COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 13, 2024 10:18 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK
Last day at Council session. Very, very exciting day. We welcome you to City Council. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council is now coming to order. Our members will please take your seats. All visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. I'm going to ask for any sidebar conversations to please be taken outside the chambers, and I will ask that all of those who are present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Mohammad R. Chowdhury, Mufti Raihan, Founder and Principal of Global Islamic Education, Khatib and Religious Director of Masjid Al-Madinah Upper Darby Islamic Center USA, and Principal of Al-Madinah Islamic Academy and School in Upper Darby. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. I will ask that all members and guests please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
May God bless you all. This is a great honor for me to join this event. Today I'm going to recite a few verses from the Holy Quran reminding to be successful here and hereafter. (Arabic Translation). I start in the name of Allah, most merciful. Allah 3, Verse No. 185, Every soul will test death and you will receive your full reward on the day of judgment. Thus, one who is saved from the hellfire and admitted to the paradise, indeed he is successful. Remember, this worldly life is but a deceiving enjoyment. You will be tested through your wealth and your life. Allah Almighty says in Chapter 87, Verse 14 to 19, Successful indeed are those who purify themselves. Remember the name of their God and pray, but unfortunately you prefer the life of this world only, even though the hereafter is far better and more lasting. This is certainly mentioned in earlier scripture, the scripture of Abraham and Moses. In Chapter 3, Verse 64, Allah Almighty says, O Prophet, Muhammad say, O People of Book, let us come to common terms, that we worship none but Allah, associate none with Him, nor take one another as lords instead of Allah. But if still they turn away, then say, Bear witness that we have submitted, to Almighty Allah. We pray, may Allah gain and grant successful for all of us here and hereafter. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
The Chair thanks the gentleman for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 6, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson 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 to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning 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 on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in the chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. As there are no presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeantat-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor in her possession to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a resolution approving the re-appointment of Reverend Bonnie Camarda as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and A resolution approving the appointment of Erin Dwyer as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and 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 Planning Commission on the following bills: 240181 and 240182. 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 240336 not for approval; 240382, 240415, 240421, approval with amendments; 244023, 240425, 240426, 240427, 45-day hold; 240431, 240432, 240435, 240473, approval with amendments; 240493, 240495, 240496, 240497 and 240499. And I am pleased to advise you that on June 12, 2024 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at session on May 30, 2024: Bill Nos. 240005, 240187, 240220-A, 240241, 240245, 240303, 240383, 240423, 240425, 240431 and 240435. Council President, there are no other communications in my possession.
Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Good morning, Philadelphia. Good morning, Council President Johnson and colleagues. I have no bills or resolutions for introduction today. God bless.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution and would like to be recognized after the Chief Clerk reads the resolution.
Would the Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.
A resolution authorizing the creation of a Not-for-Profit Provider Task Force to review the City's contract and procurement processes with nonprofit providers and proposed recommendations for improved business practices.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I humbly move and request that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion passes. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have four non-privileged resolutions and nine non-privileged resolutions on your behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution also naming the 4,000 block of Baring Street at the intersection of North Preston Street "Yolanda LaneyBasketball Way" to honor Yolanda Laney, Esq., for her trailblazing in women's basketball and contributions to the next generation of women players.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And also naming the 3600 block of West Warren Street "Coach Lurline Jones U-City Way," to honor Coach Lurline Jones and her long history of coaching and mentorship in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council.
Also naming the 6200 block of West Pine Street "Westside Weekly Way" to honor the Westside Weekly newspaper and its impact on West Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And also naming the 1400 block of South 55th Street between Springfield Avenue and Chester Avenue as "Mont Brown Way" to honor Mont Brown and his dedicated community service to Southwest Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And the resolutions on your behalf, Council President, approving the re-appointment of Reverend Bonnie Camarda as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing the appointment of Erin Dwyer as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the appointment of Darrell Clarke as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Ethel Wise as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Lynette M. BrownSow as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Ismail A. Shahid as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Herbert Wetzel as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the re-appointment of Asia Coney as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and Approving the appointment of Sandra Dungee Glenn as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion concerning the resolutions just read.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of the four non-privileged resolutions introduced on my behalf and the nine non-privileged resolutions introduced on your behalf that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I have two resolutions. One on your behalf, Council President.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigate the incidence, rate, impacts and outcomes of homeless students in the School District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution introduced on your behalf calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to enact House Bill 2370 to fairly fund schools in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth to ensure fair allocation of resources for all students.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged and two non-privileged resolutions, and I'd like to be recognized after one.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.
Oh, excuse me. Two privileged resolutions and two bills.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," to add provisions related to affordable housing, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to add a chapter requiring individuals with responsibility for determination or evaluation of means and methods used during construction or demolition to provide notification to the City upon becoming aware of a violation or law or a substandard practice that presents a substantial threat of serious bodily injury or damage to property and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring Masjid Quba and the Quba Institute for their work organizing Quba International, Senegal, an initiative to enhance education in West Africa further welcoming Senegalese Minister for Education, Moustapha Guirassy, to the United States.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Anthony Glass for his outstanding work as a Legislative Director for the office of Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., and wishing him luck with his future endeavors at the University of Notre Dame Law School. (Applause.)
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau -- sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Yes. Briefly, Mr. President, thank you. Joining us today are also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glass. We want to give them a round of applause for coming down. Please stand. (Applause.)
We also want to recognize the hefty, hefty bill they will be paying. So thank you very much, Mr. President.
You're welcome. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Yes. As Fox Chase residents, the Glass family, I'd be remiss if I didn't welcome them to City Council and tell them how impressed we are with the son they raised. And I think I speak for the whole Council. That's an easy one for me. And good luck, Anthony. (Applause.)
Salute. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues and guests. I have two privileged resolutions today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing Joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings exploring the creation of a School District of Philadelphia Chief of Joy.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Joy Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia's James Beard Restaurant and Media Award winners Vietnam Restaurant; Inquirer critic Craig LeBan, photographer Jessica Griffin and authors David Suro, Gary Paul Nabhan and Danny Childs.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer two privileged resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the humanitarian efforts of the Puerto Rican community who rally to protect family, friends and the island of Puerto Rico during cataclysmic hurricanes, earthquakes and any major disasters that strike.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2024 as Children's Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and three privileged resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions please.
An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, replacement and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19123, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the 10th through the 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijr as "Eid al-Adha" in the City of Philadelphia during June 2024.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And recognizing the month of August 2024 as Public Safety Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of June 17th through June 23rd as "Sanitation Workers Week" in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I have five privileged resolutions to introduce today.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution commemorating and celebrating June 19th as Juneteenth, when final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was ordered in Texas, marking the end of enslavement of Black and brown people in the United States.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings on the prevalence of the usage of exclusionary school discipline and the use of collective punishment practices in public schools across Philadelphia, and on how these and other policies and practices perpetuate antiBlackness and anti-Black racism and harm students academically, socially, emotionally to the detriment of their health, wellbeing and future life outcomes.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Maurice Mitchell, a community organizer, social movement strategist and national leader in the Movement for Black lives and the National Director of the Working Families Party, on the occasion of his visit to Philadelphia. (Applause.)
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution declaring the month of July as Disability Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the team creating the Autism Play Date for their work on autism awareness, and inviting all to attend the Autism Play Date at Smith Memorial Park this August.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
I have no bills or resolutions today, Council President.
Thank you, Council President. I do have two privileged resolutions to introduce today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the labors of brotherly love, sisterly effectiveness and sibling solidarity committed by Aid Workers who have crossed rivers and oceans and tears to feed the hungry, to build shelter, to bring music and to bring healing and warmth and compassion to those in the greatest need.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Palestinian theologian and educator, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, the Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour, Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, Director of the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, and Coordinator of Global Kairos for Justice. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Simply want to say that we are honored to be joined today by the Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac.
Week after week we have heard testimony, family members, concerned citizens raising awareness about what's happening in the Middle East. We have here today joined with us clergy who is in, as they say, the throes of all that's going on literally pastoring a church in the place where Jesus was born, and is known for his work and his preaching that reminded us that if you're asking where God is in the midst of all this, God is under the rubble. So we're thankful to have Dr. Isaac here with us today and I'm honored to honor him today as well. (Applause.)
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills. An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1100, ("Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code, making revisions to disability parking space standards and procedures, creating an application process for residential disability parking spaces limited for use by a specific person with disability, creating a new administrative hearing process, and amending applicable penalties.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a bill continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, in the area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the southwest side of Lehigh Avenue, both sides of North Front Street from the north side of Poplar Street to the south side of Diamond Street, both sides of East Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue continuing to the west side of East Berks Street, the north side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to North 2nd Street, and the south side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to Howard Street, and certain blocks of streets that intersect portions of these streets; approving an extension of the boundaries of the District to include North Front Street from Montgomery Street to Diamond Street, East Girard Avenue from East Fletcher Street to East Berks Street, and the north side of West Girard Avenue from Front Street to North 2nd Street; continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District; approving a plan for and report concerning the District; authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District relating to the District; and re-authorizing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District to assess property owners within the District a special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan; all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Economic Improvement Act, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three privileged resolutions, one on your behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution calling upon Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement as well as the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Human Services to investigate and prevent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud for those in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a resolution recognizing and commending the Save the Train Coalition for the preservation of Philadelphia SEPTA services in the community's time of need.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution on your behalf honoring and recognizing the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity for being a pillar of strength and symbol of hope for Philadelphia through its social justice activism. (Applause.)
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored to offer this resolution on your behalf. And I just really wanted to recognize Bishop Lewis -- the President Bishop Lewis Felton, if he is here. I did not see --
Or the members of the Black Clergy, Philadelphia Black Clergy. (Applause.)
And so, Bishop Felton has long been a pillar and the Black Clergy has been a pillar of strength in our community. Always a guiding light when things seem at their darkest in the City of Philadelphia. And so, I just really wanted to recognize him and thank them for the work they do. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank You, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
As there are no reports from Committee today, we will now go to the consideration of bills on our Calendar. 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read Bill No. 240242.
Bill No. 240242 on first reading, is an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO Fourth District Overlay District," to establish use, regulations on medical facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final 2ND READING Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 240168, 240487, 240535, 240536, 240537, 240538, 240539, 240540, 240541, 240552, 240584, 240585, 240586, 240589, 240594, 240595 and 240602.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. 2ND READING All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. We will consider the resolution consent agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 240332, 240385, 2ND READING 240415, 240421, 240426, 240305, 240380, 240382, 240384, 240418, 240419, 240420, 240424, 240469, 240473, 240475, 240493, 240495, 240496, 240497, 240414, 240468, 240474, 240476, 240498, 240429 and 240433. The following bills on the Calendar are being held: 240368. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
2ND READING The ayes have it. The motion carries and we will consider the bills on the consent agenda shortly. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up any additional bills and resolutions on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills and resolutions being considered on the consent agenda, the following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240598, 240604, 240179, 240180, 240181, 240182, 240492, 240058, 240157, 240466, 240372, 240373, 240374, 240375, 240376, 240377, 240378, 240379, 240416, 240417, 240467, 240470, 240494, 240428-A, 240434, 240371, 240500 and 240018. The following bills are being held: 240427.
Thank you. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hassen at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Y'all ready for the summer? Council is resumed. Today the time limit will be two minutes due to the volume of individuals who be public commenting. In order to be fair, all those wishing to speak I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Rusina Rodriguez. May Maria Diaz, Olivia Rodriguez and Veronica Perez also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Rusina will be delivering her testimony in Spanish and I will deliver the same testimony in English for her.
(English translation). Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Rusina Rodriguez and I'm the organizer for the Latino community with the National Domestic Workers Alliance in Pennsylvania. I worked for 10 years for cleaning houses and in this industry, there are many abuses by employers and it is necessary to have better laws and protections for all workers in Philadelphia, not just domestic workers. It is very sad to know that we do not have the budget for the Office of Work Protection under the Department of Labor that we fought so hard for.
(English translation.) This office does not have the staff to be able to respond to our complaints when employers do not respect the laws and we have to wait months to get a response. I am deeply concerned about the safety of workers because we are essential and we contribute much to the economic growth of the entire City of Philadelphia because we contribute with taxes even without an immigration status. Our contribution is vital to economic development.
(English translation). Leaving workers without protections is terrible because they cannot defend their rights. We have a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights that is not respected by employees. Having fully funded Office of Worker Protections helps us to have a quick response to complaints, filed materials in different languages and to be able to educate workers and employers.
(English translation). I'm disappointed by this budget decision, but we'll continue to fight for more protections to protect all workers against retaliation, and we will be introducing this law this coming fall. And remember, every single worker needs to be protected. Thank you so much for your time to listen to our testimony. (Applause.)
(English translation). Good morning. My name is Ms. Maria Carmen Diaz, and I'm a member and leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I come from Mexico and have been a house cleaner, caregiver of children and the elderly for 27 years. Today I'm here raising my voice and expressing my feelings. I'm very sad to see that the City budget approved not only did not fully fund the Office of Worker Protections but also cut the money by close to $470,000 from last year's budget. This is unacceptable. We have to keep fighting to get this budget. It is not fair that most of the working people in this City go through wage theft abuse. We are essential. The City cannot ignore us. We trust the Office of Worker Protections. We are tired of threats of immigration. We are tired of retaliation and losing our jobs for defending our rights. The City Council approved labor legislation that is applauded all over the country. However, it has again left those mandates unfunded and unenforced. It is so shameful that the Office of Worker Protection is in such a condition even though we know how much Philadelphia has grown. This office has one fulltime employee for every 197,000 workers, and although the staff works very hard with this shortage of funds means a lot to us. And after this failure of this budget, we believe you owe workers this protection. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
(English translation of testimony.) Good morning. My name is Olivia Rodriguez and I'm a member and leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I was a nanny for over five years and now I continue to be a domestic worker as a house cleaner with over a decade of experience. Today I'm here to express my feelings of disappointment and discontent about the City budget with the support for the Office of Worker Protections. As a domestic worker, I feel it is important that our Office of Worker Protections is fully funded. We have to wait months to see a response and it is not fair that the budget is cut even below last year's levels. This is not fair to us workers because the impact of the lack of funding for all workers in Philadelphia continues to affect us because of the lack of labor protections. The Bill of Rights that we already have must be respected by our employers. As domestic workers, we suffer from discrimination, wage theft, total lack of benefits and no overtime. When our work is cancelled, we are not given advanced notice despite having already paid for transportation costs. We are invisibilized and this budget cut invisibilized us even further. In my case, I would like you to support us in order to win our campaign against retaliation because even though we obtained the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, employers continue to violate these labor laws. We need your support in order to win our campaign in the fall when we introduce the new Anti-retaliation legislation. I ask you to please support us and I appreciate your time. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
(English translation of testimony.) Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Veronica Perez and I'm a mother and community leader and I am part of the Restaurant Worker Committee, El Committee. I am here because I feel completely cheated by the budget approved by the City Council. I came here to City Council in April and told all of you about the intense experience with sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and how I had no support system. I am appalled that the City budget passed and not only did not fully fund the Office of Worker Protections but there was also an additional cut of $447,000 below last year's budget for the Department of Labor. Sexual harassment is rampant in the restaurant industry. Now, workers like me who experience harassment in restaurants will have even less support from the City. It is your role to provide us with these protections. Elected officials have absolutely failed the low-wage, non-union workers who rely on the City through the Office of Worker Protection to protect their labor rights. After the failure of this budget, we now depend on each of you to support new legislation to expand protections when we introduce them in the fall. You owe us these protections and we will remember the actions you take. Thank you. (Applause.)
(English translation of testimony.) Good morning. My name is Maria and I'm from Mexico. I've been a cleaner for 18 years and have suffered labor abuses. I joined the National Domestic Workers Alliance because it gave me a light that things could change. Thanks to our Domestic Worker Bill of Rights we already feel a little bit of hope. Now, there's someone who supports us to take action. But today I'm very disappointed because the budget does not include the workers and cuts our dreams to make the Bill of Rights and other labor rights a reality. All we want is to work for a decent living. We need to do something drastic and stop these abusive bosses. The Councilmembers and the Mayor cut the budget for the Department of Labor which implements our rights and that is an attack on our rights. We are still seeing labor abuses. We need the City and also a new Antiretaliation law. It's the only way to confront these abusive employers. We want your support to pass our new law in the fall. It is a necessity for our city to feel protected. We have no real protection from retaliation when we fight for what rights we have in the job. Thank you for listening to us and we will still fight until we achieve the budget that Philadelphia needs. (Applause.)
(English translation of testimony). Hello. Good morning. My name is Rosalia Lerma and I've been working as a domestic worker in Philadelphia for 15 years. I am from Mexico and a leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I am here to share my disappointment and anger because we were not given the budget we were requesting. And on the contrary, the budget for the Department of Labor where the Office of Worker Protections is was reduced. We know that our domestic worker colleagues have waited up to six months for their labor abuse case to be investigated and now with these changes, it will be worse. We already know that the employers are not complying with the laws. There's still a lot of wage theft, humiliation, threats of deportation, discrimination, sexual harassment at work and retaliation even with death. Many people are afraid to file a claim with the government because they fear retaliation. While this budget decision made by the Administration even after I request for financial support, justice against these abuses will not be possible. They will not be able to put more personnel to do the necessary investigations. While we have felt that the government was not providing the necessary support for safe dignified and retaliation-free work, at this moment we feel even less protected. We will be counting on you to bring us the protection by supporting new legislation towards making sure worker abuse is taken seriously. We will see you when we introduce it in a few months. Thank you very much and I hope you listen to our pleas. (Applause.)
May Bishop J. Felton, President of the Black Clergy, please make their way to the podium. Then Maurice Mitchell, Nicole Klingerman and Kate Perez. (Witnesses approached the podium.)
Bishop J. Louis Felton, President of the Philadelphia Black Clergy.
Thank you so kindly certainly to Councilwoman Cindy Bass and President Kenyatta Johnson, to the City Council. We, the members of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, are committed to making life better for all the citizens of our great community. We are interdenominational, interracial, ecumenical and we seek to serve through the mantra of servant leadership. We believe that leadership begins with a servant's heart. And so, we have with us a number of members of Black Clergy who have come today to accept your resolution. We appreciate you being involved with us. You were with us in January, Councilwoman Bass, for our celebration of Martin Luther King as well as our installation. September 11th, we will observe the anniversary of this attack upon America by honoring law enforcement and first responders. Our normal meetings will begin the 4th Thursday in September in Mt. Airy at 9:30 in the morning. We also will be observing Martin Luther King Celebration again the second Sunday in January 2025. We want to urge every citizen of our community to register and vote because this is one of the most critical elections that we will have in the history of America. Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. May God use us for a spiritual renaissance, a rebirthing, a commitment to freedom and justice for all people. Thank you, Councilwoman Bass. (Applause.)
Maurice Mitchell. Then Nicole Klingerman, Kate Perez and Adriana George. (Witnesses approached the podium.)
Good morning. My name is Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. (Applause.)
Good morning, members of Philadelphia City Council and members of the community. It's such an honor to be with you all. I am so grateful to be here and to be joined with members of the Working Families Party's Pennsylvania State Committee. State Committee members, our WFP friends, leaders and members of the Working Families Party, I am grateful to lead a party with representatives like Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks -(Applause.)
-- and Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. (Applause.)
Our WFP reps have fought and won big for working people. We have the receipts. Eviction Diversion, the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Act, legislation to protect community gardens, 19 million in rental assistance to keep people in their homes, increase -- yep, you can clap for that. (Applause.)
Increases in funding for Community College of Philadelphia, funding the Built to Last program. And today we're also voting out a resolution on the party's biggest legislative priority this year, fully funding our public education system and stopping Republican billionaire voucher schemes -(Applause.)
Those schemes use taxpayer dollars to fund private institutions with the false promise of saving students. And unfortunately, Pennsylvania has the widest funding gap between wealthy and poor school districts of any state in the country, with the wealthiest school district spending 33 percent more on each student than the poorest districts. Last year the Commonwealth Court found this system unconstitutional. The clear solution is fully funding our schools and not the voucher programs that Republicans are pushing, which primarily benefit wealthy families already sending their children to private schools. Vouchers do not remedy Pa's broken and unconstitutional school funding system. I -- you could clap for that. (Applause.)
I for one am proud to be a part of the WFP and to help build a party that delivers for working people every day. We've got to get to work. We hope that you will join us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Nicole Klingerman, Kate Perez. Then Adriana George. (Witnesses approached the podium.)
Hi. My name is Nicole Klingerman and I'm the Pennsylvania Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. We represent the 16,000 nannies, house cleaners and caregivers in Philadelphia. And we're here also today to represent the 750,000 Working Philadelphians who depend on the Office of Worker Protections to protect their labor support and who were left on the cutting room floor at 2:00 a.m. in your budget negotiations. These workers have been here every single Thursday including today losing money that they absolutely don't have. Domestic workers make an average of $10,000 a year in this City. They are cut out of every level of labor protections because the codified legacy of enslavement in this country. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights that you all unanimously passed and complained to us every single Thursday that how would it be enforced, I'll tell you how it would be enforced. If you funded the Office of Worker Protections. We're asking for $2.6 million in a $5 billion budget and instead Council and Mayor Parker are cutting $469,000 from the poorest people, Black, Brown, undocumented, don't speak English, genderoppressed, single moms. For why? Like, whatever kind of political stuff happens in this building, to leave these women on the cutting room floor is absolutely unacceptable and it's disgraceful. We know that the money is here. We know that the staff are making $300,000 a year. We know that taxpayers' money are paying for their mustangs cut in front of this building and you're going until 2:00 a.m. And we know who stood with us because we're not dumb-dumbs. These women deserve so much more respect than the budget that you're about to pass. And we know who supports us and we thank you for that, and we're going to be back in the fall with Minority Leader Brooks's legislation to expand antiretaliation protections and we expect every single one of you to be co-sponsors on that legislation. (Applause.)
Good morning, Honorable Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmembers. My name is Adriana. I am a former nanny with 16 years experience and presently an organizer with We Dreaming Black Philadelphia, a program for Black domestic workers within the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I am here to express my anger and frustration that the City budget passed and not only failed to fully fund the Office of Workers Protection but cut an additional 460,000 below last year's budget for the Department of Labor, which the Office of Workers Protection is housed within. Once again a workforce that is non-unionized who rely on the City via the Office of Workers Protection to protect the labor rights are left out. This industry is mostly dominated by Black and Brown immigrants. Many of us are constantly faced with intimidation due to our immigration status. Defamation of character by our employers that prevents us from getting jobs often leaves us with great financial burdens and wage theft, to name a few of problems, that are deemed not important by this budget. This has a devastating and disproportionate impact on people like me, Black, Brown, undocumented and gender-oppressed people who do the work that make this City run. Too often I am hearing from my nanny peers that are suffering in silence but don't feel safe in coming forward because there is not enough protection in place for them to do so. With an underfunded Office of Worker Protection, workers are not able to take full advantage of the City labor protection. Domestic workers deserve strong investment in the Office of Workers Protection. You cannot continue to fail domestic workers. We are the ones that make all other jobs possible. We appreciate the Councilmembers who have constantly stood with workers. And now, we are expecting every single one of you to support our new legislation, expanding protection for domestic workers in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Kate Perez. Can Aurora Munoz, Nina Huang and Madison Nardy also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached the podium.)