Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
There are no more resolutions in my possession, Council President.
That completes our Calendar for today. Before we go into any speeches, I just want to acknowledge the young people who came down here to testify regarding the climate change resolution are still here. Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
A lot of us, if not all of us inside this room, started as young activists advocating in this body of democracy, coming down here being disrupters but fighting for a cause, which led us to our path. I think about the young Curtis Jones and Chaka Fattah and how they got so, I just want to acknowledge the young people who have come down who very well in the future may be sitting inside this very same room advocating around climate change policy. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? (No response.)
All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Majority? He's getting smart. Councilmember Phillips.
Just a brief announcement on behalf of your office as well as our office. Property Tax Relief Workshop this coming Monday, September 30, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. in the 9th District at Finley Recreation can save money on real estate taxes. You're going to get inperson assistance to determine which program is right for you. So we look forward to seeing everybody on Monday, September 30th at Finley Rec from 6:00 to 8:00. Myself and Council President are hosting a property tax relief workshop so come on out, folks.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Council President, colleagues, thank you. I would just like for Jocelyn to stand up for a minute so we can give her a little round of applause. (Applause.)
Yeah, that's right, Wynnefield. Anyone who is elected or an activist or goes to church should be familiar with Jocelyn. She is always volunteering for everything that comes down, from being a volunteer at her church to volunteering on campaigns to actually handing out the programs at Sunday Mass and singing in the choir. And again, we should honor people when they're here and I could never thank this sister enough for what she actually did for me running around on the ground when I was running. So thank you, Jocelyn. (Applause.)
you, Jocelyn. You do be out there hustling. I ain't know whose staff you was on down here. Keep up the good work, Jocelyn. Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to also mention that in the 8th Council District we also are doing a workshop on property tax relief with your office this coming Tuesday, October 1st, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Triumph Baptist Church which is at 1648 West Hunting Park Avenue, which is Hunting Park and Germantown Avenue. So we want folks to come out, get resources, come meet folks at the resource tables with different agencies. We had an event last Tuesday at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mt. Airy and we had a the Department of Revenue. We had Community Legal Services. We had the Register of Wills' Office and others and it was a really great turnout. So we want folks to come out, take advantage of these services and if you're worried or concerned at all about your real estate taxes, you really should come. So thank you, Mr. President, for your partnership on this matter and look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On the housekeeping side, we in the 4th District will be 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival at 54th and Berks Street. It is free. There is boxing. There is music. There is double dutch and I challenge my colleagues to remember those days and come out. There's a dunk tank and the realest podcast ever. We'll be doing a podcast out there talking about current events. Come on out and have a good time. There'll be 20 food trucks, even vegan. We did that just for you. So come out and enjoy. On Tuesday we will be hosting a nonpartisan, nonpartisan, watch party at the Container Village from 6:00 to 9:00-ish, whenever they get done, but that's also free food, fun. We have KeithFromUpDaBlock, the comedian who does live interventions on hilarious, political satire. So popcorn, red and blue, whichever you choose. So on a serious-er note though, we were out in Chicago together. And again, I was challenged by State Representative Morgan Cephas because in my opinion, sororities and other women's groups are running circles around Black men, in particular the brothers from the barbershop. And so, the challenge was if you think we're moving too fast and leaving you behind, figure out an agenda and keep up. Challenge made, challenge accepted. So in my research I was also in Jeffrey Young's District at OIC'S mall and I ran into a young man on the way out who knew I was an elected official, and he was one of those barbershop guys that really isn't engaged, really feels left behind, really feels not a part of going forward for people. But what I discovered in talking to some of my staff who come from rural Pennsylvania, there's a lot in common there. When a factory closes, they feel left behind and is this for me, my future and where do I fit in. So I went and talked to the guy and I found out he lives right across the street literally from Temple in the projects. And he said to me, every day he watches students. He lives in the shadow of opportunity, the shadow of opportunity. And so, he watches young people, deserving students go in and out of class, matriculate through the class, wind up with degrees, jobs and a future. In his mind he's being left behind. Out of the 19,000 students in the freshman class in all of the year, only 12 percent come from Philly. Out of that 12 percent, how many of them are poor, how many of them are African American, how many of them are males like this man. He doesn't get a job there, he doesn't get a scholarship from there. There's no care packages coming there. There's only watching and living in the shadow of opportunity as it passes him by. So we have to engage with this resolution introduced today. There's some people getting it right. There's some universities that get it right. I would point to, again in your District, Member Young, Community College. Their connectivity to the surrounding community and people within the working and poorer classes is exemplary. They have classes that they offer in different schools. auto shop, more kids come through there and wind up working for the City of Philadelphia than any other program in the city combined. The Mayor talks about and I'm looking forward to a municipal university, where they teach young people how to get jobs in the Streets Department, in the Gas Works, on the electric poles, that they have a real pathway to those opportunities that seem to be passing them by at the university. But it's not just Temple. You can go to Lasalle.
It's Morton Homes right around the corner. There's a kid sitting on the steps right now watching the students pass them by. University of Penn there down, The Bottom, and they don't know how to figure out how to get up top. So what I want to do with this hearing is just say, what are communities and others are doing and what are some of the universities that might need a little help to figure it out. And let's get them, take them from each other to knit a cloth so that our young people aren't disenchanted about the process. This kid said, I'm not even voting, it ain't for me. We got to change that narrative. We got to turn them around by showing them that pathway of opportunity to a successful life, a life worth living. Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. foremost, I want to thank my colleagues today for allowing me a little bit more time on the presentation today with Erika Alexander. I just think that she is someone who deserves that, but it wasn't necessarily just for Erika Alexander. For me that was to show the greatness of folks who come from our city, the Girls' High graduates that I know like the Vice-president of Community Education at Ensemble Danielle Allen; Executive Director of PhilAbundance Loree Jones; Executive Director and Chief Council for the State Appropriations Committee Courtney Richardson; Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, these are names of women who are from our city who do great things for our city who continue to show what we have to offer, so it was for those President, I want to thank you as well for partnering with me at the Property Tax Assessment Workshop in Center City with CCRA. We got some great information out to those folks in the community. And I know every Council, particularly District Councilmembers, are going out throughout their Districts letting folks know what programs exist for them. There's a program out there for you. If you own a property in the city of Philadelphia, there is a program out there for you that can provide some relief on your property taxes. Special deadlines are coming up. October 7th is a deadline to file for the appeal. I encourage everyone to file an appeal if you believe that your assessment is inaccurate. October 7th is the deadline to file an appeal. It is free. Speaking of housing, on this Saturday there is the PHDC Housing Fair in North Philadelphia at 15th and Montgomery where there will be folks talking about affordable housing opportunities, mortgage opportunities and everything housing will be at this fair on Saturday if you can attend. 15th and Montgomery on Temple University campus. Please show up. Also, on Saturday my office will be doing a community cleanup right near Temple University between Berks Street and Diamond Street from 16th to 20th in the 32nd Ward. If you're available to come volunteer, please come volunteer. m. at 16th and Berks. m. m. It is a safe space for teenagers for tomorrow and throughout the month of October every single Friday. This is a place where teenagers in North Philadelphia can go to feel safe, to have activities. m. This last weekend I went to the Janazah of Alaysia Smith. She was a 13-year-old who was shot in the chest and killed in North Philadelphia. And I was heartbroken while I was there. I went in between the lovely service of our Chair Appropriations Committee Jordan Harris, his wife. I had to step out to go to this Janazah, but I was brought to tears literally outside because these were little kids, 12-, 13-, 14-year-old children crying, hurting, full of trauma because one of their friends, one of their loved ones, a 13-year-old girl was shot and killed. And just looking around, the folks that are out there are folks who look just like me, right. Why is it again that our communities are the only communities that have to continuously experience this trauma of gun violence. And for the life of me I'm trying to figure that out and trying to figure out solutions to this. So, Mr. President, as I continue to work day-in and day-out in this body we're going to be putting forth programs and shouting positive places like the teen space at Mander Rec Center on Fridays for teenagers to go to feel safe, because we should not be the only go through this. Why are we going through this day-in and day-out.
And so, that's the core of why I'm here to figure out that issue, to find solutions to that particular issue. And on a little personal note to folks who are testifying, there are a lot of us who don't have to take SEPTA to see homelessness, drug use and poverty because it's in the neighborhoods that we live in. So I just want to put that out there as well. And, Mr. President, I also want to thank and congratulate Councilmember Thomas for putting forth the resolution honoring Andre and Keith. I look forward to working with both of them. Keith represents the 195th District, which his District encompasses my District as well. And also, the resolution we today, thanking my colleagues honoring Benny Golson, a North Philadelphia native. , Mission Impossible, the Partridge Family and other movies, shows, one of the world-renowned jazz artists that come from our city. He was friends with -- his friends was John Coltrane, right, and the like. So I want to honor his family, honor his memory, his legacy, the legacy of music that comes from this city. We are a musical city and we need to honor the history and legacy of that. And thank you so much, Mr. President, for your time today.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
Good afternoon, Council President. A couple things real quick. First, after Council today Mural Arts would like to invite all members to Room 491 for some framed photos of murals for every office. So if there's an opportunity to help improve the beautiful offices that already exist as it relates to Councilmembers, I've been to all your offices, they're amazing, there's a quick gift there for Councilmembers from Mural Arts. I want to say thank you to Mural Arts for participating in that initiative. I also want to take a moment to thank BET. For those who don't know, my office worked with Senator Vincent Hughes's office and a number of organizations to put on a Get Out To Vote concert as well as a panel discussion focusing on encouraging Black men to get out to BET for coming to Philadelphia and all the local artists who were able to perform at the Met. It was a phenomenal event. We had lots of young people. And again, the goal is to push and encourage as many people as possible to participate in this November's election. In that same spirit, on Tuesday we will be working with Councilmember Curtis Jones, Councilmember Kendra Brooks and a few other elected officials, Senator Hughes as well as State Rep. Roni Green at the Sixth Man Center and a few other organizations to put together another Get Out To Vote initiative that'll take place from 5:00 to 8:00, 4200 Wissahickon Avenue. And again, the goal is to provide free resources, services and programs, but really push citizens across the vote. And this effort on Tuesday is focused on young people. I also want to take a moment to thank, because we haven't been in Council since then, all of the people who partnered with our office to put together what I would like to call a historic gaming event that we did on September 14th. We had a panel discussion at that event. And it was news presented to me, colleagues, that the gaming industry generates more revenue in a year than the music industry and the movie industry combined. Billions of dollars are being accumulated by the gaming industry, and it is my focus along with my colleagues on City Council to make Philadelphia the home for gaming. When you think about other industries and where you travel be able to have your talents mature, we want people all across the country to come to Philadelphia for gaming. We already have a phenomenal annual event that we do every year. We also thank Drexel University. For those who don't know, Drexel has one of the best gaming programs in the entire country as it relates to degrees that young people can get. And we are already on the cusp of doing it. So the work will continue. There will be more things coming out of my office specifically around gaming, and we're going to push to make Philadelphia the home city and the entire country for the gaming industry and the gaming business. So thank you all for your support with that initiative. And I definitely have to give a shout-out to my Chief of Staff Dom gaming connoisseur as it relates to the work that we're doing. Last but not least, I have to take a moment to thank -- well, I want to start actually by thanking former Councilmember Helen Gym. For those who don't know, about two years ago former Councilmember Helen Gym and I had a meeting as she was looking to depart City Council and she talked to me about some of the issues that we were facing in the prison.
And she had began working on a Philadelphia Prisons Community Oversight Board and the work wasn't complete by the time she was prepared to step away from this body. And so, my team decided to take on this huge project which we've been working on for two years in collaboration with the Office, the Prison Society, the District Attorney, Amistad Law Center and a coalition of 36 other groups who recognize the problems that we have with the prisons here in the City of Philadelphia. I also want to take a moment to thank Mayor Parker and her entire Administration. Prior to the bill being even introduced, we've had multiple meetings with the Administration about the issues that are taking place in the prisons. And let's be honest, these issues existed long before our current Mayor became the Mayor, before our current Administration was in place. And I appreciate their commitment to working with this legislative body to try our best to rectify these issues as it relates to the concerns for both the prisoners as well as the people prisons. I want to thank all of my colleagues on City Council for co-sponsoring this bill, including you, Council President. We have 16 co-sponsors for this particular legislation which communicates to me the sense of urgency around the issues that we're facing in the prison and the need to see some type of change. I especially want to thank Councilmember Mike Driscoll because this issue is flat out in his District. And before even coming to City Council, he's been advocating and fighting for change as a state legislator. And I also want to thank Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke and his staff for working closely with my staff over the last three months to get this bill in the final stage and we're looking forward to engaging the the advocates and all parties and stakeholders who truly care about what's going on, to figure out what is the happy compromise as it relates to making sure that we have the proper oversight for our prisons and ensuring that all people who enter and leave those facilities are safe. During my first term and into my second term in City Council we've seen and heard some of the most horrific stories that I personally will never forget as it relates to things that have happened in the prison. So I'm excited to know that there's an appetite to see some type of change and we're looking forward to working with the number of different stakeholders to bring about that change. I think that's it for me, for the opportunity. And, colleagues, I apologize for being long-winded so late in the afternoon. You know that's not me, but I think that we had some important announcements and this is possibly a historic legislation that can really change how our prisons are essentially watched over. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilmember Thomas. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. And echoing what my colleagues have said about our youth in our city and what they are facing, I want to start at the beginning. And today I introduced a resolution recognizing September 2024 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month. This is the beginning for our residents in Philadelphia when they are born and the infant mortality rate in Philadelphia is alarmingly high with 8.4 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to the national average 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births which is also unacceptable. Both of these numbers are unacceptable, and these rates are even higher for Black and Brown infants. While bringing awareness to this issue, it is crucial my office also recognizes the need for structural change. We have been continuing our work to address the maternal and infant mortality crisis and implicit bias in Philadelphia throughout collective action and conversations with crucial stakeholders and ultimately legislation. to addressing the underlying social determinance of health and supporting mothers, birthing people and children postpartum. And I thank all my colleagues for sharing this vision for Philadelphia families. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Nina. And as always, Members, a great job, hard work, Mr. Thomas and Nina and Jeffrey Young and Kathy and Phillips and everyone who put forth legislation today to move our great City of Philadelphia forward. At this particular time -the Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Council President. I think this is an of us in our city. On Tuesday, October 1st the Streets and Services Committee along with the Public Safety Committee will be holding a hearing on illegal street racing and also the denial of block party permits in our communities. So if anyone of the public wish to testify on those two matters, please come down to City Hall, Room 400 at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Thank you, Mr. President.
Okay. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Council President, real quick before I make motion, today we recognize -- I know I'm killing y'all. I'm killing y'all --
I know. But today real quick, Council President, we recognized a number of organizations for the work that they do with infants and diapers and I forgot to recognize Ms. Teresa Duncan who has sat here for about four or five hours listening to the entire session. Ms. Duncan is with the Center for Leadership and she comes to every event that we do and provides free resources to mothers and children, and this resolution today that was introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau celebrates multiple organizations. But I had to. I'm sorry, Council President. I just wanted to take a you to Teresa specifically for all the work that she does and let her know we appreciate her.
With that being said, Council President, I make a motion that City Council stands adjourned until Thursday, October 10th at 10:00 a.m. properly. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. B. C. D. H. C. m. org. N. S.
com/watch-city-council/ Public comment will be received in-person regarding those matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. m. the day before the meeting and they must submit the following information: Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling) Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be addressed State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or resolution Telephone number where you can be reached Speakers may also sign-up to participate in public comment on the day of the meeting in Room 400, City Hall. Speakers who submitted the above information within the required time frame will be added to the list. Speakers will have up to three minutes to speak; the Council President, however, reserves the right based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The Council President may also limit testimony where repetitious comments are offered on an agenda item. City of Philadelphia -1- CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, September 26, 2024 ORDER OF BUSINESS IN A COUNCIL SESSION Note: Some items do not occur at every session: Invocation. Approval of the journal of the preceding meeting. Requests by Councilmembers for permission to be absent from the session. Reading of communications from the Mayor. Introduction of bills and resolutions (to be referred to appropriate Committees of Council). Reports from Committees of Council. Special business. Bills on first reading. Public comment on bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars - titles are printed below. Bills that Council passed but that need to be returned by the Mayor for reconsideration. Consideration of bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Bills and resolutions on the Suspension Calendar. Speeches by Councilmembers. City of Philadelphia -2- CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, September 26, 2024 . BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE 240724 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution calling upon the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to strengthen enforcement against illegal activity in merchants that impact neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia. 240751 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Phillips Resolution renaming Stenton Avenue and Washington Lane to "Isabella Fitzgerald Way" to honor her significant impact on the community. 240752 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Phillips Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5019 N. Camac Street in the Ninth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. 240754 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Jones Resolution renaming the 5800 block of Oxford Street “Fred Rosenfeld Way” to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Frederick C. Rosenfeld for his outstanding contributions to youth sports in Philadelphia. 240757 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Landau Resolution calling on The School District of Philadelphia to expand SEPTA Student Fare Passes to all students for usage at all times, and regardless of their residential distance from schools. City of Philadelphia -3- CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, September 26, 2024 240760 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Lozada Resolution authorizing The Special Committee on Kensington to convene and explore best practices in substance use disorder outreach and to investigate the effectiveness of current methods used by the City of Philadelphia and its partners. 240764 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Brooks Resolution condemning the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the criminalization of homelessness in Grants Pass v. Johnson, and reaffirming the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to housing as a human right.
240766 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember O'Rourke Resolution affirming the City of Philadelphia’s ongoing commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, urging the federal government to support this initiative by entering into treaty discussions, and committing the City to prioritizing a fair and equitable clean energy transition. 240768 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember O'Rourke Resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1283, Susan’s and Emily’s Law, to empower municipalities to create parking protected bike lanes on state-owned roads. 240769 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1900 E. Lehigh Avenue located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. City of Philadelphia -4- CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, September 26, 2024 240770 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2134-36 E. Clearfield Street in the 1st Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. 240771 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2248 Ruffner Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. 240772 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1532 W. Loudon Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. 240773 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 423-27, 429-39 (incl. 429-39 Rear) East Ashmead Street; 226, 260, 278, 313 (a/k/a 313-15) East Bringhurst Street; 49 East Earlham Street; 4635 Germantown Avenue; 30 Good Street; 5608, 5618, 5619, 5642, 5669 Heiskell Street; 4946 Keyser Street; 5514, 5515, 5642 Morton Street; 6672, 6674 Musgrave Street; 53 East Pastorius Street; 207 East Penn Street; 248 East Phil Ellena Street; 42, 44 Reger Street; 35 East Seymour Street; 227, 261, 263 East Sharpnack Street; 218, 326, 342, 343 Shedaker Street; 4951, 4957, 4961, 4975 Sheldon Street; 111, 112 East Springer Street; and 4925, 5222 Wakefield Street in the 8th Councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. City of Philadelphia -5- CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, September 26, 2024 240776 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5803 Knox Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE 240242 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmembers Jones and Gilmore Richardson An Ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by amending Section 14-524, entitled “/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District”, to establish use regulations on medical facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
240427 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Young An Ordinance amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Nonconformities,” by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses; all under certain terms and conditions. City of Philadelphia -6-