Stated Meeting 1 4/27/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 27, 2023 10:41 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA 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 4/27/2023
Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. We have a quorum and we will get started. We will start with our invocation. And the invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Douglas Carpenter of Philadelphia Prayer, Praise, and Worship Center Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Vaughn. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Good morning to each of you, and Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Vaughn, thank you for this privilege. Lord God, our Father, we have been instructed in the Bible to pray for those who have charge over us and for those who have responsibility for us. We come today, oh God, praying Stated Meeting 3 4/27/2023 Council, every Councilperson, their families, their staff, and their constituents and all that they have been elected, selected, and appointed to do. Give them the wisdom, the courage, the love, the mercy, the grace to be able to legislate and implement what is needed to be a blessing to the citizens and to the City of Philadelphia. God, as they handle their assignments, please allow them to be able to develop plans and ideas to address the issues and the complexities of inclusivity and diversity, the challenges of safety and security. God, we pray that you empower them to be effective and equitable in all that they do and that by working together is a win-win for all of us here in the City of Philadelphia. Bless this election, oh God, and the next Mayor's Administration. We ask all these things for your glory and in your son's name. Stated Meeting 4 4/27/2023 (Amen.)
Pastor, thank you so much for you invocation. We really appreciate it. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Again, thank you, Pastor. Thank you so much for your spiritual guidance this morning. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 20th, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 20th, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Stated Meeting 5 4/27/2023 Thursday, April 20th, 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 the members of Council, there is a request for leave of absence from Member Brooks.
Thank you, Councilman. Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Brooks has been granted a leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting 6 4/27/2023 -- Councilwoman Bass for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that 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 returning a bill or resolution from the Stated Meeting 7 4/27/2023 that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Bass 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 ayes have it, and the motion passes. Stated Meeting 8 4/27/2023 of business is communications, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
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 recommendations of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 230273 and 230276; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 25, 2023, I signed all the bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 13, 2023.
And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 759, 761, 763, 773, 779, and 783 Pallas Street and 4041 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting 9 4/27/2023 dispose of 815 West Firth Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1739 South 5th Street; 1919 South 6th Street; 2612 South 9th Street; 411, 418, 424, 432 through 34, 624, and 626 Cantrell Street; 424 and 426 Mercy Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 2338 North 31st Street; 2340 North 31st Street; 2408 North 31st Street; 2410 North 31st Street; 2412 North 31st Street; 2500 North 31st Street; 2401 North 32nd Street, 2549-1/2 North 32nd Street (also known as 2551 North 32nd Street); 3230 through 38 Diamond Street; 3010 West York Street; 3012 West York Street; 3014 West York Street; 3013 West York Street; 3015 West Stated Meeting 10 4/27/2023 Street; 3108 West York Street; 3110 West York Street; 3112 West York Street; 3200 West York Street; 3202 West York Street; 3204 West York Street; 3206 West York Street; 3214 West York Street; 3222 West York Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 621, 623, 625, 637, 917 Diamond Street; 924, 927, 928, 936 Edgley Street; 926, 928 French Street; 2106, 2112, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2151, 2166, 2170, 2172, 2215, 2217, and 2219 North Franklin Street; 2112, 2130, 2144, and 2214 North Marshall Street; 2105, 2107, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2119, 2121, 2123, 2140, 2143, 2146, and 2150 North Percy Street; 904, 910, 912 West Susquehanna Avenue; 2102, 2109, 2114, 2126, 2128, 2130, 2131, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2150, 2210 North 7th Street; 2101, 2113, 2121, 2155, 2167 through 69, 2201 North 8th Street; 2124, 2126, 2132, 2150, 2165 North 9th Street; 2121 North Stated Meeting 11 4/27/2023 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2148, 2150, 2154, 2156 East Birch Street; 2032 East Lehigh Avenue; 2055, 2157 East Rush Street; 2154, 2155, 2156, 2157, 2158, 2159, 2160, and 2161 East Stella Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office of People with Disabilities, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, to eliminate a duplicative office and to other otherwise provide for incorporation of the Office into the City government; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting 12 4/27/2023 fee simple title to 268 Diamond Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to provide public sewer service, in the 1200 block of North Newkirk Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to provide public sewer service, in the 2900 block of Waterloo Street; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of an Office for People with Disabilities, to provide for the powers and duties of such Office, to Stated Meeting 13 4/27/2023
OF BILLS eliminate a duplicative office and to otherwise provide for the incorporation of the Office into the City government; and An ordinance authorizing the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District to own, operate and maintain certain lighting encroachments along the 400 and 500 blocks of 2nd Street in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. It seems like a lot of activity that will be happening very shortly. Thank you. Thank you. That concludes our communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by our members.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a privileged Stated Meeting 14 4/27/2023 resolution authorizing hearings in the Committee on the Environment to evaluate the environmental justice impacts of the City's waste management practices and potential alternatives to the City's contract with Covanta Delaware Valley LP.
Councilman Thomas offers three resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, the students of Northeast High School, who established Afro Day when students wear their hair naturally to eliminate the historical stigmas associated with Black hair.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the use of an independent authority to bond and manage the school facilities modernization that safety calls for and Stated Meeting 15 4/27/2023 students, parents, teachers and communities deserve.
Thank you, Council President. First and foremost, good morning to everybody. Good morning to the listening public. I have some very special guests here who I'm going to talk about a little bit later. They're also going to testify. And that's some amazing students from Northeast High School. So I'm looking forward to hearing from them and to talk about them a little bit later, but I did want to make a few remarks about, first and foremost, we have the Penn Relays happening. I want to give a shout-out to all of the folks who made that great event happen. Whenever we can have young people involved in positive activity as well as people coming to our city, that's a dual win for us here in the City of Stated Meeting 16 4/27/2023 Philadelphia. But thinking about those same young people who are involved in the extracurricular activities, the facilities that they're in and the schools that they go to, it's no secret to the people in the City of Philadelphia that we have some issues. This week we introduced a resolution to begin the conversation around what does it look like to have a separate entity who is focused on the facilities crisis that we're facing, not only collecting dollars but implement the plan that we come up with to address our facilities. Council President, I want to thank you for your leadership as it relates to this idea, because between you and former Councilwoman Maria Sanchez, this seed was planted long before I even thought about this initiative. So I don't want to make it seem like this is my idea, but I think it's the right idea. Stated Meeting 17 4/27/2023 So your leadership and former Councilwoman Sanchez's leadership is what got us to this point where we have this concept. And I'm hoping that the conversation signals to Harrisburg, right, that we need as much dollars as they're willing to give us to address the facilities crisis, and every dollar that they give us will be spent on our schools. Thank you, Council President, and thank you, colleagues, for supporting this resolution.
Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Sanchez and I had a conversation and we agreed that we would hand it off to you because you would do the work. But also actually last night I had the pleasure of being with a legislator, PA legislator, at The Links, and they asked me about the proposal, and they sounded like it could be an exciting concept. Stated Meeting 18 4/27/2023 So we clearly, you know, with your leadership, start the dialogue to make sure that we can get the appropriate resources to make sure that whatever we ultimately end up with takes place. So thank you. Thank you for your leadership, Councilman. That will be on today's Calendar.
Councilman Thomas also offers a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the many public servants of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and declaring May 2023 Public Service Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman Jones offers three bills and one resolution. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions Stated Meeting 19 4/27/2023 of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/EOD, East Poplar Overlay District."
And on his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," to extend the boundaries of certain areas; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the westwardly side of Belmont Avenue between Monument Road and Conshohocken Avenue.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass House Bills 338, 714, 731, and 1018 which address reasonable firearms Stated Meeting 20 4/27/2023 restrictions that will enhance the safety of all Pennsylvanians and Philadelphians.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to applaud the State House delegation for passing out those four bills addressing sensible gun laws. That was a historic undertaking. And, yes, it has a long way to go. It has to get through the Senate and to Governor Shapiro's desk, who is waiting for that type of sensible gun legislation, but I just want to thank them for beginning the journey of a thousand miles with the first steps. I want to also recognize my colleagues here, because a lot of those sensible gun resolutions and laws started here. Whether we talk about ghost guns and the committee to deal with gun violence chaired by my colleague Johnson, we started that in 2020. Lost and stolen Stated Meeting 21 4/27/2023 was passed in 2019. The primary sponsor was Member Miller, who is no longer with us, but left her mark with lost and stolen guns, which are now being considered by the Pennsylvania courts. So it is pleasing to me to see that we are beginning to be synchronous with the state on what our ambitions and aspirations for our city to keep it safe. Also, red flag laws started here and spread up to Harrisburg and Biden. So thank you, Governor Shapiro, for your budget address that called for these kinds of legislations. Thank you, Member Cephas, for bringing into action and passing it out of the House. But our work is not done, guys, and we need to hold feet to the fire and people accountable about the senseless, senseless gun violence in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Stated Meeting 22 4/27/2023 Thank you, Councilman.
Councilwoman Lozada offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to provide public sewer service, in the 2900 block of Waterloo Street."
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 268 Diamond Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers two bills and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance Stated Meeting 23 4/27/2023 amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' to modify the area subject to Section 14-534, entitled '/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District.'"
And an ordinance amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District," to create a mechanism for satisfying certain use standards related to the construction of affordable housing in the portion of the MIN Overlay District located in the Third Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution renaming the 6000 block of Locust Street "Martha Green Way." Stated Meeting 24 4/27/2023
Councilman Driscoll offers an ordinance officially re-naming and designating Bridesburg Park, located at 3101 Orthodox Street as the City of Philadelphia -- in the City of Philadelphia, as "Robert A. Borski Park."
Councilman O'Neill offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution adopting the Report issued by Council's Special Committee on Retention and Recruitment of Municipal Workers.
Councilman Squilla offers two bills and four resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of pedestrian light poles, with Stated Meeting 25 4/27/2023 accompanying LED luminaires, and concrete planter boxes in the vicinity of 1325 North Beach Street."
And an ordinance authorizing Northern Liberties Business Improvement District to own, operate and maintain certain lighting encroachments along the 400 and 500 blocks of 2nd Street in the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to conduct hearings regarding supplier diversity initiatives including Philadelphia Anchors for Growth & Equity.
And a privileged resolution welcoming The Golden Rule peace boat to Philadelphia. The Golden Stated Meeting 26 4/27/2023 Rule peace boat is the sailing vessel that is touring the US to promote the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2148, 2150, 2154, and 2156 East Birch Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1739 South 5th Street and 1919 South 6th Street, 2612 South 9th Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Bass offers an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance Stated Meeting 27 4/27/2023 vicinity of 3500 Broad Street.
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. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for a report from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Stated Meeting 28 4/27/2023 Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, to which was referred Bill No. 221017, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 7-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Preservation of Affordable Housing,' to modify certain requirements that must be met before a change in ownership, other disposition, or other change in property interest occurs with respect to certain affordable housing properties"; and Bill No. 221018, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 7-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Preservation of Affordable Housing,' to provide for a City directory of affordable housing subsidies and their duration," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the Stated Meeting 29 4/27/2023 with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 221017 and 221018. (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. 221017 and 221018. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 30 4/27/2023
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee on the Environment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on the Environment reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on the Environment, to which was referred Bill No. 230127, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 20-304 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Compensation for Members of Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils,' by revising the compensation for members of the Environmental Justice Advisory Stated Meeting 31 4/27/2023 Commission," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 230127. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 230127. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 32 4/27/2023 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. Those 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 today, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being brought up from Stated Meeting 33 4/27/2023 Second Reading to Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 230311, 230313, 230314, 230315, 230150, and 220969. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider our public comment session. It will go as follows: 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 may sign up at the table outside of the Council Chambers with the Sergeant-At-Arms. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. And today we have ideal circumstances, so we will have three minutes to speak. However, this time may vary from session Stated Meeting 34 4/27/2023 to session based on the volume of speakers. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, we do intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. When you see the green light on the podium, 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 our guidelines and conclude your remarks. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, can you please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. (Witness approached podium.)
-- wildfoodies.org and healthalertphilly.org. I'm speaking on behalf of Resolution 210913 authorizing City Council to retain legal counsel to file a lawsuit to require the Administration to implement and enforce the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces Act, or HOPS for short. Its aim is to end the use of toxic pesticides in public parks and on public grounds, but instead the Mayor has allowed Parks and Rec to use toxic pesticides anyway. So why hasn't City Council passed this bill and taken the Mayor to court? If Council doesn't take the necessary steps to enforce the laws that City Council has passed, then Council has violated its own oath of office and contribute to the growing reality that Philadelphia is a lawless place and certain highly placed City officials can do whatever they want. It is particularly frustrating Stated Meeting 36 4/27/2023 to see how needlessly and carelessly these toxic pesticides are being sprayed, basically along the roads and into the tree lines of Fairmount Park. One of my favorite bushes on Lemon Hill, the spicebush, was completely destroyed by the spraying last year. As I give educational tours in various City parks, I have to warn my tour members that the City does spray pesticides. They are always aghast when they hear it. This is a democrat city, and they assume that since democrats support environmental causes so publicly and enthusiastically, that the last thing a democratic city would do is to use toxic pesticides, but in Philly, that is exactly what they do. Instead of using manual labor and mechanized equipment, Parks and Rec has opted for toxic chemicals that harm both people and the planet as well as contaminate our drinking water. Stated Meeting 37 4/27/2023 It's time for City Council to do the right thing and take the Mayor to court over his abusive power and non-enforcement of City laws. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Kadedra Mattis, commenting on a resolution introduced by Councilman Thomas. (Witnesses approached podium.)
And I first want to give honor to God for being here. We established annual Afro Day at our school, and basically it's just a day where we wear our hair as is in Stated Meeting 38 4/27/2023 celebrating Afro-centric hair. It started in class in Ms. Ridgeway's class in Northeast High School. We were just talking about how we want to feel comfortable wearing our hair and being ourselves and how we have been judged and how we've been treated when we wear our natural hair. It is important that like everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves but, more importantly, Black students, because for so long we've been told that our hair is unkempt, that it's unprofessional, that it's all these things, but it's not any of that. It is beautiful. Black is beautiful in any shape, any shade, and any form.
I feel like this is important for Black students and Black people as a whole, because as a community, we tend to put ourself in a box of what blackness should and shouldn't look like and we try to change ourself and change how we look to fit Stated Meeting 39 4/27/2023 Eurocentric beauty centers, without realizing the beauty that we are naturally born with.
I'm so grateful to be here to be able to represent people that look just like me, and I'm just so grateful that I'm inspiring people to be their authentic selves. Thank you guys for having us.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 210913. (Witness approached podium.)
Great morning, everybody. This bill was written to Stated Meeting 40 4/27/2023 promote a healthy environment that protects the public from risk of toxic herbicides by prohibiting their use on all City-owned or used public grounds, including, but not limited to, parks, trails, recreation centers, and playgrounds. This is a lawsuit that definitely should be implemented, but there are some other possible lawsuits and issues that should be considered. As you know, not only is there an environmental issue with this bill but what about the issue of our environment as it relates to crime and violence as featured in today's Inquirer? What did Philly's 22 million anti-violence grant programs buy? My question is, how was money funneled into non-profits that were not prepared to manage it? Were they friends of yours? Were they family members of yours? Are you telling me that this Stated Meeting 41 4/27/2023 body is not intelligent enough to identify those who are capable? You actually awarded grants to groups with no board of directors or employees. According to the Inquirer, one-third received amounts larger than the previous year's operating cost. One in four didn't supply audited financial statements, while others provided outdated tax forms. This is according to the Inquirer. Our city is suffering from more, much more, than crime, violence, murder, and environmental issues. It is obviously suffering from a corrupt and ineffective Council as a whole. Effectively, many of you have blood on your hands. I want to know -- I want to let you know that if I or when I am sitting there, there will be oversight over issues like this. There is no way in the world that these issues should be going on when we have an epidemic of crime and Stated Meeting 42 4/27/2023 violence in the City of Philadelphia. Have a great day.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Judith Robinson, commenting on 220865. (Witness approached podium.) QUEEN ROBINSON: Good morning, you all.
Good morning. QUEEN ROBINSON: Queen Judith Robinson here to again ask for your attention. Regarding 220696, which is about historic preservation, it's very important in every neighborhood. 221015 regarding tax abatements, we need to be clear what we are doing here, because we're not getting the return on our investment. So then 220865, so if you follow me, you all, please, because I Stated Meeting 43 4/27/2023 don't have much time. So when we ask for you to represent us, Councilpeople, we don't ask that you dictate for us to us. You know, we are part of the process. So, you know, I got 30 years of real estate behind me. Ain't nothing going on regarding land in the City of Philadelphia that I'm not paying attention to. I'm an avid reader. I love that. Okay? And a researcher. So let's not be disrespectful of the people who have given you a long, long, long history of support and a salary and a pension for those of you who are leaving soon. So please let's be respectful. The book that I'm sending around is a follow-up on my last testimony. Back, you all, a long time ago Faheem Childs, Murder is No Accident, but we had Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. I go all the way back there. I went and purchased this book, you all. Please take a copy of it. Make Stated Meeting 44 4/27/2023 sure you get a copy of it, a snap of it. You know how you all do. And then get a copy of it, because it should be part of your public policy. That Black woman came here, Dr. Deborah Stith, and they ran out of here before she could get the whole program going. She talked about mental health and murder being a public health problem, but we didn't follow through all those years. That's why I was so irate and I continue to be so ticked off every time another one of our children are murdered. She could have saved a few, but we didn't pay attention all those years later. So regarding the budget, I want to make sure we're proactive, that we're giving money to where it should be. We're talking about housing. We're talking about prevention safety, not victims. You know, we can do a lot of victim game playing, giving people based on sympathy, and we all are sad every Stated Meeting 45 4/27/2023 time something happens. We need anger management. We need those dollars to go truly in Parks and Rec, not be diverted by these different agendas. You all gave $7.6 million talking about tangled titles, with no stipulations. I ain't going to let you all forget that one as we talk about budgets, because it's totally out of order. In that regard, you know, you got to make sure that you're focusing on our children. Who can get the job done I think is the most important criteria that should be used, which we can determine that because we know what is needed for our youth to get them some correction. We must be clear as it relates to these budget hearings. We're so busy fighting fire uptown, we can barely get an opportunity to come down here before you and tell you what we want in that budget. So I'm going to continue to talk about the budget until June. Stated Meeting 46 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you very much.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session, and we will now move to our Calendar. On our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar, Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230311. Hold on one second, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Absolutely. Stated Meeting 47 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
-- before our Calendar starts. We have a delegation here today. There's an event in Philadelphia. It's also a coordinated similar event in Washington, DC. It's for the Ukrainian anti-war effort. We've had Bishop Luke Zhoba here twice. He gave our invocation once and came in with some high-ranking people from Ukraine. And he has 20 delegates here today from many different countries, and I'd like to welcome them to Philadelphia and show our support for them and thank the Bishop, our own Bishop of the Ukrainian church here.
Stated Meeting 48 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Councilman. And thank you. We stand with you. Please continue with the struggle. Thank you, and thank you for being here today. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230311.
A resolution authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke's participation, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, in all proceedings relating to the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1600 East Berks Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. Stated Meeting 49 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230313.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3418, 3420, and 3422 Kensington Avenue located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying Stated Meeting 50 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230314.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2032 East Boston Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. Stated Meeting 51 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230315.
A resolution renaming the 700 Block of North 39th Street "Honorable Charles L. Durham Way" to honor the life and legacy of the late Common Pleas Judge, Civil Rights Leader, community advocate, and Philadelphia City Councilmember, the Honorable Charles L. Durham.
Thank you, Council President. Before I move for the adoption of the resolution, I'd like to speak for a few minutes about Judge Durham's legacy. Stated Meeting 52 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Charles L. Durham was born on October 12th, 1924 in West Philadelphia. After graduating from Philadelphia public schools and Temple Law, he began his storied legal career in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. After leaving the DA's Office, Judge Durham set up a legal practice in his native Mantua. During this time, he played an integral role in advancing the rights of Black Philadelphians, traveling to serve as legal counsel for the Mississippi branch of the NAACP during its 1963 Voter Registration Drive. Later in his career, Judge Durham sat where we are now after his election as a City Councilmember in 1967. Judge Durham was a member of Council's first Black caucus and fiercely advocated for quality of life improvements, sponsoring legislation for street light improvements that will go on to illuminate the City. Following his time on Council, Stated Meeting 53 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Charles Durham was appointed to the bench in Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas in 1974 and remained in this role until his death in 1991. It is a privilege to recognize the legacy of this champion of civil rights and model of Black excellence by renaming the 700 block of North 39th Street in Judge Charles Durham's honor. And as we near the end of budget hearings for Fiscal Year '24, we are still fighting to give working-class Black and brown neighborhoods their fair share of City services, something that Judge Durham fought for in this exact room more than half a century ago. I hope that in addition to the street renaming, we will honor this former colleague by enacting a budget that gives communities like Mantua the municipal services they deserve. I would like to thank Mr. Jim Brown from Mantua for leading the grassroots effort culminating in the Stated Meeting 54 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING street renaming. I'm grateful to Mr. Jim Brown for stewarding Judge Durham's legacy and for everything he does for Mantua's young people. And with that, 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 that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 230150.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 from the General Fund and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain Stated Meeting 55 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, the Hotel Room Rental Tax Fund, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilman Stated Meeting 56 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Harrity.
Councilwoman Vaughn. Stated Meeting 57 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 220969.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to accept a historically-designated building from 2000 Arch Associates, which will move and reinstall the building on City property.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Councilwoman Bass, did you need to be recognized?
No. Stated Meeting 58 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting 59 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are Stated Meeting 60 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution authorizing hearings in the Committee on the Environment to evaluate the environmental justice impacts of the City's waste management practices and potential alternatives to the City's contract with Covanta Delaware Valley LP, introduced today by Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying Stated Meeting 61 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, the students of Northeast High School, who established Afro Day when students wear their hair naturally to eliminate the historical stigmas associated with Black hair, introduced today -
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a couple moments to talk about these phenomenal young people. Both of them are students at Northeast High School. As we heard from them, they created the Stated Meeting 62 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Afro Day after a Do Now Spark conversation about hair by their teacher, Mrs. Ridgeway, and that's in their African American History class. One of the quotes from the young people, "You have to learn to love your hair, because if you don't, who will? I used to be so insecure about my Afro, but now I got too much confidence, y'all can't stop me." Can we have both of the young people stand up and give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
Back in 2020, this Council body passed a resolution introduced by then-Councilmember Cherelle Parker, and that resolution essentially banned natural hair discrimination. While we have legally banned natural hair discrimination, socially we still have a Stated Meeting 63 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING lot more work to do to make people feel comfortable in their own skin being who exactly it is that they want to be. So it's an honor to know that the next generation is already taking on this task, and I emphatically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. Councilman Phillips, did you need to be recognized?
I just wanted to note really quickly, thank you, Councilman Thomas, for bringing these young women to our body today, and I just think it's really important that the City of Philadelphia continues to uplift our young people, because self-confidence is a huge issue in the City of Philadelphia among young people. Often times a lot of our youth in the times that I've worked with them over the years, they get distracted because they're trying to be Stated Meeting 64 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING someone that they're not. And so I just want to applaud this initiative and just simply say this is amazing. I love the fact that these women, who came here today as well as any other men who are also taking part in this, are saying that we appreciate ourselves, and we need to make sure other folks understand your self is valued and that you need to continue to inspire other people to understand the importance of self-confidence. So thank you so much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Vaughn.
Good morning, everyone. Councilman Thomas, thank you for this legislation as well. And, young ladies, you are beautiful the way that you are. As an African American woman that has been tall Stated Meeting 65 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING and full-bodied all my life, I did used to get teased and ridiculed in school, and it wasn't until I decided to identify myself as 36-24-36, a brick house, and embrace my natural hair that I made it popular for a lot of people in my life. So continue the good work that you're doing, and always remember you have to see yourself beautiful before anyone else will recognize your beauty.
So I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. Stated Meeting 66 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion passes. Thank you very much.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the use of an independent authority to bond and manage the school facilities modernization that safety calls for and students, parents, teachers and communities deserve, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying Stated Meeting 67 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring the many public servants of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and declaring May 2023 Public Service Month in the City of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I'm hoping that my colleagues will join me next month in celebrating our great government workers, both for the City, State, and federal level. We have a lot of people who have been the Stated Meeting 68 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING backbone of this city for a long time, especially during the pandemic, and in the spirit of continuing to honor champions of the week, which is something that I've done since I've gotten in Council, our focus next month will be City employees, State employees, federal employees, those public servants who wake up every single day and look to move government forward, and we want to recognize them and honor them. So I again emphatically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is Stated Meeting 69 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING emphatically adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to conduct hearings regarding supplier diversity initiatives including Philadelphia Anchors for Growth & Equity, introduced today by Councilman Squilla.
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 that resolution is Stated Meeting 70 4/27/2023 4/27/23 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution welcoming The Golden Rule peace boat to Philadelphia. The Golden Rule peace boat is a sailing vessel that is touring the US to promote the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, introduced today by Councilman Squilla.
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 Stated Meeting 71 4/27/2023 it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our Calendar for today, and it is time for our speeches. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Any speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to remind all of our colleagues and team members in Council that today after Council session, we will be hosting Career Wardrobe for a briefing in the Caucus Room. So I invite all of you to join us in the Caucus Room Stated Meeting 72 4/27/2023 Career Wardrobe, and lunch will be served with your attendance. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Everyone should have received a flyer regarding the Public Safety Committee hearing on the Kensington Marshall Plan. I encourage and invite all of you to participate, whether you're a part of the Committee or not. We all know what is happening in Kensington, and this is going to give us an opportunity to really assess what is happening there, who is receiving funding, what are the services, how do we overlap, and how do we hold each other accountable. So I invite you to please join Stated Meeting 73 4/27/2023 part of this hearing and to hear directly from the community how they are impacted on a day-to-day regarding what is happening in their neighborhood. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. There being no additional speeches on the behalf of the minority and the majority, with that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 4th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 74 4/27/2023
The ayes have it. Thank you all very much. ) Stated Meeting 75 4/27/2023 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. org trying 63:25 <W> 35:2 turns 34:10, 12 waiting 20:14 willing 17:8 twice 47:10 wake 68:9 win 15:25 two 22:24 want 15:17, 19 win-win 3:20 24:22 27:22 16:18, 24 20:8, wisdom 3:6 55:9 57:20 16, 19 35:24 wishing 34:5 58:3 37:21 38:5 withdraw 6:22 type 20:15 41:20 44:18 Witness 34:21 45:23 61:21 39:20 42:9