STATED MEETING 1 10/19/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 19, 2023 10:37 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 10/19/2023
Good morning, everybody. We're going to get started. Before we start, I just want to give a brief notice. We have an unprecedented number of individuals that have expressed an interest to testify. This is the people's house, so we try our best to accommodate everyone's needs. Today because of the unprecedented number, we will be paring back the timeline, because we want to give everybody that is on the list an opportunity to speak. Under the rules and the guidelines, we're actually allowed to pare back, particularly on same subject matter, meaning that if there's 30 names to testify on the same subject, we can actually under the guidelines cut it back to ten. We're not going to do that. What we're going to do is pare back the time, so everybody will have a shortened timeframe, but hopefully everybody on the list. I'm just trying to be fair. STATED MEETING 3 10/19/2023 it's not a significant number. When it's a significant number, once we get over 15, 20, we do two minutes. Today we're going to do 90 seconds. So I want to say this early on so you can adjust your testimony to reflect the 90-second timeline. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. We understand this is a very significant issue, and we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity and have balanced testimony here today on this very important initiative. Thank you very much, and we will get started. We have established our quorum. The members have now taken their seat. We will give our invocation. And to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend G. Lamar Stewart, Pastor of Taylor Memorial Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of STATED MEETING 4 10/19/2023 would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Thank you, Council President, and thank you, members of Council. Let us pray. God, we bless you today and we thank you. We thank you, God, for your presence. We thank you, God, for being a God of your promise. We thank you for your provision and your providence and your protection. Thank you, God, for leading and guiding our world, our city, our nation. Thank you, God, for your sovereignty and your power even in this moment. God, as we continue through this Council session, I pray that your presence and your agenda would be priority with every decision that's made. God, there's so many things STATED MEETING 5 10/19/2023 world around us that we are seeking your guidance and your prayer. We pray for the young people of the City of Philadelphia as they are going to and from school. We're praying that you would keep them protected and guided even in their neighborhoods and in communities that they are living in, oftentimes in conditions that are challenging. We pray, God, for their mind and their protection. We pray this morning for our schools and for school administrators, for those who are seeking to guide our young people and to keep them on the right path. We pray this morning for our first responders and those who are keeping our streets safe and those who are keeping order and peace within our communities. We pray for our community-based organizations and grassroot organizers STATED MEETING 6 10/19/2023 are on the front lines of justice and community transformation and healing. We pray, God, for victims and survivors of violence, particularly of gun violence, who are still trying to heal as we go into the holiday season. We pray for our seniors and those who are elderly who are trying to enjoy oftentimes retirement with just peace of mind. And we pray, God, for those who are unhoused, our homeless community, that you would guide them and protect them and give them peace and hope right now. Then finally, God, we pray for our elected officials and for this august body of Councilmembers. We pray for their families and their staff. We pray, God, that you continue to give Council and our electeds and our City leaders the discernment and wisdom and guidance that they need as they make decisions that STATED MEETING 7 10/19/2023 city, decisions around policy, decisions around funding, resolutions, and navigating local and world crisis. And, God, as we close this prayer, we're reminded of the words of the great gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. If I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help somebody with a word or song, if I can help somebody from doing wrong, then my living shall not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a good person oft, if I can bring back beauty to a world up of wrought, if I can spread love's message as the master taught, then my living shall not be in vain. God, we pray these prayers and we pray that you will hear even our heart right now. I pray this prayer in the name that's significant to me, the name of Jesus the Christ, and for his sake, we do pray. Amen. (Amen.) STATED MEETING 8 10/19/2023
Thank you so much, Pastor, for your spiritual guidance. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Pastor, for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really need it. Thank you so much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12th, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 12, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 9 10/19/2023 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is request for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of the Council session that were not listed on the Calendar prior to our session today.
Thank you, STATED MEETING 10 10/19/2023 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 the amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills 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 bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not 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 in the schedule that was published prior to STATED MEETING 11 10/19/2023 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of the Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And our next order of business is communications. I would ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council STATED MEETING 12 10/19/2023 Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the conveyance of ownership interest in and the assignment of the purchase and development agreement for 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 East Somerset Street, and 3022 and 3026 North American Street located in the Seventh 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 2106 East Cumberland Street in the First Councilmanic District of the 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 1218, 1220, 1222, and 1224 North 15th Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and STATED MEETING 13 10/19/2023 term of existence of The Philadelphia Parking Authority; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to modify certain easements and enter into an easement agreement with Famell, LLC for a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Noble Street, 12th Street, Callowhill Street, 13th Street, more commonly known as 411 through 19 North 13th Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, an easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Race Street, 24th Street, Spruce Street and the Schuylkill River, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business STATED MEETING 14 10/19/2023 is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilman Phillips offers four resolutions, entitled a privileged "Resolution recognizing and honoring Beneficial Multiservices LLC, located in the 9th Council District, for being a Comcast RISE awardee."
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Brilliant Stars Learning Center, located in the 9th Council District, for being a Comcast RISE Awardee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Eagle Staffing Company, located in the 9th STATED MEETING 15 10/19/2023 Council District, for being a Comcast RISE awardee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Vicki Riley on the occasion of her retirement.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Phillips.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues and the viewing public. Today I've introduced a resolution honoring Vicki Riley, a career public servant. (Applause.)
This Friday Vicki Riley will be retiring, so I wanted to take this opportunity to give STATED MEETING 16 10/19/2023 her her flowers while she can still smell them. I met Vicki Riley during a town hall that Cherelle Parker hosted in the 9th District and it was right after the pandemic. And we had about 40 or so vendors at that town hall, and in the midst of Cherelle's speech, she was talking and saying, I'm so excited that everyone is back from the pandemic. It's good to see everybody. And then she says, Vicki Riley, is that you? And just out of nowhere, I recognized that Vicki Riley was like a very important person in the City of Philadelphia for all of her service. And then I invited her to some block meetings that I organized as a volunteer in the 9th District for our neighborhood, and she came to every block meeting addressing issues around revenue, and she was incredible. Today I ask Vicki Riley why do you do this, what makes you -- why do you STATED MEETING 17 10/19/2023 love this? And she says, listen -- she came from Louisiana looking for an opportunity to come to Philadelphia on an adventure, she says. She just came to Philadelphia on an adventure, no job in hand. And sure enough, she created an adventure in Philly, and she's one of the greatest examples of a good City worker. So for decades Ms. Riley has served laudably as the Public Information Officer at the Philadelphia Department of Revenue. She's dedicated many years to attending more than 300 events, reaching out to various neighborhoods across the City. Mrs. Riley's impact and lasting influence can be seen in the countless homeowners she supported and informed about the Department of Revenue's assistance programs. In all that Vicki Riley has done, she's furthered the progress of our city and Philadelphians through dedication and excellence, contributed in a meaningful way to the STATED MEETING 18 10/19/2023 well-being of the communities, are integral to the functioning and wholesomeness of our city. As such, Vicki Riley's public service is much appreciated, and we want to wish her well and congratulate her on her retirement. And right before I acknowledge Vicki Riley to stand, I just also want to quickly say that Comcast RISE in our district has celebrated some amazing businesses, including one that is here today, Eagle Staffing Company. Ms. Melissa Santos, I just want -Melissa, are you here still? Stand up. Melissa Santos is one of the finer businesses in our district -(Applause.)
And the award, Comcast RISE supports entrepreneurs and small businesses with a comprehensive grant package that includes monetary grant, consultation, educational STATED MEETING 19 10/19/2023 resources. And we know small businesses are important. So to Eagle Staffing Company, we want to say thank you so much. Brilliant Stars Learning Center as well, Beneficial Multiservices, thank you so much for your work. They were also Comcast award recipients. But with that said, can our honoree who has worked for 27 years for the City of Philadelphia who retires this Friday, Ms. Vicki Riley, please stand. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you, Council President. And as you can see, she's loved.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I just want to say to Member Phillips good job of STATED MEETING 20 10/19/2023 recognizing Ms. Riley, but I just want to give you one story. So we're out in a community meeting. It was packed to the rim, and it was about AVI. It was about raising taxes. Vicki Riley takes the mic, walks around answering questions, pointing out programs that each of my community members were eligible to take advantage of. By the end of the presentation, they were clapping about raising taxes. She cannot retire. I never saw that kind of reaction to a public servant, more or less a person who was talking about increasing taxes. So God bless you, Godspeed, and we look forward to the next chapter of your life. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 21 10/19/2023
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I do not want to belabor, but must rise in support of my colleague's resolution, Councilmember Phillips, in recognizing Vicki Riley for her stellar 27 years of service to the great City of Philadelphia. And I will tell you that I have had the pleasure of working with a number of people across City government who help our constituents navigate City government effectively, no one more effective than Vicki Riley. Vicki joined us every single Sunday before the pandemic at every single church visit we had for the last three years. And we restarted after the pandemic lightened up a bit, and she was with us every single weekend, not during the week, not in the evening, on weekends. And I just greatly appreciate STATED MEETING 22 10/19/2023 her bubbly spirit and sisterly effectiveness mixed with southern charm. She has just been one of the best public servants I've ever had the pleasure of working with, and I just wanted to give her kudos on a job well done and wish her well in her retirement. Thank you, Ms. Vicki. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to add to everything that's being said about Vicki. We appreciate her so much in the 3rd District. She is always there at our events giving information about beneficial City programs and resources. This past year or so when the STATED MEETING 23 10/19/2023 assessments were raised, that was a hard time in the district. People were pretty upset. We did a number of property tax workshops. Vicki was always there. City government can be a thing that is big and confusing and complicated for constituents, but she makes it human, and she is always there and ready to engage. So my staff loves you, Vicki. Our constituents love you. Thank you so much for all of your service, and I hope you enjoy your retirement. You deserve that after giving us so many years. Thank you.
Thank you, and good luck. Mr. Decker, please proceed.
Councilman Thomas STATED MEETING 24 10/19/2023 offers a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, Student Activists Against Sexual Assault, for their continued determination and advocacy towards sexual violence awareness and prevention at Temple University.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today we are joined by our Champions of the Week, the Student Activists Against Sexual Rape. Today we have the founder, Ray -- the founder and President, Ray; Vice President, Val; Rebecca and Ava. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one in three college women have reported being raped or sexually assaulted based on some relationship they have. Fifty-seven percent of college women say that those STATED MEETING 25 10/19/2023 relationships took place while actually being enrolled in the university. This organization has done great work, including receiving $200,000 worth of free Uber rides for students to assure that people are safe when traveling to and from events, and overall they've raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to work with college students to assure their safety and to do their part to fight against sexual assault. Can we have the young people who started that organization that's here today please stand so we can give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you to those amazing young people, and thank you to my colleagues for supporting our Champion of the Week. And a special shout-out to one of my staff members, Ben, who is also one of the founding STATED MEETING 26 10/19/2023 members of the organization, which is housed at Temple University. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on this week's Calendar.
Councilman Jones offers three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3112 West Dakota Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers a privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings to examine the cost and liabilities for the School District and the Department of Parks and Recreation to STATED MEETING 27 10/19/2023 ease the barriers of access to youth sports.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 4200 block of Houghton Street as "William 'Speedy' Morris Way."
Councilwoman Lozada offers two bills and two resolutions, 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 Roosevelt Boulevard, Adams Avenue, Ramona Street, Wyoming Avenue and Whitaker Avenue; 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 Pratt Street, Darrah Street, Dyre Street, STATED MEETING 28 10/19/2023 and Frankford Avenue.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Friday, October 20, 2023, as Community Media Day and Honoring Public, Educational, and Government Access Channels in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the heroism of police officer Richard Mendez, an exceptional public servant, who gave everything in his duty to the City of Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Brooks offers a privileged resolution STATED MEETING 29 10/19/2023 declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman Harrity offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-2300 of The Philadelphia Code to provide greater protections for displaced contract workers." Mr. President, Councilman Harrity would like to be recognized for a motion on this ordinance.
Referred to committee. Councilman Harrity. I'm sorry.
Council President, I move that the bill be withdrawn so I can work on some of the language.
Oh, I am sorry. Thank you. STATED MEETING 30 10/19/2023 (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the withdrawal, please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that bill is withdrawn. Thank you, Councilman.
And a privileged resolution honoring Carlos "King Arthur" Alvarez on his induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and his lifetime achievements in the music industry.
This week's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity.
Thank you, Council President and colleagues. STATED MEETING 31 10/19/2023 You know, as Councilman Phillips said, we should give flowers to people while they're here. You know, I grew up on King Arthur, listening to his radio show with my parents. To this day, my father has a jukebox in his living room that has nothing but doo-wop music in it, and we have to suffer through it every holiday. But I gest, because I'm actually a big fan of doo-wop and also a big fan of King Arthur. He was inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, along with such greats as Clyde McPhatter, the Ivy Brothers, Dee Dee Sharp. He was honored for his producing and promoting of this music. A lot of us listened to him with our families on the AM radio station, and I think it's just great that Philly gets so many honors by so many musicians and things. We are known throughout the country as a place where music thrives, and I think that it's just STATED MEETING 32 10/19/2023 great, and I think it's great that we have another one of our own, King Arthur, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So thank you.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance to approve amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Walnut Street, 33rd Street, Spruce Street, and 34th Street, related to the Stuart Weitzman Hall at 220 South 33rd Street."
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1511 through 17 South 55th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
And STATED MEETING 33 10/19/2023 that will be on next week's Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5232 Chester Avenue, 5906 Market Street, 5908 Market Street, and 6025 Washington Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District.
Councilman Squilla offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance extending term" -- on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance extending the term of the existence of The Philadelphia Parking Authority.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to STATED MEETING 34 10/19/2023 execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2106 East Cumberland Street in the First Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Bass offers a non-privileged resolution recognizing Governor Shapiro's Executive Order to create a Behavioral Health Council in which state leaders, local governments, and community providers join forces to design and implement a statewide action plan with aim to address how to effectively deliver exceptional mental health and addiction care services.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
STATED MEETING 35 10/19/2023 much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is the reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole offers one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 200253, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 20-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Salaries of Specified Officers,' to establish salaries based on an Annual STATED MEETING 36 10/19/2023 Plan, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 200253. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 200253. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
STATED MEETING 37 10/19/2023 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Good morning, Council President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 25 bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 230445, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust to construct, own and maintain STATED MEETING 38 10/19/2023 3001 through 3003 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 John F. Kennedy, 3025 through 53 Market Street, and 3101 through 57 Market Street (Rear)"; and Bill No. 230486, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Addison Street from a point approximately eighty feet east of Fifth Street to its terminus further eastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 230487, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 ('Parking Regulations and Penalties') and 12-2800 ('Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations') of The Philadelphia Code to revise requirements, limitations, and fines with respect to angle parking"; and Bill No. 230488, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City STATED MEETING 39 10/19/2023 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street and Allen Street from Morse Street to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 230489, entitled "An ordinance adding a new Chapter 12-3600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Camera-Based Enforcement Systems For Parking, Stopping, and Standing Violations That Interfere With Mass Transit,' to decrease traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and address the climate crisis within the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 230550, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue"; and Bill No. 230570, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Right of Way Management,' by amending Section 11-705, STATED MEETING 40 10/19/2023 'Construction,' by adding new provisions relating to notice"; and Bill No. 230572, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1216 North 29th Street"; and Bill No. 230573, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 635 West Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 230575, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 230577, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to Wynnefield/Overbrook Eruv Association, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Wynnefield/Overbrook eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord STATED MEETING 41 10/19/2023 including a maximum of one hundred poles and forty-five pieces of plexiglass along, over, and in public rights-of-way"; and Bill No. 230580, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 817 Christian Street"; and Bill No. 230581, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1524 South 10th Street"; and Bill No. 230582, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2301 East Albert Street"; and Bill No. 230584, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Newsstands,' by modifying the list of products that may be sold from newsstands"; and Bill No.
230621, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Nevada Street STATED MEETING 42 10/19/2023 51st Street and West Dauphin Street"; and Bill No. 230622, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4629 through 4631 Baltimore Avenue"; and Bill No. 230623, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 701 South 50th Street"; and Bill No. 230624, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4430 Pine Street"; and Bill No. 230625, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Cafes,' by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained in certain locations in the Sixth District of Council"; and Bill No. 230652, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved STATED MEETING 43 10/19/2023 22, 2017, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 230655, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 230676, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Belmont Avenue, Ford Road and Overbrook Avenue"; and STATED MEETING 44 10/19/2023 230677, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge"; and Bill No. 230678, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 17th Street and Washington Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Thomas. STATED MEETING 45 10/19/2023
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading this day of the 25 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 25 bills just read by the Clerk. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and these bills will be on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from STATED MEETING 46 10/19/2023 2ND READING 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 bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up the bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading to Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 230705, 230706, and 230708. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering the STATED MEETING 47 10/19/2023 resolutions and bills on our Final Passage Calendar today, we will have our public comment. It will go as follows: Your public comment must concern matters that are on the Final Passage Calendar today. Your names will be called in the order in which you signed up. When your name is called, you will go to the podium in the middle of the Council Chamber. There's a device on that podium. There's a light. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and our timeline that was established today. As I said earlier, given the volume of individuals that wish to testify today and our interest in ensuring that everybody has an opportunity and people don't have to wait STATED MEETING 48 10/19/2023 around for three hours to speak, we will be giving 90 seconds today. So, again, please adjust your testimony to reflect the 90-second timeline. Thank you very much for your interest in testifying and your participation in your government in action. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon. (No response.)
Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon. (No response.)
I do not see the Rep. I don't think the Rep is here. Next name.
The next speaker is Amichai Shdimah and Cory Shdimah, STATED MEETING 49 10/19/2023 commenting on 230706. (Witnesses approached podium.)
I want to start by giving testimony to a nightmare that became reality. Early morning Saturday, October 7, my 84-year-old stepmother, Ditza Heiman, was awakened by a Red Alert. As always in this situation, she moved to a safe room inside the house. Contact with Ditza was lost around 10:00 a.m. Hours later after trying to contact her, somebody answered the phone and said it is Hamas. Later a neighbor shared that he tried to help her, come to her aid. He saw that she was escorted by terrorists and was unable to help her. He went back to his safe room. STATED MEETING 50 10/19/2023 Two days later the family found a Hamas propaganda video showing somebody breaking into her home, leading her outside, and being seated in their car. This is the last evidence we have of what happened to her, and it is very important to highlight to the world that she was (unintelligible) life. Due to chronic illness, she needs medicine. Is she getting the care she needs? There are many painful questions, but there are no answers. I want to thank Councilmembers Johnson and Driscoll for putting this important resolution forward. The resolution clearly -(Audience members yelling.)
Hold up. Hold up. Check this out. Hold up. Everybody is going to get a chance to speak. (Audience members yelling.)
Either you will participate in the STATED MEETING 51 10/19/2023 decorum of the Council or you will not be in the Council Chambers today. We're going to give everybody a chance to speak. Let everybody have their say. If you want to speak, you speak. All right? We're not doing that today. Next name.
The next speaker today is Andrea Custis, commenting on 230706. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. To the honorable members of the Philadelphia City Council, I stand before you today to express my strong support for the resolution condemning the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel and calling for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. STATED MEETING 52 10/19/2023 The recent events in Israel have been deeply tragic, with the death toll of this heinous massacre surpassing 1,300 civilians. Over 3,300 individuals, including men, women, children, have been gravely injured. Let us not merely label it an attack. This was a barbaric massacre. It is heart-wrenching to think of the 150 innocent individuals, including infants and elderly Holocaust survivors, who were kidnapped and taken as hostages by Hamas. Everyone around the world must condemn terrorist acts. It is imperative to note that Hamas's intention is not to seek a two-state solution or uplift the Palestinian people, but to destroy the Jewish state and perpetrate violence against Jews. It is equally crucial to differentiate between Hamas extremist organization and the innocent Palestinians. Both Israel and Palestinians suffer due to the actions of STATED MEETING 53 10/19/2023 Hamas. So let me just close by saying I would ask City Council -(Audience members yelling.)
All right. All right. Hold up. Hold up. If you don't want to be in the room, you can just leave now, right? Or if you were scheduled to testify, then we ask that you respect the speakers. You will be given a chance to give your perspective on this issue, but you can't holler and scream at these individuals. (Applause.)
Just calm down. Everybody will have a chance to get their perspective. There will be a balanced list, but I got to tell you that if you're not going to be civil in here as it relates to allowing people to speak, you're going to be out of here. It's real simple. STATED MEETING 54 10/19/2023 (Applause.)
The next speaker, Mr. President, is Reverend Marshall Mitchell. (No response.)
The next speaker is Pastor Carl Day. (Witness approached podium.)
Pastor Carl Day, Culture Changing Christians. This morning I just want to STATED MEETING 55 10/19/2023 thank Councilman Jones for putting this resolution together. I firmly -- I'm sorry. Johnson and Driscoll. I'm sitting here looking at my man, Mr. 4th Ward. But I do want to thank you all for this resolution. First and foremost, I do condemn the attacks of Hamas, but I also recognize that there are many people right now caught in the cross-hairs of what's going on. I do want to sit there and let it be known that I'm praying for peace, reconciliation, also that the hostages will be returned back to their homes, that peace will come about between both sides, because what we're seeing right now, nothing but devastation and trauma will continue to happen right now, which makes it inevitably impossible for both sides to reconcile to further to discontinue. So my prayer is that, again, peace will come about, the terrorism STATED MEETING 56 10/19/2023 would not be condoned, terrorism would be abolished, that Hamas will show themselves and stop putting their own people at risk so that then people can move forward. So as a man of God, as a person who is on the front lines in the City that won't be disrespected by anybody in here too, by the way, I'm asking that we continue to go ahead and pray that we will go ahead -- I'm saying what I'm saying -- that we will pray and hope that this will come to an end. So may God be with everybody. Thank you.
The next speaker is Mark Zucker, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. (Witness approached podium.) STATED MEETING 57 10/19/2023
Council President, esteemed members of Council, thank you for allowing me to speak. Mark Zucker, as has been identified. I am the Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. I'm here to express our Association's support for the Resolution 230706 and to thank Councilpersons Johnson and Driscoll for introducing the resolution. While our Bar Association and this legislative body by necessity are focused primarily on local issues, there are times like this when speaking out on an international issue is warranted. This is precisely why yesterday our Bar Association issued a statement which declared as follows: As an association of thousands of lawyers who stand for mutual respect, security, and the rule of law and who STATED MEETING 58 10/19/2023 promote constructive solutions to intractable problems locally, nationally, and globally, we support this resolution condemning the horrific and brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas which have caused tremendous human suffering and death through barbaric acts that violate international law. The resolution appropriately assigns blame where it belongs, on the unilateral and inhumane acts of a terrorist organization, which has set in motion a series of events that are causing pain and anguish not only to the Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel that is beyond comprehension but also consequential pain and anguish for the residents of Gaza. (Audience members yelling.)
STATED MEETING 59 10/19/2023 Thank you. (Applause.)
Jason Holtzman, commenting on 230706. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. I'm Jason Holtzman. I'm the Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. First, I want to thank Councilmen Kenyatta Johnson and Mike Driscoll for introducing this resolution and the Councilmembers for unanimously signing on to this resolution as an acknowledgment that Hamas is a terrorist organization whose purpose is to kill Israelis and Jews without regard for STATED MEETING 60 10/19/2023 Palestinian life. On October 7th, Hamas attacked Israel, launching thousands of rockets, murdering civilians, and taking hundreds hostage. Because of Hamas, October 7, 2023 now marks the highest number of Jews killed in one day since the Holocaust. Hamas's war crimes are some of the most worst that the world has ever seen. Babies were burned. More than 40 babies were murdered. Women were raped. Elderly people, including Holocaust survivors, being murdered while in captive. (Audience members yelling.)
Like any other country under attack, Israel has the right to defend itself while remaining committed to its humanitarian values. Israel tries to minimize civilian casualties as much as possible, going out of its way to warn civilians of upcoming operations, even at the risk of Israel's military success. STATED MEETING 61 10/19/2023 (Audience members yelling.)
The same cannot be said for Hamas or their supporters, who frequently use Palestinian civilians as human shields, firing rockets for mosques, schools, and hospitals. Clear evidence reveals that terrorists in Gaza were responsible for the recent strike on a Gaza hospital that killed innocent Palestinians. (Audience members yelling.)
All right. Thank you. Thank you. This is the deal. Everybody that doesn't have a seat, you go outside. If you're scheduled to testify, you will be called, you come in and testify. All right? But we're just not going to have people just disrespecting speakers today. I mean, everybody has a list. This is a balanced list. Everybody will have an opportunity to give their STATED MEETING 62 10/19/2023 perspective, but if your intent is to come here and disrupt, you're just not going to be able to participate today. It's real simple. All right? Real simple. (Audience members yelling.)
You have to leave. (Audience members being escorted out of Chambers.)
The next speaker is Ray Epstein, commenting on 230722. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Ms. Epstein, Ray Epstein, Champions of the Week.
Good morning. My name is Ray Epstein and I'm the President of Student Activists Against Sexual Assault at Temple University. Thank you for letting me speak, Council President Clarke. STATED MEETING 63 10/19/2023 Right now on Temple University's campus, my peers are hanging t-shirts on a clothes line to represent those who have been victimized by domestic and sexual violence, and when I leave here today, I will be joining them. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one in three college women report being in an abusive relationship. Fifty-seven percent of those college women say that those abusive relationships took place while they were enrolled at their university. Our organization is working tirelessly to reduce those numbers. We have partnered with Uber, who has awarded us $200,000 in free rides to help students get home safely when they find themselves sexually vulnerable. We are proud to be one of the many organizations in Philadelphia who are fighting to eliminate domestic violence in our city, and I am truly honored to be here to address you today. STATED MEETING 64 10/19/2023 Thank you.
He's on his way. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I've heard the word "Hamas" before I left out to assist the young lady who was being, you know, grabbed by five grown men, STATED MEETING 65 10/19/2023 decedents of slaves who grabbed this young sister. My ring was also ripped off when I was trying to assist her, so I hope -- I'm saying it on public record that somebody, you know, can help retrieve my ring. The word "Hamas" is keep being used, and that's a word that many of you that I know for sure start hearing about a few weeks ago. I was sitting in the Caucus Room with a lady named Betty who has been protesting about Palestine and the genocide. That's a word I haven't heard anybody use today, "genocide." (Applause.)
So when people like Pastor Carl Day gets up here and speaks and talks about the Hamas and the terrorists, he learned about that two STATED MEETING 66 10/19/2023 weeks ago. That's -(Applause.)
Betty -- where you at, Betty? Betty was protesting about Palestine in 1967 when my mother was seven years old. (Applause.)
I reached out to Councilman Johnson yesterday, because he's somebody who before the recent situation, he's somebody that I've supported and genuinely love, and this conflict and this genocide has caused so much division within our city. And as I look over and I see the Councilwoman from Kensington over here and I see you guys paying attention to such -- him to have a resolution for such a global matter and we have so many local issues, we have so much poverty and violence in the City. STATED MEETING 67 10/19/2023 (Applause.)
We will remember this during election time. We will remember this during election time. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Come on, guys, let us get through the list. All right? People want to speak. STATED MEETING 68 10/19/2023 Next name.
The next name is Nour Qutyan. (Witness approached podium.) (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Nour Qutyan and I in the strongest terms condemn this resolution that was brought forward by Johnson and Driscoll. Genocide will be not endorsed in my name. (Applause.)
(Unintelligible) and human rights (unintelligible) per our agreement as well as an apartheid state committing war crimes against stateless indigenous people. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 69 10/19/2023
Our government is funding Israel and its march to genocide, giving the state $3.8 billion annually. It was a U.S.-manufactured bomb that dropped on the Baptist Hospital in Gaza two years ago and killed over a thousand people so far (unintelligible). In the few days since, the Palestinian death toll has risen from 3,000 to 4,200. City Council is now terming this genocide as Israel's right to defend itself. Will you stand with Israel and call their war crimes self-defense when the death toll reaches 10,000? What about when it reaches 100,000? What about when it reaches 2.2 million residents in Gaza, totally erasing (unintelligible) -(Audience members yelling.)
-- and making room for amusement parks and (unintelligible). Israel wants to build over Palestinian STATED MEETING 70 10/19/2023 corpses. This is the dark future you are signing onto with this Resolution 230706. (Audience members yelling.)
This is the violence you are normalizing and justifying as moral and right. The blood of thousands was already on your hands when you all co-signed this resolution, and the blood of thousands more will stain your hands forever if you pass this resolution today. (Audience members yelling.)
(Unintelligible) your support of this resolution (unintelligible) inhumane. If you truly want lasting peace, the only way that will ever happen is to dismantle occupation, apartheid, and -(Audience members yelling.)
(Unintelligible.) STATED MEETING 71 10/19/2023 Until then, there will be no justice and there will be no peace.
Okay, guys. All right. Next speaker. People wanted to speak, let them speak, please. Next speaker.
Anusha Khan, commenting on 230706. (Witness approached podium.) (Applause.)
This is Anusha Khan speaking against Resolution 230706. This resolution stakes blame on an occupied people's resistance to colonization. There's a gross under-evaluation of the indigenous STATED MEETING 72 10/19/2023 (unintelligible) lives. There's no mention of the war crimes or condemnation of the (unintelligible) of a colonistic state of Israel that perpetrated violence over the Palestinian people over decades. The federal colony of Israel is starkly defended in this resolution, with no accountability for the inhumane conditions that have been inflicted on the West Bank and Gaza, with 4,000 dead already and more people already dying in the West Bank where Hamas has no influence. We need to propose and support a bill that calls for the cease fire and allows aid into Gaza and not (unintelligible) -(Audience members yelling.)
-- Israeli's occupation force fund. The blood is not only on your hands, Councilwomen and men. I hope you recognize the change in our democracy and see that moral conscious cannot forever STATED MEETING 73 10/19/2023 be outweighed by greed. The events set forth in motion did not begin in October 7th but instead 1948 and honestly quite prior. (Audience members yelling.)
(Unintelligible) the Palestinian people. If Israelis stop fighting, there will be peace, but if the Palestinians stop fighting, they will cease to exist. Over a thousand children are dead with countless war crimes, including white phosphorous and the collective punishment of Palestinian citizens. Israel has the power to limit electricity, water, food, and medicine in Gaza, which is the clear sign of the oppressor. There's nothing to like in the acts other than genocide. Free Palestine. Call for the cease fire and end the occupation (unintelligible). (Audience members yelling.)
Free Palestine. STATED MEETING 74 10/19/2023 (Applause.) (Audience members chanting.)
Come on, come on. Let people speak. You got a lot of people that want to speak. Next name.
Good morning. My name is Nora. How can you fit 4,000 years worth of history in a minute, in 90 seconds? It's impossible. So I ask you, did you ask your Palestinian constituents about co-writing this resolution? I highly doubt it, but I'm sure you had other people. STATED MEETING 75 10/19/2023 (Applause.)
Your callous (unintelligible) situation in the City. Let's begin with the facts that the occupied territories is the same thing as Palestine. Occupied territories is Palestine. Palestine is occupied by the apartheid state named Israel, which has been proven by human rights organizations, including an Israeli organization B'Tselem. Your resolution says committed to promoting peace, justice, and security for all people. Yet where is the acknowledgment of the dehumanization and genocide that's taking place to the Palestinian people in Gaza and -(Audience members yelling.)
-- and the arrest and killings in the West Bank, where Hamas does not exist. At least one million people are STATED MEETING 76 10/19/2023 currently displaced. That's more than half the population of Philadelphia. Imagine one million Philadelphians displaced. We talk about displacement and gentrification up in this place, right? But we don't talk about colonization and how that's gentrification and displacement. (Applause.)
Over 3,900 people have been killed, over 14,000 missing. Our people have been under siege for 16 years in a place that is six feet by -- 6 miles by 25 miles. That is actually only 1.8 square miles smaller than Philadelphia, having -- with double the population in it, being bombed, more bombs in six days than one year in Afghanistan.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 77 10/19/2023 (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Sarah Trad. In the last two weeks, the Israeli government has used white phosphorous in Lebanon and Gaza, a human rights violation recognized by international law, and bombed the Egyptian border to stop humanitarian aid, as well as committed numerous acts of genocide against the Palestinian people. These crimes are numerous, including the IOF invasion of the Shuafat refugee camp in Al-Quds, Jerusalem, killing of over 54 Palestinians in the West Bank outside of Hamas's control, and just Tuesday the STATED MEETING 78 10/19/2023 bombing of the Anglican Hospital in the middle of Gaza City, killing 500 civilians, civilian children and staff. Israel has committed war crimes, such as killing of almost a dozen Palestinian journalists, clearly marked in white brood press attire, bombing civilian escape routes and, most shockingly, cut off an entire city's water and electricity supply. These actions have been fueled and justified by misinformation based on racism and egregiously unprofessional journalism, and they have real consequences such as when the BBC world tweeted the possibility that Hamas might be building tunnels under the Anglican Hospital a day before it was bombed. (Audience members yelling.)
This coverage is meant to homogenize the idea of the Palestinian civilian, Hamas, and so-called terrorism. It has real world consequences, and when you speak for me STATED MEETING 79 10/19/2023 and my community, I demand that you not only oppose this resolution but to use your platform to denounce the Israeli war machine and 75 years of occupation against the Palestinian people. (Applause.)
I demand that you open the borders to allow humanitarian aid and the human right to water for our community. Thank you.
Susan Abulhawa. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 80 10/19/2023 (Witness approached podium.)
This resolution is just like a city resolution that was passed in August of 1831 that condemned the so-called savage assault that was led by Nat Turner -(Applause.)