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.