Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 6, 2021 10:22 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 BOBBY HENON 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 May 6, 2021
Thank you, and good morning to everyone. We're going to get started. I understand that the state law 00:01:22 currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council is 00:01:31 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 00:01:40 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 00:01:50 come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance indicate that you are present and just say a couple of other words to make sure that your image is 00:02:01 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and citizens of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and City of Philadelphia.
Good 00:02:34 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 morning, Councilman.
Good 00:02:37 morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Sisterly Love. 00:02:51
Good morning, Council President. Good 00:02:58 morning, colleagues. Good morning, City of Philadelphia, and Happy Teachers Appreciation Week.
Good morning, Councilman. 00:03:07 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present. 00:03:12
Good morning, Council President, and good 00:03:19 morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Sending love and prayers out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun 00:03:32 violence.
Good morning, President. 00:03:37 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and viewing public. I'm present. 00:03:42
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, 00:03:50 colleagues.
Good morning, Councilwoman. 00:04:06 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
Good morning. Good morning. In the spirit of 00:04:12 celebration, thank you, Council President, and Happy Mother's Day weekend to all.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present. 00:04:26
Good 00:04:32 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public.
Good morning, Councilman. 00:04:37 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
And good morning to all. We've established a 00:04:40 quorum, and we're now going to come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Nicholas O'Rourke of the Living Water 00:04:51 United Church of Christ. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Brooks. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the 00:04:58 invocation. Pastor, please proceed.
Let us pray. Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Councilmembers. 00:05:09 Good morning, Philadelphia. Good morning, God. For this amazing day, first we give thanks for the leaping green leaves, the spirit of day and trees, for the true 00:05:25 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 sky, for all that is natural and infinite, for all that is temporal and mortal. We delight that in all things, 00:05:39 all places and spaces your presence is resident, hiding in plain sight if we but have eyes to recognize you, if we have but the willingness to pay attention. We recognize today the need to 00:05:58 lift up in mindfulness and prayer our city and all who labor to keep it going and all who struggle to improve it. We pray for every worker that staffs the doors of the northeast 00:06:14 entrance of City Hall, every secretary that crosses the T's and dots the I's of every important document that is passed, every custodian that polishes the floor of these hallowed halls and dispenses the 00:06:27 waste that we leave behind. We pray for such persons as Modesto Cruz and the support team that make all of this happen, for Michael Decker and his support. 00:06:41 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 chief of staff who keeps the offices and the outreach alive and makes the work of our officials even possible. And we pray for 00:06:49 Darrell, for Mark, for Kenyatta, for Jamie, for Curtis, for Bobby, for Maria, for Cindy, for Cherelle, for Brian, for Kendra, for Allan, for Derek, for Kathy. We pray for Helen, for David, and for 00:07:26 Isaiah. We pray for every Councilperson and their constituents that are drawing their month-long fast to a close. We pray that they reap the benefits of their 00:07:43 faithfulness to Allah. We pray that those benefits spill over into our city, that we have healing and justice in our city and safety - safety not just in word, not just in sight, but safety that 00:08:01 we can feel. Provoke, oh God, within our elected leaders here assembled on this call, provoke within them a sensitivity to racism and sexism in our interactions, 00:08:15 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 and, most importantly, in our policymaking and our systems. Provoke within them a sensitivity so acute that speaks -- that causes proactive action 00:08:28 and not just reactive lament. We pray for long-term investment, long-term investment in the radical re-imagining of City planning that prioritizes compassionate 00:08:42 legislating with cause, and we ask for you to cause us to grow and to learn to not react with offense to efforts, however loud or raucous, that are fueled by a vision of creating a compassionate 00:08:58 city out of the hearts of compassionate people. We pray that our leaders' hearts break for the things that break your heart, oh God, to learn not to be 00:09:11 weary in well doing but to learn to walk and agree with you. And may each official here see in what they do the work that they put forward the very astonishing beauty of 00:09:29 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 From every tradition we reach to you, for we understand you in our ways, but you understand us all, because you hear us all. 00:09:46 By many names we call you, most of us just call you God, we say ashe, amein, amine, and amen.
Pastor, thank you so much for that 00:10:12 invocation. We really appreciate it. Thank you so much. Moving to our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 29, 00:10:24 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 29, 00:10:31 2021 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the 00:10:37 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Thursday, April 29, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 00:10:43 (Aye.)
The 00:10:45 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. 00:10:54
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The 00:11:01 Chair thanks the Councilwoman. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair asks the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications 00:11:11 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am 00:11:20 transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority 00:11:29 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 of the City 00:11:37 of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties; and A resolution authorizing the 00:11:47 Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1329 South 15th Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter 00:11:58 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 with The Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for use by the City, of a portion of the premises located at 1101 00:12:07 Market Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of 00:12:16 land in and about the area bounded by Kingston Street, I-95, East Venango Street and Bath Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to grant 00:12:27 to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a temporary construction easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Richmond Street, East Butler 00:12:37 Street, I-95 and Castor Avenue, commonly known as 3721 Richmond Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. 00:12:49 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 That concludes our communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And just by way of a 00:12:56 reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred 00:13:05 to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. 00:13:15 Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Yes, Mr. President. 00:13:24 Councilwoman Parker offers six bills, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of the 6400 block of Summerdale Avenue"; and 00:13:33 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Lowber Avenue between East Upsal Street and East Hortter Street; and 00:13:41 An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on North 3rd Street, both sides, between West Erie Avenue and West Sedgley Avenue; and An ordinance establishing a no 00:13:50 truck parking regulation on West 65th Avenue, both sides, between North Front Street and North 2nd Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: 00:14:00 North 12th Street and Champlost Street; 69th Avenue and North 12th Street; Camac Street and Champlost Avenue; Park Avenue and Nedro Avenue; North 13th Street and Olney Avenue; and 00:14:14 An ordinance amending Section 13-101 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fixing and Regulating Rates and Charges," to modify the remedies and enforcement provisions, and make 00:14:23 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 technical changes.
Thank you. Those six bills just read by the Clerk will be referred to the 00:14:28 appropriate committee.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Gilmore 00:14:38 Richardson offers a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain 00:14:45 properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a resolution urging the Pennsylvania state legislature and 00:14:59 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Governor Tom Wolf to reject House Bill 972, intended to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in high school and/or collegiate sports according 00:15:07 to their gender identity.
Councilman Henon offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance 00:15:21 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in 00:15:28 and about the area bounded by Kingston Street, I-95, East Venango Street and Bath Street."
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of 00:15:42 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Transportation, a temporary construction easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Richmond Street, East Butler 00:15:49 Street, I-95 and Castor Avenue, commonly known as 3721 Richmond Street.
Councilman Jones 00:15:58 offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring West Philadelphia and Wynnefield native Shaka Toney on being drafted to the Washington Football Team in the 2021 NFL Draft." 00:16:11
Councilman Johnson offers two bills and three resolutions, entitled "An ordinance 00:16:21 authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 152 by striking from the City Plan Sixty-Seventh Street from Upland Street to its terminus northwestwardly 00:16:30 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 therefrom."
And an ordinance 00:16:35 amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor Management Relationships" to create a new classification of covered airport service employees to receive prevailing 00:16:43 wages; to extend prevailing wage requirements to third-party contracts with City-related agencies, lessees and sublessees of the City, recipients of City financial assistance, and purchasers 00:16:54 of City property.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to 00:17:00 dispose of 1329 South 15th Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
And a resolution 00:17:08 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 honoring Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson for his lifelong pursuit of justice, vindicating the rights of the accused and fighting mass incarceration. 00:17:17
Councilman Johnson, did you want to be recognized on this resolution or the next one?
And a resolution 00:17:29 recognizing Philly Truce for its work to end gun violence and further acknowledging May 8th as Philly Truce Day.
The 00:17:37 Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move that the resolution regarding Philly Truce Day be 00:17:43 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 added to today's Final Passage Calendar.
And you're requesting for a suspension of the rules? 00:17:54
It's 00:17:58 been moved and properly seconded. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. 00:18:06
Also, Council President, I just want to just make brief remarks regarding prevailing wage bill that I introduced today to support workers at the Philadelphia 00:18:16 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 International Airport. We have seen during this health pandemic the disparities that have significantly impacted people of color, 00:18:26 and so this particular bill will provide healthcare for those essential workers who are on the front line working at the Philadelphia International Airport. We know that the workers at the 00:18:38 airport are the backbone and cornerstone of keeping the Philadelphia International Airport moving forward, and so the bill will provide an opportunity for them to receive benefits as it relates to a 00:18:50 prevailing wage but, most importantly, the cornerstone is healthcare coverage. And I want to thank all of my colleagues for signing on, for co-sponsors and also particularly 00:19:02 yourself as well, Council President. If we have learned anything during this pandemic, that healthcare is along the lines of a civil rights issue, and no individual should have to go to 00:19:15 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 work or put their lives on the front lines in the midst of COVID-19 and bring back a virus that can potentially take the lives of their family members home 00:19:25 without adequate healthcare coverage. So I just wanted to thank you, Council President, for your support as well as all of my other colleagues who also stepped up to the plate to support 00:19:35 our essential workers at the Philadelphia International Airport. Thank you, Council President.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of Paul 00:19:56 Street, Meadow Street, Tackawanna Street, Worth Street, Pear Street, Gillingham Street, Josephine Street, Blair Street, and East Montgomery Avenue, and making associated changes to parking regulations 00:20:08 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 within the same limits."
And a resolution 00:20:11 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 East Somerset Street, 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028 North American Street, 2907 Gransback Street, 413 West Norris Street, 419 West 00:20:28 Norris Street, and 2152 North Randolph Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Councilman Domb offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-1133 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'All-Terrain Vehicles,' to address off-road vehicle 00:20:52 use in the City of Philadelphia."
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilman Thomas 00:21:01 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring the non-profit organization, The Block Gives Back, for their successful Youth Internship Program 00:21:08 for 12 to 18 year old's aimed at growing non-profit operation skills and providing support for community events."
Councilman O'Neill offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by revising certain 00:21:28 provisions of Section 14-514, entitled '/FNE, Far Northeast Overlay District.'"
Councilman 00:21:39 Squilla offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for use by 00:21:47 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 the City, of a portion of the premises located at 1101 Market Street."
Councilman Oh offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to implement minimum force training for all law enforcement 00:22:04 officers."
And a resolution recognizing and honoring highway patrol 00:22:08 officer Andy Chan on his 25th Anniversary of service in the Philadelphia Police Department.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. 00:22:23 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is reports from committee. 00:22:29 And the Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance 00:22:34 reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that 00:22:41 report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 210203, 00:22:48 entitled "An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of one or more Service Agreements between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority 00:22:59 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 other City-related Authorities relating to the financing of a Neighborhood Preservation Initiative which includes housing, commercial 00:23:08 corridors, and neighborhood infrastructure programs; approving the issuance by each such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (including reimbursement obligations 00:23:19 related to lines or letters of credit) in one or more series to finance or refinance such initiative and authorizing and approving the obligation of The City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due 00:23:28 the Service Fee and other amounts payable under each such Service Agreement," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable 00:23:36 recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green. 00:23:44 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 00:23:50 210203. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of 00:23:58 Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210203. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 00:24:04 (Aye.)
The 00:24:06 ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the 00:24:13 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out seven bills with 00:24:19 a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report. 00:24:26
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 210286, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Haldeman 00:24:35 Avenue, both sides, from Clark Street to Red Lion Road"; and Bill No. 210287, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on 00:24:45 Tomlinson Road, both sides, from Bustleton Avenue to Lindsay Street"; and Bill No. 210288, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on 00:24:56 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Road, both sides, from Ferndale Street to Medway Road"; and Bill No. 210289, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking 00:25:04 and tow away zone regulations on Bridle Road, both sides, from Brookmont Road to Bartlett Street"; and Bill No. 210290, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking 00:25:14 and tow away zone regulations on Chesworth Road, both sides, from Verree Road to Ferndale Street"; and Bill No. 210291, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking 00:25:25 and tow away zone regulations on Ferndale Street, both sides, from Jeanes Street to Red Lion Road"; and Bill No. 210292, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking 00:25:37 and tow away zone regulations on Greymont Street, both sides, from Jeanes Street to Ferndale Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a 00:25:43 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes 00:25:56 Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bills No. 00:26:04 210286, 210287, 210288, 210289, 210290, 210291, and 210292. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and 00:26:20 properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 210286, 210287, 210288, 210289, 210290, 210291, and 210292. 00:26:33 All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 00:26:38 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar 00:26:44 today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just 00:26:52 reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. 00:27:02 As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar 00:27:10 today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage 00:27:17 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Calendars today. They are Nos. 210395, 210397, 210398, 210399, 210400, 210401, 210402, 210403, 210404, 210405, 210406, and 210139-AA. All other resolutions and 00:27:43 bills are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, we 00:27:54 will now take a brief five-minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect our speakers to our meeting. (Brief pause.) 00:33:52
Thank you, and good morning. We are now going to start our public comment process. Now that everyone is connected 00:33:58 to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider public comment. It will go as follows: Public comment must concern 00:34:07 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 matters on 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 00:34:15 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, phone number, the number of 00:34:26 the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support of or against the legislation, and add you to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session 00:34:38 and invite them to our remote meeting. Today I believe we will have three minutes to speak given the volume of individuals who have testified, but from time to time based on that number, 00:34:49 we may alter the time limit, but today we have three minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I do intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. 00:35:00 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 And once invited to the meeting and you're asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your 00:35:07 testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, we will remind you of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you 00:35:18 will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on 00:35:26 the same matter and to limit the scope of testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect our callbacks for public comment at the meeting. 00:35:36 Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded, and because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by 00:35:44 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. Mr. Decker, I would ask you to please read the name of the first speaker 00:35:53 on the list.
The first speaker is Mazzie Casher, commenting on the Philly Truce Day resolution.
Good 00:36:04 morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, members of the Council, Council 00:36:11 President. My name is Mazzie, M-A-Z-Z-I-E, Casher, C-A-S-H-E-R. Thank you to Councilman Johnson for the opportunity and the invitation. I would most certainly like to 00:36:26 speak in favor of Philly Truce Day. I am the Director of Philly Truce, Inc., the non-profit behind the recently launched Philly Truce app, and we asked Councilman to help us with this declaration or 00:36:41 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 proclamation, because we feel that we need as a community to make a public declaration that we are going to stop fighting one another about whether it's 00:36:56 the cause of gun violence, whether it's the problem, whether it's the solution, and we're going to work together to solve the problem. Take the idea that people are the problem out of the equation and 00:37:09 make a public declaration, and among other things on that day, we will ask those in attendance to take a pledge. Particularly we chose this day, the day before Mother's Day, because so 00:37:23 many young people are dying and so many mothers are mourning the loss of young children, and we also wanted to make a gesture to the mothers that as a city, we are taking the pledge. 00:37:36 The Philly Truce pledge reads: This is my community. I am responsible for what happens here, how it looks here, and for what I do here. And it is our hope and 00:37:50 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 intention that with the launch of the Philly Truce app bringing together the many boots on the ground and various resources available both in government, 00:38:00 private, and non-governmental sectors, we are turning the tide and turning the corner and countering the culture of violence here in Philadelphia. So that is my vote for Philly 00:38:13 Truce Day. Thank you for the time.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:38:21
The next speaker is Steven Pickens, also commenting on Philly Truce Day.
Good morning. Just state your name for the 00:38:31 record, but please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Steven Pickens. I'm the co-creator of the Philly Truce app along 00:38:41 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 with my partner, Mazzie Casher. Good morning, Council President, distinguished Councilmembers, executives, clerks, and staff. Thank you for this opportunity to 00:38:52 introduce you to Philly Truce app. Philly Truce app is an innovative approach which will allow the people, organizations, and agencies who have worked tirelessly for years in 00:39:05 violence prevention the ability to gain greater success by implementing technology as a means to reaching those who may not possess the mental capacity to make good decisions on their own 00:39:20 accord. The Philly Truce mobile app now gives us the advantage of being inside of the homes, and wherever critical decisions are being made in the absence 00:39:33 of rational, logical, and relevant thinking, it's not taking place inside of our city. We urge you to visit Phillytruce.com to become abreast on the 00:39:44 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 various functions and conveniences the Philly Truce app stands to deliver, catapulting violence prevention into the 21st century. 00:39:57 We have given much thought and research to issues surrounding our communities and have arrived at this destination to giving the people their voices back again, when there was a time 00:40:09 equal talk and shared pertinent information to avert hazardry, violence, and misconduct. So we are here today proudly to represent a movement, lifestyle, and 00:40:20 change in culture that will blend the help in such a way each neighborhood can be touched at the same time by people, organizations, and agencies working in unison in the Philly Truce app. 00:40:33 Thank you for your time.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Andrea Goldner, commenting on Philly Truce Day.
My name is Andrea Goldner, and I come to you as a trained Philly Truce mediator. I want to talk to you today about the gun violence in our city and how it is impacting our 00:41:01 children. I'm here to speak to you not out of self-interest but as for the voice of our children. As a child advocate professional for over 25 years, it is 00:41:11 clear to me and anyone that children in our city are not learning how to navigate potential violence properly. The result is, there are too many shootings, too many deaths, too many children losing a 00:41:24 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 parent, too many families losing brothers and sisters. Innocent children are literally getting caught in the crossfire. The result is both our 00:41:33 children and the City of Philadelphia are being traumatized all by gun violence. We need to learn how to navigate conflict without resorting to deadly force. It is time to look up, 00:41:44 speak up, because we can save lives. Too many children feel that in order to solve a problem, they resort to violence instead of using their words. Philly Truce has taken a huge leap into 00:41:57 creating the solution to this problem. The Philly Truce app has the potential to make real change in the violence currently plaguing our city. Philly Truce is designed to bring 00:42:08 opposing parties together to a trained mediator to de-escalate a dispute before it turns to violence. This app can be easily downloaded on any phone. All the person needs to do is download the app on 00:42:21 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 their cell phone, hit the "get help" button, text a few words about the problem, and a trained mediator will respond. 00:42:30 The intention is to help us all get in front of the conflict before it escalates to the violence and to get the community engaged in the solution. It's time to stop this cycle, 00:42:39 and we need to start somewhere. This app can be a part of the solution. We need total community buy-in, and we need your support. Thank you very much. 00:42:49
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Serita Lewis, commenting on Philly 00:42:56 Truce Day.
Good morning. Please proceed. State your name for the record.
Absolutely. Good 00:43:08 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 morning. My name is Serita Lewis. I am a native Philadelphian and I love my city. I love it in the midst of a global pandemic and I love it in the midst of 00:43:16 the rampant gun violence that is plaguing our city and just really impacting our children and our communities. I do still see us as the City of Brotherly Love and the City that loves 00:43:28 you back. We are a city in crisis, but we are peopled by the citizens with hope and belief that we can make real change. It is that belief that took Philly Truce from being an idea to a 00:43:41 reality, and it is the belief of Philly Truce's creators and us and the citizens of Philadelphia that we could actually be able to create a space where we are part of our own healing. And it is with that 00:43:53 that I'm excited to say that I am a trained mediator with Philly Truce, and I am a part of the app process right now. Philly Truce allows for governmental and community groups to 00:44:06 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 support our community members in realtime and create a pause at the beginning of crises so that we can gain clarity of thought over the challenges that they're 00:44:16 facing through conversation and mediation, and the hope is to be able to take it from mediation to actually really creating some healing in our neighborhoods so that there is no longer 00:44:25 going to be the amount of fear that our citizens, that our children, that our parents and grandparents feel when they're walking the streets. I absolutely back us creating 00:44:34 this space for Philly Truce Day, and I hope that you will support it as well.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:44:43
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. 00:44:55 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 COUNCIL SUPPORT: Council President, they are not on the line.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. 00:45:12 (No response.)
I am sorry. Technology issue. My apologies. 00:45:28 My name is Marcia Hinton. Greetings extended to the members of Philadelphia City Council. I am the Executive Director of the Alumnae Association of the Philadelphia High 00:45:41 School for Girls. It is our distinct pleasure to offer an endorsement of Resolution 210398 honoring Lisa Mesi, the 20th Principal of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. 00:45:58 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 Mrs. Mesi has embraced the Alumnae Association as an active and valued partner in school activities. We bookend the school, from assisting with 00:46:08 the first ever new student interview that she instituted to partnering and creating a memorable commencement for those graduating seniors last year, the Class of 2020, who were forced to forego many 00:46:23 of the traditional graduation exercises because of the Coronavirus. Principal Mesi ensures her faculty and students' instructional environment is focused on continuous 00:46:39 improvement. Every decision she makes is with the good of her students in the forefront. She models and promotes respect among her peers and students alike. Most importantly, Principal Mesi 00:46:53 shares her knowledge and expertise with her staff and colleagues. She does not ask of her faculty and staff anything more than she would do. Instead, she is a hands-on leader. 00:47:06 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 She can be found leading a charge with her sleeves rolled up, shoulder to shoulder with her staff. She is creative, innovative, and inspires others 00:47:18 to be the best version of themselves. It is with our distinct pleasure that we can offer no better candidate for your recognition, and we suggest wholeheartedly that you approve 00:47:38 this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:47:48
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. 00:47:54 That concludes our public comment session. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please 00:48:02 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 210395.
A resolution urging the United States House of Representatives to pass House Resolution 00:48:10 2553, also known as the Real Estate Valuation Fairness and Improvement Act of 2021.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for 00:48:22 a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying 00:48:36 aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 00:48:38 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the 00:48:42 title of Resolution No. 210397.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority 00:48:51 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. 00:48:58
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, 00:49:05 I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be 00:49:12 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 00:49:13
The ayes have it, and the resolution is 00:49:17 adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210398.
A resolution honoring and congratulating the 00:49:24 Philadelphia High School for Girls Principal Lisa Mesi on winning a 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
The 00:49:36 Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of all the girls of the Philadelphia High School for 00:49:42 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Girls, I move the adoption of the resolution. Vincit qui se vincit. (Duly seconded.)
It's 00:49:51 been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 00:49:55
The ayes have it, and the resolution is 00:49:58 adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210399.
A resolution recognizing May 2021 as National Bike 00:50:08 Month in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank 00:50:16 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. First I just wanted to thank my colleague Councilmember Jones for getting me back on a bike after a long time of our touring the Fourth 00:50:25 Councilmanic District. And with that, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's 00:50:34 been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 00:50:38
The ayes have it, and that resolution is 00:50:40 adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210400.
A resolution honoring Coach Willie "Billy" Void for an 00:50:48 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING impactful life and coaching career of more than 35 years mentoring hundreds of student athletes all across Philadelphia as owner and coach for Positive Image 00:50:58 Youth Organization.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas for a motion.
Thank you, 00:51:05 Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and 00:51:10 properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 00:51:11
The ayes have it, and that resolution is 00:51:14 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210401.
A resolution 00:51:24 honoring Coach Paul Gripper for a life lived as an outstanding coach and mentor as a pillar of Philadelphia's basketball community.
The 00:51:37 Chair again recognizes Councilman Thomas for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 00:51:43 (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 00:51:48 (Aye.)
The 00:51:49 Stated Meeting May 6, 2021 5/6/21 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210402. 00:52:01