10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 28, 2021 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 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
Good morning to everyone. Good morning, Philadelphia. Before we begin the Council session today, I want to make a couple of announcements. Due to the continuing threat to the public health from COVID-19 and in particular the delta variant, City Council is currently meeting remotely. 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 published in the Daily News, Inquirer, and the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. And, members, just say a couple of words to make sure that your image is displayed on the 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and to the City of Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Walter Wallace, Jr.
Good 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Prayers go out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And William Penn 339 years ago established Philadelphia from the Lenape Indians. Happy birthday, Philadelphia.
Good morning, 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and to the people of Philadelphia.
Good morning. Buenos dias, and thank you to Reverend Hester for joining us this morning. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council colleagues. Good morning, Council President. I'm present.
And good morning to all. We have clearly established a quorum, so we're going to get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. Clarence Hester of Erie 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Clearly a good friend of us all. Reverend, thank you so much for being here.
More importantly, being there for the community across the City of Philadelphia. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your head for the invocation.
Giving honor to God, to you, Mr. President, and to the members of this Council. We thank God for Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez for this august honor and privilege to come before this prestigious body of servants and lift you up to an almighty God. Let us pray. Almighty and ever-lasting God, 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 of uncertainty that we find ourselves living in, we come pausing in this moment to reverence your name and to lift you up in the spirit of prayer, that these deliberations may be consumed by your love. We pray that your countenance may shine upon this Council and bless them with your guidance, that while our nation is confronted with the COVID pandemic and surmounting violence, economic turbulence and cyber warfare and disturbing sounds of chemical warfare in foreign places, we implore you to look down on this City and this Council with mercy and that their understanding may be enlightened by your wisdom. We pray that you sanctify their thoughts and attention, even their words and their actions, that all that they speak and do will abound to the honor and glory of you and the well-being of our great city. Lord, look down on our Mayor, 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Director, and this Council and all the families that have lost loved ones. And, Lord, just help us to work together to face the serious facts of our times and to find the courage to meet them justly with wisdom, discipline, and resourcefulness. Grant to all of us an unwavering faith in the absolute necessity of our inward life and the efficacy of dedicated intelligence and the power of an active, even sacrificial goodwill. Even now, Lord, help them to seek guidance in all their worthy pursuits, in every widened opportunity for continuing service to you and the people of Philadelphia. Grant unto this Council the victory of faith on the ideals to which we are committed to as a city. Grant our city peace, resources, and prevention, as you provide this body with strength and spiritual substance for performing with 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 with which our common lives yet confront us with. May the deeper courage of faith, service and courage and sacrifice be the power within us to do the things we ought and to extend the boundaries of a full and enlightened life for all. Even now, Lord, use this body as instruments of your glory to enhance service and the quality of life for all the residents of this great city. This we pray, as you bless this assembly, in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend. We really appreciate your invocation this morning.
Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 21, 2021, and the Chair 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal for the meeting of Thursday, October 21, 2021 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 21, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there is one request for a leave of absence from Councilmember Henon.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted to Councilman Henon. We will now recognize 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 prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
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 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 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 withdraw a 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 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.)
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 this session of Council. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. And our next order of business is communications. I will ask the Clerk to please read the message from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 210638, 210667, 210668, 210686, 210687, 210741, 210742, 210744, 210778, 210801, 210807, and 210808. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 to advise you that on October 20, 2021, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 14, 2021: Bill Nos. 210681, 210682, and 210684; and that on October 27, 2021, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 14, 2021: Bill Nos. 210635 and 210636-A. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2505 Emerald Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fourth Councilmanic 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 167 East Lippincott Street, 508 East Cambria Street, and 3217 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractor Parking," to revise the requirements and limitations related to contractor parking permits; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund and the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. I appreciate that. Our next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide the appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by the members.
Yes, Mr. President. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Councilwoman Parker offers one bill and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Parker offers an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain portions of land located within an area bounded by Berks Street, Memphis Street, Wilt Street, and Tulip Street.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers a resolution celebrating the Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary of The Links, Incorporated.
And a resolution honoring the Oak Lane Youth Association on the special occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
Next week's Calendar. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
And a resolution congratulating Sonia Sanchez on winning the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, one of the country's most prestigious and generous arts honors.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-111, entitled 'Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design in Construction of Buildings,' to update requirements and make technical changes."
Councilman Jones offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 2400 block of West Indiana Avenue as 'Reverend Dr. A.W. Dock Way,' in honor of Reverend Dr. Albert Wilson Dock, to commemorate his legacy as a preacher, teacher, and evangelist." 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
And a resolution also naming the 4300 block of Tower Street as "Josie D. Heard AMEC Way," in honor of Josie D. Heard, to commemorate her legacy as an educator, author, hymnist, and as the namesake of the Josie D. Heard African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3119 North 35th Street in the Fourth Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Sanchez offers one bill and one 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 resolution, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Huntingdon Street, Howard Street, Susquehanna Avenue, American Street, Jefferson Street, and 6th Street."
And a resolution appointing Maria Gonzalez to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Councilman Green offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Subsection 19-2604(6) of The Philadelphia Code ('Credit for Contributions to Community Development Corporations, Nonprofit Organizations Engaged in Developing and Implementing Healthy Food Initiatives and Nonprofit 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Intermediaries') to clarify the number of contribution agreements that may be entered into."
And a resolution recognizing November as Epilepsy Awareness Month.
And a resolution recognizing and celebrating Women's Community Revitalization Project on the 35th anniversary of the organization's incorporation.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers a resolution memorializing and honoring the life of the late Walter Wallace, Jr.; and recognizing the adoption of police reforms inspired by his death and the activism in his name. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
Next week's Calendar. Councilwoman, did you want to be recognized? I'm sorry.
I did. Thank you so much, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I wanted to take a moment today to talk about the resolution I'm introducing honoring the life of the late Walter Wallace, Jr. and his legacy here in the City of Philadelphia. Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of Walter's death. It feels unbelievable that so much time has gone by. The pain of Walter's killing and the aftermath is still very visceral. I first want to acknowledge the Wallace family, Walter's mother and father, his wife Dominique, and his nine children. No family should ever have to experience what they've been through, and no amount of reform that the City enacts in response to Walter's death will ever 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 fill the hole that's been created for them. Speaking personally, I'll never forget the shock I felt when I learned the news of his death, as my colleagues and I sat in a hearing about police oversight efforts, the horror of watching the video footage, of seeing Walter's family and neighbors pleading for restraint and the mere seconds that police were on the scene before gunshots rang out, the demonstrations and the unrest in the wake of Walter's death, and Philadelphians' passionate outcries and demands for change. As we all know, just a few months earlier in Minneapolis, George Floyd's murder at the hands of police reignited a civil rights movements that's been going on for centuries in this country for the state to value Black lives and for law enforcement to stop treating Black bodies as dispensable. And tragically, Walter's subsequent death 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 made it crystal clear that George Floyd's death isn't just about George Floyd. It's also about Black people here in Philadelphia who many times feel endangered instead of protected by police. And it's about all the deep wounds that still exist around racial injustice in this country, but also here in this city, leading back to its earliest days. Walter's untimely death will leave a permanent mark on Philadelphia, as it should, and I hope that mark leads us towards change and towards a system where equity and justice are present from top to bottom. Because if there were equity and justice in our system, we wouldn't have police responding to mental health calls. And the reality is that we need loving, supportive systems in this city. We need to drastically alter the way we treat people and how we care for people, not just with regards to policing and not 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 just in times of crisis but from birth and with every point of contact we have with every Philadelphian from that moment on. The City has taken some important steps in this direction in the months since Walter's death. All patrol officers will be outfitted with tasers, providing them with a non-lethal means of self-defense while also reducing the risk of casualties. The City has accelerated its 911 dispatcher crisis intervention training work and reintroduced the co-responder pilot program, which pairs law enforcement and behavioral health specialists to intervene and respond to behavioral health-related calls. And money in the FY22 budget is funding the expansion of mobile crisis units that can respond to situations involving mental health crises without the police. We need to go much, much 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 further to ultimately provide supportive crisis response and, more than that, to nurture supportive communities that all Philadelphians, regardless of your race, your income, or your zip code, deserve to be born into. And to my elected colleagues, let us all continue to work towards a future where young Black men like Walter are protected and loved, not just by their families but by our city too. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. That will be referred to next week, where we will take a vote. Mr. Decker.
Councilman Thomas offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings to receive the report of the Arts and Culture task force formed by the 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 committee, to learn about its findings and the actions thus far taken, and to review the impact of this work on the vital arts and culture sector of the City of Philadelphia."
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia native, Kahleah Copper, as the Champion of the Week for being named WNBA Finals MVP and winning the WNBA title.
Councilman O'Neill offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-514 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/FNE, Far Northeast Overlay District,' to prohibit eligibility for floor area, height, and dwelling unit bonuses and to increase minimum parking requirements."
Referred to committee. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
Councilman Squilla offers five bills and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance adding new subsections to Section 12-102, 12-906.2, and 12-914 of The Philadelphia Code, allowing for the establishment of programs, by regulation, for use of loading zone parking spaces and metered parking spaces in innovative ways"; and An ordinance amending Section 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by amending the boundaries of Permit Parking District 19; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags By Retail Establishments," to further define the term single-use plastic bag and add reporting provisions; and An ordinance amending Section 14-525 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/SNM, South Ninth Street Market Overlay District," to clarify existing 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 provisions; and An ordinance amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code ("Noise and Excessive Vibration") to establish a prohibition on loud noise emanating from a motor vehicle and to add a section authorizing use of an automated system for determining violations of that prohibition.
Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And a resolution also authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank do dispose of 2505 Emerald Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilman Oh offers five resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the life and legacy of Colin L. Powell for his exemplary and outstanding service to the United States as a trailblazing military 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 general, statesman, and public servant."
And a resolution recognizing October 2021 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
And a resolution designating October 1st as "Latin American Entrepreneur Day" in recognition of the successful "Latin America Thrives in Philadelphia" event.
And a resolution recognizing, congratulating, and thanking the United States Marine Corps on the occasion of its 246th anniversary.
And a resolution recognizing the Ukrainian Federation of 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 of its 30th anniversary.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Council President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 210549, 210634, 210637, 210638 -- 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
Pardon me. I apologize, Councilmember Johnson. If it's all right, can you request that the -- report out the bills. Thank you, Councilmember Johnson.
Thank you very much. Council President, the Committee on Rules reports out ten bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report. Mr. Decker, you're on mute.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 210549, entitled "An ordinance approving an 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 of Incorporation of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion to extend the term of existence of the District to December 31, 2042"; and Bill No. 210634, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania by areas of land located within an area bounded by Guardian Drive, East Service Drive, Civic Center Boulevard, 34th Street, 33rd Street, Walnut Street, the Schuylkill River, 34th Street, and University Avenue"; and Bill No. 210637, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending certain provisions of Chapter 14-800, entitled 'Parking and Loading,' pertaining to parking requirements for uses in historically designated properties"; and Bill No. 210638, entitled "An 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 11th Street, Reed Street, 12th Street, and Wharton Street, to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-531, entitled '/SMH, South Philadelphia Municipal Hub Overlay District,' and making other related changes, and approving the Residential Mixed-Use-2 District (RMX-2) Master Plan for the site generally bounded by 11th Street, Reed Street, 12th Street, and Wharton Street"; and Bill No. 210667, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,' to prohibit certain bonuses"; and Bill No. 210668, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-504 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/NCO, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 District,' by expanding the existing Strawberry Mansion /NCO area to include an area bounded by Lehigh Avenue, 29th Street, and Sedgley Avenue"; and Bill No. 210687, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Trenton Avenue, Cambria Street, Tulip Street, and William Street"; and Bill No. 210742, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/CTR, Center City Overlay District,' by amending certain height regulations and creating bulk and massing controls within the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Area"; and Bill No. 210778, entitled "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 related changes; to 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 39th Street, Ludlow Street, 40th Street, and Market Street; and to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties within the aforementioned area"; and Bill No. 210808, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within an area bounded by Oxford Avenue, Shelmire Avenue, Rising Sun Avenue (extended), Solly Avenue (extended), the County Line, Borbeck Avenue, Hasbrook Avenue, and Hartel Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 210549, 210634, 210637, 210638, 210667, 210668, 210687, 210742, 210778, and 210808. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Councilman Johnson's motion be amended to remove my bill, Bill No. 210778, from his motion so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 210778 at the next session of Council instead of today. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Councilman Johnson's motion be amended to remove 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 210778 from that motion. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 210778 will be removed from the motion. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson for the motion as amended.
Councilman, I know we did a last-minute change in script.
On behalf of Councilmember Johnson, Mr. President, I move that the rules of Council be 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 210549, 210634, 210637, 210638, 210667, 210668, 210687, 210742, and 210808. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bills No. 210549, 210634, 210637, 210638, 210667, 210668, 210687, 210742, and 210808. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today, and Bill No. 210778 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 you, Councilman Johnson, for that change in the procedure not being forwarded to you in the appropriate time.
Just for the record, Council President, I did receive it late last night from Wendy. It was a mishap on my behalf just trying to review it. But thank you, Madam Leader, as well, and thank you, colleagues, for your patience.
Thank you, Councilman. I love an honest politician. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 210632, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Economic Opportunity Plans,' by establishing new definitions and clarifying the manner in which credit is given for M/W/DSBE participation"; and Bill No. 210671, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,' by adding a new Chapter requiring certain businesses or professions provide disclosures regarding tangled titles," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 again recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of Bills No. 210632 and 210671. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 210632, 210671. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 2ND READING today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar today, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
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. 210848, 210851, 210852, 210853, 210854, 210855, 210857, and 210205. All other bills and 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of our public comment session, which is next, we will now take a brief five- to ten-minute recess to give our technology professionals an opportunity to connect all of our speakers to today's meeting. (Short recess.)
Thank you very much. We appreciate it. And, again, good morning, everyone. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider the public comment. It will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Passage Calendar for possible 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 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 against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, they will each have three minutes to speak. Today we have ideal circumstances, so you will have three minutes. In order to be fair, though, to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. And once invited to the meeting and you're asked to begin your testimony, 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 a timer will be started, and we will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining, you will be reminded of this, and 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 remote meeting. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers with repetitious comments that are being made on the same subject matter, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. Also, please be aware that the public meeting is being recorded, and because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in this meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I really want to thank you today for your willingness and your 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 interest in participating in today's Council session. I will now ask Mr. Decker, please read the first name on the list for our speakers today.
Yes, Mr. President. The first speaker we have today is Queen Judith Robinson, commenting on 210848.
Good morning. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony. QUEEN ROBINSON: Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson speaking on Resolution 210848. What this resolution does not state is that 1610 through 1616 West Page Street is a parking lot, a much-needed parking lot. Wow, it's amazing to watch gentrification, all the things that can happen to constituents who have worked hard and voted for representatives for the past 20 years. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 This block is one of the first developments where the folks who are seniors have been living there for over 50 years. This parking lot was designated to them since 1964. Now here come Habitat with their real flowery mission, which watching it is real dangerous. They want to take away this parking lot kind of like with brain dead kind of behavior, talking about affordable housing, adding more housing to an area that already has parking problems. So the mission of Habitat is one we all respect, but this here is adding insult to injury. They already have permit parking on this block. They already have handicap parking, and they're competing with Temple students with this parking lot here. It's truly unfortunate with all of the land in the Fifth District that Habitat with their mission would be given a parking lot that's much used and much 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 needed to build four more houses on. Those people, homeowners, will bring cars mostly, I'm sure, and that will add to the problem. It's amazing to watch African American citizens, seniors at this point, being disrespected, disrespected about something as basic as parking when we know in North Central, especially where Temple University is, there's a much need for parking. It's just -- I just want to register that. I just want to know if there are any Habitat donors in the sound of my voice. This is what your dollars are going towards in this regard on this development, 1600 block of Page Street, four houses that will bring hell to the senior citizens that live there. I'm going to put a pin in that, because these are my neighbors. These are people I've always advocated for. This is out of order. Last, but not least, regarding 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 210851, I just hope and pray that all this murder and mayhem in the City of Philadelphia, that something will be done whether you get the money or not. Whether you get the money from the federal government or not, we need to do something about the murders of African Americans mostly, 400-plus. So with that, I'm just going to leave it alone today. You all have a great one.
Can I ask you a question, if I may. Quickly, the parking lot in question, and I'm obviously familiar with the lot, is it dedicated parking for anyone in particular or is it just a public parking space for anybody? QUEEN ROBINSON: It's dedicated. It's a line down the middle, sir, dedicating the parking lot with an 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 arrow for the people on Page Street. However, anybody and everybody uses it. When Election Day, people quickly park there and run in to School of Engineering and Science to vote. So although it is dedicated, it was never done legally. You probably know that. It was never put in writing, but there's a line delineating that it's for the people of the 1600 block of Page Street, much needed, much needed, even until this day. Okay? Because the folks are running in and out to the doctors' appointments. They are jumping up early in the morning. You should hear the stories that were announced at the Redevelopment Authority. These people need the parking, because they can't -- they're not mobile. So, yes, it's needed. It's dedicated. It was dedicated to them.
But it's not dedicated legally. I just want to get clarity on it to make sure I 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 understand. QUEEN ROBINSON: Because you did something, I guess, to make it not dedicated any longer. It went back from the Land Bank to PRA and back and forth, back and forth. I don't know the minutia of it, but I know this: It's a line with an arrow pointing to the 1600 block of Page Street.
Okay. QUEEN ROBINSON: Now, you can help them figure it out. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. Mr. Decker.
10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 Yeah. Just state your name for -MS. McNATT: Can you hear me?
Yeah. Just state your name for the record. MS. McNATT: Mary McNatt. Yes. I do live on the 1600 block of Page. I've been living here for 51 years now, and the line, to piggyback off of what Ms. Robinson was stating, there was a designated area for us where there was a line. The parking lot belonged to the Carver School. They opted, because they knew this was coming down the pike, to park in the schoolyard, whereas we on Page Street had enough parking for eight cars, but the parking that was on the opposite, adjacent to that parking on Page Street, Carver has relinquished that right and Temple has been parking there on neighborhoods from all over and in full breezes have been parking there. And if I go to the doctors, or I have a neighbor that has a one-year-old son, she 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 just moved here from one of the Habitat houses. If that child grows up, there's going to be no parking around here, so where is that child going to park? You're putting more houses than we need. We're already congested. Okay? I thought maybe it was going to be three houses. And then when you do the building, we've never had rats in this neighborhood. That's a health issue in itself. Now, I'm part of the eight that's disabled. Okay? I can't walk all the way from Norris Street to walk all the way around like they suggested from the office to my home. I live in the middle of the block. You're going to inconvenience me again. You did it once before, but yet we had the parking lot where we can cut through, because it was a driveway from Page Street onto Norris Street, and now you're going to end me. I'm afraid to go to the doctor's. I have to get up 5:30 in the 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 morning to go shopping for myself, because if I don't, I bet not move on a Sunday, because not only that, the church from 17th and Diamond, they park there on Sundays. So I get no relief. It's a constant worry. And I need my car, because then you're cutting my mobility, which is cutting my quality of life. How am I to feed myself or get my medication? And then we don't want to talk about when it snows, it's even worse. Now what's going to happen is, it's going to be an all-out war. You have some people that are parking -- I'm paying $35 for a parking permit that the City collects on us that they call a non-existing parking lot, but it is because we have two-hour parking there. And now we're sitting here and Temple and everybody else is parking there for free, okay, for two hours. But if they over-park, they leave the tickets on there and they still be there, and 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 then I'm still stuck.
Okay. Thank you. MS. McNATT: How much time do I got? Did we hit on the rats?
Yes. MS. McNATT: Because I have never seen -- it's scary. I had one -it's unbelievable. And they're humongous. I'm afraid for my life here. I mean, like I never thought I'd get in my old age where I could be blatantly disregarded, and voted all these years, and then now all the sudden, I'm just tossed to the side. Wait a minute. I held three jobs, worked my whole life and trying to be a halfway decent citizen, and this is what you do to elderly people? And it's not only that, if you're doing it to me, the next group to come along, y'all better pay attention, because this is not good. I understand the City needs money, but how about this: How about 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 they take and they build the three houses on this grass little piece of land and leave us the parking lot? Or if not that, then leave a parking lot all the way from 16 or whatever to 1616 all the way across the lot. Make that a parking lot and build houses upward, like, you know, like an apartment building but have the underground parking. I mean, we're coming up with solutions so we don't be selfish, but, I mean, you can't cut us off. Are you serious? Oh, I see, when you get older, you don't pay no taxes, they just throw you to the side.
Ms. McNatt, I got you. I'm actually going to request that this resolution be held today, okay, so we can have further conversation, because I hear you. I obviously know the problem with parking just generally, not only in that area but actually in the entire City, which is another subject matter that needs to be 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 addressed. Okay. I got you. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. We'll be in touch. Mr. Decker, next name.
Good morning. Gavin Copa. I'm speaking on 210848, and I'm opposed to it. Just to go off of what my neighbors said, I do live on the block. There is not enough room. Of course everybody knows there's a parking problem in Philly, but you say you don't own the lot and they're still ticketing people. And I've lived here for a little bit now and I'm sitting there one morning and a box truck drives by and there's trees that overhang the road, and it hits a tree and just rips off the whole side of the truck. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 So I don't think a fire truck, an ambulance, anything like that would be able to fit through this road without that parking lot. So if there's a fire on this block, I don't think you'd be able to save any of the houses if that Habitat goes up. And, yeah, just going off of what all of my other neighbors said. That's really it.
Okay. Well, thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. We're going to look into it and we're going to address the matter. Thank you.
The next speaker is Antoinette Murphy, commenting on 210849.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and proceed. Thank you.
Antoinette Murphy. To not be redundant, I agree with everyone that has spoken so far in 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 regards to 210848. This is really a community concern in regards to the building of the new construction of homes, the unkept lots, the rodents as a health hazard, the parking issues, especially illegally due to the Temple students, the street blockage due to construction and also, as the gentleman just mentioned, in regards to the tree limbs. You know, License and Inspection in regards to the City itself, you know, if a fire happens on that street, it is not going to be accessible to the neighborhood itself. Also, resources for the residents with disabilities. So I concur with what everyone has said so far, and we really need to make a change for positivity, especially in our neighborhood itself, but especially on the 1600 block of Page Street. We need to make a positive change and put our residents and 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING neighbors first. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony.
We were unable to connect the remaining speaker, Mr. President, so there are no other speakers on the public comment list.
Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, I know we are going to be getting to that shortly, and just for the record, we're going to ask that 210848 be held just for your information. So when we call that up, we're going to make that request. Thank you very much, and thank everyone for their testimony today on our public comment session. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, as I said earlier, 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING we're going to ask that Resolution No. 210848 be held today, and we will now proceed to Resolution 210851.
A resolution urging the U.S. Congress to maintain the proposed $5 billion in funding for gun violence prevention and other community violence interventions in the Build Back Better Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a motion.
Yeah. Thank you, Council President. Before I call for the motion to adopt this resolution, I just want to highlight how critically important that our congressional delegation support and vigorously fight for the $5 billion commitment from President Biden in the Build Back Better budget. I know all of you have been paying attention to the debate around a reconciliation bill, which recently has 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING been stripped with the free community college for everyone. As of yesterday, they also stripped paid family leave. And so we're just calling on our congressional reps to hold the line and make sure that the 5 billion that has been committed so we can have a long-term overall strategy to fight gun violence, not only here in the City of Philadelphia but also across the State of Pennsylvania and our nation. We know that we didn't get to that state by a -- we didn't get to this state by not investing in this issue of gun violence. And so the only way that we're going to get our way out of this situation is by investing and addressing the senseless issue of gun violence with resources. So I just wanted to put that out there for the record. And, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210852.
A resolution honoring Stephen K. Klasko upon the occasion of his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Jefferson University and congratulating him on his many accomplishments.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb for a motion on the resolution. 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 210853.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, student-athlete Donta Scott, on his book, "Wired Differently: My School Journey" which helps young student-athletes and parents prepare for the recruitment and school 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING selection process.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the resolution indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 210854.
A resolution honoring Counseling or Assistance 10-28-21 Stated Meeting October 28, 2021 10/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Services (CORA) for their semicentennial and their service to the City of Philadelphia.