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.