Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:10 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 BOBBY HENON 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 Stated Meeting April 29, 2021
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who went about doing good be with you. God is love. In the desire to make us share in his love, he sent his son into the world to come to our aid and in gentle kindness to help those who are weak, sick, or unfortunate. In his great love for us, Christ said that whatever we do for the least among us, we do for him. He called those who show mercy blessed of his father and promised them eternal life. Let us then pray for the Lord's richest blessing on the members of City Council who are devoted to helping our brothers and sisters. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we call upon your blessings of all the members of City Council. We ask you to bless their families, all their constituents, all that they minister to in their Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 today and every Thursday and what they do for the entire city. Bring an end to violence to our City of Philadelphia. May the Lord bless all those that are sick and their families, and may they bless them always in doing the great work that they do in our City of Philadelphia. Let us pray. Blessed are you, Lord God of Mercy, who through your son gave us a marvelous example of charity and the great commandment of love for one another. Send down your blessings upon these, your servants of City Council, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. When they are called on in times of need, let them faithfully serve you and their neighbor. And bless all those that protect our city and all those who are doing the great work in blessing our city and building new shopping centers and everything that they Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 our City of Philadelphia. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen. And may almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in the peace of Christ. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Father Bobowitch. We really appreciate you, Father Bobowitch, who is the guest of Councilman O'Neill from the Lady of Calvary Parish. Father, we really thank you so much for your very, very spiritual guidance.
Thank you. We're going to get started. I understand that the state law currently Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, 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. Members that are in attendance will please indicate that they are present, or whatever they may choose, to make sure that their image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and good morning, Philadelphia.
Good Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 morning, Council President and colleagues and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the City.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 morning, Councilwoman.
Good 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, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, NFL Draft Pick No. 12.
Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 morning, Councilman.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021
Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Council President and colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public.
And good morning to all. I hope you all have Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 day today. Our first order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 order of business 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 for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Our next order of business is communications. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that you may have in your possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 28, 2021, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on April 15, 2021: Bill No. 210078-A, and that on April 28, 2021, I signed the following bills which were passed by Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 on April 22, 2021: Bill Nos. 200625 and 210226. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2013 East Hazzard Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5559 Locust Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 East Somerset, 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028 North American Street, 2907 Gransback Street, 413 West Norris Street, 419 West Norris Street, 2552 North Randolph Street, located in the 7th Councilmanic District, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you very much for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, would you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by our members.
Yes, Mr. President. Councilwoman Parker offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution urging the United States House of Representatives to pass House Resolution 2553, also known as the Real Estate Valuation Fairness and Improvement Act of 2021." Stated Meeting April 29, 2021
And a resolution calling on the Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia to request an Order from the President Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to temporarily stay all mortgage and tax foreclosure sales.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, on today, as the viewing public just heard, I'm introducing two resolutions, and the first one, Mr. President, urges the United States House of Representatives to pass HR 2553. It's also known as the Real Estate Valuation Fairness and Improvement Act of 2021. I want to note for the record that this resolution is a direct result Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 of Monday's hearing in the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, which is chaired by Councilmember Gauthier, and we examined the race gap in home appraisals and its impact on homeownership and wealth accumulation in Philadelphia. We want to note that this resolution is clearly just the first step that came out of this hearing as it relates to our action agenda. The next step will be more substantive in that we will create a workgroup that will consist of both local, state, and national experts and stakeholders to work on this issue and proffer solutions. I also want to say that I was glad to see that our Metro in our area, I want to give a shout-out to Jack Tomczuk for his writing a thorough sort of article and just giving it the coverage that this issue deserves, because it hasn't been a sexy one that has gained the attention of many journalists. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Second, Mr. President, I am introducing a resolution calling on the Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia to request an order from the President Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to temporarily stay all mortgage and tax foreclosure sales. Despite the correspondence that 14 members of our legislative body received this morning noting that the Sheriff is delaying for 60 days sheriff sales, this resolution is still very much needed. This resolution is a direct result of last Thursday's marathon hearing in the Law and Government Committee, which examined the decision to move the sheriff sales online and to explore the ramifications of and any unintended consequences that may arise from this decision. Now, Mr. President, I need to say a special thank you to the more than Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 two dozen individuals who provided spoken and/or written testimony during what was a six-hour hearing. We heard testimony from people across the City and across the country who had concerns about using this out-of-state online auction company, Bid4Assets, to conduct sheriff sales and the implications that this may have on opening up our city to even more bulk buyers and speculators anywhere in the world, allowing them to actually purchase parcels and properties in our city without ever having to step foot within the City limits. Now, I want to state for the record that during the hearing, we also heard from very seasoned legal aid organizations that federal help is on the way, and when they noted that, they mentioned that millions of dollars, Mr. President, will be coming in the next few months to Philadelphia to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and property taxes as a result Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 of the COVID-19 pandemic. So what it is very important for me to put on the record is that -and I want to read this. S. Department of Treasury announced that Pennsylvania would receive over $350 million to help homeowners who have fallen behind in their mortgages, property taxes, or utilities as a result of the pandemic. " Mr. President, that was Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 information that came out as a result of the hearing that this City Council held. I want to state to all of my colleagues who signed our letters, yourself, Mr.
, Cindy Bass, Kendra Brooks, Bobby Henon, Derek Green, Helen Gym, and Isaiah Thomas, thank you so very much for putting your name on the line and working to ensure that we use every tool possible to protect the best interest of homeowners in the City of Philadelphia and neighborhoods throughout our city. I also want to note, Mr. President, that it's not a coincidence that both of the resolutions that I introduced today and many of my bills and resolutions, quite frankly, over the past few years have to do with protecting homeowners, all homeowners, and Black and Brown homeowners in particular. This issue is of great Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 personal and professional concern to me. Just today someone forwarded me an article that was in Governing magazine, and it was published and highlights the very important research that a good friend of mine, Alan Mallach, Councilmember Jones, whose research looked at six large cities, including Philadelphia, and what they called the fortunes of Black middle-class neighborhoods. The trend since the early 2000s are not encouraging, to say the least, and some might say that they were downright alarming. I don't care whether we're talking about discriminatory and predatory lending practices, the dire need for home repairs, or racial bias in home appraisals or the concern that Black and Brown homeowners are going to face an avalanche of foreclosures and then sheriff sales as we come out of this pandemic. I am intentional and unapologetic about sounding the alarm. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 If we don't stand up for Philadelphia homeowners today from all walks of life, then we won't have homeowners in the future and/or Black and Brown homeowners in just a few decades. There are constant, ever-evolving forces at play that are continually trying to strip equity from hard-working Black and Brown people, and we cannot allow them to win. As the Governing article concludes, there's no single solution that will work for every struggling neighborhood, but seemingly simple steps can play a major role over time in making neighborhoods healthier for residents, more appealing to newcomers and, in essence, given the headwinds that we see against middle neighborhoods in general and Black middle neighborhoods in particular, it's an investment that might be well worth making. And so, again, I want to thank you, colleagues, and note that we are Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 happy to hear that 60 days of relief have been provided and sheriff sales will not occur. We also want to note for the record a special thanks to President Judge Fox for our communication with the courts, the correspondence that we just sent to you yesterday, and you immediately brought stakeholders together to figure out whether or not there was precedent in acting on the correspondence we sent to you. And I find it quite interesting that 24 hours, President Judge, after we sent our correspondence to you and when you brought those stakeholders together from the legal services community, that we received this letter from the Sheriff noting that sheriff sales will be halted for 60 days. I want Philadelphians to know if in 60 days that American Rescue Plan support those dollars going to the state that are to be funneled to Philadelphia, if it hasn't made it through the process within 60 days, we will be coming back Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 asking again for an extension, okay, to ensure that Philadelphians get a chance to benefit from that federal support coming. And to Councilmember Gauthier and Councilmember Gym, if the delay in sheriff sales is a surprise to you and you don't know it, it would be, Councilmembers, because correspondence was sent from the Sheriff's Office about 9:30 today, but it only included or was addressed and sent to 14 members of Council.
Just for the record, because I know sometimes these things get quite confusing about the number of people who serve in this body, there are 17 members who serve in this body. I have the great honor and privilege of serving as the Majority Leader and the partner to our City Council President, and Gauthier, Gym, and Parker for the record are members of this body. If you send correspondence to us, make sure you Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 include the last names of GG and P. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you so much. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers 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.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 offers a resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia High School for Girls Principal Lisa Mesi on winning a 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
And also on her own behalf, a resolution recognizing May 2021 as National Bike Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Gym offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring Eileen Duffey-Bernt as the 2021 Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year by the National Association of School Nurses and for a quarter century of serving and relentlessly advocating on behalf of student health and education justice for Philadelphia children."
Next Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 week's Calendar.
Councilman Henon offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Trades,' to modify licensing and conduct requirements applicable to contractors"; and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," and Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to revise provisions relating to excavation work and work impacting historic structures, create an excavation contractor license, and institute additional safeguards for property adjoining certain construction activities.
Councilman Thomas Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring Coach Willie 'Billy' Void for an impactful life and coaching career of more than 35 years mentoring hundreds of student athletes all across Philadelphia as owner and coach for Positive Image Youth Organization."
Thank you, Council President. I was going to offer remarks after both resolutions.
After both? Okay. Go ahead, Mr. Decker, read the second one, please.
And a resolution honoring Coach Paul Gripper for a life lived as an outstanding coach and mentor as a pillar of Philadelphia's basketball community.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I want to first take a couple moments to frame the conversation to explain how we got to this point. Councilmember Parker in her leadership as our Majority Leader as well as leading the fight as it relates to our concerns around the sheriff sale had a hearing that we were all a part of, and in that hearing, there was some heart-wrenching testimony, and one of the people who came to testify was a woman named Ashley Gripper, and Ashley Gripper spoke about her concerns not just around sheriff sales, the housing crisis that we're facing not just in Philadelphia but across the country, but she also talked about inequities in the Black community and spoke to how those inequities cost her father his life. And her father ended up unfortunately passing away last year right, Council President, if you Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 remember, right when we were in the midst of trying to figure out how do we adjust and what are we allowed to introduce and not introduce with the Sunshine Act and other restrictions that we had prior to transitioning fully into the process that we have right now as far as virtual hearings. And so unfortunately this legislative body was not able to honor her father last year and give him the just due that he deserved. So with that spirit and with the energy that he put out there and she spoke about it in the hearing when she talked about the fact that he would give the shirt off of his back or his last dollar to a student athlete in need, she wasn't exaggerating. She wasn't lying. I knew Coach Gripper very well, and he was just as she testified in that hearing as far as his influence on young people and the next generation. So I commend Ashley, her brother Joey Gripper, who is taking after Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 his father and coaching right now, and their family and offer our condolences on behalf of this body. And then I also wanted to acknowledge and recognize Coach Void, Coach Bill Void, who we lost a little while back. And, again, Coach Void was a pillar in the basketball community and somebody who had so much impact on so many different people. And when I think about Coach Gripper and Coach Void, the one thing that they do have in common is they have sons who also coach and give back to the community as well too. So as a father currently and as a son of a father who coached, I know what it means to lend your dad to so many different people across the City and what that means as far as not just the influence that their fathers had, but also the responsibility that they now have to carry that torch and to carry that legacy. So I just want to commend both Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 families. I want to thank both men for their contribution to the City of Philadelphia, and I also want to just let those families know that our thoughts and prayers are with them, and if there's anything that this legislative body can do to support them, we are here. Thank you, Council President. I appreciate the time.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Squilla offers five bills and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Dauphin Street and Belgrade Street; Almond Street and Dauphin Street; York Street and Almond Street; Taggert Street and Norris Street; Cedar Street and Norris Street; Marlborough Street and Thompson Street"; and An ordinance establishing Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 parking regulations in the vicinity of: Ellsworth Street and South 9th Street; Reed Street and South Broad Street; Mountain Street and South 6th Street; Latona Street and South 7th Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Moore Street and South 6th Street; McClellan Street and South 5th Street; Mifflin Street to South 6th Street; South 3rd Street to McKean Street; and An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Race Street from North 5th Street to North 4th Street; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits; and An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 941 South 8th Street.
Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Thank you. Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Also offered are two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District pursuant to requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act."
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2013 East Hazzard Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Bass offers one resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Eighth Councilmanic District.
And Councilman Oh offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution proclaiming May 2021 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our country, state, and city."
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. We have no reports from Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today. They are Resolutions No. 210365, 210366, 210367, 210368, 210369, 210370, 210371, 210373, 210374, 210376, 210377, 210378, and 210379. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 2ND READING read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210135-AA, 210139-A, 200348, 210159, Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 210207, 210228, 210246, 210247, and 210249. All other bills and resolutions are being held. And, Mr. President, for the benefit of our Chief Clerk, I did not mention 210206 or 210215, because I was sent a message to one of our colleagues that those two be held, Mr. President.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Let the record reflect that. Thank you. Thank you very much. So we will now move to our public comment session, but before we proceed with consideration of public comment, we will now take a brief fiveto ten-minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers that we have for today's meeting.
Mr. President, I apologize, sir. I just looked in the Chat and I did not see this while we were going through the Consent Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Agenda, that Councilmember David Oh has objected to Resolution No. 210373 being included on the Consent Agenda, Mr. President. So for our Chief Clerk, do I need to make a motion or can it just be removed, Mr. President?
We can just state that based on the objection that requires no debate, that will be on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
You're welcome. So we're going to take that brief break to allow our folks to connect with our speakers today. (Brief pause.)
Thank you. Thank you. We will now proceed with our public comment session. Now that everyone is connected Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we're going to consider our public comment, and it will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars 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 the public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item that 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. I think today I think we have ideal circumstances, so we're going to allow three minutes for the speakers, but Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 I must say that from time to time, we may vary given the volume of speakers that we have on a particular day. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. Once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted 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 where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter and to limit the scope of the testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for the Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 public comment at the meeting. Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded. Because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I will now ask Mr. Decker to please read the name of our first speaker.
The first speaker is Kolson Schlosser, commenting on 210374.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
My name is Kolson Schlosser. I'm an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple, and I also volunteer with Reclaim Philadelphia and POWER Interfaith. I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 210374 and to Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 suggest we vehemently oppose State Bill 275. I have a Ph.D. in geography from Penn State. We often tell our introductory students central questions of geography are, where it is and why is it there. In this case, the "it" is the proper scale of environmental governance. Republicans in the state legislature want that to be located at the state level, and the "why" of it is obvious. They're shamelessly in the pockets of the fossil fuel industry. There's no bigger, loftier philosophical reason for it. They're just afraid the people of the Commonwealth might take their energy futures into their own hands. But the proper scale of environmental governance is tricky. Climate change is simultaneously global, regional, and local. If we're to achieve rapid decarbonization, we need integrated policymaking at all three levels. The Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 President's decarbonization plans will be all for naught if urban municipalities don't have the power to prepare their own infrastructure for a just transition. So I'm saying the "where" of it is at the local scale, because that's how we rest our energy and climate futures out of the control of the fossil fuel behemoths. That's how we begin the process of healing in our environmental justice communities that have historically been burdened by these dirty industries. That's how we usher along an energy transition that provides good jobs to our workers who have supported their families in the energy sector; in other words, a just transition. The state doesn't care about them and certainly not the republican legislature, but we do. Ensuring that Philadelphia can dictate its own building codes to phase out fossil fuels is an important first step in mitigating a runaway climate change that threatens our Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 oceans, our coasts, our food availability, our safety from major storms and frankly a livable future for our children. I don't know whether this legislation would mean anything to state republicans -- this resolution, I mean, whether it would mean anything to state republicans, but State Bill 275 is a blatant and shameless power grab that should not go uncontested. So just once again, I support Resolution 210374 to allow Philadelphia to enable a just transition as it sees fit. Thank you, and I yield the rest of my time.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 morning. State your name for the record and just proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. Good morning. I'm Nancy Goldenberg, President and CEO of Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries. I'd like to thank Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and all of City Council for recognizing the civic value of public gardens and their contribution to the quality of life for every community, and thank you for reminding everyone that Philadelphia is and always has been America's garden capital. Laurel Hill, together with its sister cemetery, West Laurel Hill just across the Schuylkill River in Bala Cynwyd, constitute a single 265-acre accredited arboretum dedicated to the horticultural vision of their founder, John Smith. When Smith founded Laurel Hill on the banks of the Schuylkill in 1836, well before the establishment of Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 Fairmount Park, he was determined to create a gardenesque urban respite for pleasure and fullest to all. He knew more about gardens than most. He was not only the head librarian at the Library Company, but a horticulturist and editor. In fact, he edited Andrew Jackson Downing's publication, The Horticulturist. He designed his own estate in Germantown, which featured intricately planned gardens and fruit and ornamental trees, and he was founder of the Germantown Horticultural Society. So while not formally trained as a landscape designer, he and John Notman, the architect, were landscape innovators acting on the cutting edge of design. These are the values and attitudes we inherited and use to inform what we do today. We were not only inspired by Smith, but also highly motivated by visitor experience and committed to our role as an anchor Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 institution in our community. We recently planted over 15,000 daffodils at Laurel Hill along Ridge Avenue. We've added pollinator gardens, dwarf conifer gardens, rock gardens. We have a green burial area, and we proudly show off our six state champion trees. There's so much beauty to take in at our arboretum, and I invite each of you to come, especially now when everything is blooming. Our visitation has skyrocketed, particularly in the past year, as more and more people have discovered that Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries are safe, easily accessible, and not only remarkable historic cemeteries but also beautiful gardens for everyone to enjoy. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Bonita Cummings, commenting on 210159. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021
Good morning. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Yes. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
My name is Bonita Cummings. I am the Director of Strawberry Mansion Community Concern, and I'm testifying today on Bill No. 210159. I'd like to say good morning to the President and the members of City Council. Scientifically we know drugs are more addictive to African Americans than other non-African Americans. We experience more health and social destructive disorders and, as we all know, lack the neighborhood resources and enforcement to address this exploitative problem. Our young college students will not get to say, oh, I will just do these Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 drugs and dust myself off after college and go to work for the top firms or companies in the world. They most likely will only make it to the rank of the homeless, where they're exploited and then die lonely and forgotten. The neighborhoods that are suffering from the influx of paraphernalia businesses know what it takes to get legislation addressing quality of life issues that are so destructive to communities passed and enforced. So I want to thank you, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson and co-sponsors Councilmembers Cherelle Parker and Bobby Henon, for Bill No. 210159, which brings attention to the problem of excessive paraphernalia businesses as taking an action to prevent the continued destruction of Philadelphia's neighborhoods or communities. So I say to the communities, get behind the Councilmembers and get Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 bill. Hold Licenses and Inspections accountable for enforcement. Last, and most importantly, let us not let this past familiar problem mutate and spread like a virus and kill any more young people than it already has. Protect your Philadelphia neighborhoods from this deadly paraphernalia and its many drug uses. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
We have no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment session, and we will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I will ask, Mr. Decker, please read the titles of all the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda, please.
Resolution No. 210365, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia's public gardens"; and Resolution No. 210366, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the creation of a 'Special Committee on City Infrastructure Projects under the American Jobs Plan,' to develop and recommend strategies for implementing, leveraging, and ensuring inclusion in City infrastructure projects funded under the American Jobs Plan"; and Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 210367, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Sister Maureen McGarrity for her commitment to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, leadership to Holy Family University and service to Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210368, entitled a "Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Sister Francesca Onley and acknowledging her lifelong commitment to her faith, family, and Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Holy Family University, and Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210369, entitled a "Resolution congratulating St. Huberts Cheerleading team for winning the 2021 PIAA Competitive Spirit State Championship"; and Resolution No. 210370, entitled a "Resolution recognizing Tarik Khan's incredible leadership and contributions to the health and well-being of Philadelphians and extending appreciation Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 for his efforts to vaccinate Philadelphia residents against COVID-19"; and Resolution No. 210371, entitled a "Resolution calling for the establishment of a 'Philly Youth Act' to reduce" -
Thank you, sir. Can you pull that one off? I'd like to have it on the regular Final Passage Calendar.
Resolution No. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 210374, entitled a "Resolution calling upon the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reject Senate Bill 275, which would restrict municipalities from addressing climate change through legislating energy and heating infrastructure requirements"; and Resolution No. 210376, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 2700 block of North 21st Street 'Dr. Ala Stanford Way,' to recognize, honor, and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Ala Stanford and her dedication to the people of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210377, entitled a "Resolution recognizing April 30th as Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Day as a Symbol of the Contributions of the Vietnamese-American Community in the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210378, entitled a "Resolution honoring historian and educator Kerry L. Bryan on the occasion of her 70th birthday"; and Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 210379, entitled a "Resolution proclaiming the Week of May 7, 2021 to May 15, 2021 as the 11th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast, and honoring the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community."
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that each of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda have been adopted. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you please read the title of Resolution No. 210215.
Mr. President, we got a last-minute request to hold that resolution.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't make my correction. Thank you, Mr. Decker. Mr. Decker, please read the Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING title of 210135-AA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes" and Title 4, Subcode "A" of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Use Registration Permits," by adding new provisions allowing restaurants applying for a sidewalk cafe permit or temporary lot uses permit to allow outdoor entertainment.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilman Domb. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Parker.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210139-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Taxes and Rents - General," by adding required Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING conditions and information for reporting adjustments to taxable income.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for an amendment to Bill No. 210139-A.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210139-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 210139-A has been amended. Bill No. 210139-A, as amended, Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200348.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," to amend certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/WCS, West Chestnut Street Overlay District."
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilman Domb. Stated Meeting April 29, 2021 4/29/21 - STATED - 2ND READING