Javier Suarez, commenting on 230147 and 230149. (Witness approached podium.)
Please state your name and begin. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 89 6/22/2023
Good morning. My name is Javier Suarez. I'm the VP of Strategic Partnerships for the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and I'm speaking on behalf of our President and CEO, Jennifer Rodriguez. At GPHCC, we firmly believe that entrepreneurship is one of the keys to solving the inequity that encumbers the growth and development of poor and underrepresented communities and should be a priority of City government. Research shows that families who own a business are wealthier than families who do not. And Hispanic families who own a business have four times the net worth of Hispanic families who do not. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of the U.S. economy, but here in Philadelphia, entrepreneurship is on life support. We rank at the bottom of comparable cities for many key indicators Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 90 6/22/2023 of business climate, whether it is the cost of doing business, ease of doing business, or business creation. It is more expensive to do business here than in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Washington, DC. Nevertheless, according to Pew's Economic Recovery Dashboard, small businesses in Philadelphia with fewer than 50 employees are creating new jobs at a higher rate than the large or mid-sized companies. We know that business taxes are burdensome to small businesses. In fact, 70 percent of small businesses surveyed by the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia state that lowering crime and taxes should be the top priorities for the government. It is false to state that business tax reductions are achieved at the expense of the working-class and vulnerable residents. Not only does the proposed budget provide increased resources for needed social services, but Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 91 6/22/2023 it should be noted that the primary beneficiaries of BIRT reductions are the locally owned and operated small businesses, the ones that cannot afford accountants to craft tax avoidance strategies. These small businesses generate 33 percent of all jobs in the City. Steady, long-term business tax reductions like those proposed, together with other proposed investments in quality of life and improved safety, will provide a significant boost to the reputation of the City and as a place that values and encourages entrepreneurship and will encourage long-term growth. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Decker, who is next to testify?
The next speaker is Regina Hairston. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 92 6/22/2023
Thank you. State your name for the record and please begin.
Regina A. Hairston. Good morning, Councilmember Jones and the other Councilmembers of this body. I am Regina A. Hairston, the President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. I will not belabor the points that have been stated this morning, but I would like to add an additional perspective. This morning we heard from people before me that talked about the importance of reparations. When we look at Black business particularly, we are in that group of needing reparations as well. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 93 6/22/2023 This is the second largest diverse city in the United States, with 44 percent of the population being represented is Black. However, only 1.8 businesses are Black per 1,000 residents. That is 44 percent Black residents, but only 1.8 are owned by Black firms in this city. When we look at investment into Black businesses, we know that 50 percent of Black businesses do not get the funding and the capital that they ask for. So we say to this body, you did the work last year in reducing taxes. It is not about triple-down economics. It's about filling the cups of the folks who need it the most, the Black and brown businesses in this city. What does tax reduction look like for those businesses is about having the capital to reinvest into their businesses so that they can grow in scale at the same level as their peers. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 94 6/22/2023 We are already behind, folks. We are already behind. So we must put every level of government before us in order to lift up these businesses. So I thank you to Councilmember Isaiah Thomas who has pushed this bill, because our businesses deserve the same type of investment that we see for other populations in this city. So thank you for your time, and I do support these bills. (Applause.)
Commenting on 230144 and 230149. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello, everyone. My Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 95 6/22/2023 name is Daniel Lee. I am the owner of Farina Pasta and Noodle. We are a small restaurant located right downtown in Center City. I'd like to thank the Councilmembers for hearing me out, for being able to provide this testimony. I'm one of the people that this bill directly affects. By reducing the BIRT tax, the wage tax, it absolutely does put money back in my pockets that I'm then allowed to then go and invest back into my own business. I work about seven days a week. I can't count the hours. I have no clue. But all of my time and all of the extra money that comes back to my business or comes to me goes back into the business. It allows me to hire. It allows me to pay for more events, preparations. I'm able to expand my business. And I can't do that when I'm paying thousands and thousands of dollars in taxes off of money that I don't have, and that's exactly what the BIRT tax does. I have Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 96 6/22/2023 to pay money based off of an estimate of what I'm assuming I'll make. So then I have to pay that over the course of the year, which hinders me during the summertime. It hinders me going into the fall time. So I don't want to go too deep into everything that everybody has already said, but I would like to state that these things directly affect people like me, because I am going to build this restaurant to be the next greatest restaurant, and ideally I'd like to have it centered here in Philly. I want to have the headquarters here in Philly. I don't want to have to move to Montgomery County. I don't want to have to move to Delaware County and drive all of my employees out that way. But unfortunately that tends to be the case when I have to make a decision on where the headquarters are going to be. Do I want to stay in Philadelphia where I'm going to have to Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 97 6/22/2023 pay an additional tax on every one of my employees? My employees are going to have to pay an additional tax just to come into the City. They don't want to do that. They would rather just stay out in Montgomery County. But as the way I see it, Philadelphia needs more headquarters here. And so by relieving the tax burdens off of people like me, where ten years down the line I'm able to create a $20 million business, that does then mean more taxes, more than what you would have collected in BIRT. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Yvonne Gaskin, commenting on 230514. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 98 6/22/2023 Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Hi. My name is Yvonne Gaskin and I wanted to talk about the bill -- my name is Yvonne Gaskin and I wanted to talk about the Bill 230513, and I'm interested in talking about how it's followed in the City of Philadelphia, and I started to hear comments on my thinking. And I was unable to pay my PECO and my gas bill, and I didn't want to ask anyone here or anyone in the City of Philadelphia to pay it. I am unmarried. We talked about -- I mean, we heard a lot of stories about slavery and things of that nature. So we already know that we shouldn't be following a Black woman home. I don't feel comfortable in my shower. I don't feel comfortable combing my hair. I usually don't look like this. And so I just want to stop -you know, I just want to find out who is Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 99 6/22/2023 following me around and who is reading my thinking and my ideas. And if you could just make it stop, stop reading my ideas, stop reading my thinking so I can get up and get dressed like everyone else in here. I'm also hearing voices about not contacting a person of interest who is a man. I don't want your husband and I don't want your husband to want me, but I just really want people -- I just really want to stop hearing the voices and I just really want to stop hearing my ideas. Thank you.
The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 230432. (Witness approached podium.)
Good day. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 100 6/22/2023 Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon. My name is Lynn Landes, founder of safestreetsphilly.org. I'm here to support Councilmember Jones' call for a summer summit about the problem of violence in the City of Philadelphia, as well as Bill No. 230410 and any other measures that ban safe injection sites from Philadelphia as well as stop enabling substance abuse in general, including recreational marijuana use. Increasingly, we have people coming into our neighborhoods smoking marijuana, which makes us involuntary inhalers of a psychoactive drug. Smoking pot is not the harmless activity many people believe it to be, and I strongly recommend Alex Berenson's book Tell Your Children for an in-depth look at the history and harm of marijuana use. We should also be looking at what other toxins are in our environment Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 101 6/22/2023 that may be contributing to mental illness and criminal behavior. These toxins are in our air, water, soil, consumer products, and medicines, including wireless technology and LED lights. We are all living in a toxic cocktail, but young children are particularly susceptible. That said, City Council should send a loud and clear message that its laws will be enforced by the Police and the District Attorney, and if not, City Council should take these government agencies to court to compel enforcement. And, lastly, we need to rebuild our local businesses, industry, and farms so that we are locally self-reliant as possible. Most people, particularly our youth, are entirely disconnected from reality because we import most of our goods and services, which also leaves many of our citizens with nothing of substance to do. We must turn that around and take charge of our own destiny Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 102 6/22/2023 and well-being. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. The next speaker is Jacqueline Wiggins.
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness approached podium.)
-- City Council, N'COBRA leadership, City of Philadelphia residents, and families. My name is Jacqueline Wiggins. I'm a senior citizen, resident, and a member of N'COBRA. I'm testifying in support of Resolution 230532, and I appreciate the work of Councilmembers Gauthier and Brooks and others before. I am fourth generation removed Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 103 6/22/2023 from enslavement. My great-grandfather, Papa Isaac Brown, was born in 1835 and was enslaved on the Moon Plantation in Newberry, South Carolina. I know he and our descendants and all descendants of the Maafa, the Holocaust that happened in this country, want this resolution voted on in the affirmative and all others put forth nationwide because of its past -it is past time for this study to have happened. Please cast your vote in the affirmative, Councilmembers, but ensure that there is the mandatory accountability and the just and ethical monitoring and enforcement, enforcement of the study's results. Our descendants demand nothing less. The damage must be repaired. And I'd like to add that we lost a mighty giant to the City, state, and country, Mr. Charles Blockson, this week. He will be missed but never forgotten for the critical role he did in Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 104 6/22/2023 lifting the contributions of African Americans in Philadelphia, this state, and the country. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Lore Blumenthal. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Thank you for your patience. Please state your name for the record and begin.
Hi. My name is Lore Blumenthal. You are so loved. It's really intimidating to speak on you, because you are the best writer I know. It is an extreme privilege to stand with and honor Abdul-Aliy Muhammad every single day. Right now I want to speak about Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 105 6/22/2023 their friendship. They show up actively in friendship. They have expanded the definition of holding space and care for me. In every interaction, I have known them to radiate kindness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity. I am sure many others here in the room have gotten a call from them checking up on us when we know that they've got a lot to handle and they don't need to be extending themselves anymore. They keep showing up for the survival of vulnerable populations and for the peace of those unalive. I have never known someone to respect human life the way that they do. Abdul-Aliy does the work that wouldn't need to be done if resources were distributed equitably and environment systems of oppression didn't exist. In the face of injustice, they refuse to be quiet or still. They change hearts, systems, and eliminate pathways forward. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 106 6/22/2023 It is an honor to see you, all parts of you, the shiny and the rough, whatever you're willing to share. I am grateful for the artist, the poet, the journalist, the doula, the community builder, and the friend that you are. I love you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Charlyn Griffith-Oro. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Dennis Maurice. I'm speaking on behalf of Charlyn. I welcome -- and I'm reading her words on behalf of the citation for Abdul-Aliy Muhammad. I welcome everyone in their seats to whisper or say aloud a benevolent Black indigenous ancestor's name, as we are only here thanks to the remarkable spirit of our Black indigenous Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 107 6/22/2023 forebears. I especially must offer up the name of Abdul-Aliy's mother, Mama Melody Beverly, as she is proud of you today and every day in your life. My name is Charlyn Magdalene Griffith-Oro and I am honored to offer comment today on the beloved child of Philadelphia, Abdul-Aliy Muhammad. I say for the public record today that your citation is about the depth and breadth of your imagination, faith, and your brave heart. The manner in which you exhibit love for this place and its people is fierce. This citation is an acknowledgment of your ability to dream of a city and a world that will exist after the destruction of white supremacy and capitalism. For public record today, I say that with all of us here, it must be actualized. Abdul-Aliy, the way you hold this possibility inspires people in every single industry that the City relies on. Your ideas and the language that you Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 108 6/22/2023 shape are present in the stories, programs, and work of local journalists, politicians, and educators and activists. I urge this body today to take Abdul-Aliy's name into the world with respect, giving them the credit they deserve for such inspiration and insight. Thank you.
The next speaker is Irit Reinheimer. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Antoine Miller. I'm reading a statement from Irit, who had to step out, in support of Abdul-Aliy. I've known Abdul-Aliy for many years now. We first met around 2015 or Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 109 6/22/2023 '16 when we worked together as board members of Mariposa Food Co-op, and we built a friendship since then. Abdul-Aliy has always deeply committed to their communities. They have worked from within organizations and outside of them, always inviting us to do better and to build toward justice and to repair the harm that's been caused. They asked us to care for one another. Abdul-Aliy has done this through their journalism, creative writing, organizing, art, protests, acts of solidarity, advocacy, and friendship. They use all the tools they have access to, knowing that there are different tools necessary for different jobs. This ability to do this, all with love, is their gift to all of us. I'm so glad we have the opportunity today to honor their work, their care, their voice, and their love for their communities through this resolution. Thank you. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 110 6/22/2023
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Jake Nussbaum. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Jake Nussbaum and I'm here to support my friend, Abdul-Aliy. First, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to them for all of the work they've done, the sacrifices they've made for this city, for all of the people of this city. I've been working with Abdul-Aliy for many years on issues regarding human remains in museums and really people's ancestors being held in museums in Philadelphia. I've seen the sacrifices they have made, the harm they Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 111 6/22/2023 have endured in order to return ancestral remains to their communities and care for those who were not extended care in their after lives. This is care work on the deepest level that I know it takes a tremendous toll on Abdul-Aliy. They have done so much to bring this issue into the public and to bring ancestors home. It is often thankless work. So this is such a beautiful opportunity just to say thank you. But also I know, because they told me before I came up here, that they would want me to bring this issue to the Council as well of stolen remains in museums. So while it is beautiful to honor Abdul-Aliy's sacrifices, it can't stop here. The museums of Philadelphia are filled with the remains of Black indigenous people of color, poor people, disabled people who are desecrated in death and robbed from their resting places. I call on the Council to prioritize this issue and to protect Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 112 6/22/2023 those folks, like Abdul-Aliy who put themselves in harm's way to bring this issue to the light and to bring these ancestors home. We've heard a lot today about reparations, and I want you to consider the importance of returning the remains of ancestors in that process of reparations. So just a big thank you and deep gratitude to Abdul-Aliy for the work you've done on this issue. Thank you.
The next speaker is Tonya Sears. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 113 6/22/2023 name is Tonya Sears. I am the cousin of Abdul-Aliy, and I just want to say that I love you. I need to say this publicly. I appreciate you for sacrificing yourself for those who cannot speak for themselves, for those who do not know how to speak out for themselves to have change. And your mother is so proud of you and all our family members that have gone on are proud of you and those that are here now are proud of you, and we support you in everything that you do.
And I'm Lyra Monteiro, and I have a few words to say as well. I'm a collaborator with Abdul-Aliy in the work of Finding Ceremony in which we have been trying to bring back descendant communities and descendant control over the remains that are kept incarcerated in Philadelphia's museums, including the Penn Museum. And I need to say that as -I'm a professor of history of American Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 114 6/22/2023 studies and of Africana studies at Rutgers University Newark, and I need to put this in perspective the work of Abdul-Aliy, who is an incredible human. This city created the problems we are dealing with now that Abdul-Aliy is trying to resolve. The bodies of people who had to live in the almshouse because they could not provide for themselves were given to doctors by the City. The City's almshouse gave these people's bodies to doctors, and those bodies are now in museums in the City. It is entirely appropriate then that this honor is coming now to someone who is continuing to do this work, but I also need to see that backed up by the government of this city. Additionally, I need to put this in perspective from the perspective of international work. These kinds of projects are being undertaken throughout the world, and Abdul-Aliy Muhammad had made possible what is happening here that Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 115 6/22/2023 is unique, that is individual, and what we can possibly achieve here in terms of returning people to their families is being watched by the entire world. So, again, I am very glad that the City is honoring this person who is bringing the world's attention to Philadelphia here.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Adam Nagel. (Witness approached podium.)
Good Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 116 6/22/2023 afternoon.
Good afternoon, Council President, members of Council. My name is Adam Nagel and I serve as Director of Government Affairs for Penn Future, a statewide environmental advocacy non-profit, here today to give remarks in support of Resolution No. 230514. This resolution reflects the pressing need for relief sought by so many Philadelphians who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising utility costs. As the resolution makes clear, residents are facing higher costs for water, electric, and heating and cooling, and also urges the responsible utilities to chart a new sustainable course of action to reduce costs. Over the past year, Penn Future has aggressively advocated for the Water Department and the Kenney Administration to pursue a new path that does not rely solely on ratepayers to fund the Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 117 6/22/2023 Department's operations. We opposed the Department's rate increase and called for the City to invest available federal funds to support capital improvements and relieve some of the need to finance these projects through debt service. But we also understand that the Department is facing increasing costs on its own. In a hearing before the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, Commissioner Hayman stated that the cost of electricity and gas is projected to increase for the Department by 11 percent and 19 percent, respectively. This brings us to the larger question facing Philadelphia and every municipality across the country as we grapple with the combined impact of rising utility costs and the growing threat of the climate change: How will we power our buildings? City Council has asserted its Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 118 6/22/2023 role in this critical conversation through legislation related to improving efficiency performance standards and supporting initiatives like the Philadelphia Energy Authority's Built to Last program. Efforts like these will continue to improve energy efficiency and promote sustainability in Philadelphia's built environment. However, there is much more work to be done. Rising energy costs confirm that fossil fuels are increasingly expensive. We also know that from our experience during winter storm Elliott, that they are increasingly unreliable sources of energy when we need them the most. As temperatures dropped, forced outages increased exponentially, leaving many to wonder whether they would have electricity and heat at a critical time. Municipalities across the country are moving forward with ambitious plans to prepare for a clean energy Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 119 6/22/2023 future, and Philadelphia must do the same. We must continue to rebuild our aging infrastructure through programs like Built to Last. We must accelerate efforts to bring renewable energy to municipal buildings. City Council should examine efforts within the Water Department to reduce emissions and utilize renewable energy.
If you can wrap it up. You can submit your testimony, if you'd like.
The next speaker is Meeka Outlaw, commenting on 230408. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Meeka Outlaw. Good afternoon, Councilman Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 120 6/22/2023 Johnson and City Councilmembers. I'm here in support of 230408. I come before you not as the President of ROAD or as a City-accepted RCO head. I come to you as a resident of Grays Ferry who has lived in this area for 44 years. That's all of my life. The only time I ever left was when I went to college. Now I'm going to tell you a quick story about a broken promise that the City forgot but a community remembered. Years ago there was another neighborhood in Grays Ferry, a community where people called it home. As the story goes, the City offered and told the families, let us fix your houses and you will be able to move back into brand new homes. That neighborhood is now home to Fresh Grocer, McDonald's, and other commercial businesses. Those kids who lived in that neighborhood are now grown with grand-kids, no longer waiting on that Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 121 6/22/2023 promise of returning home. For as long as I can remember, Grays Ferry has always been overlooked and stood in the shadow of other areas, but we are not shadow dwellers. If you Google Grays Ferry, racism will pop up and its long history, and we know that and as with any bad, there is good. With the gentrification happening, I hardly recognize my neighborhood, but facets of it are still strong. This project that Longfellow is proposing is an opportunity for long-time residents and new residents to have training, jobs, economic development, and most of all partnerships, real partnerships, not someone deciding what they think is best for Grays Ferry but instead asking what is it that Grays Ferry needs and what can we do to help. For the past few weeks, that's what we've been working on with Longfellow. Is it the best agreement? I do not know, but what I do know is that Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 122 6/22/2023 it's an opportunity and a chance for more in a neighborhood that was never forgotten by its residents. For all that I've said, I ask you to support this project. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Khaleef Alexander, commenting on 230411. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. I am going to testify on 230532 instead. So first things first, my name is Khaleef Alexander. I go by Khaleef the Reparationist. I want to thank this body for Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 123 6/22/2023 introducing the reparations bill and also for, you know, doing something for Black Americans. We've been reaching out to people for about three years now to try to get people involved in the reparations movement, rather it be organizations, politicians, different things of that nature, and I'm just happy that we're seeing something finally happen. Back in 2020, the Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity forum, they were created by Eric Garcetti, the former Mayor of LA. Over 50 mayors nationwide, they signed on to this, including our own, Mayor Jim Kenney. Yet we haven't heard or seen anything about this. However, you know, I want people today to get familiar with the term "lineage-based reparations." Now, what is that? That is a term that was coined by the likes of Dr. Claud Anderson. Dr. Claud Anderson, for many of those who don't know, he served on Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 124 6/22/2023 President Jimmy Carter's cabinet back in the 1970s. Now, I'm saying this because Dr. Claud Anderson testified at Congress over 20 years ago stating that if Black Americans don't get reparations, we're going to go down. Look what we're seeing in Black America today. In fact, look what we're seeing in Black Philadelphia today. We're seeing genocide, homicide, and all types of craziness at the highest levels that many people have seen. So I say this to everyone listening today: We must make sure that this reparations bill passes, but we have to make sure that reparations is lineage based and it focuses on specifics, because when we deal with groups of people in politics, we make sure that we get it right. When we're focusing on Black Americans, we have to make sure that we get it right, and we have to focus on the lineage qualifications. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 125 6/22/2023 Race-based policies are deemed as unconstitutional, which we know. So I leave off with this: If you support reparations, just say on three with me. One, two, three, reparations now. One, two, three, reparations now. Reparations now. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Brenda Moore, commenting on 230411. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. It's actually Breanna Moore, and I'll be speaking in support of the resolution to establish a Reparations Task Force in Philadelphia. I want to express appreciation to Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 126 6/22/2023 Brooks for introducing this resolution. I would like to express appreciation to my elder as well as the youth and my peers who have spoke so thoroughly today in your public comment. I'm going to keep it short, but I really just want to reflect on the young woman who spoke maybe about 15 minutes ago. I see her as representing the root of reparations, which is repair. She came here, and that was a cry to the City for help. So often we ignore people, especially Black people who need this repair. We go on about business as usual and continue to do that. Like my friend just said, we are in dire need right now. We are living in chaos. We're dealing with a shooting every week, a school shooting, gun violence. We get alerts that you can't drink the water. You get another alert you can drink the water. You get an alert you got to wear a mask because the smoke pollution coming from Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 127 6/22/2023 Canada. We are dealing with so much. There is no reason why the City Council should not pass this resolution today. And I'm going to end by saying there is already a law on the books in Philadelphia that was passed in these Chambers in 2005. It's called the Slavery Era Business/Corporate Insurance Disclosure Law. This law requires financial depositories that are doing business with the City of Philadelphia to research their history to see if they have profited from slavery in the slave trade in any way, and if they have, they have to make financial reparations. This law is not being enforced. No financial depository has fulfilled this requirement, yet they're still continuing to do business with the City. It needs to be enforced. Y'all need to check the Procurement Department, the Treasurer Department, and the Law Department. Thank you. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 128 6/22/2023
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The final speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 230448. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Ogbonna Hagins. In reality, the impact of this bill could be felt statewide when adult-use cannabis is legal. As many of you know, I have spoken in regards to reparations for the past year. In Evanston, Illinois, its revenues from legal cannabis actually benefited American Freedmen, a/k/a Afro Americans, towards their home values and renovations of homes. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 129 6/22/2023 As you may know too, I was the only reparations candidate running for City Council, and I am extremely happy that one of my main platform planks to form a Reparations Task Force will actually come into fruition. I am actually obviously in favor of this Task Force, but the language has to be amended to reflect who are actually entitled to reparations. Only the American Freedmen are to receive reparations. American Freedmen are known as Afro Americans, African Americans, Black Americans, et cetera, et cetera. American Freedman is a race-neutral, lineage-based designation. Without using the proper language, it will undermine the justice claims for reparations and economic repair. Thank you.
There are no Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 130 6/22/2023 on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment session for today. Thank you. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker to please read the 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, without debate, that resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 230516, entitled a "Resolution Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 131 6/22/2023 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 3107 Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 2401 North Thirty-second Street, located in the Fifth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230517, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2903 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2907 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2925 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, and 1631 North Bailey Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230518, entitled a "Resolution approving the Lease Amendment, Assignment and Assumption Agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Center City Redevelopment Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 132 6/22/2023 Area, identified as a portion of 2025 through 29 Chestnut Street, including floors four through seven and a portion of the first floor"; and Resolution No. 230519, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1217 Pennock Street located in the 5th Councilman District"; and Resolution No. 230520, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 815 West Firth Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230521, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1625 through 41 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230522, entitled a "Resolution rescinding the authorization granted to the Philadelphia Land Bank by Resolution No. 220749, adopted by City Council on September 29, Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 133 6/22/2023 2022, to dispose of 1426 through 32 North 27th Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230524, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 5600 block of West Girard Avenue as 'Reverend James S. Allen Way', in honor of Reverend James S. , to commemorate his thirty-seven years of preaching at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church"; and Resolution No. 230525, entitled a "Resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to modernize intermodal high-level communications to reestablish an effort to ensure Philadelphia can actively and efficiently respond to a crisis"; and Resolution No. 230528, entitled a "Resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, sponsored by Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Dwight Evans, and to ensure that victims and co-victims of gun violence have access to Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 134 6/22/2023 support necessary to recover from the impacts of gun violence"; and Resolution No. 230529, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1702 North Third Street and 2303 North Lawrence Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 230531, entitled a "Resolution renaming the 300 block of North Holly Street 'Winnie Harris Way', in honor of the life and legacy of community activist and environmental advocate Winnie Harris"; and Resolution No. 230532, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Reparations Task Force to study and develop reparations proposals for Black Philadelphia Descendants of Enslaved Africans in the United States"; and Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 135 6/22/2023
230534, entitled a "Resolution authorizing, in conjunction with the City Labor Department and the Office of the Mayor, a 'Joint Task Force on Regulatory Reform' to reexamine the role and mission of the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, and its enforcement of the 'Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' the 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' and departmental regulations of businesses, trades, and professions; to recommend revisions to the Code"; and Resolution No. "
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 136 6/22/2023 recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of each of the resolutions on today's Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda has been adopted. We will now consider today's Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 137 6/22/2023 Agenda. I would ask the Clerk to read the title of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each bill is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Bill Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection, without debate, it will be immediately removed and placed on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the bills on the Bill Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 230415, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Traffic Code,' by providing for prohibitions relating to Nuisance Vehicles"; and Bill No. 221016, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating the Chew Playground basketball courts, located at 1800 Washington Avenue, the 'Rasual Butler Basketball Courts,' in honor of Point Breeze native Rasual Butler"; and Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 138 6/22/2023 230407, 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 Bristol Street, Old York Road, Hunting Park Avenue and Park Avenue"; and Bill No. 230412, 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 the Schuylkill River, Passyunk Avenue, 61st Street, Lindbergh Boulevard, Grays Avenue, 49th Street, Paschall Avenue, and Grays Ferry Avenue"; and Bill No. 230437, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District,' by amending the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Review Area"; and Bill No. 230440, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-406 of The Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 139 6/22/2023 Code, entitled 'SP-STA, Sports Stadium (Special Purpose) District,' by expanding allowable signage in an area bounded by North Access Road, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue, and Broad Street"; and Bill No. 230442, 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 Foulkrod Street, Hawthorne Street, Margaret Street, and Duffield Street"; and Bill No. 230443, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts' by creating a new subsection entitled 'Warrington Affordable Housing Overlay District'"; and Bill No. 230446, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 140 6/22/2023 certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 54th Street, Chester Avenue, 55th Street and Regent Street"; and Bill No. 230447, 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 50th Street, Springfield Avenue, SEPTA Railroad Right-of-Way and Warrington Avenue"; and Bill No. 230448, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-514, entitled /FNE, Far Northeast Overlay District, Section 14-515, entitled /NE, Northeast Overlay District, and Section 14-524, entitled /FDO, Fourth District Overlay District by creating regulations for medical marijuana"; and Bill No. 230408, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Keystone Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 141 6/22/2023 Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area,' to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits"; and Bill No. 230435, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' to modify contractor reporting obligations related to women and minorities serving as board members and executive staff, to eliminate reporting requirements for subcontracted labor sources on certain City contracts for public works, other competitively bid services, bid goods, and professional services, to remove certain requirements for contractor reporting of demographic data, to modify the contract threshold triggering reporting obligations, to revise reporting deadlines"; and Bill No.
230354, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement with The Magee Hospital for Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 142 6/22/2023 business as Magee Rehabilitation Hospital - Jefferson Health for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard"; and Bill No. 230355, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with Innerport Business Complex Associates for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 7801 Essington Avenue"; and Bill No. 230357, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with Impact Services Corporation for use by the City of the premises located at 1952 East Allegheny Avenue"; and Bill No. 230360, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel of land Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 143 6/22/2023 and about the area bounded by Castor Avenue, Richmond Street, Lewis Street, and North Delaware Avenue"; and Bill No. 230361, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of the Premises located at 8716 through 20 Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 230362, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement with BAM RBC 1 for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 2807 through 2817 Southampton Road"; and Bill No. 230413, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest in all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land containing approximately 23,595 square feet, located in and about Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 144 6/22/2023 bounded by Market Street, 39th Street, Ludlow Street and 40th Street"; and Bill No. 230414, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Belmont Avenue, Mantua Avenue, 42nd Street, and West Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 230277, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking restrictions for certain commercial vehicles in the vicinity of Erdrick Street from Princeton Avenue to Tyson Avenue"; and Bill No. 230307, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Cafes,' by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Frankford Avenue, both sides, from Harbison Avenue to Sheffield Avenue; Cottman Avenue, both sides, from Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 145 6/22/2023 to Leon Street; Ryan Avenue, both sides, from Frankford Avenue to Leon Street; Robbins Avenue, both sides, from Frankford Avenue to Mulberry Street; Sackett Street, both sides, from Frankford Avenue to Levick Street; and the area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Levick Street, Hawthorne Street and Hellerman Street"; and Bill No. 230441, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations on certain streets in the area bounded by South 63rd Street, Passyunk Avenue, Essington Avenue, South 70th Street, and Lindbergh Boulevard"; and Bill No. " Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 146 6/22/2023
Thank you, Mr. Decker. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each of the bills now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker shall call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills, or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Councilwoman Lozada. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 148 6/22/2023
Council President Clarke. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 149 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye on all bills. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. 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. 230461.
A resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Year 2024 pursuant to Bill No. 170206.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 150 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, Resolution No. 230513.
A resolution calling on PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to make information about residential use and energy costs easily accessible for property owners in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 151 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, read the title of Resolution No. 230514.
A resolution calling on PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Philadelphia Water Department to develop comprehensive plans to reduce energy costs to consumers and to improve energy efficiency.
The Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 152 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230526.
A resolution approving the reappointment of Sonny Popowsky to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
The Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 153 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. 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.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230430.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office for People with Disabilities, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, to eliminate a duplicative office and to Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 154 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING otherwise provide for incorporation of the Office into the City government.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I have a few words. As many of you know, my career before City Council was devoted to providing services and programming for people with disabilities. This work helped me to recognize many obstacles that make life more difficult for our loved ones and neighbors with disabilities and it instills in me the deep commitment of making the City more accessible to everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990, and despite its promises, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 155 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING else. This is especially true in Philadelphia, which has been the higher proportion of residents with disabilities of any big city in the country. Making sure that every Philadelphian can participate in community and culture and in the life of our city is not just a moral obligation but a legal obligation. And we still have a long way to go to fulfill the promise of ADA, and that's why I'm proud to sponsor this Charter change to make the Office of People with Disabilities a permanent part of City government. By submitting this Charter change to voters, we acknowledge the work that still needs to be done and we affirm our commitment to making Philadelphia accessible for everyone. Thank you, Council President, and I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 156 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by -- oh, I'm sorry. It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Because Resolution No. 230430 is an amendment to the Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. Therefore, the question is shall the resolution be adopted. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 157 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Gilmore Richardson.
Councilman Thomas. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 158 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. Two-thirds of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, Resolution No. 230430 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 230144.
An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2024 through 2029 inclusive.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 159 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Brooks.
Councilman O'Neill. Stated Meeting 06-22-2023 160 6/22/2023 6/22/23 - STATED - 2ND READING