Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 20, 2021 10:12 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 20, 2021
Thank you very much, and good morning to everyone. I understand the state law 00:00:15 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 00:00:23 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 00:00:32 Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, Inquirer, and Legal Intelligencer, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has 00:00:41 come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance please indicate that you are present, or whatever you may so choose, when your name is called to 00:00:51 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll. 00:00:58
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. Good 00:01:04 morning.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, 00:01:45 Council staff. Good morning to the City of Philadelphia, where it's always sunny.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning, colleagues. 00:02:06
Good 00:02:10 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Prayers go out to all families who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. 00:02:27 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Good morning, Mr. President and colleagues and 00:02:52 Philadelphia.
Good morning. 00:03:04 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. 00:03:10 Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public.
Good morning to everyone. 00:03:27 We've established a quorum. The Council will now come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Edmund T. Sherrill of the Mount Enon 00:03:37 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 here today as the guest of Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the 00:03:44 invocation. Pastor, please proceed.
Let us pray. What a friend we have in Jesus, all of our sins and griefs to bear. What 00:03:53 a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Gracious Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, your wisdom, and your support as we begin this 00:04:08 meeting. We thank you for each City Council member gathered here today. We acknowledge the many burdens they carry into this work. We pray that you will 00:04:18 guide them by your wisdom, support them by your power, and keep them pure in heart. Unite us today in the bond of love. Keep us faithful to all that is 00:04:31 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 that you enable this leadership to uphold the right of others. Do not allow them to be corrupted with fear or favor. 00:04:45 So we ask today for guidance in this meeting. Show us how to conduct our work with the spirit of joy and enthusiasm. And then, oh God, we pray in 00:04:56 humility and understanding that we are not competent in and of ourselves to handle the increasing gun violence that has overtaken our city. So we look to you to be our help in a time of trouble. 00:05:10 We pray for the residents of our city. We grieve with those that grieve in this city, remembering those who we have lost. Bless the work that is before 00:05:23 this City Council today. May every decision they make, every phone call that they pick up, every e-mail that they respond to, may it be done with the spirit of excellence. 00:05:36 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 open our hearts and remind us of the truth of Jeremiah that in the welfare of the City, we will find our own welfare. And so in 00:05:47 all we do and all we say, may we seek the welfare of the City of Philadelphia. This is your servant's prayer. Amen.
00:06:00 Amen. Thank you so much, Pastor. We really appreciate your support and your spiritual guidance this morning. We really need it. Thank you so much. 00:06:07
Council President, I just want to interrupt to say that I am present. 00:06:15
Good morning, Councilman Oh. Let the record reflect that Councilman Oh is present today.
Thank you very 00:06:22 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 much, Council President.
Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 00:06:27 May 13, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, 00:06:38 Madam Chair and Majority Leader, for your guidance. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 13th, 2021 be approved. 00:06:48 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 13, 2021 stand 00:06:54 approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
00:06:58 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is 00:07:00 approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Cherelle Parker. 00:07:10
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
00:07:18 Thank you. The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Our next order of business is communications. Mr. Decker, can you please read the messages from the Mayor 00:07:25 and any other communications that you may have in your possession.
Yes, Mr. President. From the Mayor to the President 00:07:31 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 19, 2021, I signed the following bill which was passed by 00:07:38 Council at its session on May 6, 2021: Bill No. 210139-AA; and I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara Adams as a 00:07:53 member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2025; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Natalia Dominguez as a 00:08:02 member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2027; and A resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara Moore as a 00:08:12 member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2024; and A resolution confirming the reappointment of E. Mitchell Swann as a 00:08:21 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2026; and An ordinance amending Chapter 00:08:31 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," to modify the requirements to operate a self-service laundry; and An ordinance authorizing the 00:08:40 Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to 00:08:48 file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant, all under 00:08:57 certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Our next order of business is 00:09:07 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be 00:09:14 placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate 00:09:24 opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the legislation that's 00:09:33 being offered today by our members.
Councilwoman Parker offers four bills, on behalf of Council President Clarke, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia 00:09:44 Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 20th Street, Oxford Street, and 21st Street"; and 00:09:52 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 00:09:57 Thompson Street (extended), 6th Street, Girard Avenue, Percy Street, Harper Street, and 13th Street; and An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 00:10:09 "Zoning and Planning," to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending the /NCP North Central Philadelphia Overlay District; and 00:10:20 An ordinance amending Chapter 14-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Signs," by providing for new sign controls, entitled "1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations." 00:10:29
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers two 00:10:37 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and congratulating Duane H. Bumb on his retirement and 25 years of distinguished service to the City of 00:10:45 Philadelphia Department of Commerce."
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of James V. 00:10:50 Nixon, Jr. and recognizing his impact on the Philadelphia arts and culture community.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers four resolutions, on behalf of Council President Clarke, entitled a "Resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara 00:11:11 Adams as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2025."
Next week's Calendar. 00:11:20 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Natalia Dominguez as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve 00:11:24 in the term ending January 1, 2027.
And a resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara 00:11:30 Moore as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2024.
And a resolution confirming the reappointment of E. Mitchell Swann as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2026. 00:11:44
And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a resolution urging support for 00:11:51 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Pennsylvania House Bills 1204, 1206, 806, and 244 focused on addressing disparities in education, strengthening career and technical education, and creating 00:12:06 workforce development opportunities.
Councilman Jones offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance 00:12:18 authorizing non-accessory parking on the premises located at 4422 through 24 Ridge Avenue."
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by amending the boundaries of Permit Parking District 16. 00:12:34
Councilman Johnson offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1000 of The 00:12:45 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Historic Preservation," to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties in the area of Christian 00:12:53 Street between Broad and 20th Streets.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez and Councilwoman 00:13:02 Gauthier offer an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-702, entitled "Floor Area, Height, and 00:13:13 Housing Unit Density Bonuses"; and by making related changes.
Councilman Green 00:13:19 offers one bill, on behalf of Council President Clarke, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States 00:13:35 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment 00:13:43 Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant.
Councilman Green offers, on his own behalf, two bills, entitled "An ordinance approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital 00:13:58 Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions." 00:14:09
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the 00:14:15 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions. 00:14:22
Councilwoman Gauthier offers three bills, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking 00:14:37 regulation in the vicinity of: Frazier Street and Spruce Street; Ludlow Street and South 58th Street; Yewdall Street and Larchwood Avenue; Reinhard Street and South 47th Street; South 48th Street and 00:14:48 Reinhard Street; Baring Street and North 32nd Street; Brandywine Street and North 34th Street; Hamilton Street and North 35th Street; Haverford Avenue and North 32nd Street; Haverford Avenue and North 00:15:03 40th Street; Wallace Street and North 33rd Street; Mandela Way and North 46th Street; Mount Vernon Street and North 33rd Street; Preston Street and Baring Street; St. Malachys Way and North 46th 00:15:16 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Street; Spring Garden Street and North 40th Street; North 31st Street and Hamilton Street; Sansom and South 49th Street; South 61st Street and Walnut 00:15:27 Street; Irving and South 51st Street; Ruby Street and Market Street; Pine Street and South 46th Street; Mount Vernon Street and North 32nd Street; North 42nd Street and Baring Street; and 00:15:42 State Street and Powelton Avenue."
And an ordinance to amend the Master Plan for the 00:15:50 University of Pennsylvania by areas of land located within an area bounded by Chestnut Street, 33rd Street, Ludlow Street, and 34th Street.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an 00:16:03 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 area bounded by Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, Spruce Street, and 34th Street.
Councilman Squilla offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, 00:16:24 entitled "Service and Other Businesses," to modify the requirements to operate a self-service laundry.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Squilla offers an ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of the Philadelphia Zoning Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating a 00:16:43 new section, entitled "/HHC, Heliport Hazard Control Overlay District."
And an ordinance 00:16:51 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Collins 00:16:57 Street, Westmoreland Street, and Tulip Street.
Councilwoman Bass 00:17:04 offers one bill and one resolution, 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 00:17:17 Broad Street, Erie Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Wissahickon Avenue, Railroad Right-of-Way, Clarissa Street, Juniata Street, Germantown Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard." 00:17:31
And a resolution supporting the All Faiths Vaccination Campaign's efforts to achieve vaccination 00:17:39 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 equity by hosting vaccination clinics in Philadelphia's underserved Black and Brown neighborhoods.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
00:17:55 Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. Councilwoman Parker? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. 00:18:11
Can you take the helm for like three minutes? I'm sorry. 00:18:17
Okay. Thank you. Sure. Sure, Mr. President. And, Councilmember Jones -okay. Because the next is reports from committee, Mr. President, and so we'll 00:18:27 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Okay?
So the next order of business is reports from 00:18:33 committees. Acting as Chair, I recognize Councilmember Jones for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The Committee of the Whole 00:18:54 reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
So one bill, Councilmember Jones, and six resolutions? 00:19:15
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. 00:19:21
Yes, Madam Chair. To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 210074, entitled "An 00:19:30 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 21-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Police Advisory Board,' and replacing it with a new Chapter 21-1200 that reinstitutes and 00:19:41 renames the board as the 'Citizens Police Oversight Commission,' and, as authorized by the Charter, provides for the Commission's appointment, the powers and duties of the Commission and the manner 00:19:55 in which the Commission and other officers, employees, and agencies shall fulfill their respective responsibilities with respect to the Commission"; and Resolution No. 210098, entitled 00:20:06 a "Resolution appointing Chris Barnes to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 210099, entitled a "Resolution appointing Katrina 00:20:16 Johnston-Zimmerman to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 210100, entitled a "Resolution appointing Adam Zaken to 00:20:26 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 210101, entitled a "Resolution appointing Allison Harvey 00:20:34 Hindman to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 210102, entitled a "Resolution appointing Monica Thompson to the Board of Directors for the South 00:20:44 Street Headhouse District"; and Resolution No. 210103, entitled a "Resolution appointing Adam Shapiro to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District," respectfully 00:20:54 reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank 00:21:04 you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the rules of 00:21:12 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210074. (Duly seconded.) 00:21:25
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210074. 00:21:40 All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution Nos. 210098, 210099, 210100, 00:21:56 210101, 210102, and 210103 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. And I now see our Council President has returned. 00:22:16 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Thank you. Thank you so much, Councilwoman. Sorry for the brief confusion. 00:22:20
He keeps us sharp every now and then just to see if we're paying attention.
It's not a bad idea. Thank you, 00:22:31 Councilmembers. I appreciate it. Had a slight little quick thing I had to deal with. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the 00:22:43 Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports one 00:22:50 bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report. 00:22:57 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 210331, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 00:23:06 of The Philadelphia Code, the 'Health Code,' to add a section establishing reporting and employment requirements related to changes in ownership or of the license holder of long-term care 00:23:18 facilities and hospitals, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable 00:23:24 recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass. 00:23:35
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210331. 00:23:42 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of 00:23:46 Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210331. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 00:23:53 (Aye.)
The 00:23:54 ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business 00:24:02 is the 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 their first reading and those bills will be placed on 00:24:12 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 2ND READING our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar, so the 00:24:19 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank 00:24:27 you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210375, 210452, 210453, 210454, 210455, 210456, 00:24:38 210458, 210460, and 210360. Mr. President, all other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. 00:25:00 We will now move to our public comment, but before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, we're going to take a brief five- to ten-minute recess to give our technology 00:25:13 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 professionals an opportunity to connect our speakers for testimony today. We will take a brief break. (Short recess.) 00:25:22
Thank you, and good morning again. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will 00:28:44 consider the public comment. It will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters of the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at a 00:28:53 session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public comment. 00:29:07 When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support of or in opposition of the legislation, and add 00:29:17 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 your name to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. 00:29:25 They will each have three minutes to speak. However, the time limit may vary from time to time, but today I think we're in the position to provide three minutes. In order to be 00:29:34 fair to all those wishing to speak, though, I do intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. Once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer 00:29:42 will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has 00:29:52 passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks. Shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. I also reserve the right to 00:30:02 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter and to limit the scope of the testimony to only certain 00:30:09 items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded. So 00:30:19 because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. 00:30:28 I will now ask Mr. Decker, our Chief Clerk, to please read the name of our first speaker.
Yes, Mr. President. 00:30:36 The first speaker we have today is Destiny Jackson, commenting 210456.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your 00:30:46 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 testimony.
I want to thank you all so much for honoring me for this award. It has been an honor to be an 00:30:52 award recipient. Wow, I'm going to -- I plan to attend Spelman College this upcoming fall semester. With me having over 50 colleges acceptances -- I have approximately 56 college acceptances, and 00:31:10 I plan to go to Spelman to double major with political science on a pre-law track and communications and media, with a long-term goal to run for President. I am currently fundraising 00:31:21 money to make sure that I am able to reach my goal so that I can be able to attend Spelman College. With overcoming challenges that I face every day with being a Type 1 diabetic and being a youth 00:31:33 in foster care, it has been a long journey, but I just want to thank the City of Philadelphia for, you know, being able to provide opportunities. And, wow, it's just an honor to be able to move 00:31:45 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 forward and be able to make a change in the world.
Thank you so much. It is our honor to 00:31:52 honor you for the awesome, awesome achievements, and we look forward to many, many years of notoriety. And as soon as we can figure out a way to forward our mail-in ballot, give us the 00:32:04 designation and the timeframe for which you want to run for President and I'm sure a lot of us will be prepared to mail it in early. Destiny, thank you so much, and 00:32:14 God bless you.
The next speaker is Sarah Clark Stuart, commenting on 210360.
Good morning. State your name for the record 00:32:29 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. My name is Sarah Clark Stuart and I am calling in to express my support for Bill 00:32:39 No. 210360, which will name a dog park on the north side of Winter Street as the Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park. Rob Stuart was my late husband, and I want to thank City Council 00:32:58 President and Councilmember Helen Gym for sponsoring this ordinance. I also want to thank the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee for passing it a few weeks ago. 00:33:14 Very quickly, as the ordinance lays out, Rob Stuart was an extraordinary citizen of Philadelphia who loved Philadelphia and our neighborhood, Logan Square, very, very much, and from the 00:33:28 moment we moved here in 1995 and until his untimely death in 2011, he worked on many projects, all with the aim of improving Philadelphia and ensuring its future with high quality life for 00:33:42 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 everyone. And among his many accomplishments, he worked tirelessly to ensure that Logan Square thrived and grew 00:33:50 and also retained its special character. And one of his particular dreams was that Logan Square continue to attract and retain new families, and he wanted to very much build a dog park and a 00:34:06 children's playground, which now, because made possible by Council President Clarke, is actually about to happen. We hope that the dog park and children's play space on Winter Street will open 00:34:17 hopefully in June of this year. So I want to thank the City Council for this ordinance and for naming the dog park in memory of my late husband. This wouldn't have been 00:34:32 possible without their support. And also just to know that how much Logan Square Neighborhood Association and my neighbors are excited and thrilled to be able to have this dog park named after my late 00:34:47 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 husband. I thank you very much, and quickly very much on behalf of my family, we deeply appreciate this honor. 00:34:58
Yeah. 00:35:02 Mr. Stuart cared about Center City, but he also cared about other places within the City of Philadelphia. He was a renaissance man. He invented water purification systems and, in fact, 00:35:18 Mr. President, made me have to tailor my suits. He said I bought my suits off the rack too big and insisted, insisted that I see a tailor, and I thank him and his family for that. 00:35:37 Thank you, Mr. President.
Point of information, Council President. 00:35:44 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to also 00:35:52 just follow up and commend you and commend Helen and all the Council for supporting this ordinance in honoring the life of Mr. Stuart, because when I first decided to make the transition from State 00:36:07 Representative to City Council, he was on the front line for me, like going to bat for me, had me in rooms that I haven't been in before, and really helping me make that transition smooth. 00:36:19 And so it's very fitting that we honor his life and legacy, because he was a genuine and true person, and I've been around politics for a while, as all of us have been, and you know when you 00:36:31 meet a rare breed when it comes to a person being sincere and passionate about just truing helping people just for the sake of helping people. So I just wanted to make sure I 00:36:42 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 get that on the record, because he's truly dear and near to my heart, because he's a part of how I became a Councilperson representing -- not only 00:36:49 just the Councilperson representing the Second Councilmanic District but the first African American Councilperson to represent the Second Councilmanic District, and he played a major role in 00:36:59 making sure I was supported and also inside those rooms that I haven't also had the opportunity to be introduced to had it not been for him. Thank you very much. And he 00:37:10 was actually progressive before progressive became a progressive thing.
Absolutely. The Chair recognizes 00:37:16 Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you so much, Council President. And originally I was going to wait until the introduction, but it feels very fitting 00:37:28 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 after Sarah's beautiful and very loving testimony to her late husband to hear all of our colleagues say so much about what Rob meant to the entire City of 00:37:43 Philadelphia. He was a Philadelphian through and through. As Sarah said, he loved the City. He had a bigger vision of it. He invested in its infrastructure and he invested in its people. 00:37:52 And I do want to extend my enormous gratitude to you, Council President, for doing this tribute to a wonderful person, and his legacy lives on in Sarah and his daughter. So just very 00:38:06 grateful for this moment and in remembrance and holding precious people who have come before us who have done so much. Thank you very much, Council 00:38:17 President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. 00:38:21 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I want to join the chorus of my colleagues in just saying what a great guy Rob was. And whenever I 00:38:31 think of Rob Stuart, I always smile, and I smile because he was someone who brought something to the table and it was about helping people and it was positive. It was never any foolishness. It was 00:38:43 never anything that wasn't going to make a difference in the lives of the people of Philadelphia, especially those who need it the most. So it's my honor to in any way, 00:38:54 shape, or form play a role in helping this happen. And to Sarah and family, I thank you for sharing Rob with us. We thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. 00:39:09
Thank you, Councilwoman. There will be a ceremony at the park in about a month, so we'll make sure everybody gets an invitation. Thank you. 00:39:19 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Mr. Decker.
Good 00:39:34 morning. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Thanks, Council President. This is Drew Murray. I'm a Board member of the Logan Square 00:39:45 Neighborhood Association and former President. I'm here to support the resolution in naming the Winter Street dog park in memory of my friend Rob Stuart, Resolution No. 210360. 00:39:58 Rob was a friend and a mentor to me. He was also a former President of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. He did so much for our community. I think it might have even 00:40:13 been you, Council President, who called him the 18th member of City Council, because everyone knew him and everyone in the community knew him. Council President, I know 00:40:24 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 you've heard me say this story and I know Sarah has heard this story, but I used to call Rob and I still call Rob the George Bailey of our community. He really 00:40:33 touched people in so many ways that seemed small at the moment but had long-lasting effects on their lives. I know for me personally he convinced me not to leave the City of 00:40:46 Philadelphia. I was heading to the Main Line back to where my family was and where I grew up, and he was the one that convinced me not to leave. He was the one that also called (connection issues) 00:40:56 school to convince them to let my daughter in. He always denied that, but I know he did it. So he's such a profound effect on my life and so many people, and I 00:41:05 think this will be such an honor for him to have this dog park named for him, because it was one of the last things he actually asked me to help him with right before he passed. He said, Drew, I want 00:41:16 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 to get a dog park in this community, can you help me. And I know it was one of Sarah's dreams and then one of my dreams to see that this comes to fruition. 00:41:26 So I want to thank you, Council President, number one, for helping provide the funds for this, and I want to thank you and my friend Councilwoman Gym for making this resolution to name this 00:41:34 park in memory of Rob. It will be an incredible honor to his legacy. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you very much. 00:41:42 Mr. Decker.
The next speaker is Sakhri Abdullayev, commenting on 210460.
Good 00:41:54 morning. State your name for the record, please, and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning to all. My name is Sakhri Abdullayev. I am calling in to support the Resolution 00:42:04 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 210460, and I want to thank specifically Councilman Oh for introducing the resolution and for the rest of the Council for hearing. 00:42:14 I've been a resident of Philadelphia since I was seven. I moved to Northeast Philly when I was seven with my family. I've lived here pretty much all my life. I graduated from the 00:42:24 University of Pennsylvania in 2019, and I consider Philadelphia to be my home, and I intend to call it my home for the rest of my life. Today's subject is important to 00:42:33 me and close to me, much like it is to the growing number of Azerbaijanis that live here. We've always known the City of Philly as the City of Brotherly Love. We chose to live here because we believe 00:42:45 that the community here is vibrant, caring, and defined by the many communities of different ethnic and national backgrounds. I remember walking through 00:42:54 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Benjamin Franklin Parkway throughout my entire childhood and young years and always being inspired and proud of the different nationalities living here. 00:43:04 Philly really embraces its diverse composition of people and wants them to succeed, and seeing all of those flags here signified that to me. It's also disappointing to me 00:43:13 to not see my own country represented in that Parkway. As a community of Azerbaijanis in Philly, we want to be able to be represented as a part of the City of Philadelphia and have our voices 00:43:24 heard. Know we are a small population currently in Philadelphia. We are constantly growing, and we do contribute a lot to the development of our city. Many of us work our own businesses 00:43:34 directly in the City, and we're constantly hosting many cultural events with hundreds of Azerlies and other nationalities attending and working with other minority groups to make the City a 00:43:44 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 better place for all. We are proud Philadelphians and Azerbaijanis, and we are continuing to grow. We want to see ourselves 00:43:53 representative, and that's why we hope to see our flag flying across Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and we hope to do this with your help, and truly appreciate the effort in helping us put this forward. 00:44:03 We are -- we want the City of Philadelphia and the world to know that we are proud Azerbaijanis living in the greatest city in the world. We think that this will go really a long way to 00:44:17 show Philly as one of the vibrant, multicultural, and diverse communities. I want to thank you all for your time and allowing me to share my perspective today. Thank you. 00:44:31
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Leyla Salehli, commenting on 210460. 00:44:36 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Good morning. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My 00:44:46 name is Leyla Salehli-Horgan. I'm here today in support of Resolution 210460 calling on the City of Philadelphia to include the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the display of 00:44:59 international flags along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. And, again, thank you to Councilmembers Oh, Bass, Brooks, Domb, Green, and Squilla for including our ethnic minority group into Philadelphia's 00:45:14 cultural, multiethnic environment here. Much like Sakhri sort of already introduced, our common sentiment is I also came to Philadelphia in 1995 as an international student at the time to 00:45:29 Drexel University. I haven't left our city since. I married a through and through Philadelphian, and the City became a home for me and my family now. But I do remember that time I 00:45:43 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 walked down that beautiful Ben Franklin Parkway, saw those flags waving in the wind. I searched for a flag of my country. I didn't see it, but I thought, 00:45:53 wow, perhaps they never heard of Azerbaijan. At the time, it was just a newly independent state breaking from Soviet Union, but I hope that soon we can bring Azerbaijani flag to the City. 00:46:07 It did take years of understanding how our city works to build up our community here. We tried for many years, unfortunately not successfully, but I think today is different. The 00:46:21 moratorium has been lifted. Philadelphia is such a multiethnic and multicultural city today, most importantly. Twenty-five years later, we have a very strong and thriving Azerbaijani community 00:46:36 in Philadelphia. Azerbaijani Americans in Philadelphia have cultural representation. You'll hear from our next speaker, Tomris Azeri, who 00:46:45 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 represents Azerbaijani Society of America in our city. We hold events and work with many other minority groups to make our city a better place. 00:46:55 I, for example, also represent a U.S. Azerbaijan network in our city, a grassroots advocacy organization whose mission is to educate our voters about American political system and give the 00:47:10 tools to be an integral part of American democracy. Philadelphia is the birthplace of that democracy, and we as immigrants to this country, to this city want to be 00:47:20 represented along with many other nations around the world by sharing the culture of Azerbaijan, our birthplace, with our new home, Philadelphia. I ask you to please help us do that today. 00:47:33 Please vote to include the flag of Azerbaijan in Philadelphia's beautiful display of international flags. Thank you so much.
00:47:44 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Sabir Abdullayev, commenting on 00:47:50 210460.
Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Sabir 00:48:01 Abdullayev. I want to thank you for looking at the Resolution 210460 to raise the Azerbaijani flag on the Parkway. My family came here in 1999. I have two brothers. They are younger than 00:48:22 me, and my parents who are older, and we came here from -- we came from Azerbaijan, and I was born in Baku, a region. I lived there until I was eight. When we came here from Moscow, 00:48:39 Philadelphia became home for us, like we went -- we have house here now, two houses. We all went to school here. I went to Drexel. My brothers went to Temple. We all work in Philadelphia. So 00:48:54 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 we made our home here, and when I used to work -- I used to live on Spring Garden next to the Art Museum, couple blocks away, and I worked in Center City. I 00:49:14 would walk by the Parkway every day and it would actually bother me each day when I would pass and I would not see the Azerbaijani flag there, but I knew time will come, and that time is now, and 00:49:29 we're here to ask you to approve raising a flag of this country that was an independent democracy, like the first independent democracy. In the secular Moscow world, it became in 1918, right? 00:49:47 And in 1919, the women had right to vote and run for the office. And just as a comparison, that was the year before it was available here in United States or nationally for women to work. 00:50:05 So imagine a nation of Benjamin Franklin in 1918, thousand miles away from here, and that's who we represent. That's what we want to establish here and work here towards the democracy in our 00:50:23 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 common (unintelligible), and I appreciate your listening to us about this issue. It's very important for us. Thank you very much. 00:50:32
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Tomris Azeri, commenting on 210460. 00:50:41
Yes. Good morning. My name is Tomris Azeri. Good morning, Mr. Council President, and thank you very 00:50:53 much for the opportunity to address you. Our profound gratitude to all the members of the Council who are serving our city with distinction. We are grateful to each and every one of you. 00:51:08 I'm in support for Resolution 210460 to include the flag of Azerbaijan in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. I am President of Azerbaijan Society of America, the oldest Penn-Azerbaijani 00:51:24 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 grassroots organization in the United States representing Azerbaijani Americans. Founded in 1957 by the first wave of immigrants to United States, it 00:51:37 is the first organization in the world to represent Azerbaijanis outside of their homeland. Our community has grown significantly over the years, especially 00:51:49 here in Philadelphia. We work with wide range of organizations and communities across the country to engage Azerbaijanis around the nation. We work closely with Turkish, Israeli, Pakistani, and many 00:52:07 other communities in the nation. First Republic of Azerbaijan was established in 1918, secular movement democracy, very first in the world. Unfortunately, within two years, it fell 00:52:22 under Soviet rule. When the Soviet Union finally collapsed in 1991, Azerbaijan was the first nation to regain their independence. While being under the Soviet 00:52:36 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 rule over 70 years, Azerbaijani's flag was banned in the Soviet Azerbaijan, but in America, we were raising the flag of Azerbaijan, because America gave us the 00:52:48 freedom to do so. We are proud Americans and always will be grateful. Azerbaijan is a staunch ally of the United States. Azerbaijan unconditionally supported America's 00:53:02 anti-terrorist campaign immediately in the wake of the September 11 tragedy to ensure the safety of all Americans and U.S. installations in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani soldiers fought 00:53:18 next to American soldiers in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Azerbaijan opened its doors to American businesses, and today many Americans call Azerbaijan their home. 00:53:32 Seeing the Azerbaijani flag among the other banners of iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be a reminder to all of us the friendship America and Azerbaijan continue to share 00:53:45 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 and enjoy. I thank you for listening to me, and I am grateful for your service. Thank you. 00:53:53
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Shareese Lee, commenting on 210434. 00:53:59
Good morning. Just state your name for the record.
Yes. Good morning, everyone. My name is Shareese Lee, and 00:54:10 I'm calling on the City of Philadelphia to implement minimum force training for all law enforcement officers. Whereas, minimum force training provides law enforcement officers with 00:54:22 the physical skills and mental perspective to use no force or the least amount of force required when faced with a confrontation under stress; and Whereas, minimum force training 00:54:33 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 is a valuable tool for law enforcement officers and civilians alike; and Whereas, police use of force and training protocols are particularly 00:54:42 salient following high profile incidents of overly aggressive, officer-involved confrontations, and unintended shootings; and Whereas, as a result of George 00:54:52 Floyd's death, there is a national push to reform laws and protocols pertaining to police conduct and liability; and Whereas, some of these efforts are questionable and may result in 00:55:03 unintended consequences that increase crime and injury; and Whereas, minimum force training can reduce the number of these tragedies by balancing lethal force responses with 00:55:14 more appropriate responses based upon the circumstance; and Whereas, law enforcement officials in neighboring Bucks and Delaware counties have already begun 00:55:26 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 exploring implementation of minimum force training as a component of its mandatory police officer training; and Whereas, in the best interest 00:55:36 of its officers and the public, the Philadelphia Police Department should implement minimum force training to complement traditional lethal force training; and 00:55:46 Whereas, in order to implement minimum force training, the City will need to establish training programs for the Police Department, establish parameters for how officers will be 00:55:55 expected to complete the training, and define administrative regulations for receiving compensatory time or other reimbursements for completing the training; now, therefore, be it 00:56:08 Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby calls on the City of Philadelphia to implement minimum force training for all law enforcement officers. 00:56:19 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 This has been introduced by Councilmember Oh as of May 6, 2021. I truly wholeheartedly support this Resolution No. 210434, because in order 00:56:29 to maintain any professional skills, you must adhere to the mandatory required recertification procedures, just as the fast food employee must recertify their SafeServ license every few years, as well 00:56:43 as the attorney must recertify his license six months prior to the expiration date. This resolution which has been put in place not only to protect us but 00:56:50 our children by teaching them how to be responsible adults, because they are our future leaders. Thank you so much for your time, and everyone have a wonderful day. 00:57:00
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker 00:57:08 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 is April McBride, commenting on 210434.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record. 00:57:17 MS. McBRIDE: April McBride. Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. I'm in favor of Resolution 210434 implementing minimum force training for all law enforcement 00:57:26 agencies. This resolution, as been presented today by Councilmember Oh, is extremely needed in the City of Philadelphia, especially in the 00:57:35 impoverished urban neighborhoods where police brutality and police fatalities, they're at much higher occurrences. Example given, the fatal shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. in 2020 00:57:45 in West Philadelphia. Mr. Wallace was having a mental health crisis, as his mother stated, and cried out to the police officers involved, but Mr. Wallace's life was lost because of a 00:57:55 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 lethal gunshot from the police officers that were there on the scene. Minority men, women, boys, and girls are already looked upon as 00:58:07 immediate threats, which is unfair and unjust. With that being said, to minimize police brutality and fatality, this resolution is very crucial to lives of all citizens of Philadelphia of all 00:58:20 races, especially for the minority communities. Once a person is deceased, they cannot come back to life, and to die by lethal force by police, where the 00:58:28 situation could have been resolved by minimum force, is not acceptable and the damage cannot be undone. I ask you today to support and pass into the bill of law here in 00:58:36 Philadelphia Resolution No. 210434. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:58:43 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021
Good morning. State your name for the record 00:58:53 and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning, Councilmembers. I am Johnson Jajoute. I'm a current resident of Philadelphia. 00:59:02 I'm also a mixed martial arts instructor. I've been instructing law enforcement and other parts of the private sector for so many years now, and I can go into the ups and downs throughout the years of the 00:59:16 acts of law enforcement, but I want to present it to you guys as what they really are. They're people. They're everyday people that have anxiety just like us, get angry just like us, get 00:59:36 happy just like us, and also go through trials and tribulations just like us. They're everyday people, and on top of that, they decide one day to serve and protect our community. They're everyday 00:59:50 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 people that are expected to rise above and make critical, hard decisions in hostile situations without the proper training. 01:00:04 It is important and I fully support Resolution 210434 that was presented by David Oh, Councilmember, that it's very important, it's very important that these people that choose 01:00:17 to serve and protect our community are presented with an opportunity to have a choice to be able to implement minimum force training. I agree that it should be 01:00:40 mandatory, where these people are trained to deal with hostile situations on a day-to-day basis, and there's no other way to do it other than being in a controlled environment where you're 01:00:52 trained mentally and physically on how to deal with hostile situations. How are people expected to do that if they're not constantly trained for it? Do you expect doctors to do 01:01:03 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 great surgeries without constantly practicing? No. How can it be expected of a person who chooses to serve and protect our community to rise above 01:01:16 situations in a very hostile environment without the proper training? It would only help them become safer. It will help them basically protect our community in a better way, help people to be more 01:01:31 comfortable around them. It just would help in every way possible, every way possible, help improve their lives, making sure they're going home, making the right decisions and help the 01:01:43 community around them. It is very important, very, very important that they are committed to bettering themselves, not just physically but mentally. It goes that far. It goes 01:01:53 that far into their training. And I also hear there's opposition to it as well, as there is already some minimum force training, and if that's the case, would we be where we 01:02:05 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 are today if there was? And if there is some type of training, is it good enough? Would we be having this conversation today? And that's something we need to 01:02:16 ask ourselves, like what is missing and what do we need to implement? And this is one of them. I fully support it. Thank you for hearing me out. 01:02:26
01:02:32 Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President. 01:02:37
Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment session. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second 01:02:47 Stated Meeting May 20, 2021 5/20/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210375.