Aye. Two-thirds of all members of 01:35:17 Council having voted in the affirmative, Resolution No. 210514 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210524.
A resolution 01:36:29 proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for a mandatory annual appropriation for the Housing Trust Fund.
The 01:36:40 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Green for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. This is an issue that 01:36:46 we're all very familiar with in our city, the issue of affordable housing. This has been a challenge for some time. I want to thank the leadership of our colleague Councilmember Maria 01:36:58 Quinones-Sanchez for her work in helping to establish this initiative, but we also know that it was a commitment made to provide dollars for the Housing Trust Fund. 01:37:10 I do understand the concerns the Administration has raised regarding the challenges that we have, but we also have received additional resources from the American Rescue Plan. 01:37:19 I've delayed this legislation last year because of those concerns, but with additional dollars that we've received, I believe we should move forward with this commitment. 01:37:30 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING It's unfortunate that we're in this position that we are in now, but I believe it's something that is important for the citizens of our city moving 01:37:37 forward to do all that we can not only to create more affordable housing units in the City of Philadelphia but also to preserve as many housing units in the City of Philadelphia as well. 01:37:50 I believe the Housing Trust Fund is a great vehicle for that. And also I'm cognizant of the concern that we may have in the future regarding financial challenges that the City may 01:38:00 have, and that's why this legislation, this resolution and the companion bill, was done in a way that provided our Finance Director the ability to certify if there's a challenge or concern going 01:38:12 forward with this annual appropriation of dollars. I think it's an important issue that goes along with a lot of the issues we have been talking about this budget 01:38:20 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING process during this year and also last year out of all the unrest in our city. In this regard, I believe that we should move forward with this 01:38:29 resolution and the companion bill to provide the resources that are needed to make sure that we do all that we can to make people in the City of Philadelphia have an affordable place to live and be 01:38:40 able to stay in their homes. And with that, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
01:38:47 Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Because Resolution No. 210524 is an amendment to the Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. Therefore, the 01:38:56 question is shall this resolution be adopted. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Oh. Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. 01:39:03 Two-thirds of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, Resolution No. 210524 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210421. 01:40:12 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor Management Relationships," to 01:40:20 create a new classification of covered airport service employees to receive prevailing wages; to extend prevailing wage requirements to third-party contracts with City-related agencies, 01:40:30 lessees and sublessees of the City, recipients of City financial assistance, and purchases of City property; to further provide for administration and enforcement, including reporting on 01:40:41 contractor compliance with prevailing wage requirements; and to provide for a civil action to remedy violations.
Thank you. 01:40:50 The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for an amendment to Bill No. 210421.
Thank you, Council President. Before I offer the 01:40:59 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING amendment, I just have a couple remarks that I would like to make.
The late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said the following: Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it 01:41:17 politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, 01:41:30 but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right. Back in May, I introduced legislation in City Council that would ensure that contracted workers at 01:41:40 Philadelphia International Airport have family-sustaining wages, affordable healthcare, and paid sick leave. 54 hourly wage supplement to obtain health insurance, and up to 01:42:05 56 hours of paid sick leave annually, among other benefits. The bill will cover baggage and freight handlers and inspectors, cabin cleaners, passenger service agents, skycaps, wheelchair 01:42:17 attendants, retail, food and beverage service workers, food preparation workers, and other airport service workers employed by an airline operating under a lease with the City of 01:42:28 Philadelphia or by a contractor for such an airline. Since I introduced the bill, I have heard from small businesses and other stakeholders, and I will be 01:42:36 introducing an amendment to address some of those issues. First, the definition in the amendment will cover workers to expand included parking facility workers. 01:42:46 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Second, the bill will provide protections and phase-in over a two-year period covering restaurant and retail workers as it relates to healthcare 01:42:56 benefits. I also have a commitment to work in partnership with the CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport to make sure there are additional relief measures that we're going to be exploring 01:43:06 to support small businesses at the Philadelphia International Airport. I plan on bringing up this amended bill for final vote during the June 24th City Council session. 01:43:15 As the Councilperson that represents the Philadelphia International Airport, I want to see it thrive and prosper for decades to come. Voting to approve this legislation is the right 01:43:24 thing to do, and we should stand on the right side of history for the residents of Philadelphia. The rights of the workers need to be respected in the City of 01:43:32 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia but, most importantly, the Black and Brown workers that are responsible for moving the Philadelphia International Airport forward. The 01:43:38 workers who make up the airport, one of the biggest and most profitable airports in the country, shouldn't have to worry that they could be bankrupt at any time by illness or injury for lack of 01:43:49 healthcare. 40 per hour and often without 01:43:56 healthcare. These workers have difficulty social distancing from the traveling public and have worked even while exposed to COVID-19. Now the pandemic is thankfully 01:44:08 coming to an end and more people are flying into and out of Philadelphia International Airport on a daily basis. These workers will still be on the front lines with the traveling public. 01:44:17 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING A recent study showed that as residents of one of America's poorest cities -- and I'm going to say it again. A recent study showed that as residents 01:44:24 of one of America's poorest cities, Philadelphia essential workers were 55 percent more likely to contract COVID-19 than any other workers in Philadelphia. 01:44:37 During the pandemic, airlines, like American Airlines, have received billions of dollars in federal aid. According to an article in the April 30th edition of Aviation Post website, 01:44:47 American Airlines has taken about $13 billion in grants through three federal stimulus programs and another $10 billion in loans. 2 billion.
Philadelphia is the poorest big 01:45:12 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING city in America with just under 30 percent of all residents living at or below the poverty line. The current federal poverty line guidelines indicate 01:45:21 that a family of three should be able to survive on just $22,000 per year, which we all know is totally impossible. If the airline industry can get billions of dollars in subsidies during the pandemic, 01:45:35 then we as Council can be on the right side of history and vote for a bill that will help Philadelphians get more money in their pockets to feed their families but, most importantly, affordable 01:45:45 healthcare. For the record, we all know that without past action from members of City Council, the airline industry and their subcontracting employees will not 01:45:56 have willingly protected essential frontline workers by offering them better wages, healthcare, or paid sick leave. This Council and the City of Philadelphia must act to protect these workers who 01:46:09 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING risk their lives day in and day out to make sure that we're moving forward with the City of Philadelphia International Airport. 01:46:20 Again, as Dr. King said, there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor profitable. One must take it because one's conscience tells one 01:46:29 that is the right thing to do. I want to personally thank the following members of City Council for signing this legislation: Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilmember 01:46:43 Mark Squilla, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilman Curtis Jones, Councilman Bobby Henon, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, 01:46:53 Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Helen Gym, and Councilman Isaiah Thomas. And also I just want to note 01:47:04 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING for the record I have a letter from Congress, the Aviation Committee, that has supported the workers that work at the Philadelphia International Airport 01:47:16 with a letter signed to American Airlines, and I'm just going to give you a brief summary of what it says. We were distressed to learn that American Airlines was pushing for a 01:47:28 delay in the consideration of legislation in the Philadelphia City Council that will provide much-needed relief to thousands of airport service workers. Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 01:47:37 crisis on airlines, Congress has taken extraordinary steps to stabilize the industry in the forms of billions of dollars in aid. Now that we're on the path to recovery, airport service workers 01:47:48 must not face any undue delay in equitable wage increases. Many of the airport service workers who would benefit from the proposed Philadelphia legislation are 01:47:57 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING constituents. These essential workers were on the front line of COVID-19 pandemic, keeping airports running and facilitating delivery of critical 01:48:06 supplies for all of us during the most dangerous days of the pandemic. Those workers, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, deserve fair wages and benefits. We believe this legislation 01:48:16 before the Philadelphia City Council would benefit so many airport service workers. And it's signed by the following: Congressman Conor Lamb, Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee; Brian 01:48:28 Fitzpatrick, member of Congress; Matt Cartwright, member of Congress; Susan Wild, member of Congress; Chrissy Houlahan, member of Congress; Brendan F. Boyle, member of Congress; Mike Doyle, 01:48:41 member of Congress; Madeleine Dean, member of Congress; Mary Gay Scanlon, member of Congress; and Dwight Evans, member of Congress. Thank you, Council President.
01:48:51 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING At this time, I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210421. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the 01:49:03 adoption of the amendment. )
Thank you. All those in favor of the 01:49:08 motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 210421 has been amended. Bill No. 210421, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of 01:49:22 Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210508.
An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf 01:49:33 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING of the City, to enter into a provider agreement with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania for provision of payroll banking services to the City. 01:49:39
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for an amendment to Bill No. 210508. 01:49:46
Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues, and I want to just follow up on Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and this too being an issue of fairness and equity for underserved 01:49:56 citizens in the City of Philadelphia. The last year has really changed everything and everyone, and I think for the post part, it's a good thing. Glaring inequities were exposed, 01:50:06 and we've decided as a city that we cannot and will not go backwards, particularly for underserved communities. They deserve more. And those of us in positions to do so must always, without 01:50:19 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING hesitation, act in their interest. We are their last line of defense. We are the fighters for those who aren't in the ring, and we are required to speak truth 01:50:29 to power on their behalf always. Thus, I am disappointed that we are at this point with Citizens Bank, which holds deposits and payroll for the City of Philadelphia. We have before us 01:50:43 an amendment to a bill to extend the City's existing contract with Citizens for payroll services from one year to six months, while we examine our relationship with them and their 01:50:54 relationship to our neighborhoods, particularly those that are struggling financially. (Background noise.)
01:51:07 Somebody needs to go on mute. Councilman, please go on mute. Thank you. Councilwoman, please proceed.
Thank you. 01:51:16 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING The idea that they would close a branch that is so desperately needed by those without the financial savvy or literacy of other neighborhoods while 01:51:26 leaving an ATM that charges $3.50 for transactions, which I may note is higher than check cashing agency rates in many cases, this is unacceptable. To be clear, we did receive 01:51:40 correspondence from Citizens stating that they'd be willing to leave the ATM. They would donate a parcel of real estate to the community which is landlocked and, therefore, unusable. And they would also 01:51:51 do some financial empowerment training, which is currently ongoing, as I understand, from Citizens and other institutions in the community. I appreciate the attention that 01:52:03 Dan Fitzpatrick has given this matter by visiting North 20th Street's location and reaching out by phone, but we need tangibles. We as a society need to do more for one another, and this is the 01:52:16 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING opportunity to do so. How can we continue to offer contracts while leaving communities behind and services from both the public 01:52:24 and private sectors? The bottom line is that we can't. I urge my colleagues to stand up for North Philadelphia and, therefore, all of Philadelphia in supporting this amendment and taking a 01:52:37 closer look at how we value a contract issued by the City and the corresponding value of our constituents. I thank you for your support. And now, Mr. President, I would 01:52:49 like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210508. A copy of this amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. 01:53:01 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 01:53:05 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 210508 has been amended. Bill No. 210508, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of 01:53:18 Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200075.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the 01:53:30 qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide 01:53:39 for the creation of a Department of Fleet Services, to provide for the powers and duties of such Department, and to otherwise provide for the incorporation of the Department into the City 01:53:48 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING government; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election. 01:53:54
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 01:53:59 Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman 01:54:23 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Gauthier.
01:54:28 Okay. Let the record reflect Councilwoman Bass is an aye.
Councilman Oh. 01:54:54 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. 01:55:16 The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the 01:55:23 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Bill No. 210329.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair 01:55:34 Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," to require the use and disclosure of uniform screening criteria for rental housing and certain related disclosures to prospective rental 01:55:43 housing applicants, and to provide that the failure to provide such disclosures may be evidence of other unlawful housing and real property practices.
01:55:53 Thank you. I believe, Councilman Domb, you had inquiries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, 01:56:00 Council President. I'd like to just ask the bill sponsor, Councilmember Brooks, a few clarifying questions that I think will help the general public understand the features of this bill. And I want to 01:56:09 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING say thank you to Councilmember Brooks for speaking with me yesterday and late in the day and I also want to thank Community Legal Services for their work 01:56:18 on these bills. So, first, let me say typically landlords make a determination on a tenant based on two major factors - the ability to pay and the willingness to 01:56:29 pay. The ability to pay is the income verification, and the willingness to pay is the credit report. So I'd like to clarify the willingness to pay aspect for everyone. 01:56:42 This bill does not prohibit a landlord from reviewing a credit report, but stipulates that the score cannot be used as the sole basis for rejecting an application. I just want to make sure 01:56:55 that's correct, Councilmember Brooks.
And this bill also, Councilmember Brooks, would allow a 01:57:04 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING landlord to review the entire credit report, looking beyond the score, and use various line items as an additional reason to approve or reject an applicant. 01:57:14 Would that be correct?
And for those listening, that means a landlord needs to 01:57:21 look beyond the score and, based on previous behaviors in the full report, make a determination on the potential tenant's willingness to pay. So I want to thank you, 01:57:32 Councilmember Brooks, and thank you, Council President. I will be voting yes on these bills. Thank you.
01:57:38 Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks for an amendment to Bill No. 210329.
Thank 01:57:46 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210329. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for 01:57:54 the adoption of this amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of said amendment 01:58:02 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 210329 has been amended. Bill No. 210329, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. 01:58:19 Councilman Domb, the first question, the question that you just asked -
I'm all good. I'm good, Council President. 01:58:32 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
-was for 329 and 330, right? Okay. I want to make sure. Mr. Decker, please read the 01:58:36 title of Bill No. 210330.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," by adding a new Section 9-810, 01:58:45 entitled "Prospective Tenant Screening Practices," to regulate the application and selection process for housing units.
Thank you. 01:58:59 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks for an amendment to Bill No. 210330.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to 01:59:07 offer an amendment to Bill No. 210330. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of this amendment. (Duly seconded.) 01:59:18 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 01:59:21 (Aye.)
The 01:59:24 ayes have it, and Bill No. 210330 has been amended. Bill No. 210330, as amended, will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. 01:59:36 Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210501.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of 01:59:43 Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to revise provisions related to the manner of selection from eligible lists for vacancies and promotions in the civil 01:59:54 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING service system, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question 02:00:03 to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
02:00:08 Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll. 02:00:12
Councilwoman Gauthier. Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Quinones-Sanchez.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill 02:01:10 passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210507.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the 02:01:19 qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for a mandatory annual appropriation for the Housing Trust Fund, as approved by 02:01:27 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing 02:01:34 the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
Thank you. 02:01:41 This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. 02:02:45 Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
I do, Mr. President, but before reading that, we have an additional bill that was 02:02:52 called up from the Calendar, Bill No. 210475, the Con Plan.
Bill No. 210475, 02:03:04 Stated Meeting June 17, 2021 6/17/21 - STATED - 2ND READING entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of 02:03:11 Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; 02:03:19 and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant."