STATED Meeting 1 9/15/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 15, 2022 10:17 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED Meeting 2 9/15/2022
Thank you very much, and good morning to all. It's good to be back. We will be starting very shortly. We're going to give our opening, but before we begin the Council session today, I'd just like to make the following announcement, which will probably be the last time I will do this: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Beginning with the Council session on September the 22nd, 2022, City Council sessions will be held in the Council Chambers, Room 400, City Hall. Instructions for how the public may attend and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, the Inquirer, and the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be STATED Meeting 3 9/15/2022 I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, just indicate that you are present when your name is called. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President and colleagues. Glad to be back. Welcome back, everyone.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and the City of Philadelphia. It's good to be back. I am present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and Philadelphia. Good to be back. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present. STATED Meeting 5 9/15/2022
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Welcome back, everyone. And still sending out prayers to all the loved ones who lost their lives to senseless gun violence in the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, colleagues, Philadelphia, good morning. Good to be back.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, colleagues and Mr. President. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Welcome back, everybody. I'm present.
And good morning to you all. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Isaiah Banks of the Second Pilgrim Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of the Council President, Darrell Clarke. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation.
Shall we pray? I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from which comes my help, for all of our help comes from the Lord. God, our creator, our faithful and gracious God, we thank you for yet another opportunity to come to you in prayer. We're thanking you, oh God, for bringing us safely to another opportunity to meet and to share. God, we thank you for your grace and your mercy that is continuous and that never fails. STATED Meeting 8 9/15/2022 God, we pray now that you will, first and foremost, continue to bless all of our City Council. God, we pray that you will continue to allow them to lead, continue to allow them to be bold, to be passionate, to be loving, caring, oh God, and sensitive to the needs of our communities. God, we pray that you will touch our city, but not only our city, our state, our country, and our world. God, there's so much going on violence, senseless deaths, COVID, sickness, oh God, drug problems, gang problems - and, God, we know that there is nothing too hard for you. And so, God, we pray that you will continue to heal our land, continue to bring peace, continue, oh God, to shine light into a dark world. God, we pray now that this meeting will go smoothly, oh God, that things will be done. God, we lift up every school STATED Meeting 9 9/15/2022 teacher, every school, God. We lift up, oh God, those who are in need and hungry, oh God, and homeless, God. We pray that you will see fit to do all that you can do. We know, oh God, that you can do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can actually thank. God, we love you today. We adore you, and we pray, oh God, that you will continue, oh God, to allow us to sound the trumpet, oh God, and speak truth to power, oh God, so that peace and love and joy and happiness will be not only in our city but in our world. God, we love you and we adore you, and we pray these prayers in Jesus' name. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor, for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate it, and we really need it. Thank you so much for being here STATED Meeting 10 9/15/2022 you. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. STATED Meeting 11 9/15/2022 of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla 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. Councilman Squilla.
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 established on an amended agenda after the consideration of STATED Meeting 12 9/15/2022 matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first readings, the consideration 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 a resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included in the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Councilman. It's been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters STATED Meeting 13 9/15/2022 may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that concludes our Sunshine Act. And our next order 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.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City STATED Meeting 14 9/15/2022 No. 220639, and I am pleased to advise you that on July 6, August 31, and September 13, 2022, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council on June 16, 2022, and that on June 27, June 30, July 6, July 27, August 31, and September 13, 2022, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council on June 23, 2022, except Bill Nos. 220110, 220413, 220417, and 220527, which I am returning without my signature, and Bill No. 220446, which I am returning disapproved.
And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2318 East Boston Street and 2160 East Gordon Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2863, 2868 Amber Street, 2044, 2077 East Birch Street, 2118, 2138, 2142, 2150 STATED Meeting 15 9/15/2022 Street, 2115, 2140 East Monmouth Street, 2100, 2108, 2117, 2120, 2138 East Orleans Street, and 2106, 2150 East Stella Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 4322 Lancaster Avenue, 767, 769, 771 Pallas Street, 5517 Paschall Avenue, 3909 Wallace Street, 642 North 39th Street and 713 North 43rd Street in the Third Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 911, 913, 915, 919, 921, 923, and 925 West Auburn Street, 3812, 3826, 3834, 3846, 3850, and 3861 North Camac Street, 2317 Ridge Avenue, and 1436 North 17th Street in the Fifth STATED Meeting 16 9/15/2022 District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3217, 3241, 3248, 3253, and 3257 North 15th Street, 3305, 3333, 3340, 3342, and 3346 North 16th Street, 3314, 3316, 3320, 3327, 3331, 3342, 3344, 3346, 3412 and 3414 North 17th Street in the Eighth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2809, 2822, 2824, 2825, 2826, 2827 and 2828 Wharton Street, 1308 through 26, 1323, 1327 and 1355 South Dover Street and 1351 South 29th Street (including 1354 South Dover Street) located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1600 through 40 North 9th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and STATED Meeting 17 9/15/2022 Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose 2151 Fairhill Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5112 Ludlow Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 6131 Baynton Street located in 8th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2609 through 27 Sears Street (including 1308 through 14 South 26th Street) located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1402, 1403, 1405, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1417, 1418, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 2427, 2429, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1435, 1436, 1438, 1441, 1443, 1444, 1445, 1446, 1447, 1449, 1457, 1462, STATED Meeting 18 9/15/2022 1513, 1514, 1532, 1536, 1547, 1559, 1561, 1611, 1613, 1629, 1631, 1633, 1635 and 1641 North Marston Street; 2712, 2714, 2810, 2836 and 2838 Cecil B.
Moore Avenue; 1316, 1318, 1400, 1406, 1408, 1414, 1418, 1422, 1426 through 32, 1434, 1436, 1438, 1444, 1448, 1450 and 1634 North 27th Street; 1544 and 1546 North 26th Street; 1602, 1608, 1614, 1632, 1637 and 1639 through 41 North Bailey Street; 1420, 1444, 1450 and 1453 North Etting Street; and 2704, 2705, 2710, and 2720 Jefferson Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1000 and 1026 through 36 Fairmount Avenue (including the former 671 and 681 through 87 North 11th Street and 1015 through 29 Melon Street); 1005, 1007 and 1013 Melon Street; 1019 and 1021 Wallace Street; 647 through 67, 662, through 68 and 670 through 72 North 10th Street; and 667 and 677 North 11th Street located in the 5th STATED Meeting 19 9/15/2022 District; and A resolution appointing Miquon Brinkley to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Jeffrey Brown to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and An ordinance authorizing an increase in the non-electoral indebtedness of the City within the Pennsylvania constitutional limit; authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; and authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions, all under certain terms and conditions.
STATED Meeting 20 9/15/2022 Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. For those in the audience, be it via radio or online, on TV, there was an extraordinary number of resolutions forwarded from the Mayor's Office from the Land Bank. Just for the record, the predominant number of those resolutions are for purposes of the Turn the Key program, which is the City Council initiative for affordable homeownership. So just for people -- it's quite a bit of properties. Fortunately that will now move ahead. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our STATED Meeting 21 9/15/2022 current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered by members today.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-300, entitled 'Minors,' to revise the evening curfew hours."
Councilwoman Gym offers two bills and three resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Landlord and Tenant,' to modify requirements and authorizations related to the City's residential eviction diversion program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant STATED Meeting 22 9/15/2022 relationship, and to make certain technical changes."
Referred to committee. Hold on one second, Mr. Decker. Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to make some brief remarks on the introduction of this bill. First, I want to acknowledge my colleagues whose partnership helped develop one of the nation's first and most successful eviction diversion programs. When Council first began exploring strategic targeted approaches to tackle one of the nation's highest rates of eviction in our city, thousands of families were enduring the hardship and trauma of an eviction. Black renters, women, and parents and caregivers were among those who were most at risk. STATED Meeting 23 9/15/2022 But we stepped up. Over a number of years we have authorized an anti-eviction task force, a tenant legal defense fund, and a right to counsel, and the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project. In the midst of the pandemic, we passed the Emergency Housing Protections Act, including the establishment of the Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program where we have seen overwhelming success in helping low-income residents avoid evictions and ensuring that landlords also get paid and have due process rights when we get to court. Court wait times have been reduced from 90 days now down to almost 30 days, and most dramatically, for more than 22,000 evictions pre-pandemic, our city saw about 6,800 evictions in 2021, a drop of more than two-thirds. And thanks to the leadership of Councilmember Johnson, this City Council STATED Meeting 24 9/15/2022 body has committed millions of dollars for targeted rental assistance to specifically support the Eviction Diversion Program. In what was once the fourth highest evicting city in the nation, we have reduced evictions by almost 70 percent two years in a row, and we've proven ourselves a national model. This diversion program is now adopted in 180 jurisdictions in 36 states and has been praised by the Biden White House, including multiple appearances by City leaders to champion this program, and it started right here in this body in the most difficult of times. Most important, the eviction prevention work is a model of collaborative partnership. Through this program, we've actually built an integrated and informed network amongst City agencies, housing advocates, renters, landlords, community organizations, and our municipal courts, STATED Meeting 25 9/15/2022 and we've built on that collaborative model to make sure that we provide landlords and tenants with the resources to work together and achieve stability. Eighty-five percent of participants in the Eviction Diversion Program who enter mediation find a resolution other than an eviction. This has been a model of hope and action in difficult times, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation to update and extend this program. This bill builds on the partnership we've created with Municipal Court to both continue the success of our work to find solutions before eviction proceedings are followed, and it also urges Municipal Court to institute a post-filing program. I want to thank our partners in this effort, our City agencies, Judges Wolf and Dugan at Municipal Court, Paul Cohen at HAPCO, and Andre Del Valle at the Apartment Association, as well as all STATED Meeting 26 9/15/2022 of our partner non-profit agencies and mediators for making this bill possible, and of course to my co-sponsors. We are confident that Philadelphia will continue to deliver a model policy for this nation and meaningful solutions for all our people. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please proceed.
Councilwoman Gym also offers an ordinance adding a new Chapter 6-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Privacy of Certain Health Information," to establish privacy protections for information related to reproductive healthcare.
Referred to committee, along with the last bill, in case I didn't say that.
Councilwoman, did you need to be recognized again?
Thank you. So today Philadelphia sends a message to our residents and to the nation, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia will be doing all we can to protect all those who seek to exercise their legal rights within our city. Today, along with colleagues Councilmember Brooks and Gauthier and supported by all the women of City Council, we are introducing four pieces of legislation that defend abortion access and reproductive care here in Philadelphia and especially from threats STATED Meeting 28 9/15/2022 in other jurisdictions across the country. Two pieces of legislation that I'm introducing focus on privacy and a broader call for the City to take action. The privacy bill protects any individual or entity from voluntarily sharing information related to people seeking or providing reproductive healthcare when it would be used to criminalize or penalize care that is legal in Pennsylvania. And with this, Philadelphia will enact one of the strongest privacy laws in the country to protect abortion as a fundamental right. It will protect patients and it will protect providers. The second resolution, which Mr. Decker will introduce, is about the City and Council's broader collaboration to protect rights and freedoms. In particular, we want to guarantee that no City resources are used to assist with the criminalization of abortion. That means Philadelphia should restrict both STATED Meeting 29 9/15/2022 personnel and funds from supporting out-of-state investigations, lawsuits, or prosecutions related to abortion. We must support further public health messaging to improve awareness of trusted abortion and reproductive healthcare options, and we support dedicating additional funding to increase access to essential care. We will be working with our medical institutions and providers at abortion clinics to advance best practices on data and privacy and to ensure physical safeguards. No one who is providing or receiving this level of healthcare should have to fear for their safety. And, finally, we are authorizing the creation of an abortion rights task force to identify further ways to protect and expand abortion access in the City of Philadelphia. This task force will be led by frontline providers and those who are most impacted STATED Meeting 30 9/15/2022 in this moment. We on City Council will be fighting side by side with the Administration and our state colleagues to ensure that all our rights and freedoms are protected, and together we will truly make Philadelphia a place for reproductive freedom. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Again, those bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
Councilwoman Gym also offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution declaring the City of Philadelphia's commitment to protect and expand reproductive rights and abortion access in the face of extraordinary threats, and authorizing a task force to advance recommendations and coordinate initiatives to ensure that all Philadelphians as well as those who seek care here are able to exercise their STATED Meeting 31 9/15/2022 fundamental right to bodily autonomy."
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Juntos on their 20th Anniversary for their inspiring and transformative work serving, caring for, and organizing the Latinx immigrant community in South Philadelphia and beyond, and their leadership in fighting -
Hold it. Mr. Decker, hold on. Councilwoman, did you need to be recognized again?
Oh, after the reading of this resolution, Council President.
-- (continued) Latinx immigrant community in South Philadelphia and beyond, and their STATED Meeting 32 9/15/2022 leadership in fighting for the right to a quality education and the freedom to live with dignity, regardless of immigration status. Mr. President, Councilwoman Gym would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I ask that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED Meeting 33 9/15/2022 ayes have it. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania and its success in cultivating a vibrant field of scholarship while also serving as a home for numerous generations of students with an incredible diversity of experience, fostering deep connections within our city's Asian communities, serving as a potent force in the fight against racism and shaping the conversation of what it means to be Asian American in the past and in the present. Mr. President, Councilwoman Gym would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you so much, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit STATED Meeting 34 9/15/2022 consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilman Thomas offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring the life and memory of Champion of the Week, Clifton E. Hubbard Jr and his 46 years dedicated to the Philadelphia School District." Mr. President, Councilman Thomas would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
The STATED Meeting 35 9/15/2022 Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Sorry for the delay. Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this legislation this week. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Parking Authority's customer convenience and accessibility to remedy parking violations. STATED Meeting 36 9/15/2022
That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding the Philadelphia Youth Network regarding their Work Ready Program and concerns about delays in compensation for workers.
Thank you, Council President. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this very briefly. For those who don't know, my professional experience before coming to City Council really thrived in the space of education, but especially working in non-traditional spaces. I pride myself on the work that I've done. In the summertime, I usually still do a free camp every year that I'll talk about a little later in the Council session, but STATED Meeting 37 9/15/2022 for me, from the time I started in City Council, one of the things I've screamed about is the City's preparation or lack thereof as it relates to the summer and preparing all the opportunities for young people in the City of Philadelphia. This has been something that I've been extremely adamant about, and based on where we are right now, we can see that there's a sense of urgency as it relates to just the crime in the City but the quality programs or the lack thereof that we offer young people. So for us to be in the situation that we're in right now when we're seeing the victims as well as the culprits being younger and younger, for us to present the hurdles that we did during the summer to put young people in the position when they want to make a quality decision to better themselves and make a few dollars, it's an embarrassment. I want to take a moment to read STATED Meeting 38 9/15/2022 a couple comments. I normally don't do this, but I posted something on social media talking about this issue, because it's something that's a significant problem. And some of the comments really surprised me. And I know we're limited on time, so I'm not going to read all of them, but I do think some of the comments puts us in a position where we can understand this issue and how it impacts the citizens of Philadelphia. One person wrote, you're absolutely dead on with this. My son worked for two summers. I'm not complaining because I want to give him the opportunity to have some type of physical experience. The person goes on to say that because their son didn't get paid, they just paid their son out of their pocket so that their son can have a few dollars but, at the same time, wanted them to have the professional experience. Another comment said, I'm STATED Meeting 39 9/15/2022 thrilled to hear this. I once worked for the organization that partnered with them each summer, and their operations included bundled payments to teens and are notoriously chaotic. Another person said, I worked for the Department of Recreation, and every summer this is an issue. Nothing disappoints the young people more than them not receiving their paycheck. I have about 25 other comments that I can read that are similar to this that talks about the disappointment of parents, of students, and the fact that this has been a consistent problem as it relates to young people in the City of Philadelphia. It's difficult for us to say every single day that we're doing the best we can as it relates to the crime and we can't get simple things like this right when our young people want to make positive decisions. Constituents in the City of STATED Meeting 40 9/15/2022 Philadelphia, they don't see this as an isolated issue. They see this as another example of government failing them. So I look forward to us continuing to have a conversation and figure out what can we do to better service our children in the City of Philadelphia, and I think we need to take the steps right now, starting in September, to plan for next summer so we don't have the same debacle in 2023. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues, and thank you to the co-sponsors of this legislation, Councilmembers Gauthier, Brooks, as well as Councilmember Bass. Thank you, colleagues.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker. That will be referred to committee. Mr. Decker, please.
I can't hear your STATED Meeting 41 9/15/2022 audio, Mr. President.
I'm sorry. I said that will be referred to committee.
So it will go on today's Calendar for adoption to authorize the Committee on Education to have a hearing?
Thank you, Mr. President. Sorry. I'm distracted, Mr. President.
All right. Tell them to leave you alone, whoever it is.
Okay. Councilman Jones offers seven bills and five STATED Meeting 42 9/15/2022 resolutions, six bills on behalf of Council President, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' and Chapter 19-1500, entitled 'Wage and Net Profits Tax,' by providing for tax credits for volunteer community service; and adding a new Chapter 19-4600, providing for eligibility criteria"; and An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/NBO, Nelson Brown People's Village Overlay District"; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 220401, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage and net Profits Tax,' by revising certain tax rates, under certain terms and conditions," to correct a typographical error in stating the period STATED Meeting 43 9/15/2022 in which a reduction in the resident Net Profits Tax rate is applicable; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 210284, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Income and Receipts Taxes,' by revising certain tax rates, under certain terms and conditions," to fix a mistake in identifying the tax year to which a tax reduction applies, so that the tax reduction applies in Fiscal Year 2023; and An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/YOD, Yorktown Neighborhood Overlay District"; and On his own behalf, Councilman Jones -- and also for Council President Clarke, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and STATED Meeting 44 9/15/2022 Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/NHO, Nehemiah Homes Overlay District"; and On his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance establishing no truck parking restrictions near various locations, including: recreation centers, libraries, parks, and schools in the 4th Council District.
Thank you. Those bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And Councilman Jones also offers five resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2151 Fairhill Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
On his own STATED Meeting 45 9/15/2022 behalf, a resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia Police Officers Taylor Sidler and Paul Watson for protecting the lives of community residents by immediately, and heroically, springing into action in response to the shooting at Shepard Recreation Center on August 16, 2022.
And a resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 3, 2022 through October 7, 2022 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the minority business community.
And a resolution congratulating Philadelphia-native Quinta Brunson for winning the 2022 Emmy Award STATED Meeting 46 9/15/2022 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for her hit television showed Abbott Elementary.
And a resolution congratulating Sheryl Lee Ralph on her historic 2022 Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Abbott Elementary.
Next week's Calendar. Councilman Jones, did you want to be recognized? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Council President. Just briefly, the resolution honoring the police officers of the 19th that stepped up to the plate, unlike those who were at Uvalde, interceded and apprehended individuals involved in that shootout. You should note that ten STATED Meeting 47 9/15/2022 firearms were found at that shootout, 96 shell casings in the street, and no young people were hurt. Over 200 of them were practicing football at the time. I want to thank all of my members that came out to support us the day after to make sure that we recognize playgrounds and schools as safe places where our children play. I want to also thank Councilmember Bass for a long time ago being proactive in putting cameras at recreation centers. These two -- the other resolution is about truck parking, seemingly unrelated to the recognition of the 19th police officers, but it is. One of the problems at rec centers, at schools is that trucks park blocking line of sight from officers to be able to see in those spaces, to be able to make sure that things are as they should be. So these no truck parking allowances help to keep our children STATED Meeting 48 9/15/2022 safe. Needless to say that we lost a municipal worker, Tiffany Fletcher, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time in between a shootout. All of this we have to, in today's normal, take provisions to make those spaces even more safe. So I would encourage my colleagues to take a look at these schools, at these churches, at these rec centers to make sure we're doing everything we can to provide safe spaces for our seniors and our young people to live, work, and play. Thank you.
Councilman Johnson offers five resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring Anne Bovaird Nevins for her service as president of PIDC, and wishing her the best in her STATED Meeting 49 9/15/2022 future endeavors"; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2809, 2822, 2824, 2825, 2826, 2827, and 2828 Wharton Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2609 through 27 Sears Street (including 1308 through 14 South 26th Street); and A resolution also naming the 1700 block of South 22nd Street "Emma Hatton Wilson Way" to honor Emma Hatton Wilson for a lifetime of service to the South Philadelphia community; and A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Philadelphia's own Rakim Hasheem Allen, known worldwide by the stage name PnB Rock, on the occasion of his untimely passing. Mr. President, I believe Councilman Johnson would like to be recognized regarding that resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. STATED Meeting 50 9/15/2022
Yeah. Thank you, Council President. Council President, I just want to acknowledge and thank all my colleagues for supporting this resolution honoring the life and legacy of Rakim Hasheem Allen, better known as PnB Rock, who was fatally shot this past Monday afternoon during a robbery at Roscoe's Chicken 'N Waffles in South Los Angeles. PnB Rock was 30 years old and he left behind several children but, most importantly, he was the voice of young people here in the City of Philadelphia. So I just want to ask, first, can we officially just take a moment to have a moment of silence in his honor, his memory.
Please have a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you, Council President. And, Council President, you know, for me the reason why this touched home -- and this resolution is also introduced in concert with my colleague Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who represents PnB. This was a young man I had an opportunity to meet during a couple Stop the Violence rallies. One started off in South Philadelphia, but that was one of many that he has done. But, most importantly, he definitely represented a generation of young people that need help when it comes to the issue of trauma around gun violence, when it comes to the issue of providing them opportunities but, most importantly, making sure they have a voice and a seat at the table. And so even though his platform, where he could have just said, you know what, I'm just going to focus on STATED Meeting 52 9/15/2022 making money, he still focused on particularly trying to save our young people and give them a sense of direction and, most importantly, hope in the midst of all the gun violence that we're seeing here in the City of Philadelphia. And so I wanted to take a moment to introduce this resolution honoring his life and legacy, but also just acknowledge how he used his platform to improve the quality of life here in the City of Philadelphia. One of his first songs was a song called My City Needs Something, and I want to say a few lyrics from that particular song, because for me it was an example of who this young man was. He wasn't a gang-banger. He wasn't out there having beef with other rappers. This was a young man who was sitting with his girlfriend at a restaurant enjoying himself, as he should, and someone decided to come and snuff out and take his life. STATED Meeting 53 9/15/2022 He moved to another city to improve the quality of his life as well as his career, but tragically lost his life to someone who decided to take it based upon possessions that he had on that particular day. And so one small verse from the song he created called My City Needs Something, it's very, very relevant to what we're going through today. It goes as this in verse two: Waited all winter for this crazy summer. Who would think that they would take so many from us. I come from the city where they show no love and killing innocent people. Man, that is so messed up. Good die young ain't how it's supposed to be. Every time I turn around I lose somebody close to me. I try and hold back the tears and be a soldier, you see, but memories and pain just seem to take a hold of me. My city needs something. And that's relevant as we all STATED Meeting 54 9/15/2022 stand on the front line addressing this issue of senseless gun violence and making sure that we have our young people at the table. This is why we have these hearings. This is why we advocate when we fight for $100 million-plus budget to focus on violence prevention, so we can save this generation. This is why Isaiah Thomas is saying it's totally unacceptable that we have a system here in the City of Philadelphia that can't pay young people on time in the midst of close to 400 soon plus homicides that we're seeing. So that's the trauma that young people are facing, and this is a young guy, a young brother, a young king who was the voice of our young people, and I just wanted to make sure that we honor his life and his legacy. Thank you, Council President, and thank you, colleagues.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. STATED Meeting 55 9/15/2022 Those resolutions will be on next week's Calendar. Mr. Decker. (Technical difficulties.)
I guess that's Decker's mic. COUNCIL SUPPORT: Yes. Mr. Decker may need to log off and log back in to fix that.
Okay. We will take a brief, very brief, pause so we can get our technology straight, because we cannot proceed without Mr. Decker. (Brief pause.)
Councilwoman STATED Meeting 56 9/15/2022 Brooks offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,' to protect against discrimination related to reproductive health, modify and harmonize related provisions of the Chapter, and make other related or technical changes."
Councilwoman Brooks also offers a resolution honoring the life and achievements of Michael Hinson, Jr., whose art, leadership, and activism established community strongholds for Black and brown LGBTQ youth and led to critical civil rights advancements for LGBTQ people in Philadelphia.
Councilwoman STATED Meeting 57 9/15/2022 Gauthier offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Health Code,' to establish legal protections related to entities or individuals seeking, providing, or assisting others to obtain reproductive services."
Referred to committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President, and good morning all. The bill I introduced today as part of the reproductive freedom platform that I coauthored with Members Gym and Brooks protects patients who receive reproductive healthcare in Philadelphia as well as the providers of that healthcare from predatory lawsuits initiated by out-of-state actors. To do this, we are establishing a private right of action so patients and STATED Meeting 58 9/15/2022 providers can countersue individuals or groups that file suit against them for receiving or providing reproductive healthcare services. This means a Philadelphian sued for getting an abortion anywhere in the United States or any American who gets an abortion in Philadelphia will be able to recover damages and legal fees if they are brought to court for exercising their right to an abortion. The legislation also gives abortion providers the opportunity to countersue if they are brought to court for providing their services to patients in Philadelphia. We won't stand by and let anti-choice residents of other states and other so-called pro-life extremists control what goes on in our city, because we know that being truly pro-life means allowing people to choose what happens with their bodies without fear of retaliation. STATED Meeting 59 9/15/2022 To those seeking reproductive healthcare in Philly and across the United States, you will always be welcomed with open arms to Philadelphia to make your own choices about your own body. And to healthcare providers, know you will be protected from predators seeking to stop you from giving patients the care they need. Thank you to all of the abortion advocates in Philadelphia and the Commonwealth and the nation for fighting for reproductive justice and human rights. I'm very proud to stand with you. And thank you to my colleagues, Councilmember Brooks and Councilmember Gym and all the women of Council, for recognizing the urgency of this issue and for your willingness to take bold action to protect the right to choose here in Philadelphia. Thank you so much.
STATED Meeting 60 9/15/2022 Thank you, Councilwoman. That bill will be referred to committee.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 220517-A, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 1 Convention Avenue,' for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council." Mr. President, Councilwoman Gauthier would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on STATED Meeting 61 9/15/2022 today's Final Passage Calendar. (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 approved and it will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier also offers a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 1, identified by house number and street address as 5217 through 5219 Haverford Avenue.
Next STATED Meeting 62 9/15/2022 week's Calendar.
Councilman O'Neill offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution congratulating Philadelphia Soccer Club 05 Coppa Rage Girls Soccer Team."
Councilman Squilla offers one bill and five resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use and Inspection of Tower and Mobile Cranes in Construction,' to require breaks for operators."
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2318 Boston Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2863, 2868 Amber Street, 2044, 2077 East STATED Meeting 63 9/15/2022 Birch Street.
And a resolution appointing Miquon Brinkley to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
And a resolution appointing Jeffrey Brown to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
And a resolution also naming Shunk Street, between 10th Street and Alder Street, as "Julian Angelucci Way."
Councilwoman Bass offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner STATED Meeting 64 9/15/2022 of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3217, 3241, 3248, 3253, and 3257 North 15th Street"; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 6131 Baynton Street; and A resolution recognizing and honoring the life and accomplishment of Charlene Curtis; and A resolution renaming the 2000 through 2100 blocks of Lehigh Avenue as "Pastor Benjamin Smith, Sr. Drive."
Those resolutions will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Oh offers five resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing September 2022 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia in honor of childhood cancer patients, care givers, survivors, and those children who have succumbed to the STATED Meeting 65 9/15/2022 disease"; and A resolution recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Joey DeFrancesco; and A resolution honoring and recognizing Wilfredo P. Rojas for his towering achievements as a leading civil rights activist for the Latino community in Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to Hold Hearings Regarding Relocating Victims Who Are Targets of Deadly Violence and Determining How the $500,000 Appropriated for their Relocation was Utilized.
I think, Mr. Decker, the last resolution was requesting a hearing?
All right. That will be on today's Calendar, STATED Meeting 66 9/15/2022 and the prior resolutions will all be on next week's Calendar. One moment, please. I'm getting a message that -- is it difficult to hear? Is my volume low? I've been asked to mute and unmute. Okay. I'm going to mute and unmute to try to correct this.
There were a few moments here and there, Mr. President, where it was difficult to hear you, but in the last three or four minutes you've been perfectly fine.
Can you hear me now? Good? Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Modesto. COUNCIL SUPPORT: You're welcome.
And Councilman Oh also offers a resolution recognizing September as National Recovery Month in STATED Meeting 67 9/15/2022 2ND READING Philadelphia and celebrating the 21st Annual PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! to promote recovery and work to end the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We have no reports from committee today, so our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, STATED Meeting 68 9/15/2022 2ND READING Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 210913, 220643, 220647, 220649, 220650, 220651, 220322-A, 220412, 220120, 220365, and 220239. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman Jones. Before we proceed with our public comment session, which will be next on our agenda, we'll take a brief five-minute break to allow our technology professionals to connect our speakers for today's public comment session. We'll take a brief break. (Short recess.)
Thank you. Thank you, and we're back. Sorry for the brief technical difficulty. We are now back. We will now move to our public comment session. STATED Meeting 69 9/15/2022 But before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, I just want to run a couple of things by our public. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider public comment, and it 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 may sign up to testify in advance of that Council session by calling 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support of or against the legislation, and add your name to the list. In addition, beginning with the STATED Meeting 70 9/15/2022 Council session of September 22nd, 2022, public comment will be in person and speakers will also have the opportunity to sign up on the morning of a Council session at a table that will be provided for that particular purpose. Once public comment begins, speakers will be called in order in which their names appear on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, which we kind of have today, speakers will each have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session based on the volume of speakers. In order to be fair to all of those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. Upon being asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted STATED Meeting 71 9/15/2022 time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from our speakers list. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. So please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded. 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 want to thank you very much for your willingness to participate in our public comment session and your contribution to our government's right for a public comment session. I will now ask Mr. Decker to please read the first name on our list of STATED Meeting 72 9/15/2022 speakers.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Leola Hubbard, commenting on the resolution introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed.
Good morning. My name is Leola Hubbard, and thank you for this opportunity to speak in support of the adoption of the Champion of the Week proclamation in honor of my brother, Clifton E. Hubbard, Jr. I believe it is in order in light of his lifelong commitment to the health and athletics of the City of Philadelphia. This is evidenced by over 46 years of teaching in the Philadelphia public school system, coaching, and participation in other City programs, such as the summer tennis program, which benefited thousands of citizens, young and old. Thank you for letting me speak. STATED Meeting 73 9/15/2022
Thank you for your testimony. We really appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed. I'm sorry.
My name is Peter Winslow. I'm a Philadelphia resident. I speak to you today as President of A Smart Collaboration, as a supporter of Toxic Free Philly, and as a candidate you recommended to Mayor Kenney for appointment to the initial Philadelphia Public Financial Authority Board of Directors. Thank you, President Clarke and members of City Council, for this opportunity to offer public comment in support of Resolution No. 210913 and related matters. The City Council is authorized to exercise the legislative function to STATED Meeting 74 9/15/2022 make law and policy that the Mayor is duly bound to enforce. The City Council passed Ordinance No. 200425-A to provide healthy outdoor public spaces by a vote of 17 to 0 and Ordinance No. 210956-A to establish the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority by a vote of 15 to 1. Yet Mayor Kenney refuses to implement these laws. To preserve the very essence of democratic governance, Resolution No. 210913 authorizes litigation to implement the HOPS bill. To protect the same principle, Council should also authorize litigation to implement establishment of the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority. When Mayor Kenney was a Councilmember, he supported a similar resolution to bring a lawsuit against then-Mayor Street. Kenney was right then and wrong now. Nevertheless, A Smart Collaboration seeks collaboration rather than confrontation. STATED Meeting 75 9/15/2022 Therefore, I ask the Council to subpoena Mayor Kenney to explain his disregard of the law. Your subpoena is necessary because Mayor Kenney refuses to engage voluntarily with either the legislature or his constituents. We believe good-faith discussion can produce a satisfactory resolution. Please command Mayor Kenney's attention through subpoena and litigation. Protect the integrity of City Council. Preserve our democratic processes. Thank you for your attention to these matters.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Alysia Nichole Green, commenting on a resolution introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Good STATED Meeting 76 9/15/2022 morning. Please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Clifton E. Hubbard, Sr. proclamation for Champion of the Week. My name is Alysia Nichole Green and I am his daughter. I believe that this proclamation is worthy of approval, as my father has been a faithful servant of the Philadelphia school system for 46 years, specifically at Roxborough High School and later when in retirement at Fels, in multiple sports, football, baseball, gymnastics. He also played a significant role in the National Junior Tennis League as an instructor and then as a regional supervisor. I believe that all of these have affected members of the community in a positive way, not only the children directly but then also in the aspect of him mentoring coaches to coach children. STATED Meeting 77 9/15/2022 So he had a profound effect over the life of his career. Thank you very much for allowing me to make comment.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Bryan David Hubbard, also commenting on the Champion of the Week resolution introduced today.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Bryan David Hubbard, M.D. I'm the eldest son of Clifton E. Hubbard, Jr., and I'd like to add our family's support for the recognition of Clifton E. Hubbard, Jr. for Champion of the Week, and we'd like to thank the Council for recognizing our father's contributions to public school education and sports in the City of Philadelphia. Though we suffered a profound STATED Meeting 78 9/15/2022 loss when he passed away on 8/24/2022, we're encouraged to know that our father's impact on the children and educational system in the City of Philadelphia was one of significance and appreciated by those he worked with and those whose lives he touched in the City of Philadelphia. And, again, I'd like to thank you for allowing me to add this testimony.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Drew Hubbard. I am the youngest son of Clifton E. Hubbard, Jr. I'd like to thank the City Council, first, for this opportunity to speak on behalf of my STATED Meeting 79 9/15/2022 father and his contributions to the City of Philadelphia. As stated, I am here to speak in favor of the resolution honoring my father as Champion of the Week and just adding to what has already been stated. My father spent a lifetime in public service to young people here in the City of Philadelphia through education and athletics, through the various sports that were mentioned and also through teaching, and this is evidenced by his activity right up until the time of his passing, including from afar still working on bringing to -bringing the Carpenter Cup this spring, and it's just the kind of person my father is. And this is important recognition because as an educator and just as a person in the City, my father never sought out the limelight, but he was definitely worthy of recognition. I'd like to thank the Council for this opportunity and passage of this STATED Meeting 80 9/15/2022 resolution. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record. Please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, and thank you for having me here this morning. My name is Amy Harfeld and I serve as the National Policy Director for Children's Rights Non-Profit, the Children's Advocacy Institute. I'm here to express my support for Bill 220239 related to screening application and proper use and conservation of federal benefits of foster youth. I've been aware of this issue and working on it since I had a 17-year-old client whose not only disability benefits were intercepted and STATED Meeting 81 9/15/2022 pocketed by the foster care agency for years without her knowledge, but 11 of her $13,000 of savings were also frozen and intercepted by the state in an effort to preserve her eligibility for disability benefits that she never knew about. Across the nation, child welfare agencies routinely apply for benefits for foster youth upon their entry and care without ever notifying them or their attorneys. They almost always intercept those benefits and reimburse themselves for the cost of care without money in spite of the fact that federal and state law requires the agency to pay for care when they remove a child from their families or a child enters custody because of the death of one or both of their parents. Just imagine in the context of your family with loved ones to learn that a public agency had applied for and pocketed your insurance benefits or STATED Meeting 82 9/15/2022 public entitlement dollars without your knowledge for years. It is truly an outrageous scenario to contemplate. The average age of self-sufficiency in the U.S. for young people is 26. One study reveals that the average American youth receives over $50,000 in financial support from their parents between the ages of 18 and 26, housing, food, education, healthcare, direct cash assistance, but foster youth are expected to attain self-sufficiency on their own. Adoption of this bill will begin to close that gap for some of the vulnerable youth in care, those with disabilities and those who have lost one or both of their parents. Good parents work to set their kids up for success. When the state acts as the legal parent, it should work towards the same goal. Not only will passing this bill better help to set Philadelphia's foster STATED Meeting 83 9/15/2022 youth up for success, it will establish a new gold standard on this issue for the rest of the country to follow. I want to commend Councilwoman Gym and her brilliant staff for the dedication to this issue, for crafting such a thoughtful and elegant bill, and for helping to create smart, stable futures and brighter opportunities for foster youth today and in the future. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Thank you, Council President and members of Council, for the opportunity to testify today in support of the proclamation for Clifton E. Hubbard to be the Champion of the Week. STATED Meeting 84 9/15/2022 I currently serve as the Executive Director of Athletics for the School District of Philadelphia and President of the Philadelphia Public League. So I know firsthand the impact that Cliff has had on our city as a whole and our high school sports. And you heard from his family earlier and their testimony about the legacy he left and the people he mentored, and I was one of those who he mentored and especially in my first couple of years in this role really leaning on Cliff and talking through him through a lot of changes. Although it's a profound loss that we have that he's no longer with us, I can assure you that his legacy is continuing on. As his family mentioned, he taught for over 46 years throughout the School District, most prominently at Roxborough High School, and for the last couple of years in the Office of Athletics at the School District, and he was the lead charge in bringing the STATED Meeting 85 9/15/2022 School District of Philadelphia's schools into the PIAA, which has resulted in many achievements at the state level as well as many of our student athletes going on to compete at post-secondary levels and even into the professional ranks. Cliff was obviously a family man and one that -- you know, he kept his values and his character very close, and I don't think anybody is more deserving than Cliff to be honored as Champion of the Week. So I hope you do give consideration, and I want to thank Councilmember Thomas for bringing this forward, as it will be a great way to honor his legacy as well as honor what he brought to our city as a whole and to the Philadelphia Public League. So thank you again, Council President and members of Council, for the opportunity to testify today.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. STATED Meeting 86 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING We appreciate it. That concludes our public comment session for the day. I want to thank all of our speakers today. We will now move to our Calendar, and we will consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210913. (No response.)
Modesto, is Mr. Decker connected? COUNCIL SUPPORT: Yes, he is, Council President.
Yes, sir. STATED Meeting 87 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's like the first day of school, you got little glitches. It's all good, though. We'll get the people's business done today.
We're on the Calendar now. We're asking you to read the title of Resolution No. 210913.
A resolution authorizing City Council to retain legal counsel to file a lawsuit to require the Administration to implement and enforce Bill No. 200425, an ordinance duly enacted by the City Council of Philadelphia which became law on January 28, 2021.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a STATED Meeting 88 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING motion.
Mr. President, I believe that there's a different resolution that was up for a motion. My apologies. I think that there was supposed to be a different resolution.
Yeah. Can I have clarity on that particular resolution, on that resolution that's being called up before we vote on it?
That's not the one that was supposed to be called up. My apologies.
Yes, STATED Meeting 89 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. That's on hold for right now until we could have further discussion with our colleagues.
Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Bass has asked for a hold on 210913. We will address that at another time. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the title of No. 220643.
A resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, The Philly Phantomz and the eight all-pro players, Kia Ivery, Candace Walker, Dominique Williams, Star Wright, Monique Wilson, Angela Wells, Latasha Richardson, and Hannah Degraffinreid for making the Women's National Football Conference All-pro list.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. In the spirit of STATED Meeting 90 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING highlighting women's sports, especially women's professional teams, I energetically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and energetically and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Resolution 220643 has been adopted. Mr. Decker, 220647.
A resolution renaming North 33rd Street, between Chestnut and Arch Streets, as "Squash Way" in recognition of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
The STATED Meeting 91 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, Resolution No. 220649.
A resolution confirming Approval of Resolution No. 210975, approved December 9, 2021, authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2148, 2150, 2154, 2156 East Birch Street, 2032 East Lehigh Avenue, STATED Meeting 92 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING 2055, 2057 East Rush Street, 2154, 2155, 2156, 2157, 2158, 2159, 2160, 2161 East Stella Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
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 adopted. Mr. Decker, 220650.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public STATED Meeting 93 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2863 Amber Street in the 1st Councilmanic District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion.
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 approved. Mr. Decker, 220651. STATED Meeting 94 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution confirming approval of Resolution No. 210976, adopted December 9, 2021, 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, 626 Cantrell Street, 424, 426 Mercy Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
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 95 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220322-A. Mr. Decker, you're on mute.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Surplus Properties," by adding criteria for evaluating non-competitive dispositions.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for an amendment to Bill No. 220322-A.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 220322-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) STATED Meeting 96 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. Bill No. 220322-A has been amended, and Bill No. 220322-A, as amended, will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220412.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," to revise the cap on the total amount of exemptions authorized in the program.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move STATED Meeting 97 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING that Bill No. 220412 be withdrawn.
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that Bill No. 220412 be withdrawn. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Bill No. 220412 has been withdrawn. For the record, this was one of the bills that was a part of the budget package. We passed a different bill that was sponsored by Councilman Johnson. This particular bill was no longer applicable as it relates to LOOP. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220120. STATED Meeting 98 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance continuing the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District beyond its termination date, in an area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue and for which the Mt. Airy Improvement District, Incorporated, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, is the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District; approving a final plan and report for the District, including a list of proposed improvements and their estimated cost, and providing for assessment fees to be levied on property owners within the District.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll. STATED Meeting 99 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. STATED Meeting 100 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 13; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220365.
An ordinance continuing the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise Neighborhood Improvement District beyond its termination date in the area bounded generally by the north side of Allegheny STATED Meeting 101 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Avenue, the west side of Memphis Street between Allegheny Avenue and East Westmoreland Street, the south side of East Westmoreland Street, the property line of 3300 Agate Street and the back of properties facing west along the east side of Tulip Street between Westmoreland and Ontario Streets, the south side of Ontario Street, the west side of Tulip Street between Ontario and Tioga Streets, the north side of Tioga Street, the back of properties facing west on the east side of Tulip Street between Tioga and Venango Streets, the back of properties facing south along the north side of Venango Street, including the property located at 2301 through 07 East Venango Street, and the back of properties facing east along the west side of Amber Street, as well as the properties located at 2066 through 80 East Tioga and 2082 East Tioga Streets; continuing the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise Incorporated, a Pennsylvania non-profit STATED Meeting 102 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING corporation, as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. STATED Meeting 103 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 13; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present STATED Meeting 104 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 220239. Folks, we need you to please mute yourself if you're not speaking. Please mute yourself if you're not speaking. Thank you. Sorry. Mr. Decker, again, please read the title of 220239.
An ordinance amending Chapter 21-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Foster Care," to add new provisions related to screening and application for benefits for foster youth; limiting the use of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans or other various benefits; and providing notice to the foster child for certain actions taken with respect to Social Security and other benefits.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym. STATED Meeting 105 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you very much, Council President. I just wanted to say very briefly to express my gratitude to all the individuals who helped make this bill possible. I want to start with Mr. Von Jackson, a loving father of two sons whom he fostered and then adopted, and he was largely the impetus. He came forward to share his stories about the City's practices. It's very important to understand that this is not unique to Philadelphia. This is actually a state and national problem, but here again in our city, we're going to be the leaders to show that we can solve problems, that we are going to commit ourselves to fixing things and to make things right and, most importantly, that if we can do this here, we can show that we can give our foster youth a head start and do the most important thing that we can possibly do, which is to keep a family whole and to keep our children well cared for. STATED Meeting 106 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING I cannot thank our advocates and loving foster and adopted families all across the City of Philadelphia and beyond enough. I want to thank Steve Volk and Julie Christie of Resolve Philly, whose investigative work last December covering the incredible efforts of Mr. Von Jackson helped move us to action. And I also want to thank the Administration, especially Commissioner Kim Ali; First Deputy for Office of Children and Families, Jessica Shapiro; and Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley for their dedication and commitment to seeing change. It's extremely complicated and difficult with the state regulations, but I know we're going to find our way through. Thank you very much, Council President. Thank you very much to all my colleagues.
Thank you, Councilwoman. This bill having been read on STATED Meeting 107 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilman STATED Meeting 108 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Johnson.
Mr. President, I would like to be recorded as aye as well.
STATED Meeting 109 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you.
Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Bass has voted aye. The ayes are 12; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilwoman Gym, did you need to be recognized again? You have your hand up. Okay. No problem. Thank you. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions.
A resolution honoring and recognizing Juntos on their 20th Anniversary for their inspiring and transformative work serving, caring for, and organizing the Latinx immigrant STATED Meeting 110 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING community in South Philadelphia and beyond, and their leadership in fighting for the right to a quality education and the freedom to live with dignity, regardless of immigration status, introduced today by Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of this 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.
And a resolution STATED Meeting 111 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING honoring and recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania and its success in cultivating a vibrant field of scholarship while also serving as a home for numerous generations of students with an incredible diversity of experience, fostering deep connections within our city's Asian communities, serving as a potent force in the fight against racism and shaping the conversation of what it means to be Asian American in the past and in the present, introduced today by Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. STATED Meeting 112 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring the life and memory of Champion of the Week, Clifton E. Hubbard Jr and his 46 years dedicated to the Philadelphia School District, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas. (No response.)
On behalf of Member Thomas, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
Thank you, sir. (Duly seconded.) STATED Meeting 113 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Parking Authority's customer convenience and accessibility to remedy parking violations, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
We hear you now, yes, sir. STATED Meeting 114 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
I apologize. I'm having little issues. 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.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding the Philadelphia Youth Network regarding their Work Ready Program and concerns about delays in compensation for workers, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
The STATED Meeting 115 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes 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 aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 220517-A, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 1 Convention Avenue," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill STATED Meeting 116 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING passed Council, introduced today by Councilwoman Gauthier.
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. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to Hold Hearings Regarding Relocating Victims Who Are Targets of Deadly Violence and STATED Meeting 117 9/15/2022 9/15/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Determining How the $500,000 Appropriated for their Relocation was Utilized, introduced today by Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much. 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.
STATED Meeting 118 9/15/2022 Decker, we will now move to special business on Bill No. 220517-A. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for a motion regarding special business.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of special business at this time. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED Meeting 119 9/15/2022 The motion passes. Mr. Decker, please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your resolution adopted today, Bill No. 220517-A, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 1 Convention Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 220517-A was passed.
So moved, Mr. President. STATED Meeting 120 9/15/2022 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 220517-A was passed has been reconsidered. Bill No. 220517-A will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar. That completes our Calendar for today. Prior to recognizing members for the last time regarding speeches, I will note for the record at this time we will use the Chat future available in Microsoft Teams to allow members to signify that they wish to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, STATED Meeting 121 9/15/2022 only be used for this particular purpose. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks.
Thank you so much, Council President. Good morning, colleagues, and welcome back to Council to my colleagues and everyone watching. I just wanted to briefly share information about an event my office is hosting this weekend. So this Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 in front of the Constitution Center, my office is hosting a new voter registration party honoring the rites of passage of voting for 18-year-olds in the City. We have a long list of partners who are helping us with this event, and we are inviting young people and their families to come out to this party and register to vote. STATED Meeting 122 9/15/2022 issues on the ballot this fall, and we're hoping to make sure that as many young people as possible are registered so their voices can be heard. Thank you so much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That is so very important. I wish all to attend. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. October 21st I went to visit a home. The home had a bullet hole in the front of it, the first time I actually heard about the level of violence where young people basically were shooting at mothers who they believed were somehow connected to witnesses or people who cooperated. The first time I heard about that. And I also heard that these women were promised and were awaiting STATED Meeting 123 9/15/2022 And that seemed to be a failure. There was a transfer ordinance in early November with the cooperation of the Administration and Councilmembers Jones and Johnson where $500,000 was appropriated specifically to move these women. They have not been moved, and the mystery is what happened to the money. I have no idea. We're trying to figure that out. But we're going to approach October 21st, 2022 soon. So there has been a failing, and since that time, we've learned about the level of random and wanton violence where people are being shot at simply for being in a photograph with somebody else on social media, the level of trying to hurt someone by hurting someone who is in a photograph with them. This type of violence has to be stopped, and the fact that we all, the entire city, knows that we need witnesses STATED Meeting 124 9/15/2022 be protected, but these are not even witnesses. They're just relatives of somebody. I heard rumors about what happened to this money, and that's why I've introduced a resolution to find out where did this money go, because it was definitely not supposed to go to the District Attorney's Office. Specifically the District Attorney has money for relocating witnesses. These are not witnesses. They are not going to a trial. They're just being shot at. And we've gone through this with the Administration, with the School District, because you can't move the family. You have to have a house to move the children to where they can go to school. This whole thing must be dealt with in a final manner where $500,000, no money spent to relocate these targets. Anyway, I just would put out to the public and to my colleagues and to STATED Meeting 125 9/15/2022 Administration, we should find out why the victims have not been moved and where this money is and why it's sitting there. And if the City cannot handle this, perhaps there should be another entity like the state or somebody else that will take care of this. All right. Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. I'm happy to be back in Council. I know a lot of us did a lot of interesting things this summer. Throughout the course of the next couple of weeks, I want to talk about some of the things that I've done. STATED Meeting 126 9/15/2022 that I'm most proud of, though, is the free camp I did this past summer. So for three weeks in the summertime, we had over 100 young people that we essentially occupied their time in different parts of the City, from Kensington to South Philadelphia to the Northwest section, and my colleagues joined me in each of the locations, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Johnson, former Councilmember Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Brooks, and we had -- as well as former Councilmember Domb, and we had a great time interacting with the young people, learning from them, listening to them, and recognizing their concerns as it relates to the City of Philadelphia. It feels somewhat numbing to come back to Council dealing with adults now that I spent my entire time working with young people this summer, only to continue to be in the face of a lot of STATED Meeting 127 9/15/2022 to say that some of these issues that we've seen, especially recently, are really heart-wrenching, are really heartbreaking. I know Councilmember Gauthier was out there with Tiffany Fletcher and her family, but I felt compelled to at least say her name and acknowledge the fact that she was our colleague. Might not have been a Councilmember in the City of Philadelphia, but a City employee, one with an important job as it relates to working with youth and young people on a consistent basis, and what she did on a daily basis is where my heart is, is working with the demographic of folks that I feel like I'm actually called upon to work with. So I did want to take a moment to offer my condolences to her and her family, to really put into context some of these issues that we're facing in the City of Philadelphia and continue to push STATED Meeting 128 9/15/2022 do the best that we can to adjust the senseless crime that we're seeing as it relates to the current state of Philadelphia. So I wanted to first acknowledge her family as well as some of the work that was done this summer. I also want to say thank you to the Hubbard family with the passing of Cliff Hubbard, looking at his impact on sports, athletics, the School District of Philadelphia, the legacy he left behind. I also thank Dr. Lynch for his testimony, the person who is currently responsible for filling those shoes. Last, but not least, similar to my colleague Councilmember Brooks, we're having a big event this Saturday at Triumph Baptist Church Saturday morning. Working with Councilmember Bass, we'll be giving away a couple thousand pounds of food to anybody who is in need or to people who are not in need, if you just want to get a little bit of support and STATED Meeting 129 9/15/2022 maybe not paying for some bills this week. We know that the economy is having a huge impact on the entire country, but we also know poor and middle-class families in the City of Philadelphia are being hit pretty hard. So just to try to offer a little Band-Aid for that situation that we know we're dealing with, we're going to be giving away a couple thousand pounds of food on Saturday. We're going to be able to provide some free resources. The event is going to take place Saturday morning. We encourage people to arrive early. We'll be there as early as 10 o'clock, and we'll have other resources that will be available to families as well. So thank you all so much for your support. Colleagues, welcome back to City Council.
I'm looking forward to a very productive, informative, and STATED Meeting 130 9/15/2022 constituents of Philadelphia fall session. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I want to thank my colleagues who recognized Tiffany Fletcher, our very own Parks and Rec employee who was tragically and senselessly slayed at Mill Creek Playground, and I thought that this being our first session of Council following that murder, that we should take a moment of silence to recognize her life and her contributions to her community and to our city. So please join me in taking a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.) STATED Meeting 131 9/15/2022
I also wanted to say a few words. You know, we've had a lot of violence in West Philly, in Southwest Philly, in many areas of our city, particularly over the past three years, but -- and all of it hurts, but this hurt in a different way for me. The people who work at the Mill Creek Rec Center, they work so hard, so incredibly hard, to make sure that it's a space that is warm and welcoming and inviting for the young people in that community, and even the volunteers who are dedicated to the Mill Creek Rec Center work really hard to fill in the gaps where the City, you know, can't, to make sure that it's an inviting and safe space. Tiffany in particular was a resident of the Mill Creek community. She came on as a pool attendant this past STATED Meeting 132 9/15/2022 when, you know, we had a call out to people to really help us to open pools. And, you know, the staff at the center liked her so much and she liked the job so much, that she decided to stay on to continue in that work, and that's why she was there this past Friday when the event happened. And, you know, to have her be cut down in the midst of that really noble work is just incredibly heartbreaking and hard to believe. And our Parks and Rec employees more broadly work so hard to make sure that these are safe and fun spaces for our young people. In particular, the staff that work at rec centers, when many of us were virtual, they were in these centers, you know, every day coming in to make sure that young people had access to those centers. And so to be in a place where that work is not safe for these dedicated employees, it just cuts to the heart. STATED Meeting 133 9/15/2022 really striking to me about what happened at Mill Creek is that these were very young people who were engaged in a gun battle, and that gun battle took Tiffany's life. And I know that as a city we have efforts like GVI, or Group Violence Intervention, where we are really trying to identify people connected to street groups and trying to put them on a different path, but I would encourage us to look even more deeply at this issue of street group violence. It seems to me that a lot of the violence that's happening in my district in particular are these groups of, in particular, young people connected to different geographies that are fighting back and forth and shooting back and forth at one another, and I think we need to dedicate more capacity and more -- and we need to work harder to understand these conflicts, why they're arising and how we can calm these STATED Meeting 134 9/15/2022 back in the day in the '70s, for example, there were many efforts around gang mediation, and I think I would encourage us to move back into a space where we're making that a bigger part of our work. I spent many hours at the hospital on Friday with Tiffany's family and with City employees, including our Parks and Rec Commissioner, Kathryn Ott Lovell, and Kathryn said something, you know, while we were waiting in hopes that Tiffany would come out okay that I thought was really profound. You know, the 14-year-old that was arrested in connection with that shooting would have been 11 when we started this pandemic. And so thinking about the space we're in, where our young people have been cut off from resources for a very long time, they haven't been able to socialize like they have in the past, I don't think we've yet scratched the surface in just STATED Meeting 135 9/15/2022 on with young people and what is driving them towards the type of tragic violence that we're seeing. And what makes it even more dangerous is the ample supply of guns.
So young people who have had a very difficult several years have easy access to guns as well, and that's another issue that I think even with the resistance at the state level, we just have to work harder at and be more creative at in terms of not only identifying these very young people but getting them to let go of these weapons. And so I just wanted to speak about that. That's something that I'm certainly going to be focused on here in Council but, most importantly, I wanted to make a space to just honor Tiffany Fletcher's service to our great City of Philadelphia. And I also wanted to make people aware that Parks and Recreation, in concert with the Parks Alliance, has STATED Meeting 136 9/15/2022 to raise money for Tiffany's three sons and their support. Currently that fund is at a little over 25,000, but I -- and I thank all of my colleagues and everyone who has given to it. I encourage everyone to give and give again. I think, you know, it's very important that we wrap our arms around those young men, because their lives are going to be forever changed, and they'll need the support of all of us in the community. So thank you very much for the opportunity to speak.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Our hearts go out. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I'm going to be real brief. It does feel good to be back in City STATED Meeting 137 9/15/2022 see everybody's faces who I haven't had an opportunity to see up close and personal. But just a couple announcements. This Saturday at Wharton Square Park in South Philadelphia at 23rd and Wharton Streets, I will be hosting the Peace Not Guns - Stop the Violence Community Day. It's just basically a day where we're bringing the community together to provide resources for victims and co-victims of gun violence, trauma support services, violence prevention services, career opportunities for young people as well as the community as a whole. We also will be having our first Peace Not Guns award ceremony honoring and recognizing individuals who are on the front line addressing this issue and also we will have the Peace Not Guns kid zone. It's an opportunity and a safe place for our children to come out and have a good time, free food, free STATED Meeting 138 9/15/2022 but, most importantly, motivational speakers with the message of peace, not guns, and stop the violence. m. m. To all my listeners, I want to make sure that they have the information about it. Any of my colleagues that want to come out and participate, you are more than welcome. But it's a day to send a message across the City of Philadelphia that if we ever want to have a city -non-violence in the City of peace, not guns, it's all about coming together and working with one another but, most importantly, providing the information and resources to our communities. Second announcement is, yesterday at Yesha Grand Ball Hall in South Philadelphia we hosted our first property tax relief workshop. It was a great turnout, right, and we worked in partnership with OPA, the Revenue STATED Meeting 139 9/15/2022 Department, Community Legal Services, SeniorLAW Center to make sure that people are taking advantage of addressing the 31 percent property tax -- property assessment increase that individuals are going to see on their tax bills. And so great turnout, very, very informative. We have three other events. Our next place is going to be next Wednesday at Myers Recreation Center, 58th and Kingsessing. And then following that, we're going to be on the 24th at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith at 22nd and Bainbridge Street. And then also we're going to be in Saint Monica's Church on the 22nd, which is -- I'm sorry; next Thursday at 16th and Ritner. Mark, tell me if I'm wrong about 16th and Ritner in terms of location, but I think I'm correct. But basically it's a series of workshops to try to make sure people can sign up for the tax relief measures that STATED Meeting 140 9/15/2022 as the first level of review if they want to challenge their property tax assessment. I want to thank Council President for you and your team for putting together a letter with a lot of the details regarding those tax relief measures that we put together last budget season. They came across very well in the community in terms of people receiving them in the mail. And so this is a matter of life and I would like to say individual's life -- I guess I will say a person deciding to pay for their -- senior paying for their prescription drug or paying for their actual property tax, but based upon our work, now your property taxes are frozen if you meet a certain criteria and you're a senior. And that's something to be proud of. And most recently I want to thank all my colleagues for signing on to a letter as well. I've been talking to STATED Meeting 141 9/15/2022 -- as well as Councilman Squilla. We've been on the phone the last couple days about extending the first-level review deadline extension.
No way in the world people are going to make their deadline if they're just getting their tax bills on the 28th and the deadline is on the 3rd. So it's totally unacceptable. We're going to also work with BRT to see if they can work with us to also either push back their deadline or give consideration to people who may file late because they may have been denied for the first level of review. So thank you very much, Council President, colleagues. Good to see everybody, and let's get the work done, as we always do. Good to see everybody, though. Peace.
17th and Ritner, Councilmember. STATED Meeting 142 9/15/2022
Don't say that too loud. That's my district, man. I had a moment.
And they are going to extend -- I'm sorry for interrupting. Point of information. They are going to extend the first-level review to the 14th of October. So thank you for your hard work.
Thank you, gentlemen. Appreciate it. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two things that are heavy on my heart and mind. The first one is, Derek Green, Maria Sanchez, Cherelle Parker, and Allan Domb, if you're looking at this or watch it on reruns later today, tonight, know that -I don't remember saying thank you for STATED Meeting 143 9/15/2022 service, but also already first day, I miss you, and I miss you because we didn't always all the time agree, but I understood your rationale and how you came to positions that you took and respected it always. And so we want to -- I want to thank you for your service to this city, to City Council in particular, and say that you might -- we may have to fill your spot, but you will never ever be replaced. Secondly, I last night was out supporting District Attorney Larry Krasner, who had been censored by the House of Representatives this week. Two points on that. Number one, it is incredible to me that when we pass gun laws here in the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania says, oh, no, City of Philadelphia, you should not have lost and stolen gun reporting. We passed sensible gun laws about red flags, and they'll say, oh, no, STATED Meeting 144 9/15/2022 your level of responsibility compared to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We run Second Amendment issues. It is incredible to me that you could have other district attorneys in other parts of the Commonwealth that are up on charges and you feel it's okay to ignore that and not pay attention to that, but you want to find our District Attorney in contempt. I want to say that that is unfair, and it's not whether or not you agree with District Attorney Krasner or not, the audacity of the Commonwealth to tie our hands behind our back and don't allow us to defend ourselves, but yet they want to meddle in our internal business. Second point, my colleague Cindy Bass came up with a profound statement that says, what do you do when you realize the shooter lives with you. I told her I love it so much, I'm going STATED Meeting 145 9/15/2022 I'll never plagiarize it. I will say where I got it from. But that is the hard conversation a lot of parents have to look in the mirror and have with their children. And we as a community, as a city, as a neighborhood have to ask that question of our children, demand the accountability from them. Some of the folk in my district have that problem. I'll never forget a mother in Wynnefield when it was brought to her attention that her son had a gun and had showed the gun to another fellow student at their school, and when the police kept him, confronted her along with DHS at her home, she kind of threw her hands up and said, I don't know what to do with him. Thousands of parents, single parents often, have to face that responsibility, and we as a society have to give them more options. We have to give them intervention, whether it's DHS, STATED Meeting 146 9/15/2022 of intervention to help out with that, because when we fail them in that kind of intervention way, look at the 100 Shooter Review, often, Mr. President, they raise their hand, say some day I'm going to be dangerous. We just didn't believe them. So I look forward to having those tough conversations. I look forward to going with my colleague down to the Juvenile Justice Center today to see what we can do to recognize those young people and give them the help they need early so that they aren't the "defendant please rise" later on. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you. We've got to figure it out. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much, and I just wanted to follow up on a couple of STATED Meeting 147 9/15/2022 is, I did want to -I see Councilman Jones is busy, but I did want to thank him for acknowledgment of a program that we've been working on for quite some time now. As he mentioned, what do you do when a shooter lives with you. And we have been working on that, because as we all know, the shooters here in the City of Philadelphia have become younger and younger. There was a time when it was unheard of really to hear of a 14, 13, 12 or 11-year-old shooter anywhere, but it seems to be the thing now. It seems to be happening on a much more frequent basis. And so, you know, the idea behind this plan, behind this initiative is what do you do? What do you do when you walk into the room of your 13-year-old son -- and I'm a strong proponent of, listen, running through that room, flip over that mattress, look in the closet, look under the bed and see STATED Meeting 148 9/15/2022 so what do you do when you come across a firearm? And so, you know, we were having some discussion about it, and the question is very valid, because most people don't want to call the police on their, you know, new teenage child, 13, 14, so forth. They don't want to call the police. They don't want to report them, but what do you do to make sure that your child neither becomes a suspect in a crime, a perpetrator of a crime, or the victim of a crime? And so how do we manage that is really the question behind this initiative, and we've been working on that and we anticipate, Mr. President, doing some more work which you'll be hearing about in the next coming weeks as we unveil and unroll this program. So, you know, I do want to offer my condolences to the family of the young woman who worked for the Parks and Recreation system that we lost this week, STATED Meeting 149 9/15/2022 of the other horrific homicides throughout the entire City of Philadelphia. We had a father of seven in Germantown who was shot on his front lawn, ambushed in front of his home. And, you know, we had a 17-year-old girl who was gunned down in Frankford, I understand, and so many of these stories. It's hard to keep up with them, but this is something that we need to keep up with, because we need to keep talking about it and working towards a solution. We're all frustrated. We're all afraid. We're all concerned. And this is something that won't go away if we just go in the house at the end of our days and close the door and close our blinds. This is not going to make it go away. So we have to be engaged. We have to be a part of the solution. That's each and every one of us. We all have some role to play. And so the question is, what is that role and how do we make that happen? STATED Meeting 150 9/15/2022 to mention that. I also wanted to thank Councilmember Thomas for the food giveaway over at Triumph Baptist Church. You know, it's a pleasure to always be at Triumph. Victory for everyone from Triumph, as we recently celebrated Pastor Hall's 90th birthday, and what a wonderful occasion that was. And so I want to thank my colleague for always keeping Triumph at the forefront of all of our minds and doing this fantastic event and making sure that we can close that bridge and close that gap with folks who may have a hunger issue, a food insecurity issue, and that we will be out there on Saturday and hope to see you there. Also, I just wanted to mention something else our office is doing and follow up on something Councilman Johnson mentioned. He said that he had done a property tax relief workshop, I think it was, last night. So he's doing fantastic STATED Meeting 151 9/15/2022 thank him for that.
We are also in the Northwest doing some work around appealing property tax assessments. And so we've been working with the BRT and OPA, and we're going to have them come into our offices to help folks do the actual appeal. So if you received your notice and you want to get help doing the appeal, you want to make sure it's done right, we encourage you to call our office, make an appointment to come in. Right now we're operating, myself along with my colleagues in all things good, myself, State Senator Sharif Street, State Senator Art Haywood, and State Representative Darisha Parker. m. and we also have Tuesday, September 20th from 11:00 to 1:00 at my office and also Wednesday, September 21st from 11:00 to 1:00 in STATED Meeting 152 9/15/2022 So we want to really encourage you -- excuse me. And also Friday, September 23rd from 10:00 to 4:30 at Senator Art Haywood. So those are during the day. The rest are pretty much during the evening. But we really want folks to come out and to -- we want to be helpful to you. So please come. Please bring your paperwork, bring your assessment. We would love to help you with making sure that your property tax appeal is filed, it's filed on time, and that we can help you, because we know that a large part of the Northwest has been adversely affected by these assessments. So please feel free to contact us at 215-686-3424 for more information. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. That concludes our speeches on behalf of the minority and the majority. So with that, I would like to recognize STATED Meeting 153 9/15/2022 motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. -(Duly seconded.)
-- in Council Chambers, Room 400, City Hall. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and enthusiastically seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. Be safe, and love you guys. ) STATED Meeting 155 9/15/2022 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.