Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:13 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting April 22, 2021
Good morning. We're going to get started. I understand that state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health crisis, 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, the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance will please indicate that they are present, or whatever they may so choose. Also, we want to make sure that your image will be displayed on Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 you speak. Mr. Decker, can you please call the roll.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and City of Philadelphia. I'm so happy to be back and healthy again.
That's what I'm talking about. Good morning, Councilwoman.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia, and Happy Earth Day.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Happy Earth Day. It's always good to be Green in Philadelphia.
Oh, Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 you, Councilman. Good morning.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, colleagues. One small step for a jury; one giant leap for justice. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 here.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and our viewing public.
Good morning, colleagues. I am wearing green for Earth Day, not for my colleague, but it is cold outside, but it is sunny in here.
Good Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 morning, Council Lady.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. And, Councilmember Sanchez, you took my green term out. I am also wearing green today for Earth Day, but I will represent our colleague too, Councilmember Green. So present.
Good morning, Council President. I'm having a little internet issues, so I apologize for that ahead of time, but I'm present. Happy Earth Day, and glad my colleague Councilmember Brooks is better.
And good morning. Today is a brown day for me, brown as in the earth is where it all started. Good morning to all. We have established a quorum and we'll now come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Imam Idris Abdul-Zahir of the Masjidullah. 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.
Let us pray. In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful, all praise is due to God, Lord of all the worlds, Lord of all that is in the heavens and in the earth. We turn to you for guidance. We turn to you for aid. We invoke your blessing on this assembly on this day in this holy month Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 our thanks and gratitude for each member of this assembly, and we further offer our thanks and gratitude for the opportunity that we all have today to come together to work for the benefit of the citizens of this great city. We ask that you bless our efforts and help us to be present with one another, mindful of our purpose, true to the trust bestowed upon us, regardful in how we carry out our duties, and conscious of your ultimate judgment of all that we do. Lord, we ask for healing over our city, for the justice to continue to prevail, for safety and security to be restored, and for prosperity and abundance for all who seek it. We know a great city is a compassionate city that cares for the most vulnerable amongst us. So, Lord, we especially pray for the salvation of our youth. Forgive Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 we have been neglectful of them. Forgive us if we have set a bad example for them. And forgive us if we have failed them. Lead us all out of the depths of darkness into light so that we all might choose peace over violence, love over hate, and hope over despair. For this, we pray. Amine.
The Chair thanks the Imam for his invocation. We really appreciate the spiritual guidance that you give. Thank you. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 15, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 15, 2021 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 15, 2021 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 Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Johnson.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted, let the record reflect. And our next order of business is communications, and I will now ask the Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Eighth Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 152 by striking from the City Plan Sixty-Seventh Street from Upland Street to its terminus northwestwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for public utility purposes within the lines of Sixty-Seventh Street being stricken; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Race Street from North 5th Street to North 4th Street; and making associated changes to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 same limits; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Trades," to modify licensing and conduct requirements applicable to contractors; and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," and Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to revise provisions relating to excavation work and work impacting historic structures, create an excavation contractor license, and institute additional safeguards for property adjoining certain construction activities, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 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 our next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, would you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Councilwoman Parker offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, one resolution, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the creation of a 'Special Committee on City Infrastructure Projects under the American Jobs Plan,' to develop and recommend strategies for implementing, leveraging, and ensuring inclusion in Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 City infrastructure projects funded under the American Jobs Plan."
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia's public gardens."
Councilwoman Gym offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance officially naming and designating the dog park located on the north side of Winter Street between 21st Street and 22nd Street, in the City of Philadelphia, as the "Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park."
Councilman Henon offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Sister Maureen McGarrity for her commitment to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, leadership to Holy Family University and service to Philadelphia."
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Sister Francesca Onley and acknowledging her lifelong commitment to her faith, family, and Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Holy Family University, and Philadelphia.
And a resolution congratulating the St. Huberts Cheerleading team for winning the 2021 PIAA Competitive Spirit State Championship.
And a resolution Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 recognizing Tarik Khan's incredible leadership and contributions to the health and well-being of Philadelphians and extending appreciation and admiration for his efforts to vaccinate Philadelphia residents against COVID-19.
Councilman Jones offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to revise certain provisions of Section 14-504, entitled '/NCO, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.'"
Councilman, did you want to be recognized after the -
After the resolution, okay. Thank you. That will be referred to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 committee.
And a resolution calling for the establishment of a "Philly Youth Act" to reduce gun violence and foster, coordinate, and promote peace treaties amongst our Philadelphia youths.
Thank you, Mr. President. During a committee hearing on gun violence chaired by Councilmember Johnson, one of the things that was brought up and that we talked about was the fact during the '70s when the House of Umoja used to be a part of an anti-violence reduction effort, peace treaties between warring gangs were negotiated. Most recently I was approached, and I won't mention the groups, to have such a negotiation, and I realized that only maybe the Schuler impact had done that in North Philadelphia, but for the most part, we have not been able to get Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 around our table, get to the heart of some of the problems, get young men and women to commit to a period of peace that would possibly even be incentivized by some of the GVI incentives, whether it was access to jobs and other kind of incentives, to come up with a binding peace treaty for a period of time like a summer or even a year. So what I'd like to do is get us to discuss how we could implement that with credible messengers, whether from religious institutions, mosques, churches, whatever, but to get credible messengers with some of the actors at a table to get young people to shake hands and agree not to kill each other. Novel concept that needs to be revisited. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman, for sure. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Green Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to hold hearings regarding the Community Autism Peer Specialist program, also known as CAPS."
And a resolution calling upon the United States Congress to admit Washington, District of Columbia as the 51st state in our Union.
And a resolution calling upon the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reject Senate Bill 257, which would restrict municipalities from addressing climate change through legislating energy and heating infrastructure requirements.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Brooks offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution calling on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to take action to prevent the transportation of liquefied natural gas through the City of Philadelphia; and further calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and/or the Army Corps of Engineers to perform an environmental impact statement of the proposed docking facility in Gibbstown, New Jersey."
Councilman Squilla offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending certain provisions of Chapter 14-502, entitled '/CTR, Center City Overlay District,' to create the 'Mid-Walnut Street Area.'"
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021
Councilwoman Bass offers two bills and one resolution, 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 Broad Street, Erie Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Wissahickon Avenue, Railroad Right-of-Way, Clarissa Street, Juniata Street, Germantown Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard."
And an ordinance amending various chapters of The Philadelphia Code to address matters related to the availability of feminine hygiene projects in City facilities, and making certain technical changes.
And a resolution also naming the 2700 block of North 21st Street "Dr. Ala Stanford Way" to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 recognize, honor, and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Ala Stanford and her dedication to the people of Philadelphia.
Okay. Councilwoman, you wanted to be recognized?
Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Today I introduced a bill that would require libraries, recreation centers, and district health centers to provide free feminine hygiene products to individuals using these facilities. This bill is a major step towards addressing period poverty, which in part refers to the inadequate access to menstrual products. Period poverty affects women across the globe, forcing them to resort to socks, stuffed animals, and other makeshift menstrual products. In the Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 U.S., women struggling with having adequate menstrual hygiene because of a lack of access and a lack of income still exists. Students, low-income women, and homeless women and girls in particular face period poverty. The pink tags also adds to period poverty, because the United States tags its period products as non-essential items. I don't see how that is happening. At the same time, men's grooming products and erectile dysfunction medications are not taxed. Food stamps also don't cover menstrual products. Feminine hygiene products are essential, and period poverty is a human rights issue. Period poverty is something we can fix, and we can fix it now, and I believe it starts here in Philadelphia with making these products available at these facilities. Thank you, Mr. President.
Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Thank you, Councilwoman. And the Ala Stanford resolution will be next week's Calendar.
Councilman Oh offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing April 30th as Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Day as a Symbol of the Contributions of the Vietnamese-American Community in the City of Philadelphia."
And a resolution honoring historian and educator Kerry L. Bryan on the occasion of her 70th Birthday.
And a resolution proclaiming the week of May 7, 2021 to May 15, 2021 as the 11th annual Philly Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Comcast, and honoring the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered by the members today, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Our next order of business will be reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out six bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, can you please read that report.
To the President Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 200348, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to amend certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by creating the '/WCS, West Chestnut Street Overlay District'"; and Bill No. 210159, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled 'Use Regulations,' by amending the Retail Sales Use Category and Use-Specific Standards"; and Bill No. 210207, 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 Cottman Avenue, the Montgomery County Line, the Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Line, Interstate 95, Grant Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard"; and Bill No. 210228, 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 Spruce Street, 5th Street, South Street, and 8th Street"; and Bill No. 210246, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain portions of the land located within an area bounded by Delaware Expressway, Richmond Street, Lewis Street, Delaware Avenue, and Castor Avenue"; and Bill No. 210247, entitled "An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 63rd Street, Lansdowne Avenue, Felton Street, Haddington Lane, Edgewood Street, Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Avenue, 54th Street, Girard Avenue, 59th Street, and Callowhill Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of Bill Nos. 200348, 210159, 210207, 210228, and 210246 and 210247. (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. 200348, 210159, 210207, 210228, 210246, and 210247. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out two bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 210206, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled 'Referenda Approved by the Voters,' by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to pass legislation that will de-criminalize, regulate, and tax the use and sale to adults aged 21 years or older, of cannabis for non-medical purposes"; and Bill No. 210249, entitled "An ordinance amending various chapters of the Philadelphia Code to amend the definitions of certain terms, and provide protections for persons affected by coercive control, including in the context of employment discrimination, employment leave, and housing protections"; and Resolution No. 210215, entitled Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 "Resolution submitting to the electors of the City an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled 'Referenda Approved by the Voters,' by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to pass legislation that will de-criminalize, regulate, and tax the use, and sale to adults aged 21 or older, of cannabis for non-medical purposes," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable 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 Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 210206 and 210249. (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. 210206 and 210249. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution No. 210215 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 2ND READING reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a 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 Final Passage Calendar today.
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. 210337, 210339, 210340, 210341, 210342, 210343, 210345, 210346, 210347, 210348, 210135-A, 200625, and 210226. All other resolutions and bills are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 We will now move to our public comment session, but before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, we'll take a brief five- to ten-minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers that we have for today. We'll take a brief break. (Brief recess.)
Thank you, and good morning again. We will now proceed with our public comment. And now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering resolutions and bills before us today, our public comment will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for 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 Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, your 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 you to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, I think today we're going to actually have three minutes to speak. However, from time to time, you must note that the time limit may vary based on the volume of individuals. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. Once invited to the meeting and 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 Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 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 and to limit the scope of testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for public comment at a meeting. Please be aware that this 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 the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
The first speaker Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 is Jackson Kusiak, commenting on 210342.
Good morning. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Jackson Kusiak and I am speaking today in support of Resolution No. 210342, honoring the Solar Savings Grant Program. I am an employee of Solar States, a Philadelphia-based solar installation and training company, and we have been a partner with the Philadelphia Energy Authority on the Solar Savings Grant Program for the last four years, as we helped develop the program and eventually implement it. It has been a rewarding process to participate in this program, which is making solar more affordable through a grant to individuals in eligible low- and moderate-income households. I think affordability is so important when it comes to the clean Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 energy transition, because for many Philadelphians, solar is still out of reach because of the high cost and the challenges with acquiring capital and loans. With the Solar Savings Grant Program, the cost of solar is reduced dramatically. What we see is when we change the economics of the clean energy, we can also change the demographics and the neighborhood geographics of where solar is being deployed. We've seen -- through this program, we've been able to provide solar for people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and it's been a real joy to be a part of this program. Over 50 participants have been able to get solar through this program, and we've already installed several of them. We're excited to continue this effort and, along with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to increase access to solar and to make sure that solar development continues along the lines of Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 climate justice and environmental justice, keeping in mind that the communities that are most burdened with toxins and environmental threats are often the last to receive the services and the benefits of the clean energy transition. At Solar States, our mission is solar for all, and we want to see that not only in the deployment of solar into the community but also in the training of eligible individuals to learn to become solar installers and to enter the green economy. This is a big part of our mission as a local Philadelphia-based solar installer, and we hope to continue to partner with City Council on great innovative programs like the Solar Savings Grant Program so we can continue to provide solar at an affordable and accessible rate for people across the City of Philadelphia. Thank you so much for your time. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Jeanette Stephens, commenting on 210337.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Giving honor to God. To this assembly of Councilwomen and men, I thank you for this honor to speak for my husband, Frank Stephens, and his accomplishments. Frank was a very humble person. He enjoyed his 38 years with the Free Library of Philadelphia. During his time, he exhibited many well-known artists and writers. They included Marian Anderson and Maurice Sendak. Marian Anderson, he visited her home. He eventually did a portrait of her that looks like she just stepped right out of the portrait. And Maurice Sendak, who Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 did Where the Wild Things Are, he autographed his book and wrote a little character in the front. He had a wonderful career with the Library. We were so proud of him. He was a deacon at Zion Baptist Church where many years Reverend Sullivan and Mrs. Sullivan was head of the church, and when Mrs. Sullivan started the Miniversity, he did all of her publishing work for her and helped her get her Miniversity on the ground and started. He also visited the White House while he was at the Library in his job. He loved his family, and it was wonderful. I guess his parents moved to Philadelphia because the opportunity as the years went by that he went to the Free Library of Philadelphia and had a wonderful career, and his relationship with the staff was tremendous. And even before he passed and he was retired, he kept up with his staff. He also enjoyed doing his Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 artwork at home. The home is filled with his artwork, and he had a major exhibit at Villanova and many other major institutions. Frank was -- during his 89 years of life, he accomplished a lot, and we are so very proud of his accomplishment, and we are just so happy that you have given us this honor to speak with him, and we thank you for your resolution, and may God bless you. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Ms. Stephens, just for the record just state your name, please.
Thank you. Thank you so much. We appreciate your testimony.
The next speaker Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 is Cindy Griffin, commenting on 210348.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Cindy Griffin and I'm speaking in favor of Resolution 210348. I want to thank Councilwoman Bass for raising awareness about the need for additional efforts towards gender equity in sports and putting forth Resolution 210348. The discrepancies that we saw in the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments this spring were certainly alarming. Unfortunately, the discrepancies were in many ways a symptom of a much bigger problem in sports. First, while we saw the visible inequalities in weight rooms for athletes and swag bags at the men's tournament versus the women's basketball tournament, the issues in basketball run much deeper. For example, media contracts and the Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 difference in value, the NCAA governance structure, the branding of the event; for example, women do not use March Madness, and then attendance. Women's tournaments are in NBA arenas versus the men's tournaments, which are often in domes. And then there's the case of the men's basketball unit, which is distributed throughout the conferences, and there's no units for women's basketball. Without these units, it leaves incentives for women's basketball to have more success in this area. Can the structure be changed over time? And, second, while the tournament inequities appropriately led people to point the finger at the NCAA, gender equity issues are not unique to the NCAA. For example, if you're looking at pro and national teams, the WNBA rookie salary coming out is 57,000 as opposed to an NBA rookie salary which starts at 3.4 million, with a guaranteed three-year contract. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 And then there's the U.S. women's national soccer team versus the men's national team. Megan Rapinoe, who is an advocate for equal pay, said, Men are often compensated on the potential that they show, not necessarily what they have done. And women are so often paid on what they have actually done, which normally they outperform their contract. Maybe more importantly, the media, and the same media to blame the NCAA, can often go a day without mentioning women's sports in their outlets, ESPN and newspapers. And, last, coaching is another disparity, which may be one of the most notable forms of sex discrimination in employment, where women have almost a zero percent of coaching men, but men have a 50 percent or greater chance of coaching women. There's a tremendous amount of work to be done, but it needs to start with acknowledging the issues. On behalf Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 of myself and St. Joseph's University, we thank you for starting the conversation here in Philadelphia.
Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
This is Jenny Greenberg. I am the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, Philadelphia's land trust for the protection of community managed open spaces. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak today and extend my special thanks to Councilmembers Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Jamie Gauthier, and Mark Squilla for co-sponsoring the Earth Day resolution recognizing two of the amazing community gardens that NGT has the honor of working Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 with, the Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden and Growing Home Gardens. The hard work, vision, and perseverance of the hundreds of community residents who cultivate and steward these spaces truly deserve our profound respect and celebration. Community gardens serve an essential function in our city. They've been shown to support mental and physical health and to reduce neighborhood violence. They provide opportunities for residents to grow healthy, affordable food and to spend time de-stressing in nature. They reduce urban heat, and they're a vehicle for community building and for self-determination. This most challenging past year has reinforced more than ever how vital these spaces are and that we can't afford to lose any more of them to development. Just this week, I learned of another West Philadelphia garden that was lost at Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 sheriff sale, which is heartbreaking. We need to continue to work together to make the future of these share-growing spaces a priority. A well-funded and high-capacity (inaudible) prioritizes open space, as well as resolving the City's situation with U.S. Bank liens is critical. Next you're going to hear from Elizabeth Warring about how this issue is playing out at the Holly Street Neighbors Garden, which is in serious jeopardy with three privately owned parcels of land. The Growing Homes Garden, which is also being honored today, serves over 100 refugee families and was almost lost on multiple occasions when developers acquired parcels and threatened to build houses on the garden. Through five years of incredible partnership between Councilman Squilla and NGT, SEAMAAC, and the City's landholding agencies, we were able to secure and preserve all of the land, and now it's permanently protected Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 open space where stewards can plant their spring seedlings with peace of mind knowing they will not lose access to the land. In closing, thank you for recognizing the value of community gardens on Earth Day, and we look forward to working with you all year long to ensure these precious spaces like Holly Street Neighbors Garden and Growing Home and so many others can be saved to shape a sustainable, equitable, and livable future for all Philadelphians. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Elizabeth Warring, commenting on 210339.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021
Good morning. My name is Elizabeth Warring and I've been managing the Holly Street Garden. I'm in support of the resolution for the garden to be a living memorial to Winnie Harris, who with neighbors, friends, and other gardeners brought to the garden in 2005 her mission to ensure to build community around greening, education, and gardening. At Winnie's home-going service in 2017, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell promised the preservation of the Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden into the Neighborhood Garden Trust. Since then, we have been maintaining the garden, growing and many upkeeps of the garden. To date, as far as I know, there are two parcels that are still in limbo. Developers get it into the Philadelphia land swap, and about three years ago, one of the developers vandalized the garden. So I am hoping Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 that the Land Bank can expedite the land swap with the developers very soon and also for the City to satisfy the lien to secure the garden. And we also are anti-gun violence. We're praying and we're all praying for renewed mindset to love ourselves and each other. So with that, in closing, I'd like to thank you, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, Councilman Squilla, and Gauthier.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
My name is Chris Spahr. Good morning, Council President Clarke and Philadelphia City Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Councilmembers. Happy Earth Day, and thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Resolution 210342 honoring the Philadelphia Energy Authority's Solar Savings Grant Program. I'm the Executive Director of the Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation located in the East Parkside neighborhood of West Philadelphia. The Centennial Parkside CDC is a partner on the Solar Savings Grant Program, as we raised $220,000 to finance this project through donations from the William Penn Foundation and Spark Therapeutics, with the help of tax credits and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. We did this because we believe that low-income communities like our neighborhood in East Parkside should be on the forefront of battling climate change. Yet environmental innovations that can support this effort are often out of reach of these communities due to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 the high cost of implementation. We believe that programs such as the Philadelphia Energy Authority's Solar Savings Grant Program provides the opportunity for low-income families to be at the forefront of the battle for climate change and help to provide a valuable cost savings to families that struggle with energy insecurity. This program also supports jobs in the solar energy sector, as we heard form Solar States earlier, as well as provide economic development opportunities for low-income communities like ours. We look forward to continuing to support Philadelphia's low-income population by continuing to be a partner on this program, and I am grateful to Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for introducing this resolution. This is the conclusion of my testimony. If you have any questions, I'm happy to take them at this time. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is I. Tyrone Jackson, commenting on 210342.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is I. Tyrone Jackson. I'm in support of Resolution 210342, and as mentioned earlier, I'm one of the low-income individuals who was able to benefit from Solar States as a person who lives in West Philadelphia and is a person who is in a community that is relatively low income. It's really important to make sure that Solar States is able to service these communities, because at the lowest end of the spectrum, it's really important for wide adoption to make sure Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 that we can actually turn around some of the things that are damaging our planet environmentally and for climate change just to make sure that, again, at that level we can make sure that people are being serviced. I'm able to see in my community that by going green, they're able to uplift each other with jobs, insight, and access, as those are important for growth in Philadelphia and for the future of Philadelphia. So I hope that's done.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, Honorable Councilmembers. I'm Mahvish Ilyas with the Philadelphia Energy Authority. I'm speaking to support the Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 resolution honoring the Solar Savings Grant Program, Resolution No. 210342. The Philadelphia Energy Authority, also known as PEA, is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance energy affordability and sustainability for Philadelphia. PEA has facilitated over $167 million in clean energy projects since launching the Philadelphia Energy Campaign in 2016, creating more than 1,700 jobs. I'm really excited to be joining the City Council today to celebrate Earth Day and to announce the outcomes of our Solar Savings Grant Program. PEA's Solar Savings Grant Program is the City's first solar program for low- and moderate-income households. The program offers rooftop solar installations at no up-front cost to (inaudible) subsidy and low-cost financing. We designed this program to address barriers for renting low- and Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 moderate-income households to go solar, knowing that these households would benefit the most from electric bill savings and local job creation. LMI households and people of color often lack access to affordable energy provided by rooftop solar. Through the pilot phase of the program, PEA facilitated 50 low- and moderate-income households to go solar from across 26 City zip codes with household incomes less than 80 percent of the area median income. The program delivers those savings starting in year one. I'd really like to thank our program partners who made this initiative possible, including the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Solar States, Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation, the William Penn Foundation, Spark Therapeutics, and the National Energy Improvement Fund. Thank you so much, Councilwoman Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 Katherine Gilmore Richardson, for introducing the resolution to celebrate the City's first LMI solar initiative. The Philadelphia Energy Authority is committed to supporting Philadelphia to transition to green energy at the pace required by climate crisis in a way that benefits are shared equitably in the City's low- and moderate-income communities. Our goal is to support 10,000 LMI households to go solar by 2026. I wanted to mention that the Solar Savings Grant Program is a part of Solarize Philly, the largest initiative of its kind in the country. Since the launch of the program in 2017, over 750 homes have gone solar. We will be reopening Solarize Philly for its fifth phase soon with offering for LMI households, so I look forward to collaborating with the City Council to spread the word about the program. Thank you so much, and happy to Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING answer any questions.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session. 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. 210337.
A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Frank L. Stephens, Jr., and recognizing his work at the Free Library of Philadelphia and his dedication to elevating Black Art and Stories.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. 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, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210339.
A resolution honoring and recognizing community garden leaders for their stewardship and service on the occasion of Earth Day 2021.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion. Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank all of those who provided public comment in support of this resolution, and I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210340.
A resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia Office of Fleet Management to develop and Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING execute a Request for Proposals for additional electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure for such vehicles in the City of Philadelphia's fleet.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our resolution is Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210341.
A resolution recognizing April 22, 2021 as Earth Day in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On the occasion of Earth Day, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210342.
A resolution honoring and thanking the Philadelphia Energy Authority for its Solar Savings Grant Program.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. And I quickly wanted to take this time to thank you for your foresight and insight in establishing PEA, to Emily and their entire team for their steadfast hard work on the Solar Savings Grant Program. And with that, Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
You've Stated Meeting April 22, 2021 4/22/21 - STATED - 2ND READING been working, Councilwoman. I second it.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210343.
A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Donald McGrogan, and recognizing his lifelong dedication to family, friends, and advancing the labor movement of Philadelphia.