STATED MEETING 1 4/21/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:19 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 4/21/2022
Thank you and good morning. Before we begin the Council session today, I would like to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, the Inquirer, Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, say a couple of words to make sure that your image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present. STATED MEETING 4 4/21/2022
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Sisterly Love.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to all the attendees and good morning to the viewing public. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Prayers go out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence and also most recently three-year-old Yaseem Jenkins, who was a 2019 gunshot survivor who recently passed away this week.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, President Clarke. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues. And it's great to see you, Pastor Aiken.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good STATED MEETING 7 4/21/2022 morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public.
And good morning to all. We have established our quorum, so Council will now come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Carlton L. Aiken Sr. of the Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Parker. STATED MEETING 8 4/21/2022 members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation. Pastor, please proceed.
Thank you. Good morning to everyone. Thank you, President Clarke, and thank you to my friend, again, Majority Leader Cherelle Parker. I want to open up this prayer with the following scripture in James 1. It begins at Verse 19. It says, So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like observing his STATED MEETING 9 4/21/2022 mirror, for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he looks into a perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word. This one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father for this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep one's self unspotted from the world. Let us pray. Father, we thank you, Lord, for allowing us to come before this body of leaders in our great City of Philadelphia. We thank you for all of the session, the details, the agenda, for every decision that will be made. We STATED MEETING 10 4/21/2022 know, God, that these persons have come, Lord, as servant leaders to provide insight, know-how, to love on these great people of this city. We ask, God, that you will cover them now, as every decision is not an easy decision, and for every tough decision that they have to come to, God, I pray, God, that it will benefit us all; that even in our failures, God, there are things to learn. And I pray, God, that we will open our hearts and our minds to receive the lessons in which you have taught us thus far. I thank you, God, for this leadership. I pray, God, over their families and the families of the City. I pray, God, again that with every decision, that we can continue to prepare the pillars in which we need to have to sustain in this life, the bare essentials - food, clothing, shelter - to provide the necessary things for us just to live and to be productive citizens. STATED MEETING 11 4/21/2022 now, God, again for that person that is on the street that needs a morsel of food. I pray right now, God, for every person that needs that clothing, that shelter, but that these persons and within the far reaches of their abilities, God, that they will look into themselves and to understand the truth that is needed to continue, Lord, to bless this city with their efforts. I also pray, God, that you will allow again every person that has experienced gun violence, that experienced difficulties, discriminations or any of the like, God, that these persons, Lord, will do everything within their power to be able to protect them, to cover them, and to be able, Lord, to provide a way in to a better life. And I thank you now again for this opportunity, God, as I remember as a young man hearing my father preach and share the gospel of Jesus Christ but STATED MEETING 12 4/21/2022 also, Lord, to stand before this body as well to pray a prayer just as I do today. So I stand humbled in allowing me this opportunity just to share over this city, which has given to so many and has provided a better life for all of those persons again that are within its walls. So I thank you now. I ask, God, again as we close this prayer that we can do these things according to your glory, and honor you in all that we do. Bless our circles of influence.
Bless our coming and going, and allow this city to be the best possible from these persons' hands and the work that they shall do. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. )
Thank you. Thank you for having me. STATED MEETING 13 4/21/2022
Thank you for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really need it. Thank you. Have a blessed day. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 7, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 7th, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of April 7, 2022 stands approved. STATED MEETING 14 4/21/2022 order of business is request for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing STATED MEETING 15 4/21/2022 hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may STATED MEETING 16 4/21/2022 agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And our next order of business is communications, and the Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 20, 2022, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on April 7, 2022: Bill No. 220225; and I am transmitting for the consideration of STATED MEETING 17 4/21/2022 resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3009 Wharton Street, 1554 South Dover Street, 6052 Kingsessing STATED MEETING 18 4/21/2022 Avenue, 6050 Kingsessing Avenue, 1926 South 60th Street, and 6032 Chester Avenue, in the Second Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fourth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Third Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to STATED MEETING 19 4/21/2022 execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Second Councilmanic District; and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," to amend provisions relating to allowable time extensions on a construction permit, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our messages, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a 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 STATED MEETING 20 4/21/2022 referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide the appropriate opportunity for public comment. I'd like to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by our members.
Councilwoman Parker offers today on behalf of Council President Clarke a resolution approving the appointment of Debra McCarty to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
Councilwoman Gym offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter, entitled 'Employee Commuter STATED MEETING 21 4/21/2022 Transit Benefit Programs,' to require certain employers to provide a mass transit and bicycle commuter benefit program, under certain terms and conditions."
Council President, Councilwoman Gym has asked to be recognized at this time.
Yes. Thank you so much, Council President Clarke. Due to a personal emergency, I'm requesting a leave of absence and would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Let the record reflect leave shall be granted for Councilwoman Gym.
Councilman Jones offers one bill and one resolution, STATED MEETING 22 4/21/2022 entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions of Section 14-524, entitled '/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District.'"
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property --
After you read the resolution, I'd like to be recognized, sir.
Thank you, Councilman. Go ahead, Mr. Decker. I'm sorry.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority STATED MEETING 23 4/21/2022 deeds conveying fee simple title to 3438 West Allegheny Avenue in the Fourth Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your indulgence. In 2008, this Council went on a revision of the Zoning Code that took a year. We revised things, and at the time, with a spirit of predictability, a thing called by-right was explored, and we really wanted to take a lot of the influence, access to information that Councilpeople had out of the process. And I was very new, didn't know, and, you know, I remember other of our colleagues that are no longer here saying, why would you vote against your own interest. And I remember that distinctly and said, you know, we are a good government. We're going to do -- well, all things that seem like they're going forward are not progress. STATED MEETING 24 4/21/2022 When you have by-right, some people take by advantage. And what do I mean by that? We wind up with stores that we can't govern, that stay open as late as they want selling all kinds of paraphernalia to our kids. They have gambling machines in them. They become those places that Member Bass fought against that have the plexiglas shields, and local elected officials do not work with the community organizations to be heard. To that end, Mr. President, you submitted, along with me, a rezoning or a reorganization of the ZBA in order to include community organizations, which I think is going to add balance to the ZBA. I want to also say that this resolution is designed to deal with specifically some of the rental properties that are used as these bed and breakfasts and temporary lodging shelters that -
Airbnb's that are really rooming houses. They're not really Airbnb's. They are rooming houses, where bad things tend to happen. People use them in my district for places where prostitution happens, so that the local drug dealer points to an Airbnb where, you know, customers can go either smoke or have other illegal activities. We're going to get a handle on this problem. I'm not trying to dissuade the person in some parts of my district that has a large house that wants to do it the right way, but I believe that every community organization should be able to weigh in on how those Airbnb's are managed and where they are located. And nobody wants to have a party until 2:00 in the morning that is out of control. So we're going to rein it in in the Fourth District. We would be the STATED MEETING 26 4/21/2022 test case, but I encourage my colleagues to consider some areas where it is a problem within your respective districts or in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Councilman Domb offers two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution honoring and recognizing Attorney Michael Sklaroff for his profound imprint on the legal history of Pennsylvania and the development of the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement.
On his own behalf, Councilman Domb offers a resolution honoring the life of Bobby Rydell and recognizing his lifetime of achievement in entertainment which delighted millions and made Philadelphia proud. STATED MEETING 27 4/21/2022
Councilman Thomas offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution congratulating Champion of the Week, scientists Taku Kambayashi and Ruth Choa from the University of Pennsylvania's Biomedical Research Team, on their victory in the STAT Madness competition."
And a resolution calling on The Pennsylvania Legislature to use Federal COVID-19 Relief Money to fund Freedom Schools across the state, and in Philadelphia.
Council President, Councilman Thomas has asked to be recognized on that resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas. STATED MEETING 28 4/21/2022
Good morning again, and thank you, Council President. I just want to take a moment to offer some brief remarks upon the introduction of this resolution. This is something that I've been advocating for since the time I won the Primary in 2019. I talked to the Administration about the importance of the program. We can clearly say that the State of Illinois is not just taking the initiative serious around what it can do as it relates to academic support. I think my biggest push as it relates to funding Freedom Schools specifically in the City of Philadelphia is that not only is it a free summer program that, again, addresses the academic gap, it puts our teenagers in a position where their time is occupied in a positive capacity throughout the entire summer, and it also puts them in the position where they're employed and they can earn a credit towards their high school graduation as STATED MEETING 29 4/21/2022 well as prepare them for any future endeavor, whether it's applying to college to go to some level of higher academia or preparing them to go directly into the workforce. So I'm asking the City of Philadelphia as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to follow what the State of Illinois did and put significant funding into Freedom Schools to address the gun violence issues that we see as well as the achievement gap that we know exists. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues.
Councilman Squilla offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution also naming 5th Street between Cantrell Street and Snyder Avenue as 'Reverend Enos Mackey Way.'"
Next week's Calendar. STATED MEETING 30 4/21/2022
Councilman Oh offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution declaring May 7, 2022 as 'Jawn on the Lawn' Day in recognition of the inaugural event created by alumni of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts." Mr. President, Councilman Oh would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the motion indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
STATED MEETING 31 4/21/2022 Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion is approved. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution honoring the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia for hosting a "Korea in Philly" celebration in recognition of the 50th Anniversary and the opening of the Korean Consular Office in Philadelphia. Again, Councilman Oh would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution, Mr. President.
Thank you again. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. STATED MEETING 32 4/21/2022 (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is approved. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution recognizing April 30th as Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Day as a Symbol of the Contributions of the Vietnamese-American Community in the City of Philadelphia. Councilman Oh would like to be recognized on this resolution, Mr. President.
The STATED MEETING 33 4/21/2022 Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Council President. For the last time, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is granted, and that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
There are no other bills or resolutions by the members today, Mr. President. STATED MEETING 34 4/21/2022
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out nine resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 220264, entitled a "Resolution appointing Afroza Hossain to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220265, appointing Benjamin Lerner to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission; and STATED MEETING 35 4/21/2022 220266, entitled a "Resolution appointing Haakim Peay to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220267, entitled a "Resolution appointing Hassan Bennett to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220268, entitled a "Resolution appointing Jahlee Hatchett to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220269, entitled a "Resolution appointing John Solomon to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220270, entitled a "Resolution appointing Maryelis Santiago to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220271, entitled a "Resolution appointing Melanie DeBouse to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and STATED MEETING 36 4/21/2022 220272, entitled a "Resolution appointing Rosaura Torres-Thomas to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Resolutions No. 220264, 220265, 220266, 220267, 220268, 220269, 220270, 220271, and 220272 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.
Thank you, Council President. I'm sorry. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 37 4/21/2022 Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 211020, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 762 South 10th Street"; and Bill No. 220190, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by revising the annual fee for neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services and exempting owner-occupied duplexes from the annual neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services fee requirements"; and Bill No. 220222, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the relocation of the southwesterly curbline of Ridge Avenue, from Calumet Street to a point northwestwardly therefrom, and the northwesterly curbline of Calumet Street, from Ridge Avenue to Kelly Drive, on City STATED MEETING 38 4/21/2022 163, authorizing the plotting on said City Plan of an area for public pedestrian use extending along the northwesterly side of Calumet Street, from Ridge Avenue to a point southwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 220223, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on South 61st Street, both sides, between Lindbergh Boulevard to just past Eastwick Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 211020, 220190, 220222, and 220223. (Duly seconded.) STATED MEETING 39 4/21/2022
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 211020, 220190, 220222, and 220223. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for 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 reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading, and these bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final STATED MEETING 40 4/21/2022 Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. They are Resolution Nos. 220324, 220325, 220326, 220327, 220328, 220331, 220332, 220333, and 220334. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 41 4/21/2022 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 220248 and 220330. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
STATED MEETING 42 4/21/2022 Thank you, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of the agenda, we will have our public comment session. So we'd like to take a five-minute break to allow our technology professionals an opportunity to connect our speakers today. (Short recess.)
Thank you. Thank you, and we are back. Thank you for your patience. Now that everyone is connected 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 matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by STATED MEETING 43 4/21/2022 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 the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support of or against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, which is today, we will have three minutes to speak, but, however, the time limit may vary based on the volume of individuals on a particular Council day. But in order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. So once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds STATED MEETING 44 4/21/2022 remaining, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. We also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter, which could affect callbacks for public comment at a meeting. 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 continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I would thank you very much for your willingness to participate in our public comment session. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker. STATED MEETING 45 4/21/2022
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Brittany Sterner, commenting on 220328.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Lovely. Thank you. I'm calling in to support the resolution celebrating the One Book, One Philadelphia 20th Anniversary selection of My Broken Language by Quiara Alegria Hudes. I've directed the Free Library's One Book, One Philadelphia program for five years, and this year we're celebrating its 20th Anniversary. If you haven't read it, My Broken Language is Quiara Alegria Hudes' memoir of coming of age in Philly in the STATED MEETING 46 4/21/2022 1980s and '90s, specifically North and West Philadelphia. It's not only a love letter to the City of Philadelphia but an incisive and heartfelt portrait of her community and family, especially of the lived experiences of the Puerto Rican women who raised her. Quiara said recently that Philadelphia is a city built on the suffering of many communities as well as the common wisdom and love of many communities, and her book reflects how those truths co-existed in her life here. So through seven weeks of programming this One Book season, we've centered those ideas and worked closely with Quiara, many community partners who are deeply invested in the book, and the program to provide opportunities for people across our city to share their own experiences that connect with the book to hear the experiences of others and to build community with one another inspired by Quiara's words. STATED MEETING 47 4/21/2022 The book, from reproductive justice to HIV stigma, to gentrification, to the heritage of Philly's Puerto Rican and Afro Latinx (unintelligible) faith communities, to a relationship with nature and community urban spaces, it creates so many necessary openings for conversation and connection around issues and experiences that are deeply relevant to lots of Philadelphians. And this book gives us a chance to celebrate an author who was born in and raised by our beautiful and complicated city. So I just want to thank you for considering. Hope you get a chance to read it. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The final speaker today, Mr. President, is Dr. Sylvia Diggs, commenting on 220333.
Good morning. This is Reverend Sylvia Diggs and I'm calling to support the resolution for 220333 honoring Women and History Month. This young lady, retired Judge Doris Smith-Ribner, should smell her flowers while she is still alive. She has given so much to the State of Pennsylvania and even to the City of Philadelphia. She's an advocate for education, for justice, and for diversity. So I support and I applaud you, the Councilpeople, for allowing this opportunity for her. Once again, please, please pass Resolution 220337 [sic], and thank you.
Yes. The Chair recognizes Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. My apologies for the interruption. I received a message that I just wanted to put on the record for public comment from Theresa Brunson who wanted to give testimony in support of the resolution for Judge Doris Smith-Ribner, and I just wanted to put that on the record since they were unable to connect. Thank you, Council President.
Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. That shall be reflected in our record. Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment, and we will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I would ask the Clerk to please STATED MEETING 50 4/21/2022 titles of all the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Yes, Mr. President. Resolution No. 220324, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2100 North 6th Street and 2104 through 06 North 6th Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia"; and STATED MEETING 51 4/21/2022 220325, entitled a "Resolution recognizing Rick Bloomingdale upon his retirement as President from the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO"; and Resolution No. 220326, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia natives, Questlove, Jazmine Sullivan, and the Philadelphia Orchestra for a stellar 2022 award season, collectively winning an Oscar and four Grammys for outstanding contributions to music and film"; and Resolution No. 220327, entitled a "Resolution recognizing April 22, 2022 as Earth Day in the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 220328, entitled a "Resolution celebrating the Selection of My Broken Language: A Memoir, written by Philadelphia-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Quiara Alegria Hudes, for the 2022 'One Book, One Philadelphia' Program"; and STATED MEETING 52 4/21/2022 220331, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Dawn Staley for coaching the 2022 Women's NCAA Championship basketball team, the University of South Carolina's Gamecocks"; and Resolution No. 220332, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Northeast High School Wrestling team, on their successful 2021-2022 season and winning the Public League Championship title"; and Resolution No. 220333, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring Judge Doris Smith-Ribner for her years of service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the first Black woman elected to a statewide judicial seat on the occasion of Women's History Month"; and Resolution No. 220334, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring Michael McGady and Matthew Mulholland - STATED MEETING 53 4/21/2022 in the 39th District for their swift, lifesaving response to a fire in North Philadelphia."
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 54 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. All of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda have been adopted. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220248.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1604 through 1608, 1610, 1612, and 1614 Page Street; and authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute the STATED MEETING 55 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING redevelopment contract with Habitat for Humanity, Incorporated and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, sir, I would like to offer an amendment to Resolution No. 220248. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Resolution No. 220248 be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
STATED MEETING 56 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been amended. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion on the amended resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, on your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution, as amended. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution, as amended, be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED MEETING 57 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220330.
A resolution calling on Mayor James F. Kenney, Governor Tom Wolf, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to use all powers of their offices to declare a state of emergency and seek available emergency relief resources from the state and federal governments through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address the humanitarian emergency in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, including but not limited to resources that will provide hazard mitigation, access to health-related treatments, neighborhood cleanup and remediation, wraparound social services for neighborhood residents and persons experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, STATED MEETING 58 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING and all other necessary assistance to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Philadelphians living or working in this area.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. Along with Councilmembers Sanchez and Squilla, I want to give an update on the Kensington resolution which is up for final passage today. We've had preliminary conversations with community groups, elected officials, including members of the Mayor's team and the Governor, that are positive. I appreciate the ongoing leadership from Councilmembers Sanchez and Squilla in an effort to bring multiple government jurisdictions together with the community to transition Kensington from where it is today to STATED MEETING 59 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING where they envision it can be. We have here a humanitarian crisis in Kensington, and this would not be tolerated anywhere else in Philadelphia and we should not allow it to continue in Kensington. I hope I can count on everybody's support. And I will say that I wish I had been louder earlier, and I apologize to Councilmembers Sanchez and Squilla for not helping them before in this crisis. This needs everyone's attention. This is worse than any third-world country. I hope everyone will support it. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Call for a motion, Councilman.
Yes. I'd like to move on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 60 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor of said resolution indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
Okay. Thank you very much. That concludes our Calendar for today. And prior to recognizing members regarding speeches, I will note for the record at this time we will use the Chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow members to -
Mr. President, I'm sorry. I'm mistaken. There are STATED MEETING 61 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING resolutions.
We have a resolution declaring May 7, 2022 as 'Jawn on the Lawn' Day in recognition of the inaugural event created by the alumni of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, introduced today by Councilman Oh.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
STATED MEETING 62 4/21/2022 4/21/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia for hosting a "Korea in Philly" celebration in recognition of its 50th Anniversary and the opening of the Korean Consular Office in Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilman Oh.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)