November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 18, 2021 10:12 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Thank you, and good morning to everyone. I want to thank you so much for participating in today's session. Before we start, I just want to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from the COVID-19 and the delta variant, 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, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come, and the Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance, just say a couple of words to make sure that your image is displayed on the screen. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Councilwoman Gauthier. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Sending prayers out to all the families who have lost their loved ones to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, viewing public.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Councilman November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
And good morning to everyone. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Dr. Harold R. Jolley of the Second Macedonia Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Parker. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation. Pastor, will you please proceed.
Good morning. I am Dr. Harold Jolley, Pastor of the Second Macedonia Baptist Church located at 1301 West Ruscomb Street. I would like to thank the Majority Leader, Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker, who November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 and who is indeed a true friend. I would also like to acknowledge the Council President, Darrell Clarke, and all the other members of the common Council for the work you continue to do on behalf of the constituents of Philadelphia. Would you join me in prayer. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person has great power as it is working. James, Chapter 5, Verse 16. As we assemble this morning seeking to be on one accord, it is with grateful hearts that we offer thanks to you, God, for this opportunity to come to your throne of grace one more time. We are appreciative for you affording us continued life, continued health, and continued strength for the brand new day that you have afforded us. It's with humble hearts that we offer praise to you. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 you, oh Lord, for forgiveness for the things that we have done which has not been pleasing in your sight. And, God, as we make our request known to you, we ask that you grant continued wisdom and guidance upon those who are serving in public office in the City of Philadelphia. We thank you for the hearts and the works of service seeking to improve life for every man, woman, boy, and girl. We pray not just for them but also for their support staff, which holds them up as they are facing the pressures of serving. We request, oh God, that you strengthen them as they avail themselves daily to engage in this tireless work. We know that every day presents a new challenge, but we ask, God, that you would grant them the hearts and grant them the spirits of tenacity to press forward in the fight for fair justice and equity through legislation. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Lord, we pray for the City of Philadelphia. It is in this season where sickness, economic hardship, violence, low values, and morality plague various communities. Families are hurting because of loss. Our prayer for this day and days to come is for you to bring healing and wholeness to those who are burdened with the pressures of life. With you, oh God, there is still hope in the land. Our humble prayer on this day is that you will allow your will to be made known and that it will be manifested in and through the lives of those who know you personally. In this season of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for all you continue to do. Now, God, we ask that you will just continue to order our steps as we press forward with the assignments of today. Grant our hearts -- grant us hearts of compassion toward those who are November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Fill our hearts with love toward all humankind. Grant the common Council the spirit to work together for the greater good of all humankind. God, we love you and we thank you. It's in the name which has been lifted above every name, Jesus who art the Christ, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Pastor, so much for your spiritual guidance today. We really appreciate it. Thank you for being with us.
Okay. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 4, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 4th be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 4, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmembers Quinones-Sanchez and Green.
November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 very much, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, 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 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 November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 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. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the motion is approved. 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 today.
Yes, Mr. President. I have a letter from the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia advising Council that pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, he is today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 210776, 210777, 210798, and 210799; and also letters advising Council that on November 17, 2021, the Mayor has returned all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on November 4, 2021 and signed Bill Nos. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 210549, 210632, 210634, 210637, 210638, 210667, 210668, and 210687, and that the Mayor has returned without his signature Bill No. 210205, which was passed by Council at its session on October 28, 2021; and a letter transmitting for the consideration of your honorable an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Procurement and the Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia International Airport, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Concession Agreement with Kale Info Solutions, Incorporated, for the implementation and operation of an Airport Cargo Community System for the Philadelphia International Airport; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Chestnut Street from South 63rd Street to South 45th Street; and to remove a travel lane on November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Chestnut Street within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. 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 referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide the appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Yes, Mr. President. Councilwoman Parker offers three bills, entitled "An ordinance November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 adding a new Chapter 9-5700, entitled 'Leasing of Commercial Property,' to require commercial lessors to provide certain disclosures before entering lease agreements and to provide related protections to tenants"; and An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Camac Street between Wagner Avenue and Fisher Avenue; and An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on East Godfrey Avenue between Summerdale Avenue and Pratt Street.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 deeds conveying fee simple title to 2316 through 50 North 11th Street, 1414, 1426, 1428, 1430, and 1432 North 27th Street, 1511, 1513, 1521, 1523, and 1525 North 28th Street.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt House Bills 2034 and 2043, House Resolution 151, Senate Resolution 201, and Senate Bill 189 and thanking Governor Tom Wolf, Representative Donna Bullock, Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, Representative Chris Rabb, and Senator Vincent Hughes for their commitment to addressing Environmental Justice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
And a resolution celebrating the expansion of solar energy November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 offerings through the Philadelphia Energy Authority's Solarize Philly Program.
I'm sorry, Mr. Decker. Was that authorizing a hearing?
No, Mr. President. It was just celebrating the expansion of the program.
Councilwoman Gym offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Landlord and Tenant,' to provide for an eviction diversion program, to make associated changes related to the landlord and tenant relationship, and making certain technical changes."
Thank you so much, Council President. Today we are -- I just wanted November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 to give a little bit of background on this bill. We're solidifying the future of our city's nationally acclaimed eviction diversion program, which has earned the support of members of this body, our Mayor, the Attorney General, and our Governor. I want to take a moment to thank my co-sponsors, Kendra Brooks, Jamie Gauthier, Isaiah Thomas, and Curtis Jones, all of whom were the original co-sponsors on the diversion bill when it was first enacted in September. This program increases housing stability. It ensures our courts can effectively manage caseloads that would otherwise overwhelm their resources and create lengthy delays, and it has been an instrumental part of how Philadelphia has succeeded in distributing rental assistance funds when so many other jurisdictions across the state have failed. Our diversion program has November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 reduced evictions by almost 80 percent last year. Its mediation process has a 93 percent success rate. We've also created the most efficient rental disbursement system in the country, distributing over $200 million so far, roughly $7 million or more a week. The case management within the Municipal Courts has been reduced -court delays around eviction have been reduced from 90 days pre-pandemic to just 30 days currently. The need to keep our communities housed in the name of public health became even more apparent, especially during this pandemic. Despite being one of the poorest large cities in the United States, Philadelphia proved that we can prevent poverty-based evictions with visionary, comprehensive policies, policies that have been since lauded by the White House, celebrating our city as a gold standard and a national model. And it's also proven to have enormous November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 collaboration between our City agencies, between organizations and our housing groups as well as the Municipal Courts, which have been an incredible leader on this effort for diversion. With the support of all of the colleagues on City Council, our leaders, and our community partners, we showed that we can meet crisis with solutions that actually work. So it is clear that in the coming days and weeks, that we will be dealing with the effects of the pandemic for quite some time. Ensuring the continuity of this vital program, while recognizing it will evolve in different ways, helps provide stability and support for families and property owners and protects against the crisis in our courts and our city's homeless systems. My hope is that we will be in discussion with my colleagues. We intend to have a briefing on this issue, and look forward to the conversation to come. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilman Henon offers one bill, 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 Crispin Street, Willits Road, Academy Road, and Frankford Avenue."
Councilman Jones offers three bills and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing various encroachments at 3536 Calumet Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania"; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 land located within an area bounded by Fountain Street, Umbria Street, Paoli Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Livezey Street, Valley Avenue, and Henry Avenue; and An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter 9-5700, entitled "Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines and Skills Games," to prohibit the operation of any casino-style or skill game that accepts cash payment for the chance of a cash reward and is not otherwise regulated by the State of Pennsylvania.
Those three bills will be referred to committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, but let me first thank you for asking me to represent City Council at the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court hearing dealing with our ordinance on lost and stolen guns. It reminded me just how far Harrisburg is from Philadelphia, not just in distance but in philosophy, how our problems here in Philadelphia, city of the first class, aren't necessarily the reality of folk in the courts up there, and we are at their mercy for our quality of life on commonsense laws, gun laws, that protect our citizens. Let me also cite that the ordinance that we are introducing today is designed to take a look at ill-placed, unregulated, unmonitored gambling machines in corner stores throughout Philadelphia. These kinds of monitorings was first brought to my attention by Councilwoman Bass, who boldly went out to corner stores where they were selling liquor by the drink. We were reminded by the Commonwealth that we do not in Philadelphia get to monitor alcoholic November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 beverages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that we should mind our business. And then dealing with my colleague in Wynnefield, we discovered on 54th Street a number of these bandit machines plaguing the community and now realize, more importantly, the correlation between those machines, those businesses, and crime in and around those stores. It is frightening to think that illegal gambling or unmonitored gambling goes on, and not only do they provide that nuisance business environment, but some more nefarious individuals stake them out, watch who wins, calls on a cell phone and says that that person who just won is wearing a blue jacket, tan hat, and we should approach them. This hearing will be designed to take a look at the crime mapping, take a look at the monitoring. And what we found was that four or so companies November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 control that industry. When the State Police tried to confiscate these machines, it was found that there is no law that actually monitors and governs these machines, and I thank Representative Brown for bringing that to my attention when I asked him about it. But when we don't have a law that supersedes us, then we have the responsibility of creating the laws that impact the quality of life in our districts. Let me say this in closing. I'm willing to listen to everyone if in your zip code you have these machines. If you live in a zip code where these corner stores do not exist and these machines do not plague those corner stores and our neighbors, then you have very little to say to me. But if you live in a community that is plagued by these same problems, then we can discuss solutions. Thank you, Mr. President. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Thank you, Councilman. And, again, Councilman, thank you so much for going to the Commonwealth Court in a somewhat challenging environment, I'm sure, and being on top of this whole issue around lost and stolen guns. We hope we will ultimately be victorious based on all of the work that you all have been doing. Thank you. Mr. Decker, do you have some resolutions also?
I do. Councilman Jones also offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 5600 block of West Master Street as 'David Fattah Way,' in honor of David Fattah, to commemorate his legacy as the co-founder of the House of Umoja, as well as his community and youth leadership in the City of Philadelphia."
And a resolution November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 also naming the 1400 block of North Frazier Street as "Queen Mother Falaka Fattah Way," in honor of Falaka Fattah, to commemorate her legacy as the co-founder of the House of Umoja and her leadership in mentoring over 3,000 African American youth in her lifetime.
Councilman Jones -- I'm sorry; Councilman Johnson offers two bills and two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Procurement and the Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia International Airport, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Concession Agreement with Kale Info Solutions, Incorporated, for the implementation and operation of an Airport Cargo Community System for the Philadelphia International Airport.
November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner -- and on his own behalf, an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years.
And a resolution recognizing Annette John-Hall on the occasion of her retirement from journalism after a distinguished and celebrated career.
And a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass House Resolution 5768, the Violent Incident November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act, which would provide $1 Billion in federal funding over the next 10 years to help local and state police raise their clearance rates for both fatal and non-fatal shootings.
Councilwoman Brooks offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the work and contributions of attorney and grassroots community activist Leon A. Williams Esquire, whose political involvement as an independent candidate inspired a reimagining of the criminal justice system and laid the groundwork for future generations of innovative public servants in the City of Philadelphia." Mr. President, Councilwoman Brooks would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow reading of this resolution on today's session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution has been adopted. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilman Domb offers two resolutions, Mr. President, entitled a "Resolution congratulating November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 David L. Cohen on his confirmation as the United States Ambassador to Canada and recognizing his many contributions to public life and service in Philadelphia and beyond."
Councilman, do you want to be recognized after the first or the second?
All right. Just read the second one, Mr. Decker.
And a resolution honoring 6ABC Action News' Jim Gardner upon his upcoming retirement and recognizing his years of service to the people of Philadelphia and the region to whom he delivered urgent news and information every day since 1976.
Thank you, November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Council President. I'm going to speak about the David Cohen resolution first, but it's really a sincere congratulations to David L. S. Ambassador to Canada. Pretty amazing. I want to thank the co-sponsors of this resolution, Councilmembers Squilla, Bass, Parker, Green, Gilmore Richardson, Gauthier, and O'Neill. And there's not one person I believe on this call who doesn't know David L. Cohen, and some of you probably even worked with him when he was in this building. I know, Council President, you did and many others. And he served as Chief of Staff to the Honorable Ed Rendell years ago. He was nothing less than a force for change on the second floor of this City Hall and at a time when Philadelphia needed desperately big ideas and big changes. It's been well documented over the years, so I'm not saying anything new November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 here, but David Cohen's leadership in revitalizing Philadelphia's economy and city when we were on the brink of financial disaster was a game-changer, a game-changer for the trajectory of this city, and we owe him our gratitude today for his sleepless nights back then putting everything back together for the City. David Cohen worked tirelessly for Philadelphia as a public servant, and he raised the bar of future leaders in the City. Many of us know him for his most recent work at Comcast, but he's always maintained his commitment to Philadelphia over the years by contributing to organizations focused on helping our many communities in need. Most recently, David has been honored by a variety of organizations receiving awards such as the 4-H Brand Champion Award in 2018, the Kappa Alpha Psi's Distinguished Citizens Award in 2019, the President's Award from the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 National Urban League in 2020, and has consistently been named to the Black Enterprise magazine's list of top corporate diversity executives. Again, I want to thank David L. Cohen for his dedication to the City of Philadelphia over the years, wish him the very best in representing the United States of America and our neighboring country to the north, Canada. I have no doubt he will represent our country with the honor and dignity this position requires. Thank you. I'd like to speak to the second one, which is Jim Gardner. I appreciate this opportunity to speak about Jim Gardner. I knew him back in the early '80s actually, and his service on 6ABC to the people of Philadelphia and this region is truly amazing. For the last 45 years, it's been customary to see that friendly face and voice of Jim Gardner to deliver us the evening news. He's been November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 with us in our homes, our offices, restaurants. Everywhere else there was a TV tuned in to Channel 6. He has covered historical moments in Philadelphia's history, including the MOVE bombing, two visits by the Pope, and every time this city has celebrated a championship, which we all wish were more frequent during his career, he's been there. He's known for his calm and thoughtful delivery of the news and his charming sense of humor when things go wrong, as is inevitable in a live broadcast. In addition to his work in broadcast, Jim is active in philanthropy and gives back to our city. He is particularly proud of the fact that one broadcast journalist student at Temple University has been awarded the Jim Gardner Scholarship to help pay for his or her education every year since 1987. Amazing. Truly an amazing gift to our families here. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
OF BILLS Just like the Action News jingle has told us to do for as long as he's been of the air, we can now say to him, move closer to your world, Jim, and take a little bit of time. You've earned it. Today I thank you for honoring 6ABC Action News' Jim Gardner upon his upcoming retirement and recognizing his years of service to the people of Philadelphia and the region to whom he delivered urgent news and information every day since 1976. Thank you, Jim Gardner, for your commitment to our city and the service you provided us. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Two very, very significant people in the history of the City of Philadelphia. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilwoman November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Gauthier offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' to authorize a bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Chestnut Street from South 63rd Street to South 45th Street; and to remove a travel lane on Chestnut Street within the same limits."
And a resolution recognizing and determining that Bill No. 210778 remains under active consideration by this Council.
And a resolution recognizing and determining that Bill No. 210778 remains under active consideration by this Council. Next week's Calendar, Mr. President. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Next week's Calendar. I want to make sure I heard the reference.
Councilman Thomas offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring the legacy of Champion of the Week, Norm Eavenson, for an inspiring life and recruiting career of more than 40 years scouting the best young basketball players all across Pennsylvania, New York, D.C., and Baltimore as a Middle Atlantic Recruiter."
Councilman Squilla offers six bills. On behalf of Council President Clarke -- on behalf of the Administration, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractor Parking," to revise the requirements and limitations related to contractor parking permits. Also on behalf of Council November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 President Clarke, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Day Street and Wildey Street; Thompson Street and Columbia Avenue; Oxford Street and Belgrade Street; East Montgomery Street and Thompson Street; Columbia Avenue and Belgrade Street; Crease Street and Thompson Street; and Belgrade Street and Oxford Street; and An ordinance amending Section 5 of an ordinance (Bill No. 200423) approved November 10, 2020, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Keystone Property Group to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior building ramp at 100 South Independence Mall West"; and An ordinance amending Section 5 of an ordinance (Bill No. 200092) approved March 11, 2020, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Independence Park Hotel to construct, own, and maintain a proposed exterior building ramp at 235 Chestnut Street"; and November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 An ordinance authorizing various encroachments on North Broad Street in the vicinity of 1344 through 1348 Arch Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Weccacoe Avenue, Wolf Street and Swanson street.
Thank you. Those six bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
Councilman Oh offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the 88th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933."
And a resolution proclaiming November 24, 2021, as Pierre Robert Day in Philadelphia in commemoration of his 40th Anniversary at November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 93.3 WMMR.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. We will now move to our reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Rules reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 210633, November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by creating the '/MIH, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District'; by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-702, entitled 'Floor Area, Height, and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses,'" respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210633. (Duly seconded.) November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
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 Bill No. 210633. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Appropriations reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 210900, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Water Fund, and the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 210901, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund and the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bills No. 210900 and 210901. (Duly seconded.)
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. 210900 and 210901. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 16 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 210584, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck parking regulations in the vicinity of Weccacoe Street and Oregon Avenue"; and Bill No. 210675, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of The November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Code, entitled 'Civil Penalties and Costs,' to change certain penalties for parking on sidewalks"; and Bill No. 210678, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Allens Lane and Wissahickon Avenue"; and Bill No. 210679, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Street Vendors,' by permitting vending on certain sections of 49th Street"; and Bill No. 210690, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Bryan Street, from West Mount Pleasant Avenue to Allens Lane, northbound"; and Bill No. 210746, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wildey Street and Hancock Street; Wildey Street and Marlborough Street; Salmon Street and Columbia Avenue; Montgomery Avenue and Wildey Street"; and November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 210773, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking restrictions for certain commercial vehicles in the vicinity of Blue Grass Road and Grant Avenue, Decatur Street and Torresdale Avenue, Cottman Avenue and Milnor Street, Barnard Avenue and St. Vincent Street, Battersby Street and St. Vincent Street, St. Vincent Street and Roosevelt Boulevard, Wellington Street and Battersby Street, Brighton Street and Brous Avenue, Princeton Avenue and Brous Avenue, Friendship Street and Hawthorne Street, Tulip Street and Decatur Street, Ashton Road and Grant Avenue, and Holme Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard"; and Bill No. 210774, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a water main and appurtenant work, required to provide public water service, in the 4000 block of Wells Street and the 6600 block of Charles Street"; and November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 210776, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets' to add a new section entitled 'Streeteries' to allow for expansion of business uses, including outdoor dining, in portions of the public right-of-way, such as at certain curbside parking locations"; and Bill No. 210779, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk plaque in the vicinity to 447 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 210780, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Clarion Street and Reed Street; Clarion Street and Wharton Street; Manton Street and South 8th Street; Wilder Street and South 12th Street; Franklin Street and Tasker Street; Marshall Street to Wharton Street"; and Bill No. 210781, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 of: Franklin Street and Ritner Street; South 10th Street and Mifflin Street; Mifflin Street and South 9th Street; Dudley Street and South 10th Street; Mckean Street and South 9th Street"; and Bill No. 210798, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 200351, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the operation of sidewalk cafes during the COVID-19 emergency until December 31, 2020 in areas of the City where such activity currently must be otherwise authorized by special ordinance, and allowing expanded activity by currently licensed sidewalk cafe operations,' as amended by Bill No. 200497, to further extend the date Bill No. 200351 will remain in effect"; and Bill No. 210826, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
230 by striking from the City Plan Cresson Street from Osborn Street to November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes within a portion of Cresson Street being stricken"; and Bill No. 210846, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking restrictions for certain commercial vehicles in the vicinity of Tulip Street and Robbins Street, and Longshore Avenue and New State Road"; and Bill No. 210847, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Wynnefield Avenue, from 52nd Street to 54th Street, both sides; 54th Street, from Wynnefield Avenue to Gainor Road, both sides; Georges Lane, from Wynnefield Avenue to Gainor Road, both sides," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of the 16 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
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 the 16 bills that were just read by the Clerk. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Councilman Domb for a report from the Committee on License and Inspection.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 210685, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code) of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section A-703, entitled 'Special Certification of Inspection,' to enhance building safety requirements for educational occupancies," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210685. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 210685. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this will be placed on November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 210772, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' by codifying the Pension Board's preexisting policy and practice to perform an annual stress test of the Retirement System in accordance with industry standards," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210772. (Duly seconded.)
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 Bill No. 210772. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee on the Environment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on the Environment reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on the Environment, to which was referred Bill No. 210862, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-111, entitled 'Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design in Construction of Buildings,' to update requirements and make technical changes," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210862. (Duly seconded.)
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 Bill No. 210862. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 2ND READING ayes have it, and that bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar 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 suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210849, November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 210904, 210905, 210906, 210907, 210908, 210909, 210910, 210911, 210915, and 210671. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Our next order of business will be our public comment, but before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, we're going to take a brief five- to ten-minute recess to give our technology professionals an opportunity to connect our speakers today. We'll take a brief break. We'll be back. (Short recess.)
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, and we are back. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider the public comment. It will go as follows: The public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public comment. 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. Today we will have three minutes to speak, but, however, this time may vary from time to time based on the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 volume of individuals. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit, and once invited to the meeting and you are 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 remaining to your time, 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. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same matter, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. Again, I want to thank you very much for your willingness to participate in this public comment in this session of November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 City Council. Please be aware, though, the 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 will now ask Mr. Decker to please call the name of our first speaker today.
The first speaker is Queen Judith Robinson, commenting on 210695.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. QUEEN ROBINSON: Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson regarding Bill 210695, the tangled title bill. I am respectfully requesting per the hearing that we open up this process to allow people -- and I'm going to be quite frank -- like myself, who are November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 real professionals, to assist with the untangling of titles. That's what we do as professionals. According to the hearing, I want to just encourage people who have these tangled titles to make arrangement with the Revenue Department to make payment arrangements on real estate taxes. They have an excellent opportunity to really truly protect generational wealth. If elected officials truly believe that untangling titles could reduce violence in our community and really help with generational wealth, which I agree on that aspect of it, they would open up this process. According to the hearing that was held, it was limited to attorneys. They are receiving up to $9,500 per case to untangle titles, and they have been receiving funds for many years. According to that hearing, this issue of tangled titles unfortunately is November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 concentrated in the African American community. They have specific zip codes, per the Pew Foundation study, and according to the hearing, a substantial amount of that money was going towards billable hours for attorneys. I will agree definitely that when there's a court case, that we definitely need attorneys, but everything that we could do to alleviate this problem by using professionals who have expertise in clearing titles I think would be a value to our community. We don't want to limit this process that could be -- it's a conveyancing. It's a title issue, and we need to clear it with title companies, who can assist in this matter, and real estate professionals. Again, I'm going to request maybe we have a pilot program to accelerate the process of clearing up these titles to assist folks in our communities, like Strawberry Mansion November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 where I grew up, where we have cultural competency issues too. So I'm going to throw that in as I talk about the fact that it's where I grew up, and I know that I could assist folks in my community with untangling these titles. So I would encourage elected officials to open up your minds and open up the opportunities for other people to assist in this process. I thank you for the time.
Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it. Mr. Decker.
Good morning. State your name for the record and just proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. On behalf of Visit Philadelphia, thank you for inviting our organization to provide brief marks. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Thank you, Councilmember Parker, Council President Clarke, and every Councilmember who sponsored the resolution. Visit Philadelphia has a longstanding effort to support Black- and Brown-owned businesses in partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Black-owned businesses, local businesses are vital to the fabric of Philadelphia. People want to be a part of our region's economic recovery, and one way they can do that is by buying gifts from vital businesses like these this season and beyond. As Chief Innovation and Global Diversity Officer, I've had the opportunity to ensure the multicultural travel experience is front and center. We are not only committed to taking that story to the next level, we have many platforms to do so, including our podcast Love and Grit, which was created to share Philadelphia's authentic and diverse November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 stories, with a focus on the resilience and determination of local businesses and to share love, laughter, and hope. We recently unveiled the Love and Grit Storefronts Project, a citywide exhibition transforming empty spaces into art installations, highlighting Black and Brown-owned businesses, because we believe in growth through diversity. We feel this is not the time for us to simply sit back and mind our own business, but to step up and mind our Black- and Brown-owned businesses. Visit Philadelphia is committed to using all of our assets to support this resolution and these businesses, from our website, to social media, to PR, and paid media to promote the region's Black-owned restaurants, retailers, and more, driving people to support the talents, pocketbooks, and economic recovery of Black entrepreneurs. When Black businesses shine, the want of their light is felt by the November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 visitors, and the glow is shared with the City. Thank you again for this resolution.
Well, thank you. Just state your name for the record, please.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed.
My name is John -thank you. My name is John D. Strain. I'm a law student and a resident of South Philadelphia. I've lived in the City for ten years, and I speak today strongly in favor of Resolution 210396, introduced by Councilperson Parker, and I just wanted to say that the research and the verbiage November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 of the resolution bears out everything in the resolution. Allowing the Sheriff's Office to resume sheriff sales through the Bid4Assets platform will increase the loss of generational wealth that is built through homeownership. Because of these stays, people are able to stay in their home and bankruptcy is down. The City must put the lives of these people who occupy these dwellings above the business interests, who drive up prices for renters and tear through communities, knocking down dignified homes and instead erecting bland commodities. If we allow the sheriff sales to resume while the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the only benefactors will be large real estate companies. We can already see throughout the City the ever-increasing amount of corporate-owned housing that remains empty as the citizens of the City are pushed farther November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 into the margins and sometimes onto the streets. I think we need to be clear and realize the Bid4Assets platform is not designed for the layperson nor are these sheriff sales. The platform is for real estate and property management companies to have quick and easy access to more property, property that should be creating homes and not just creating more revenue for these businesses. I think that dignity for the citizens of the City should be principal, and that's what should guide the Council to move forward. So I want to thank Councilperson Parker for introducing this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Charlene Collins, commenting on November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 210849.
-- and members of City Council. I am Charlene Collins, the President of Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I am testifying in support of Resolution No. 210849, which was introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson and co-sponsored by many of you on Council. I am representing the more than 550 members of the Omega Omega Chapter, and we oversee three undergraduate chapters that combine for seven universities. Thank you for honoring us for our Chapter's 95th year of service to the Philadelphia community. The Omega Omega Chapter was November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 charted by Alpha Kappa Alpha's visionary founder, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, in 1926 in Philadelphia. She served as our first Chapter President, and we have consistently performed community service for the past 95 years. On our actual anniversary, December 10th, 2021, please join us to celebrate at our virtual gala at 6:30 p.m. Ethel Hedgeman Lyle founded our sorority in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., and she and her family lived in West Philadelphia until her death in 1950. We have worked with many of you City Councilmembers over the years on our community service initiative. In recent years we've helped to rejuvenate playgrounds in West and North Philadelphia. Annually for the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, we have partnered with local high schools and community centers November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 throughout Philadelphia. Before the pandemic, we spearheaded a very well-attended health fair held at the John F. Street Community Center, and we continue to mentor young people of all ages and now work with our signature program, #CAP, where we have helped hundreds of high school students navigate the college process. In addition, our signature HBCU College Tour has provided the opportunity for Philadelphia high school students to explore numerous HBCUs over the past 21 years. This year alone, in partnership with the 1926 Foundation, Incorporated, we awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to Philadelphia high school students. Led by our Connection and Social Action Committee, we have engaged in dozens of voter mobilization and registration drives, hosted gun violence prevention and candidate forums, and worked with students at the Juvenile November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Justice Center, Bodine, Overbrook, Parkway Northwest, and Paul Robeson High School. Since 2006, our Annual Day of Sharing has distributed over $900,000 in scholarships and community grants to support Philadelphia high school students attending college and local non-profit organizations. Our international and local focus is on the sustaining and promotion of HBCUs, supporting students with the college admissions process, building an economic legacy, women's health and wellness, the arts, and helping refugees of color. Again, thank you for recognizing our Chapter on our 95th anniversary. I especially want to recognize the other Divine Nine members on City Council in addition to Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. They are Majority Leader Cherelle Parker and Councilmember Derek November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Green. We are committed to lifelong service to our communities and look forward to partnering with you as we tackle some of the issues that's plaguing our beloved city. Thank you for the adoption and resolution. Next you will hear from Omega Omega Chapter's 28th Chapter President, Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, who was just honored in the Governing magazine city and state PA as one of the 50 over 50.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is the Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, commenting on 210849.
Good morning, Mr. President and members of City Council. As mentioned, I'm Lorina November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 Marshall-Blake, the former President of Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and I too am testifying in support of Resolution No. 210849, which was introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson and other members of Council. As stated, I was the President of Omega Omega for five years, and as you already heard, we have been very active in the Philadelphia community for 95 years. Again, for example, in 1957, our Chapter President presented Honorary AKA Marian Anderson for the second time in concert. For decades, we've hosted health fairs, and in 1967, we sponsored one at the Richard Allen Homes. Again, I'm going to highlight some of our past well-known Omega Omega Chapter members, such as attorney and former City Councilmember Councilwoman Augusta Clark. C. Delores Tucker, civil rights activist and former secretary of the Commonwealth was a member of our November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 chapter. And then we have Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre, the first Black high school principal and the first female of the Board of Education was a member and currently we have amongst our ranks. Then we have Dr. Edith Mitchell, the past President of the National Medical Association, and, yes, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. We are a chapter of very well educated and successful Black women. At times we have opinions on proposed legislation, and as such, several members of our Chapter have testified here in City Council in support and at times in opposition to legislation, initiatives that impact our communities. I have been one of those Chapter members who testified as the President of the Chapter in support of Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown's Commission on Women. In addition to thanking the Divine Nine, as already been mentioned, November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 who were named, we also want to thank Divine Nine former Councilmembers, Marian Tasco and, yes, Blondell Reynolds Brown, who supported us through the years. Thanks also to the majority of you on Council who supported us earlier this year during our virtual regional conference that was held and focused on Philly. You can still view it on YouTube. We will continue to perform community service in the City of Philadelphia, yes, for another 95 years at least. Vice President Kamala Harris, a sorority member, is a guiding light for us as she works in the White House. Again, we respectfully request that your august body pass Resolution No. 210849, which was introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. And, again, as always, we thank you for the opportunity to come before Council. Thank you so much. November 18, 2021 Stated Meeting November 18, 2021 11/18/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, and thank you for all the awesome work you always have done in our communities across the City. Thank you for your testimony.