/19/2022 President Clarke, an ordinance amending Chapter 20-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmanic Districts," by revising the approximate population in each of the Councilmanic Districts to include state and county prisoner data.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers two bills, 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 Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Avenue, Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue."
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Stated Meeting 20 5/19/2022 Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Section 14-520, entitled "/NDO, Ninth District Overlay District."
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Parker offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2453 North Carlisle Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District."
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1 Garrison Court, 1221 Ridge Avenue, 1227 Ridge Avenue, 1253 North 30th Street, 1257 North 30th Street, 1265 North Dover Street, 1271 North Dover Street, 1301 Stated Meeting 21 5/19/2022 North Dover Street, 1304 North 29th Street, 1304 North Dover Street, 1318 North Dover Street, 1322 North Dover Street, and 1324 North Myrtlewood Street.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1446 North Dover Street, 1446 Newkirk Street, 1629 North Marston Street and 1631 North Bailey Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution adopting the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the City of Philadelphia. Mr. President, Councilwoman Stated Meeting 22 5/19/2022 Gilmore Richardson would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for a suspension of the rules for consideration of this resolution during today's session of Council.
Thank you. Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow reading of this resolution on today's Calendar. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 23 5/19/2022 Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilwoman Gym offers one resolution celebrating Philadelphia's breakthrough, Grammy-nominated, experimental pop band Japanese Breakfast for its pioneering sound and recent critical acclaim, and recognizing the band's frontwoman, Michelle Zauner, a powerful voice for AAPI women and Korean Americans, whose best-selling memoir, Crying in H Marta a tribute to her late mother and the Korean food and culture that bound their love - has moved countless readers across the globe.
Councilman Jones offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 5700 Block of Stated Meeting 24 5/19/2022 Wyndale Avenue as 'Lady B Way,' in honor of Lady B, to memorialize her legacy as a pioneer of hip hop and an award-winning radio personality."
And a resolution also naming the 6100 block of Vine Street as "Mimi Brown Way" in honor of Mimi Brown, a well-known on-air personality and a trailblazer in the radio industry for over 40 years.
Councilman Johnson offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution celebrating June as Reentry Awareness Month in Philadelphia and recognizing the accomplishments of returning citizens across Philadelphia."
And a resolution also naming 15th Street, between Lombard Stated Meeting 25 5/19/2022 and South, "Wesley Way" to honor the historic Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church.
Councilwoman Sanchez offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia."
Councilman Green offers two bills and three resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by providing for limited expansion of single-room residence."
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to Stated Meeting 26 5/19/2022 provide for a height allowance for certain solar collectors.
And a resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.
And a resolution recognizing May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And a resolution recognizing MenzFit on the occasion of their 15th Anniversary celebration and expressing gratitude for their service to the men of Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting 27 5/19/2022
Councilman Domb offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring American sportswriter, author, screenwriter, radio personality, and sports commentator Ray Didinger on the announcement of his retirement from NBC Sports Philadelphia and 94.1 WIP SportsRadio and congratulating him on his exciting and legendary career serving as a Philadelphia sports media icon for fifty-three years."
Councilwoman Gauthier offers four bills, 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 39th Street, Ludlow Street, 40th Street, and Market Street; to amend other rules related to zoning and approving a Master Plan for the site bounded by the Stated Meeting 28 5/19/2022 forementioned area; and making related changes to various provisions of Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning.'"
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Woodland Avenue, 49th Street, Grays Avenue, and 54th Street.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Arch Street, 50th Street, Pine Street, and 54th Street.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-513 of The Stated Meeting 29 5/19/2022 Philadelphia Code, entitled "/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District," to designate additional Transit-Oriented Development Transit Stations.
Councilman Thomas offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on West Market Street from 20th Street to 23rd Street; and making associated changes to travel lanes and parking regulations within the same limits.
Councilman O'Neill offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Krewstown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom." Stated Meeting 30 5/19/2022
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion.
Councilman Squilla offers three bills, 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 (Extended), the Delaware River, Dock Street (Extended), and 2nd Street, in order to facilitate development of public open space extending above Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware Expressway."
And an ordinance Stated Meeting 31 5/19/2022 authorizing the Public Property Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to execute all documents necessary and appropriate, including conveyances of easements, title, and other interests in City-owned real estate, new leases and amendments to existing leases, to facilitate and support the coordinated and comprehensive development of the Delaware River waterfront.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning Planning," to amend certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending the provisions of Section 14-527, entitled "/SMH, South Philadelphia Municipal Hub Overlay District."
Councilwoman Bass Stated Meeting 32 5/19/2022 offers one bill and three resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 284 by relocating the northwesterly houseline and the curblines of Hillcrest Avenue from its current intersection with Germantown Avenue to a point northeastwardly therefrom, thereby widening the said portion of Hillcrest Avenue and modifying its intersection with said Germantown Avenue."
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 pursuant to Bill No. 170206.
And on her own behalf, two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5026 North 7th Stated Meeting 33 5/19/2022 Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District."
And a resolution renaming the 1700 Block of Hunting Park Avenue in front of Simon Gratz High School "Rasheed Wallace Road" to honor Rasheed Wallace, a philanthropist, former NBA player, and entrepreneur.
Councilman Oh offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution requesting the National Constitution Center give consideration to awarding the Philadelphia Liberty Medal to Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, for his courageous leadership in defense of democracy, freedom, and self-determination."
And a resolution Stated Meeting 34 5/19/2022 2022 Philippine Independence Week Celebration from June 4th to June 18th.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Finance reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report. Stated Meeting 35 5/19/2022
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 220168, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Office of Property Assessment; Chief Assessment Officer; Powers and Duties,' by further providing with respect to the manner in which assessments are determined for certain properties that are subject to resale restrictions; and by providing for additional reporting requirements with respect to such properties"; and Bill No. 220220, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes and Collections,' by adding a new Chapter 19-4500, entitled 'Annual Reporting Relating to Unclaimed Property'"; and Bill No. 220359, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City of Stated Meeting 36 5/19/2022 a guaranteed energy savings contract for the evaluation and implementation of energy conservation and efficiency measures designed to reduce energy, or other measurable consumption or operating costs of the City's municipal street lighting system," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 220168, 220220, and 220359. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Stated Meeting 37 5/19/2022 as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 220168, 220200, and 220359. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. And that concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional Stated Meeting 38 5/19/2022 2ND READING bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 220422, 220426, 220427, 220428, 220429, 220430, 220431, 220432, 220433, 220434, 220435, 210685-AA, and 210802. All other resolutions and bills are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. We normally would move to our public comment, but we do not have any speakers on public comment today. But for purposes of information with respect to our process, I do have to mention a number of matters, just talk about public comment. Stated Meeting 39 5/19/2022 It must concern matters of the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, your phone number, the number of the legislative item that you are commenting on and whether you are in support of or against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will then telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, you will have three minutes to speak, but from to time depending on the volume, it may be adjusted to reflect our ability to have everyone have an opportunity to speak. So I just wanted to let you Stated Meeting 40 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING know today we have no public comment, and we will move on to consider the bills and resolutions on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution No. 220422.
A resolution urging the School District of Philadelphia to enhance its maternity leave program.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion. (No response.)
Mr. President, my apologies. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying Stated Meeting 41 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is approved. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220426.
A resolution honoring twelve of Philadelphia's emerging Asian American leaders: Lan Dinh, Chi-Ser Tran, Neil Makhija, Dr. Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, Stephanie Sun, Anne Ishii, Jennie Nam, Sreymum Sok, Sinta Storms, Thi Lam, Sheila Maddali, and Maia Weintraub for their deep commitment to empowering their communities, and their work in fighting for food sovereignty, dismantling barriers in social services, expanding economic opportunity and justice, investing in community-based arts, Stated Meeting 42 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING advancing representation in sports, and protecting civil rights on the occasion of Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. Last week I had the chance to honor 12 trailblazers here in the City of Philadelphia. This week we are honoring 12 emerging leaders who represent the breadth, diversity, and commitment of Asian Americans in Philadelphia to build a better city and help lead it too. And with that, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. Stated Meeting 43 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220427.
A resolution honoring Philadelphia-born author, podcaster, cultural critic, media trailblazer, and Peabody award winner Phil Yu, founder of "Angry Asian Man," a destination website on Asian American pop culture, politics, sports, and more, and co-author of the New York Times best seller Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the 90s to Now.
Thank you very much, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to Resolution Stated Meeting 44 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 220427. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Resolution No. 220427 be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution has been amended. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gym for a motion on the amended resolution.
Thank you so much, Council President. It's been an honor to call Phil Yu a friend as well as Stated Meeting 45 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING somebody who has his pulse on the finger of all things cultural. Activist, you know, the latest movies, art, culinary, you know, advances in Asian America are often featured on his go-to website Angry Asian Man, which has been in operation for more that 20 years. It's amazing to watch him not only see his work achieve significant cultural impact and significance across generations but to actually win a Peabody, to be a place where people have engaged and where the internet, as difficult as it may seem sometimes, can be a place of community as well. Phil and his co-author, Jeff Yang, will be in Philadelphia as guests of the Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Mayor's Commission on Asian Americans next week, and certainly welcome all of my Council colleagues to join in. We'll be happy to present this resolution to Phil Yu but, most importantly, to really celebrate somebody who's dedicated a lot Stated Meeting 46 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING to raising up artistry and culture here in not only from Philadelphia but especially across the country. So with that, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be amended -- as amended, I'm sorry, be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220428.
A resolution celebrating Joel Embiid as MVP: "Most Stated Meeting 47 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Valuable Philadelphian."
Okay. Let the record reflect this resolution was introduced prior to the conclusion of the season for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion on the resolution. Councilman, you're on mute.
Thank you, Mr. President. In spite of the results of the tournament, I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the resolution indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting 48 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. A little levity never hurts. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220429.
A resolution also naming the 1500 block of Lombard Avenue as Wesley Way.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Resolution No. 220429 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution No. 220429 be withdrawn. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 49 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 220429 has been withdrawn. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220430.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Judiciary Act of 2021, to restore the integrity of the United States Supreme Court by adding four new seats.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. And before I call on the adoption of this resolution, I just want to just clarify how critically important our judiciary branch of the Supreme Court is just based upon the soon-to-be, if it is the case based upon the leak regarding Roe versus Wade, ruling. And so there is advocacy on the federal level to expand our seats on the Stated Meeting 50 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Supreme Court, and this effort is also led in Congress by our local Congressman, Congressman Brendan Boyle, and so I support those efforts and hopefully one day in the foreseeable future, at least while my two sons are growing up, we have a bench that reflects the diversity but, most importantly, all the key issues that have an impact on all of our communities as a whole. And so I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution, Council President. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the resolution indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 51 5/19/2022 5/19/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President, I enthusiastically vote no. Thank you.
Thank you. Let the record reflect that Councilman Brian O'Neill enthusiastically voted no.