STATED MEETING 1 1/26/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 26, 2023 10:41 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 1/26/2023
Good morning. We're going to start like in a minute, so I'd ask all guests please retire behind the rail. Thank you. Folks, can we have a little quiet, please. Thank you. We're going to get started now. We have a quorum. I note that the hour has come. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Jeanette Davis of the D.I.V.A.S. Ministry Group. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Johnson. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Good morning. Thank you, President Clarke, for that introduction. Thank you, Councilmember Johnson, for the invitation to be before STATED MEETING 3 1/26/2023 morning, all Councilmembers. Today I'm here to intercede on behalf of City Council and the residents of Philadelphia. So let us pray. Eternal Father, we come before your throne of grace this morning to give you and you alone all honor, praise, and glory. Father, we just lift up this governing body this morning, Lord, and we ask that you give each individual and collectively as a collaborate governing body the wisdom, the divine wisdom, the insight, the knowledge, Lord, and the love. Give them peace in their hearts, oh God, as they go forward to make legislation that will edify and empower your people. We thank you, oh God, for how you have placed each one in their position, but we also know, Father, that to whom much is given, much is required. STATED MEETING 4 1/26/2023 collaborate collectively in unison so that they're able to accomplish their goals for your residents and constituents of Philadelphia. I ask that you bless each one individual for anything they may be going through themselves, Lord. I ask that you lift them up. I put them in front of your presence this morning, oh God, and I ask that your prayer is not only hear -- you hear our prayers, but that you answer our prayers up in the third heaven this morning. I ask that we touch and agree this morning that we're here for a purpose, Lord, to collaboratively work together so that the people of Philadelphia will be empowered, will be accountable and, Lord, will one day be able to walk in unity in their communities without the senseless gun violence. Allow us and what the STATED MEETING 5 1/26/2023 educate our communities, educate our community members, so that they're able to go forth and thrive with their lives. So I lift up this governing body to you today, oh God. I ask that you cover each and every member in the blood of Jesus. Let no weapon formed against them shall be able to prosper, Lord, or their plans that they have for this city, oh God. I ask that you give them your divine wisdom and your divine power and also your divine authority. And I ask that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord and who are called according to their purpose. You have given each one purpose, oh God, and I ask that you allow them to excel in this next season of governing the City of Philadelphia. It is in the matchless, the name that is above every name of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth that I pray, and STATED MEETING 6 1/26/2023 redeemed say amen, amen, and amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend Davis, for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. And, again, thank you, Reverend Davis. We really appreciate you being here today. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 19, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 19th, 2023 be approved. STATED MEETING 7 1/26/2023 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 19, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. STATED MEETING 8 1/26/2023 Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of the Council session that were not listed on the Calendar today prior to its circulation.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or STATED MEETING 9 1/26/2023 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 into the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of the Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED MEETING 10 1/26/2023 motion carries. Thank you very much. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair recognizes the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 220918, 220944, 220945, 220946, 220948, 220949, 220950, 220969, 220970, and 220973.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and I'd ask the Chief Clerk to please read the titles of the STATED MEETING 11 1/26/2023 legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilman Phillips offers two resolutions, a privileged resolution to commemorate the closing of Relish, the beloved West Oak Lane institution.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth to conduct hearings to examine the state of Philadelphia's child welfare workforce.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Phillips.
Good morning. Thank you, Council President. I want to speak on the introduction of the Relish resolution. Relish has been a fixture of fine dining and cultural pride and political STATED MEETING 12 1/26/2023 empowerment for a generation. It was not just a restaurant. It was a meeting place of minds, ideas, and perspectives. So as the sun sets unfortunately on this institution, we must ensure that a rising sun of new opportunity emerges for other places to be able to utilize -- other restaurants to be able to use this space again. I salute the visionaries of the Bynum brothers, the fine chefs, the wall staff, and the owners who conspire to fill our bellies, hearts, and minds. So thank you, Relish, for all your years of service to the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. It is a place that will be missed, but I'm sure that they will rise in some way, shape, or form, not to mention the fact that it actually has good food. So thank you. Mr. Decker. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. STATED MEETING 13 1/26/2023
I just want to say to Member Phillips that is a timely resolution, but before there was a Relish, there were several other iterations, and one of them was Impulse. Whoever laughed at that, you know the timeframe in which they were born. And I want to thank the Bynums and an obscure DJ and manager by the name of Nutter, Michael Nutter, who was a frequent participant in that process. But a lot of institutional memories, Member Phillips, rang back from that, and I'm just so thankful to the Bynums, their father, them for their contribution as Philadelphians. They're part of all Philadelphia, but in particular Black and brown Philadelphia. So thank you, Member Phillips, for putting that in.
Absolutely. Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker. STATED MEETING 14 1/26/2023
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia High School for Girls on its Demisemiseptcentennial Anniversary 175 years of academic excellence.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. Greetings, and good morning, colleagues. I am so pleased to welcome to City Council today my alma mater, the Philadelphia High School for Girls. On February 1st, 2023, the Philadelphia High School for Girls will celebrate our 175th anniversary. Since 1848, the Philadelphia High School for Girls has helped transform young women into the next generation of leaders, making an impact not only in Philadelphia but across our STATED MEETING 15 1/26/2023 nation and around the world. Our motto is vincit qui se vincit, and that translates into she who conquers herself. And Girls' High alumnae do just that. I remember Marcia Hinton saying, you can tell a Girls' High girl, but you can't tell her much. Girls' High girls include women like Meta Warrick Fuller, who in 1907 became the first African American woman to receive a federal art commission; women like Karen Hastie Williams, who in 1974 became the first African American woman to clerk for the United States Supreme Courts; our very own Dr. Constance Clayton, who is with us this morning, who in 1982 became the first woman and the first African American woman to lead the School District of Philadelphia. I want to pause there so we can recognize her. STATED MEETING 16 1/26/2023 (Applause.)
Women like Judith Rodin, who in 1994 became the first woman President of the University of Pennsylvania; women like Shirley Clarke Franklin, who in 2001 became the first woman Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia and the first woman elected Mayor of any major southern city; and my mentor and the reason why I occupy this seat, Blondell Reynolds Brown, who from 1999 to 2015 was the only woman to serve Philadelphia City Council at-large. Twenty-four years ago this year I met Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown at an early morning assembly, and from there, she stayed in contact with me, a young 15-year-old girl. I was able to volunteer in her office, serve as an intern in her office, a graduate intern in her office, constituent services representative in her office, special projects manager in her office, STATED MEETING 17 1/26/2023 legislative aide for five years in her office, staff director, and then chief of staff. She is the reason why I am here today. Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, please stand. (Applause.)
Women like Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer; like Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus; like Kyra Harris, Communications Director for Councilmember Vaughn; like Stephanie Marsh; and so many women in Philadelphia City government and politics; like Marcia Hinton, our Executive Director of our Alumni Association; Azeb Kinder, who is also here with us, and all of the girls from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. We are not just classmates; we are sisters, and we've become family. So, colleagues, please join me STATED MEETING 18 1/26/2023 in welcoming all of my colleagues and friends from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and congratulate all of us on the occasion of our 175th anniversary. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And, CP, I just want to mention for the record we appreciate our District Councilmember, Councilmember Cindy Bass, and we thank you for all of your support. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. That will be on today's Calendar.
Councilman Johnson offers four resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution urging the STATED MEETING 19 1/26/2023 United States Congress to pass the "Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act," introduced last session by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, which would repeal the Tiahrt Amendments, whose provisions have hampered efforts to address gun trafficking by, among other things, identifying and holding accountable irresponsible gun dealers and owners.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Johnson offers a privileged resolution honoring the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on the occasion of their 92nd North Atlantic Regional Conference, and declaring March 9, 2023 as "Alpha Kappa Alpha Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution recognizing February 1 through STATED MEETING 20 1/26/2023 7, 2023, as National Gun Violence Survivor Week, in honor of survivors of gun violence and the lifelong burdens they carry.
And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of South Philadelphia Legendary Disc Jockey and Entertainer Jerry Blavat known as "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Boss with the Hot Sauce."
Councilwoman Vaughn offers two resolutions, a privileged resolution recognizing Berisford "BJ" Jones, co-chair of the Philadelphia Police Department LGBTQ Liaison Committee, for his tireless efforts toward improving relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
STATED MEETING 21 1/26/2023 Thank you. That will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Yeah. Thank you, Council President. I just want to ask if we could stand and take a moment of silence for South Philadelphia legend Jerry Blavat. I had a great relationship with him, one of my prime DJ's, but, most importantly, a lot of people don't know the service work that he's done to help others in the capacity of him being a DJ and entertainer. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge his life and legacy, also in partnership with my colleague from South Philadelphia, Councilman Mark Squilla.
All right. Councilman, when we take the vote on the resolution, we'll do a standing vote.
Yes, sir. STATED MEETING 22 1/26/2023 Thank you, Council President.
And Councilwoman Vaughn also offers a non-privileged resolution condemning the Union League of Philadelphia for bestowing its highest honor, the Gold Medal, upon Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis.
Councilman Harrity offers a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to introduce legislation allowing Cities and Counties of the First Class to set their own minimum wage laws.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity.
Council President, today I introduce a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General STATED MEETING 23 1/26/2023 Assembly to allow Philadelphia to enact its own minimum wage law. I'd like to thank Councilmember Driscoll for co-introducing this resolution and our co-sponsors for their support. Minimum wage is more than just a labor issue. It's a human right to earn a decent living to provide for themselves and their families. For too long, that right has not been modified by our state legislature to account for increases in cost of living for the past 14 years. It is up to us as representatives of what is the poorest big city in the country to stand up for Philadelphians and demand higher wages. From my time as an aide with Senator Street, I've worked on statewide issues affecting a wide swath of Pennsylvanians. I've learned that all politics are local, and sometimes the best solutions are decided at the local level. Lower income Philadelphians are STATED MEETING 24 1/26/2023 on the precipice. A current minimum wage is 7.25 an hour, but with the cost of living and inflation, that real wage is 6.69 an hour. This is all while the amount of back rent is at a record high, our economy is in an uncertain state, and the cost of living in the City continues to rise. This body has tried to do what it can to increase the minimum wage, particularly for City workers and contractors, but it is time for us to help all Philadelphians by advocating for them at a state level so that we can make these important decisions at a local level. There are already numerous exceptions for Cities and Counties of the First Class, of which Philadelphia is the only one in the Commonwealth. There is no reason why the right to decide our own minimum wage is not included in this list. As such, it is time for us to STATED MEETING 25 1/26/2023 demand the legal authority to set our own minimum wage so that we can guide the City through whatever economic times lay ahead while respecting the rights and dignity of all our workers.
Thank you, Councilman. And, again, that will be on next week's Calendar. Thank you, Councilman.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Sloan Street from Ogden Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and reserving and plotting upon City Plan No. 106 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes"; 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 Haverford Avenue, 44th Street, Belmont Avenue, Girard Avenue, and 40th Street. STATED MEETING 26 1/26/2023
Thank you. Those two bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilman O'Neill offers an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 370 by striking from the City Plan Southampton Road from Bustleton Avenue to its terminus southeastwardly therefrom.
Councilman Squilla offers a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 Martha Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilman Oh offers a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Rodney Little for his exemplary and outstanding service STATED MEETING 27 1/26/2023 2ND READING as a dedicated military officer and public servant.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions for today. We have no reports from committee today, so we will move to our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on today's Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the STATED MEETING 28 1/26/2023 Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 230014, 230018, 230019, 230021, 220918-A, 220770, and 220942. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider our public comment session. Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already done so, you can please go to the Sergeant-at-Arms in the hallway at the table set up outside the doorway of the Council Chambers. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet, and under ideal circumstances, which we have STATED MEETING 29 1/26/2023 today, you will be given three minutes to speak. In order to be fair, though, to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. You will see a green light on the podium when it is your time to speak. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to the guideline and conclude your remarks. We also reserve the right pursuant to the rules of Council to alter repetitious comment to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. So, Mr. Decker, can you please read the first name on the list for today's public comment.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Enrique Hervada, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Enrique Hervada and I'm the COO of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. I want to thank you for the opportunity to address you today regarding the overlay district, 20018 [sic]. As I stated last week, we're a 501(c)(3) non-profit working in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department, and I'm here today to talk about that overlay. This ordinance is essential for moving our project forward, as minor steep slope disruption is required for the creek restoration plan. Restoring this failing creek is actually a requirement of our lease with the City and will not only benefit the golf course and surrounding community, it will provide no increase in downstream flooding. STATED MEETING 31 1/26/2023 As previously stated, we have followed every applicable agency's requirement, including, but not limited to, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Arts Commission, Planning Commission, and Water Commission -- and Water Department, and will continue to do so. Last week the Philadelphia Planning Commission unanimously approved moving forward with this ordinance at their meeting on January 19th, 2022, and I would appreciate the support, and I thank all of you for your time today. It's going to be a tremendous project for the City of Philadelphia, really benefit the youth in the region, and something we can all be proud of moving forward. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker STATED MEETING 32 1/26/2023 is Morgan Moore, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Morgan Moore and I am the Director of Education and Community Engagement with the Cobbs Creek Foundation. As Enrique stated, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit seeking to renovate the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course and also build a 30,000 square foot educational center there on the grounds. I'd like to start by saying that we live in an incredible and history-filled city, and each time that I come into City Hall, I am reminded of that fact. Nonetheless, despite that, this is a city that has been plagued by violence, of which far too often our young people have been both the victims and the perpetrators. We often times state that our youth are the leaders of STATED MEETING 33 1/26/2023 tomorrow, but I recently attended a community meeting in which a fellow non-profit leader framed it a bit differently. She stated that our young people are in fact the leaders of today, and her words have remained with me, because they are so unequivocally true. Our young people are the leaders of today. And so I ask what kind of leaders are we here to foster? Will we foster leaders that respect and preserve the best parts of our history, that are educated, that seek to better their communities, or will we do nothing? This project is about fostering leaders like Charlie Sifford, a man who fearlessly fought for his right to enter the sport of golf, which it all but precluded him because of the color of his skin. It is about supporting our young people and providing them with opportunities they may have never had STATED MEETING 34 1/26/2023 otherwise, without the barriers of cost or accessibility. It's about taking a historical asset that has sat in degradation for years and making it something that benefits all in our community. And so today I am here speaking both as an educator and as a community member. I ask our City Council again to vote in support of Bill 220918, not for the Cobbs Creek Foundation but for the people of Overbrook Park and Overbrook and Wynnefield, where I grew up. Let's support our young people. Let's provide them with free educational and athletic opportunities. The time to do so is now, and I implore our City Council to support our community in making this happen. Thank you for allowing me the time to speak.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. STATED MEETING 35 1/26/2023
The next speaker is Ben Dewan, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Ben Dewan and I am the Ground Superintendent for the Foundation. I was here last week, so I won't take up too much of your time. I just would like to second what my colleagues have already testified to and reaffirm my support for this bill that would allow the creek restoration, golf course renovation, and construction of an education center to move forward. These projects offer somewhere to go that is safe, able to be enjoyed by all, environmentally friendly, and allows the Foundation to continue exciting and beneficial work that has already started in neighboring schools. Thank you all for your teamwork and collaboration in forming this bill. STATED MEETING 36 1/26/2023 Thank you.
The next speaker is Lisa Mesi, commenting on Resolution 230038, introduced today by Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. (No response.)
The next speaker is Dr. Constance Clayton, commenting today on Resolution No. 230038. (Applause.)
Greetings to our City Council. I am indeed honored that you have been gracious in inviting me to speak before you this day for the anniversary of the 175th anniversary of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, the legendary institution of national STATED MEETING 37 1/26/2023 prominence. While I am not 175 years old, although there are some who may think that, I am a proud alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, which brought a sisterhood spanning almost two centuries of brilliant women who reflected from the walls where excellence was the expectation. I take pride in having had a distinguished career serving the citizens of our city, very aware of the role Girls' High played in instilling in me a "can do" attitude, so necessary in a society where gender limitations often smother the dreams and dash the hopes of countless girls and women, and while girls have gained access to some other academic prestigious schools, and policies have changed, allowing girls to attend the once all-male school building up the street from where the Girls' High is currently located. There is and always will be something about a Girls' High girl, STATED MEETING 38 1/26/2023 fortified by her participation, elevating her work, and reminding her of the benefits of motivating and inquisitiveness and a religious spirit. An inquisitive mind and countless spirit contributed to my work as an educator essentially during my decade as Superintendent. They were the catalyst for my tough questions that I always asked and am still asking in my relentless pursuit of opportunities for all students. I know that my daily encounters with academic vigor while at Girls' High were top of my mind as I pushed for a standardized curriculum to support educational equality in Philadelphia during my tenure. You see, once you have tasted on high expectations as I did at Girls' High, you want to invite others to come to the table. I hope that current and future members of City Council will continue to STATED MEETING 39 1/26/2023 support the current superintendent, Dr. Tony Watlington, and all future superintendents who have had an eye on equitable inputs and outcomes to ensure this Girls' High grad. As I take my final rest, the lessons that I learned while at Girls' High will be a significant part of my legacy to the service of Philadelphia. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you so much, Dr. Clayton. We really appreciate your service, and we appreciate you more than you know. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to -- and I don't know if this is a younger generation that's here, but they may not know who the presence they are in in terms of the STATED MEETING 40 1/26/2023 sweet, gentle young lady who just recently spoke. This is the Honorable Dr. Constance Clayton, former school Superintendent, the most outstanding and best superintendent in the history in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
I was a kid who grew up in South Philadelphia, and through her not only educational prowess but her standards, her standards for all young people, and through her grace and her advocacy around education, I'm able to be a graduate from Mansfield University with a degree in criminal justice with dual minors in philosophy and sociology, a Master's degree in government administration and public finance from Fels Institute of Government, and also went to Harvard Business School and got a certificate in non-profit leadership and board STATED MEETING 41 1/26/2023 management. But I attributed all of my educational background -- and I'm also a public school graduate of Edward Bok High School, Barry Junior High School, and Childs Elementary, and all of that came under the era of Dr. Constance Clayton. So thank you very much for your leadership. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Lisa Mesi, commenting on 230038. (Witness approached podium.)
Greetings, everyone. My name is Lisa Mesi. I am the 20th principal of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, who is celebrating 175 years STATED MEETING 42 1/26/2023 on February 1st. We will continue the celebration through 2023. I am giving my time to one of our fabulous students, the president of our senior class, the Class 267, Ms. Sage Charles. (Applause.)
Good morning. Hi. I would like to share what Girls' High means to me. Girls' High is not only an academic institution but a fond memory to me. At Girls' High, opportunities await with every room entered, every hallway traveled, and every chair sat in. For me it was all these things on my first day freshman year. I was scared. I had no knowledge about like what to expect being at Girls' High. I had arrived early and sat in my advisory alone for some time. Then Anne walked in. She sat right across STATED MEETING 43 1/26/2023 from me, and we sat in silence until I gained enough courage to surpass our shared introverted fear. We talked with one another, where one conversation laid ground for the next, marrying the branches of a tree. As time passed, we became best friends, and are still best friends to this day, conversing in the same tree-like fashion we did when we first met. By lunchtime of my first day, I had a group of friends who I've grown with throughout the years, who I now call my family. With their support, I advanced past the stereotypical labels assigned to young Black women as well as my own limitations, grasping some of the many opportunities Girls' High had to offer. I became senior class president, advanced to varsity volleyball after spending one year on JV, became a Steppingstone Scholar as well as a STATED MEETING 44 1/26/2023 student ambassador, received the Jefferson Book Award from the University of Virginia, became a part of two national honor societies as well as various other organizations that aided in the expansion of my Girls' High family, including the Safe Initiative, where we work to ensure our sisters' safety in our neighborhood, hoping to expand our operation to other schools. At Girls' High I found a second home, just as many others have, creating a sisterhood within a sisterhood, where everywhere you turn, there is always someone who supports you. The Alumni Association have also supported me and my sisters in our journey at Girls' High, introducing us to more opportunities outside of Girls' High to aid us in our professional journeys. Knowing even though I will be physically parting with my sisters this coming June, though I'll be able to support my little sisters through the Alumni Association STATED MEETING 45 1/26/2023 eases the pain of leaving such a fine institution, and knowing my fond memory will always be with me and that my parting signals the beginning of a new generation of Girls' High girls' journeys as proof of ever-listing sisterhood and family. Thank you.
The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes, founder of STATED MEETING 46 1/26/2023 HealthAlertPhilly.org. I support Resolution 210913, but today I'm here to talk about corruption in public health. It is common knowledge that many of our federal agencies are held captive by the very industries they're supposed to regulate. The worst example of this corruption is the National Institute of Health under which the FDA and CDC function. Their financial connections with Big Pharma are so systemic and their advice to doctors is so tainted that the medical profession itself has become one of the leading causes of injury and death, according to a study from Johns Hopkins University last year. The promotion of deadly opioids and harmful COVID vaccines are just the latest examples of this corruption. We also have a long line of other medications and vaccines that have caused untold damage and death, yet rarely does anyone from Big Pharma or these federal STATED MEETING 47 1/26/2023 agencies ever go to jail. Instead, companies like Pfizer are fined billions of dollars, which goes to the federal government, and then they simply continue to go about their deadly business. Worse yet, in the case of childhood vaccines and the COVID vaccines, Big Pharma is shielded from any kind of product liability by Congress. The only legal strategy that might work is litigation based on claims of fraud, which, quite frankly, appears to be Big Pharma's business model. As our public health officials continue to promote toxic drugs and vaccines for pregnant women, babies, children, and adults, especially our military, soaring numbers of people are afflicted with immune dysfunction as well as autism, attention deficit, impulsivity, and other neurological disorders. Brain disorders are a main cause of crime, addiction, suicide, and STATED MEETING 48 1/26/2023 homelessness. This is why it is critical that our public representatives not trust what public health authorities recommend or mandate, such as face masks and vaccines, but instead do their own research and due diligence and then make their own informed decisions. You can learn more at HealthAlertPhilly.org. Thank you very much for your attention.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Katrice Cheaton, commenting on 210396. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Katrice Cheaton, and me and my brother have been homeless now for like nine days STATED MEETING 49 1/26/2023 due to some corruption happening at the Sheriff's Department. So when I saw this resolution about temporary stays on mortgage and tax foreclosure sales, I thought that was a great idea. There also needs to be temporary stays on any evictions before they are serviced or a server notice to the person who has to be evicted. There's been a lot of stuff going on down there that you need to look into before you keep evicting people. Now, we've been in the homeless system. It's been a hot mess for like the last nine days. We don't have a shelter to go to. Everything is overrun. If you don't do anything to stay with these evictions, these mortgage and foreclosure sales, your system is going to be more overrun. You're going to have more problems. You need to get a handle on it now, because it's not fair that -- even though I did get a chance to seek our STATED MEETING 50 1/26/2023 truth, I'm going to speak our truth on Monday. We had to wait until Monday for a trial to seek our truth. What are we supposed to do for four days? Where are we supposed to go? I can't keep sleeping in waiting rooms at the hospital, by their grace and their niceness to us. We have yet to sleep on the vent on the street, but it came really close to that last night. Yet I have a refrigerator full of food going bad at home and two beds to sleep in. Because of corruption down in your different departments, here I stand. And I know my rights. I've been doing community work in the City for years. So if you want to get a handle on what's happening in the City, you should start doing these stays immediately and stop what's going on down there so more people don't end up on the street, because you really can't even handle the people that are there. I ran into some people today STATED MEETING 51 1/26/2023 and they said I challenge every City Councilmember, anybody running for Mayor, to be homeless for a week. Let the Sheriff Department bombard you without notice and make you leave with the clothes on your back, like they did to me and my brother, and then sit on the street for seven days. Y'all need a reality check basically. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Dr. Mary Palmer, commenting on 230038. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Dr. Mary Floyd Palmer. I'm also known as Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer. I am excited to be here today, and how could I possibly follow STATED MEETING 52 1/26/2023 Dr. Constance Clayton? As a proud summa cum laude graduate of the 1980 class of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, known as Class No. 224, I share all of the sentiments that have been expressed thus far in the celebration of our high school's 175th anniversary. My great-great aunt was a graduate in the 1930's, and so my mother made up in her mind that's where I was going. But it was my late father, the Reverend Dr. Melvin Floyd, who was given the opportunity to go to elementary, junior, and high schools under the leadership of Dr. Constance Clayton to help decrease gang war violence and speak to youth in trouble. Because of that open door, he said the only school you can go to is the best school in the City of Philadelphia, ahead of Central, and that was the Philadelphia High School for Girls. My late parents demanded STATED MEETING 53 1/26/2023 excellence of me, as was the standard under the leadership of the inaugural principalship of Dr. Marion Steet, and it was during that time that I had to excel academically in sports as well as in music. I didn't have a moment of nothing else but work, and I was excited, often frustrated, but I'm so grateful that when people see that name, they often already have a standard of expectation and excellence. Excellence was a mandate and something that we must do, and something that I have carried on throughout whatever career I was doing. And I am excited to join the legends of many honorable women who have graduated from my school, and I am proud to be the first female archbishop in the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania, made so in 2019, as well as an international centennial honorary member of the greatest sorority in the STATED MEETING 54 1/26/2023 world, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and a Peace Ambassador for the United Nations. These things would not have been done if I had not been given the opportunity of having an excellent education. So I say to those who have gone before, to Dr. Clayton and others that have led and put a path for us, to the young ones in the room, you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Excellence shouldn't be an exception; it must be your rule, and if so, you will live up to vincit qui se vincit, which honors our school forevermore. Thank you, and have a great rest of the day. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for your testimony. We really appreciate it. STATED MEETING 55 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session for today. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230014.
A resolution approving the reappointment of Wendell Anthony Ewing to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson -Jones. I'm sorry.
We get confused often. Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. STATED MEETING 56 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. 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, 230018.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2337, 2339, and 2349 Greenwich Street; 1709, 1711, 1822R through 34, and 1836 Point Breeze Avenue; 1555 South Ringgold Street; 2445 Federal Street and 2329 Ellsworth Street located in the 2nd District.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 57 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING I now recognize Councilman Johnson for a motion on the resolution.
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 motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230019.
A resolution appointing Albert Littlepage to the board of directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson STATED MEETING 58 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Resolution No. 230019 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 230019 be withdrawn. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Resolution No. 230019 has been withdrawn. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 230021.
A resolution authorizing requests to the Law Department to represent City Council in an appeal from decisions of the Department of Licenses and Inspections to STATED MEETING 59 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment or the License and Inspection Review Board and, if the Law Department declines to render such services to City Council, authorizing the retention of outside counsel to provide such services.
Thank you, Mr. President. 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. Resolution No. 230021 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the STATED MEETING 60 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Bill No. 220918-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of the Philadelphia Zoning Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating a new subsection, entitled "Cobbs Creek Golf Course Overlay District."
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for an amendment to Bill No. 220918-A.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 220918-A. A copy of that amendment has been circulated to all members of City Council, and I'd like to speak on it.
So, first and foremost, I need to thank Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson as Chair of the Environmental Committee who STATED MEETING 61 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING insisted that dialogue happen between community groups that are impacted by this development. I want to secondly thank Member Johnson, who is downstream from the golf course, whose constituents have brought forth issues, concerns that this amendment addresses. I want to thank Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, who has been patiently nudging negotiations between all parties. And I want to thank you, and I'mma tell you why. By entering into these dialogues, we have learned a thing or two about environmental justice and what it truly means and what it purports to Black and brown people and people in general throughout the community. So sometimes in a contentious environment over legislation, you can learn if you listen to each other, and this amendment reflects some of that listening. STATED MEETING 62 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 220918-A has been amended. Bill No. 220918-A, as amended, will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220770.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the measurements of zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Avenue, STATED MEETING 63 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING 64 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Thomas. STATED MEETING 65 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. One second. I see that on my screen I have Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Thomas. Was that a mistake? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220942.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Parkside Avenue, 49th Street, Jefferson Street, and 48th Street STATED MEETING 66 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (extended).
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Councilman Harrity. STATED MEETING 67 1/26/2023 1/26/23 - STATED - 2ND READING