Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 20, 2022 10:12 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Thank you, and good morning, everyone. And Happy New Year's to you all. Before we begin the Council 00:00:08 session today, we want to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to the public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. 00:00:14 We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was 00:00:23 published in the Daily News, the Inquirer, and Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has 00:00:32 come. Mr. Decker, will you please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, please say a couple of words to make sure that 00:00:41 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. It's great to be back in Council session. 00:00:55
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I'm present. It's great to be back.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. 00:01:13 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to 00:01:30 the City of Sisterly Love.
Good 00:01:38 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the City of Philadelphia. Happy New Year. Wishing a safer year in 2022.
Good 00:01:46 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Good morning, Council President. Good 00:01:51 morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Welcome back. And sending out prayers to all the loved ones who have lost their lives to senseless 00:02:06 gun violence.
Good 00:02:14 morning, Mr. President, colleagues. And Happy New Year, Philadelphia.
Councilman Oh. 00:02:23 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Mr. President and colleagues and Philadelphia. Great to be back. Happy New Year. 00:02:49
Good 00:02:54 morning, Council President, colleagues. Welcome back.
Councilman 00:03:02 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. Happy, healthy, and safe new year to all. 00:03:08
Good 00:03:15 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
And good morning to all. We have established a quorum, so now we're going to come to order. 00:03:28 To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Robert J. Fontell, Jr. of the Calvary Christian Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Gilmore 00:03:39 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation. 00:03:44 Pastor.
Thank you. Good morning, Council President, elected officials, and thank you, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, for this privilege 00:03:52 and honor. I'll begin this prayer by a prayer from Archbishop Carroll, the first bishop of the United States of America, as he prayed this prayer. 00:04:01 We pray to you, oh God of might, wisdom, and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct 00:04:13 Philadelphia City Council and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule in government, that they make tend to the preservation of peace, promotion of prosperity in our city, the 00:04:27 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 industry, and useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty. Almighty Father, the government 00:04:36 of the earth is on the shoulders of Jesus Christ, the one we call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Therefore, we confess that our leaders will rule in a 00:04:46 manner that reflects the love and authority of Christ. By faith, we declare that our leaders and those who work with them will trust in you with all their hearts and 00:04:57 not depend on their own understanding. They will seek your will in all that they do, and as they do this, we trust that you will show them which path to take. We declare that they will not be 00:05:11 impressed with their own wisdom, but they will fear you and turn away from evil. Your word admonishes that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Therefore, we declare that our 00:05:25 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 every level will work together with leaders around the world for the good of all people. Our leaders will turn away from division and evil and do 00:05:36 good. They will search for peace and work to maintain it. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and 00:05:47 my redeemer. God, I pray that you continue to bless these elected officials. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 00:05:56
Thank you for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate it. Thank you.
Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 16, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. 00:06:15 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 16th, 2021 be approved. 00:06:21 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 16, 2021 00:06:28 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. And our next order of business 00:06:39 is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests 00:06:46 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair again recognizes 00:06:52 Councilwoman Parker 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 00:07:03 prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered 00:07:12 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 00:07:24 hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to 00:07:38 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension 00:07:50 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 00:08:00 that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
00:08:10 Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of 00:08:17 this Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
00:08:20 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. 00:08:22 And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair asks the Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession. 00:08:34
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on January 18, 2022, I signed the remaining bills that were 00:08:43 passed by Council on December 9, 2021, except Bill Nos. 210744 and 210865, which I am returning without my signature; and that on December 22, 2021, January 14, and January 18, 2022, I signed all the 00:08:57 bills that were passed by Council on December 16, 2021, except Bill Nos. 210669, 210689, and 210899, which I am returning without my signature. And I am submitting herewith 00:09:12 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 your honorable body a resolution confirming the appointment of Adara L. Combs as Victim Advocate; and 00:09:19 A resolution appointing Erik Derr to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Brennan Tomasetti to the Board of Directors for 00:09:28 the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of 00:09:33 gender-based references through the Charter; and A resolution proposing an amendment to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter 00:09:42 providing for the removal of gender-based references throughout the Educational Supplement; and A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule 00:09:50 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 the establishment of a Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission; and A ordinance providing for the 00:09:56 submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender-based references throughout the Charter, as 00:10:03 approved by Resolution of the City Council; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment 00:10:10 to the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the removal of gender-based references throughout the Educational Supplement, as approved by Resolution of the City 00:10:19 Council; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to 00:10:25 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 provide for the creation of a Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission, as approved by Resolution of the City Council, all under certain terms 00:10:34 and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and 00:10:41 resolutions. And by way of a remainder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they 00:10:51 are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide the appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you very 00:10:59 much in anticipation of your cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Councilwoman 00:11:09 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Parker offers three bills and five resolutions, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of 00:11:17 Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender-based references throughout the Charter."
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the 00:11:28 Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the removal of gender-based references throughout the Educational Supplement.
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Chapter 20-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmanic 00:11:44 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Districts," by revising the boundaries of Councilmanic Districts.
And on her own behalf, a resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender-based references through the 00:11:54 Charter.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Educational 00:12:00 Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the removal of gender-based references throughout the Educational Supplement.
And a resolution recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer 00:12:14 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Coalition - Northwest Philadelphia Chapter Leader and The Survivor Diva Angela Reese for her work promoting awareness about cervical cancer. 00:12:21
And a resolution calling on Secretary Xavier Becerra and the U.S. Department of Health & Human 00:12:28 Services to consider the implementation of a rule instituted by the prior administration that could upend our nation's system of organ procurement, particularly in communities of color, and 00:12:39 to include the vast, specific needs of the organ transplant system in analyzing and improving the metrics and outcomes of organ procurement organizations.
And a resolution approving the appointment of Seth Bluestein as City Commissioner, to fill out the unexpired term of a vacant seat 00:12:54 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 in the Office of the City Commissioners.
Councilwoman Gym 00:13:00 offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring and celebrating trailblazing writer, actor, and comedian Quinta Brunson for her creation of Abbott Elementary, an innovative, hilarious 00:13:23 Black and woman-led sitcom that sheds light on the joy, struggle, dedication, and resilience of Philadelphia teachers and school communities."
Councilman Jones offers two bills and two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2604 of The 00:13:40 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," and amending other sections of the Code to provide a credit against taxes or other City fees for costs incurred to install Fire-escape 00:13:50 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Rope Ladders, and authorizing various City Departments to establish regulations related to the credit and the installation of Fire-escape Rope Ladders. 00:13:57
And on his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia 00:14:04 Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, 54th Street, Westminster Avenue, Haverford Avenue and 56th Street. 00:14:13
And a resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia's living legends: Leon A. Williams, Esquire, Michael Coard, Esquire, 00:14:23 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Rasheedah Phillips, Esquire, George Burrell, Esquire, and Keir Bradford-Grey, Esquire, who are all respected and distinguished leaders in the field of 00:14:34 law, as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
And a resolution 00:14:40 also naming the 6300 block of Lancaster Avenue as Absalom Jones Way, to commemorate Reverend Absalom Jones and his legacy as an abolitionist, clergyman and the founder of the African Episcopal 00:14:52 Church of St. Thomas, first African Episcopal Church in The United States.
Next week's Calendar. Mr. Decker, hold on one second. 00:15:05 Councilman Johnson, did you need to be recognized now?
Not yet, Council President. I just put inside the Chat box prior to the introduction of -- 00:15:17 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Councilman Johnson offers four resolutions, entitled 00:15:29 a "Resolution honoring the life and legacy of comedy legend Bob Saget, a Philadelphia native and Temple University graduate, on the occasion of his passing"; and 00:15:41 A resolution honoring the life and legacy of music legend, activist, and Philadelphia native James Mtume, on the occasion of his passing; and A resolution calling on the 00:15:53 U.S. Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Adara L. Combs as Victim 00:16:04 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Advocate.
Thank you. Councilman Johnson, I'm going 00:16:08 to make clear, you want to speak now?
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. 00:16:13
Thank you, Council President. Just a few brief remarks. During this past holiday, Council President and colleagues, I was 00:16:20 hanging out with one of my family members who is from Alabama. We had a brief conversation regarding what she witnessed growing up in Alabama, what she witnessed having family members in Mississippi 00:16:36 around our ability and our civil rights to vote. And so I introduced these two resolutions today symbolically advocating for the John Lewis Voting Rights 00:16:47 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act primarily just to go on the record to state that we should not be putting forth obstacles and barriers as it relates to 00:17:00 us having the ability to go to the voting booth and, most importantly, cast our ballots. And so I just want to read just one brief portion of the resolution I'm 00:17:12 introducing to kind of highlight how critically important these two Acts are. The demographics of the voter turnout gap are not coincidental. They are, in large part, due to a 00:17:30 longstanding, sustained campaign to restrict access to the ballot. In a 2018 report on minority voting rights access, the United States Commission on Civil Rights found hundreds 00:17:40 of harsh and restrictive voting policies had been enacted in at least 23 states, including voter identification laws, voter roll purges, proof of citizenship measures, challenges to voter 00:17:57 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 eligibility, reduced early voting opportunities. And the Commission also found that these policies have a disparate impact on voters of color and 00:18:07 poor citizens. Such laws have also had an impact on younger voters by creating additional hurdles, such as residency requirements and strict voter ID laws, 00:18:18 which impact their turnout at the polls. A 2014 Governor Accountability Office study found that strict photo ID laws reduced turnout by two to three percentage points, which can translate 00:18:31 into tens of thousands of votes lost in a single state. And I know we are in City Council, and I believe that all politics are local, but I thought it was 00:18:40 imperative that we send a strong message to those who are legislating in Congress and also in our Senate to make sure that they are doing everything possible to pass these two Acts. 00:18:54 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 It's critically important that nobody should be hindered when it comes to going to the poll and casting their vote. 00:19:02 So I just want to ask all my colleagues for their support, and I just want to go on record stating these comments. Thank you, Council President. 00:19:10
Thank you, Councilman. That is so true. It will make or break our democracy. Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please proceed. 00:19:20
Councilman Green offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf on the 200th Anniversary of its founding." 00:19:36
Councilman Domb offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 00:19:48 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 19-4000, entitled 'Income Inequality Initiative - Earned Income Tax Credit,' by requiring employers to provide notification to workers regarding the 00:20:00 availability of certain additional federal and City tax benefit programs and extending the Department of Revenue's notification and reporting requirements to such additional tax benefit programs;" 00:20:08 and A resolution honoring the life of Jeff Guaracino, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Philly, who brought the City into the national spotlight as a 00:20:20 destination for tourism and whose work championed the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and welcomed all to Philadelphia. Council President, Councilman 00:20:32 Domb would like to be recognized.
Thank you, Council President. I'd like to speak on 00:20:38 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 the legislation first and the resolution second. The legislation I'm introducing today is a tax refund notice legislation 00:20:45 that will require employers to notify their employees about the Philadelphia wage tax refund, the federal child tax credit, and in addition, the EITC program, which is already required in our 00:21:00 Philadelphia Code. These programs were created really to help people who are doing their best every day to put food on their tables and pay their bills. We cannot continue leaving this 00:21:11 money on the table. It's unspent money that deserves to go into the hands of our Philadelphia residents. So this legislation requires employers to notify their employees of 00:21:22 these opportunities, and we've created in this body this opportunity and the federal government by ensuring that they're made aware of what's available to them. 00:21:33 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 I want to thank my co-sponsors on this legislation, Councilmember Johnson, Green, Gilmore Richardson, Brooks, Gauthier, Thomas, and Gym. And I 00:21:39 look forward to helping our residents across the City access these benefits they need and deserve. Thank you. And now I'd like to speak about the resolution. I also want to thank my 00:21:52 co-sponsors on the resolution, Councilmember Parker, Gilmore Richardson, Johnson, Brooks, Green, Gauthier, Jones, Squilla, Bass, and Gym and Councilman Oh. This is regarding the passing of Jeff 00:22:08 Guaracino, our Chief Executive Officer of Visit Philly. Jeff made a reputation for himself as being a passionate advocate for Philadelphia that went well beyond 00:22:19 the City of Philadelphia. His work as a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ tourism Philadelphia really defines his legacy. In fact, in 2003, Jeff spearheaded a campaign encouraging visitors to come to 00:22:34 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Philadelphia with a commercial about a fictional gay colonial couple meeting for a date at Carpenters Hall. The advertisement, many of you will remember, 00:22:46 it was one of the first of its kind in the country, and it said, visit Philadelphia and get your history straight and your nightlife gay. And it worked. Philadelphia became known as a 00:22:57 safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community at a time when the rest of the country was still deciding if it was for or against basic rights like gay marriage. 00:23:09 Jeff's strategies were some of the first ever seen in the country and will have a lasting impact on our hospitality industry on a global scale. But above all, Jeff will be remembered as 00:23:18 one of Philadelphia's proudest residents who spent his professional life sharing our city's greatness with other people and encouraging them to visit and see it for themselves. 00:23:30 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Jeff was the kind of person you could count on in the City professionally and personally. I will deeply miss his positive energy for Philadelphia, and I 00:23:37 thank all of you for joining me today to honor his life and work today. Jeff, thank you, and may you rest in peace. Thank you, Council President. 00:23:46
Thank you, Councilman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the resolution will be on next week's 00:23:52 Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay 00:24:05 Zoning Districts,' by amending a section as proposed to be added by Bill No. 210778, entitled the '/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District' to add certain areas, within the area 00:24:14 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 bounded by Haverford Avenue, 38th Street, Walnut Street, 46th Street, Market Street and 46th Street, to the district and making other changes." 00:24:23
Let 00:24:31 the record reflect that Councilman O'Neill has joined the meeting today.
Good 00:24:38 morning, Councilman. I'm sorry. Mr. Decker, go ahead.
Councilman Squilla offers one bill and four 00:24:46 resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' to revise and add provisions relating to 00:24:55 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 investigations concerning property adjacent to or adjoining certain construction activities and the provision of notice to owners and residents of such 00:25:03 properties."
And a resolution proclaiming May 2, 2022 as John Fryer Day 00:25:08 in the City of Philadelphia for his contributions to Philadelphia and the LGBTQ Community.
And a resolution recognizing and congratulating Shen Yun on the occasion of their 15th year performing in Pennsylvania as the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music 00:25:26 company.
And a resolution appointing Erik Derr to the Board of 00:25:32 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
And a resolution appointing Brennan Tomasetti to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
00:25:45 Correction. Those Special Service Districts will be referred to committee. I'm sorry.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered 00:25:53 today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. 00:26:01 We have no committee reports today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair 00:26:09 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 2ND READING recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. 00:26:15
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 211028, 00:26:23 211030, 211031, 210778-A, 210683, 210922, and 210923. All other resolutions and bills are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. 00:26:47 Before we proceed with the consideration of these bills, we're going to have a public comment session, but we'll take a brief five- to ten-minute break to allow our technology 00:26:57 professionals to connect our speakers today. We'll take a brief break, five to ten. - - - 00:27:06 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 (Short recess.)
Thank you very much and we're back. So 00:31:43 we're going to start our public comment session. So now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we 00:31:50 have before us today, our public comment session will go as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible 00:31:59 action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public 00:32:11 comment. 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 00:32:18 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will then telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our 00:32:26 remote meeting. Today, which we have ideal circumstances because of the low volume, you will have three minutes to speak, but, however, the time limit may vary 00:32:37 from time to time based on the number of individuals wishing to testify. But in order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. 00:32:48 Once invited to the meeting and you are 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 00:32:56 remaining to your time, we will remind you of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the 00:33:07 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 remote meeting. We also reserve the right to limit the number of repetitious speakers on the same subject matter, and we want 00:33:14 to make sure that it does not affect our callbacks for the public comment at the meeting. Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded, and 00:33:23 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. 00:33:32 I want to thank you so much for your willingness to participate in today's Council session. I will now ask Mr. Decker to please read the name of the first speaker 00:33:40 on our list.
The first speaker is Charles Esposito, commenting on 210922.
Good 00:33:50 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
My name is Charles Esposito. I thank the Council 00:33:55 for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the ordinance that is being proposed.
I'm curious -- 00:34:09 I'm at the corner of 6800 Ridge Avenue, and first off, I would like to understand how the properties, how the six properties in the corridor from Livezey to Fountain Street were chosen. 00:34:20 I have a property here that had just gone through zoning, and I had been down into Council over a year, year and a half with proposals to extend my eat-in restaurant area, and it was approved 00:34:34 through the Council, and now what I'm being asked to do is to basically change the zoning of my property and basically change me back on something that I was not at all aware of. 00:34:46 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 I had just closed all of my permits on the property a little over ten months ago on the expansion, which had taken me about three years. And we're 00:34:55 definitely in the middle of COVID, and I'm trying to understand why at the time of the struggles of the pandemic and COVID in Philadelphia we have to be going through something that potentially could 00:35:07 be upheld after this COVID pandemic is up. This building that I'm in now, the restaurant/cafe, has been a restaurant/cafe zoning for over 00:35:17 100 years, and I just need someone to explain to me what this would do to my zoning in the property at this time. I know Josh and I know Mr. Jones, and they have been local 00:35:31 people here in support of all the activity on the Ridge corridor here, and this Ridge corridor has been an expansion project for over ten years, and it goes all the way back to the Roxborough 00:35:42 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Development Corporation's plans over ten years ago to expand this -- to expand the corridor for commercial uses as well as public -- addressing some of the shopping 00:35:53 districts. And I'm trying to figure out in the community how this ordinance was being proposed without the knowledge of those entities and the civic groups. I'm sorry. I just don't think that this is 00:36:07 right at this time. My property next door at 6802 is already historic, which means that they -- and the ones next to me, the lots, are already down. So all of the 00:36:17 expansion on my block is pretty much taken over, and I can't understand why we deserve this all the way through the pandemic. I'll stop at this for anyone 00:36:26 else's time, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the Council.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:36:34 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022
Good morning. State your name for the 00:36:43 record -- go ahead. I'm sorry.
Good morning. My name is Brian Bishara. I'm representing Fountain Street Auto.
Thank you, everyone, for giving me your time today at Council. I appreciate it. I'm one of the owners of 00:36:59 Fountain Street Auto Repair, one of the affected properties in the six parcels that are zoned. We own two of them. As Chaz just said, I don't understand. I thought we were trying to 00:37:08 get more affordable housing in Philly. They just approved a hundred-unit building next to my building. I'm the corner lot at the traffic light. The other lot is in the middle of the 00:37:19 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 corridor, but it is attached to my building, and that was approved, and now we are being told that we're going to be downgraded and now we won't be able to 00:37:26 legally do auto repair. We'll be grandfathered in, but in the future, it could be an issue. We want to expand the business, which is already two weeks to get an 00:37:35 appointment for your car for the neighbors. We're going from 75 to 60 percent, and I just don't understand why these properties were picked. If we had an issue with this, then why wasn't all 00:37:46 of Roxborough included, not just the few properties. There's other properties that are across the street from me that had lower grade zoning that weren't approved 00:37:55 for apartments that got -- City Council approved the zoning and upgraded them so they could put apartments. You know, I don't understand this. I wasn't told about it. None of 00:38:07 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 the property owners were or the Roxborough Development Corporation. We actually found out through a builder. And you're hurting a lot of 00:38:14 businesses that have been around for a long time. I just don't -- I can't understand what we're doing here, what we're trying to gain of doing this to the commercial corridor. I thought we were 00:38:24 trying to expand Ridge and not downgrade it. I respect Councilman Jones and Josh Cohen and they've been great. They've been responding to me, but I just 00:38:33 can't get clear answers, and I don't understand why this is being done and why we're being picked on here. You're going to approve a hundred-unit building next to us and then we can't even expand our 00:38:42 auto repair shop. Thank you, everybody, for your consideration. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to me.
00:38:49 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Margaret Logan, commenting on 210922. 00:38:55
Good morning. Please state -- go ahead, please.
Good morning. My name is Margaret Mary Logan. Thank you 00:39:02 for the opportunity to speak today. I'm strongly opposed to Bill 210922. I own Pastore Auto Tags and Insurance on the Ridge Avenue corridor in Roxborough. Bill 210922 will rezone my 00:39:13 commercial property from a CMX-2.5 to a CA-1, which will greatly decrease my property value. This is just not fair. The past five years, ten years the City sat by and watched developer 00:39:27 after developer knock down all buildings and build up monstrosity apartment buildings in their place in our small community, and now finally after they've done all that, they want to put a stop to 00:39:37 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 it, but at the expense of the loyal family-owned businesses like me and Fountain Street Auto who have been here for 50-plus years, who didn't sell out. 00:39:46 Instead of commending the businesses that stayed here and tried to keep our community the way it is, they want to punish us by rezoning us and decreasing our property value, and that's just not 00:39:56 fair. It's just not right. If their main goal was to benefit the community, I don't know why it was kept such a secret, like Chaz and Brian just said. I don't know why none 00:40:05 of the property owners were notified. We had to find out about it through a developer. I mean, it's just frustrating. I feel very defeated, and I ask that you do not approve Bill 210922. 00:40:16 And thank you for listening to me today.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate you. 00:40:23 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
00:40:29 Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment for today. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and 00:40:44 Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, could you please read the title of Resolution No. 211028.
A resolution calling for the creation of the School 00:40:58 District of Philadelphia Building Authority Workgroup.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a motion on the 00:41:06 resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) 00:41:12 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 00:41:19 (Aye.)
The 00:41:21 ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 211030.
A resolution 00:41:31 honoring and congratulating champion of the week, John Bartram High School Football team, on their successful 2021 season and winning their first District 12 4A Public League title in 45 years. 00:41:41
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 00:41:54 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded the resolution be adopted. 00:41:57 All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 211031. 00:42:06
A resolution declaring March 25, 2022 as Belarusian Heritage Day in recognition of the contributions of Belarusian-Americans in the City of Philadelphia. 00:42:18
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 00:42:25 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying 00:42:29 aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210778-A. 00:42:38
An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-532, entitled the "/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District" and making other 00:42:52 related changes; to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 39th Street, Ludlow Street, 40th Street, 00:42:59 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING and Market Street; and to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties within the aforementioned area. 00:43:08
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for an amendment to Bill No. 210778-A. 00:43:13
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210778-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and 00:43:27 I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. 00:43:33 (Aye.)
The 00:43:35 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. Bill No. 210778-A has been amended, and Bill No. 210778-A, as amended, will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of 00:43:47 Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210683.
An ordinance continuing the Philadelphia Hospitality 00:43:55 Improvement Levy District, a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia, and continuing the 00:44:05 Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation to serve as the neighborhood improvement district management association for the District; approving a new plan for the District, 00:44:12 including a list of proposed programs and services related to the development and promotion of the hotel and tourism industry in the City and County of Philadelphia and their estimated cost; 00:44:22 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING providing for special assessment fees to be levied on eligible hotel property owners within the District to fund such programs and services; authorizing the 00:44:30 Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with PHiL DC related to the District; and reauthorizing PHiL DC to assess eligible property owners within the District and 00:44:42 collect or cause to be collected special assessment fees to be used in accordance with the approved plan.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Green. 00:44:50
Thank you, Council President. The pandemic has been a really challenging situation that all of us have dealt with in so many ways. In many ways 00:44:59 I would say no industry has been impacted more than the hospitality industry by the pandemic. If you just look at our hotels in 2019, we were about 76 percent 00:45:10 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING occupancy rate. That fell to about 31 percent in 2020, which is about a 60 percent decrease. That also resulted in a loss of hospitality jobs in our 00:45:22 city, going from 79,000 jobs to about 48,000 jobs, and hospitality jobs in the City of Philadelphia is a significant issue, and based on the pandemic, we lost a significant amount of jobs. About 00:45:38 40 percent of jobs in the City of Philadelphia are in the hospitality industry. So this Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy came 00:45:45 together through a real collaborative relationship. Our former Commerce Director, Harold Epps, our former head of our Convention and Visitors Bureau, Julie Coker, working with Ed Grose from the 00:45:59 Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, all coming together to support this legislation. And through this initiative, no City dollars have been used, and what we've basically been able 00:46:11 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING to do is increase through a small fee, roughly about $1.50 for a $200-a-night fee -- hotel stay, excuse me, been able to really provide resources to help grow 00:46:23 our hospitality industry, and that's so important right now as we are trying to move out of this pandemic. Through the PHiL, we've been able to support a number of COVID relief 00:46:35 efforts through the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Earlier Councilmember Domb talked about the resolution for our late, great ambassador, Jeff Guaracino, and the PHiL was able to help the Visit 00:46:47 Philadelphia's hotel care package as well as PHL Care's homeless initiative. There are about 160 national PHiL programs similar to ours in a lot of our cities that are peers, but many of 00:47:02 those have much larger programs than we have. So through this small increase, I believe we'll be able to help to really bring back our hospitality industry in a way that was needed, in a way to bring 00:47:14 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING back jobs to the residents of the City of Philadelphia who have really been hurting because of the pandemic, and I hope all of my colleagues will support this 00:47:23 legislation. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. This bill having been read on 00:47:28 two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Aye. 00:47:46 Jan 20, 2022 Stated Meeting January 20, 2022 1/20/22 - STATED - 2ND READING