COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 18, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of the Council is present. This Council will now come to order. All members have taken their seats. All visitors have retired to their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phone to silent or vibrate. And any sidebar conversations, please take outside the chambers. At this time to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Imam Kenneth NurideenMuhammad. He is here today as the I will ask all Members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
Good morning, everyone and peace be unto you. We gather here today in the chamber of the legislative branch of our City, and we stand before the Councilmembers who along with we, the people, are all citizens of the only first class city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. So let's be first class. We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of this body under the leadership of Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and we appreciate the invitation of Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke. And also, I want to give a shout-out to my Councilperson Jamie Gauthier, can't hear us in Austria but we still extend to her our best wishes. We ask Almighty God to guide our leaders among those who are guided, and to keep them firm and steadfast on the right path. Almighty God, safeguard and preserve their efforts as they face the challenges which confront our City and our neighborhoods. Almighty God, be the friend and the protector needed as they face the anxieties of what the future may hold and as we all grieve over the past, especially the lives that are lost, damaged and traumatized by senseless gun violence. Almighty God, bestow upon us the resources and a more equitable distribution of these resources necessary to uphold our responsibilities and obligations to health, the safety and the well-being of all people, especially the young, of whom too many are alienated and disenfranchised. Almighty God, give us the skill sets and the tools to fix our broken families, our schools and our neighborhoods, and give us the commitment and the resolve to use them to the full extent of our capacity. Give our leaders the courage to face all of our fears and not be intimidated by the enormity of the problems and let us not be handicapped by our own complacency and selfishness or by remaining safe in our own silos. Almighty God, do not overwhelm us with responsibility and obligations beyond our capacity. We ask you to protect us from the oppression in all forms. God, give our leaders the lawful means necessary as they strive to utilize their office to craft policies and procedures that will give us real solutions to the problems we all face. And join our hearts together in all that is good and all that is of benefit to we, the people. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Imam for his invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, April 11, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absences. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE RICHARDSON: Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Council President, on behalf of the Minority a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Brooks.
the Chair thanks the Councilmember. Leave will be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda, after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled 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 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.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, who will present a resolution honoring and congratulating Sapphire Cristál, Philly's own Crown Jewel, for outstanding representations of Philadelphia's unique queer performance, art and drag scene culture on MTV's RuPaul Drag Race. Will Sapphire -(Sapphira.)
Would you please join us and Nicolas O'Rourke at the podium. Sapphira. Joining Nicolas O'Rourke is Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember Cindy Bass, Councilmember Nina Ahmad and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)
Thank you, Council President. And good morning to all of our colleagues, all of the viewing City of Philadelphia. We are here to celebrate a certified star. (Applause.)
I don't know if y'all can see the folks in the back, but folks are holding up signs and I see one that says, Queen Sapphira. A queen is here and I'm definitely not talking about Elizabeth or Latifah, she thought she counts though too, a hopeful RuPaul's Drag Race champion and already the winner in of the hearts of Philadelphians, Philly's Supreme Drag Queen Ms. Sapphira Cristál. Some of you know that the Season 16 Finale of Drag Race, 16 seasons of Drag Race airs tomorrow. And I'll say it for all of us here. Sapphira, we are rooting for you. Now, it really shouldn't be a surprise that the first queen to on the show is in the finals. She's a singular talent who comes from a community that fosters such greatness. The rest of the country's been introduced to a figure many Philadelphians have been privileged to have front-row seats for. That said, I do imagine that when it comes to getting some tickets to see Sapphira, yesterday's price is not today's price. And more power to you for that, ma'am. Now, I don't want to dampen the mood here, but I do want to remind all of us that there is a very serious aspect to these festivities. In celebrating today, we are also honoring Black queer resistance. It's only right and apropos that we speak the name O'Shea Sibley into the record, a young Philly native, a Black gay was attacked and killed last year. Sibley was defending his friends who were confronted when taking part in the same expression of culture, dance, which we're here to celebrate today. Everything I know about LGBTQIA's history is tinged with that mixture of joy and pain, sunshine and rain, sometimes even simply being has been an act of resistance itself, yielding sweet and bitter dividends. Today in this space, in this City and henceforth and forever more we're here to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA resistance and affirm our neighbors for living out loud, being who they were born to be and looking pretty damn good at doing it. And who does that better than Philly's Crown Jewel. I can think of no other. And it doesn't a stretch to say that the nation agrees. Can we put our hands together and congratulate again Sapphira Cristál. (Applause.)
This might be my favorite day in Council so far. I am beyond excited to honor the incredible talent of Sapphira Cristál, a powerhouse Black drag queen from Philly who is captivating audiences on RuPaul's Drag Race. As Philly's first openly LGBTQ person elected to City Council, it is my honor to celebrate and uplift the Black LGBTQ community who have long been leaders and change-makers in our city. Sapphira Cristál's success is a testament to the power of being absolutely true to one's self, and I am thrilled to recognize her achievements during us continue to support and uplift Black voices and Black LGBTQ people in our community, both on and off the stage. I know that you will all be watching with me tomorrow night as Sapphira brings it home to Philly and on to victory. Sapphira, I am so happy to have been getting to know you, to have you in my life. I will tell you have made Philly so proud and we cannot wait to celebrate with you. You are a dream. Sapphira is the whole package. She is all of the talent, the brains, the beauty and has the great soul and great heart to go with it. We are so lucky to have her in Philadelphia. So with that, I will now pass this along to Tyrell Brown, Executive Director of GALAEI.
Good morning, is Tyrell Brown. I use they, them pronouns and I'm the Executive Director of GALAEI and also the Program Director of Philly Pride 365. And I was asked to come here this morning to talk a bit about why organizations that are Black- and Brown-run are important to lifting up talents such as this and cultivating spaces for talent like this to grow and expand. I'm lucky and blessed to have a staff -- I'm a little bit emotional right now -- because we in the community work so hard every single day to be able to celebrate moments like this. And I'm lucky to have a staff. Four of them are performers and producers. We have DDA, who's working on her fourth album right now. We have Hazel also Luna, D'Jawnette(ph), icon Ebony Fierce right now and Allyria Everlasting. We are an organization of queer and trans Black and Brown people, completely queer- and trans-run. We're located up in Kensington in a heart of a lot of tension right now, and we cultivate a space for people to be able to celebrate who they are no matter where they're coming from. And we cultivate a safety net for them to be able to thrive and to grow into stars that we are celebrating like Sapphira here today. I was recently given a thank you by one of my staff actually just yesterday. And what she shared with me was that her art and her performance is now informed by a kind of activism that wasn't there before and why it's so necessary that we have spaces such as GALAEI, such as Colours and so able to lay a foundation so that art means more than just dressing up. It means that we are telling the stories about the experiences that we have every single day, every single day of our life, whether or not that is because we are dealing with violence intracommmunity or outside of the community, whether or not we are surviving poverty and so many other intrasectional challenges that we have to overcome just to smile each and every day. And we are happy now that we have something to smile about and we will have something to smile about going forward when we celebrate Sapphira tomorrow, throughout the summer and for 365 days of the year of every year going forward. And that also means performance, it's not just about celebrating the beauty. It's also about celebrating the people who we are when all of that is stripped away, who we exactly are as community members, neighbors, friends, family and often times we reach to our organizations, GALAEI and so many others, because the doors to public institutions are unsafe or we've been turned away or there's just not enough resources, and we are that bottom line there. We can't afford to put it down. So when the doors are closed there, we don't have a choice but to dig our heels in. Sometimes it takes taking money out of our own stores to make sure that people don't go unhoused, so that food is on the table and food is in the cupboard and that is something that we're called to do. enough. We don't have enough in our salaries sometimes to make all these things happen and that's okay. It's not okay, but we're going to have to make it okay right now. But I think what's most important is that the mission that we serve every single day is one that lifts up talent, lifts up dreams and does it in an authentic way. And, Sapphira, you are the embodiment of authenticity. Your heart, what you bring to the stage isn't just a performance. It's who you are in here that inspires so many people. And I'm so proud of you, I'm so proud of you.
I'm so proud of the example that you're setting for so many people in Philadelphia. And I'm so proud of every single person that is here with us to lift you up. And I more with you going forward. )
Thank you very much, Tyrell. Will our colleagues taking part in the presentation now please order yourselves. I think we are ordered. Are we ordered? Okay. Thank you. All right. With that, we'll now read the resolution. Whereas Sapphira Cristál is a classically-trained opera singer, composer and drag queen with a six octave vocal range. Sapphira Cristál was born in Houston, Texas, began performing in drag while studying music at the Conservatory in Rochester in 2009 and has called Philadelphia home since 2014, and whereas Sapphira Cristál holds 14 drag pageant crowns, including Miss America 2020, 2021 and has performed 2014, she won the title of Miss Everything upon moving to Philadelphia; and
Whereas Sapphira Cristál is a member of the drag queen girl group Philly's Foxes, together with fellow drag queens, Maria Topcat, Iris Spectre, Omyra Lynn, Poison, Mary D'Knight and Zsa Zsa St. James with show DJ Chris Urban, and whereas Sapphira Cristál has appeared twice at the Philly Friends Festival, first in 2019 when she sang on the same stage as Stephanie Blight and again in 2023 when she was featured as a headlining artist; and
Whereas Sapphira Cristál is representing Philadelphia on the globally televised show RuPaul's Drag Race, an MTV show in which drag queens compete to win the America's Next Drag Superstar. After applying to be a contestant on the show 11 times, Sapphira was cast on Season 16 of the show, which premiered on MTV on January 5, 2024 and is airing through the spring; and
Whereas Sapphira Cristál became an early strong competitor on her season, winning the Mini challenge, Maxi challenge and the -(Applause.)
-right, and the lip sync all in the first episode, and whereas Sapphira Cristál carries on Philadelphia's strong legacy of Black opera performers, making this tradition her own by incorporating her signature stunt queen elements of drag into her live operatic performances, like sliding slowly singing -you're going to do that today? And -
I don't do splits but -- whereas Sapphira Cristál works throughout the City and nationwide to inspire young people through appearances at colleges, youth camps and high schools. She taught several years of master classes in drag makeup and performance at Emerson College, and she has given artist talks at Rockland Community College. An experienced attitude and stage presence coach, Sapphira has also taught master's classes at the Philadelphia Burlesque Academy and various dance studios, and whereas Philadelphia City Council recognizes the deep and valuable experience of providing queer art space and community in the City of Philadelphia and honors Sapphira, champagne, Cristál for showcasing our city as a space that welcomes queer arts of color; and
Popping champagne, okay. Whereas Sapphira Cristál's success will inspire new generation of our City's queer youth of color to seek out queer spaces, arts and other community activities, and whereas the City of Philadelphia City Council declares Sapphira Cristál is a walking, talking, moving miracle and Philly's own Crown Jewel. Now, therefore be it -(Applause.)
And now be it resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors and congratulates Sapphira Cristál, Philly's Crown Jewel, for her outstanding representation of Philly's unique queer performance, culture on MTV's RuPaul's Drag Race. Be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sapphira Cristál as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body. And now, I would like to invite Sapphira Cristál, Philly's Crown Jewel, to say a few words. ) MS. CRISTÁL: Wow. Y'all have me up this early time in full drag -- well, kind of sort of. I was tearing up over here because you don't really know what's happening, but this is quite the opportunity. This is quite the honor. This is a beautiful space, and I just want to take it in and accept it and thank you all for your love, your support, your admiration for seeing me. You go on national try to be yourself, and you put yourself on the line to be criticized, to be seen. And whatever people see is what they see. And some people see you. And the great amount of people who have shared with me their stories because of me being able to share my story and who have thanked me because they too are slue-foot, for saying I accept this thing about myself, for talking about my father and the struggles that I had with him. I lead with forgiveness, with compassion, with kindness and with love. And I think that in this world we need a lot more of all of that. And I think that we -- I also got a lot of messages being like, why did you make Maya's dress. And I said to them, look, if someone comes to me and asks me for help, I'm going to provide that way that I was raised. And quite frankly that's the way -- I moved, I was in Rochester. Great city, love it. Then Boston, different. I would say that I learned a lot in Boston. I was forced in fire there. But when I got to Philadelphia, it was the first time that I felt like I was back home. ) MS. CRISTÁL: I didn't have to live in fear anymore. I was homeless in Boston. It was scary, but I had God with me the entire time so I wasn't that scared. But when you finally get to a place that allows you to really grow -you earlier talked about the sunshine and the rain. The rain helps the flowers grow. And so, I was able to take all of what I've learned, took me 11 times to get onto RuPaul's Drag Race because I had to grow into the person that I am today to be able to represent the kind of queen that needs to represent this world today. We will find out what happens tomorrow. But I know in my heart of hearts that I'm a winner, baby. ) MS. CRISTÁL: Yeah, grease those poles. Philadelphia, when I moved here it was the queerest place I've ever lived in my life. It allowed me to be free, to be who I am. And I thank you all on this Council. It is easy to be you when you just feel comfortable. I've been in many -- I lived here. I lived in New York. I lived in Houston, Texas. I lived in Rochester. I lived in P-Town, Provincetown, the gayest city in America. But when I got here, it like, oh, wow, I've never seen so much freedom. This is the true home of the free. Because when I go traveling, now I see what the rest of the country has to deal with. And I go, oh wow. We as drag artists are representations of freedom. We get to be whoever we want to be whenever we want to be. Drag is such a wide tapestry of freedom. And so, I thank you all for making it easier to live here and I say to all those who might see this outside of Philadelphia, fight for your people.
This life needs a lot of love. Judgment is not something that comes in from love. So I want you all to just take one hand, wave it in the air, wave it at me and take your other hand, wave it at me, everyone. I can see you. V. Even you up there, wave You're not touching the camera right now so you can wave, and then wrap your arms around yourself. And repeat these words, I truly love and accept myself. ) MS. CRISTÁL: No, I got -we're in Philadelphia. I know you can do better. 1, 2, 3, I truly love and accept myself. This is my mantra every single day because it is easier to show love, kindness and compassion to the rest of the world when you truly love and accept who you are. I know myself. I love myself and because of those things, I can truly say that I love you all. Thank you so much. )
As we may keep this excitement going and to conclude, I invite Councilmembers and other guests to join us for a photo in front of the rostrum here. So please let's do this expeditiously. Thank you so much. Look, continue to keep that energy going though.
Before we proceed to the next order of business, I want to take a moment to acknowledge one of my political colleagues from South Philadelphia, State Representative Elizabeth Fielder. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you for joining us here in City Council today. The next order of business is communications. The Chair deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body the following proposed ordinance: An ordinance authorizing acceptance of the grant of the City to two certain areas located on either side of Hunting Park Avenue, east of Whitaker Avenue as slope easements, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance approving the Sixth Amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Area, being the area generally bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Berks Street and Montgomery Avenue on the north, by 2nd Street and Philips Street on the east, by Girard Avenue, Oxford Street and Jefferson Street on the south, and by Germantown Avenue, 6th Street and 3rd Street on the west, including the Sixth Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which provides for changes that would make it consistent with the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area Plan and generally consistent with the most recent comprehensive plan approved by the City Planning Commission of the City of Philadelphia. And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank, deeds conveying title to the 8th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets; West Manheim Street, East Wister Street, East Garfield Street, Collom Street, Blakemore Street, Vernon and -- Vernon Road, Lena Street, Germantown Avenue and Church Lane, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank. And to the President and members of the Council of City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 17, 2024 I signed the following bill, which passed by Council at its session on April 4, 2024, Bill No. 240019. And pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 240177 and Bill No. 240178. There are no further communications, Council President.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill for introduction today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 6516 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19149, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one nonprivileged resolution on your behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A nonprivileged resolution establishing the month of April as Philadelphia History's Month in the City of Philadelphia, commencing in 2025 and continuing annually thereafter.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration in our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one resolution.
Clerk, please read the title of the privileged resolution.
Honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week "For the Culture Clothing," for their collaboration with "Ebbets Field Flannels" on their Philadelphia Stars Collection, which celebrates the City's championship-winning Negro League Baseball Team.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and five resolutions. Two of them are privileged.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance establishing a no Parking regulation on the south side of Wises Mill Road between Henry Avenue and Forbidden Drive.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a nonprivileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1130 to create the Safer Communities Grant Program, which will make Philadelphia safer by providing funding for lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers and other high-crime areas.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a nonprivileged resolution supporting the Biden Administration's finalized rule that aims to expand certain background check requirements for firearm purchases and close the gun show loophole.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Law Department, the Giffords Law Center to prevent gun violence, and the Hausfeld Law Firm for their work in upholding public safety for all Philadelphians, by ensuring accountability for ghost gun suppliers.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Life and Legacy of "Edgar Sonny Campbell," former leader of Philadelphia's 4th Democratic Ward, for his decades of service to the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the City Avenue Special Services District on the occasion of their 25th anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution that I am introducing with Council President and with Councilmember Gauthier.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark federal civil rights bill that protects individuals and families from discrimination in the housing market.
This resolution will be placed in today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one bill.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of two certain areas located on either side of Hunting Park Avenue, east of Whitaker Avenue as slope easements, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills and two resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and the resolutions.
An ordinance amending Subcode A, (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, (The Building, Construction and Occupancy Code), to require proof of certain insurance certificates, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 795 North 24th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19130, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City, Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of April 14th through the 20th, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I have two privileged resolutions to introduce. One of which I am co-introducing proudly alongside Councilmember Landau.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the School District of Philadelphia's All City Orchestra for their outstanding performance at WrestleMania XL, where they displayed music excellence and proudly represented the City of Philadelphia on an international stage.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Sapphira Cristál, Philly's Crown Jewel, for her outstanding representation of Philadelphia's unique queer performance art and drag race scene culture on MTV's RuPaul's Drag Race.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity.
Morning, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions and one nonprivileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating the return of the Tianjin Delegation on April 23, 2024.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution celebrating 75 years of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a nonprivileged resolution proclaiming May 2024 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our country, Commonwealth and City.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one nonprivileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A nonprivileged resolution authorizing and ratifying Councilmember O'Neill's appeal on behalf of and as representative of City Council of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 4100 Orchard Lane.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one nonprivileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A nonprivileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District, included on the following streets: West Manheim Street, East Wister Street, East Garfield Street, Collom Street, Blakemore Street, Vernon Road, Lena Street, Germantown Avenue and Church Lane, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
This resolution will be placed on 1ST READING the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
There being no reports from Committees today, we will now go into the consideration of the Calendar. Will the Chief Clerk please read the bill on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 240012, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt 1ST READING Boulevard (extended) and Henry Avenue, and to amend Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/FDO mFourth District Overlay District," and make related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Council will be at ease for a moment. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a leave from chambers to handle Council business outside of the chambers.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also ask to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions except Bill No. 240088 where I will be voting no.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit 1ST READING the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 240066, 240159, 240021, 240022, 240086, 240090, 240100, 240121, 240122, 240123, 240155, 240156, 240186, 240188, 240189, 240190, 240212, 240213, 240214, 240217, 240218 and 240219.
It has been moved and properly seconded the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. All those in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and we will consider the Bill Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240284, 240286, 240287, 240294, 240295, 240297, 240176-A, 240177, 240178, 240158 and 240087 and 240088.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, due to today's volume, the time limit may vary from session-tosession. And today's time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time. The light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Representative Elizabeth Fiedler for Solar Schools Act. (Witness approached podium.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE FIEDLER: Thank you so much for having me here today. Thank you, Council President. And thank you to Philadelphia City Council for your warm welcome. I am State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler. I am proud to represent the 184th District in South Philadelphia. I want to extend a special thank you to Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and Councilmember Gauthier for introducing a resolution today in support of a piece of legislation that I have worked on for over a year. This is legislation I am very passionate about and I am so excited after traveling the state to have the opportunity to bring it home to Philadelphia. For just over a year I have been working on a project called Solar for Schools, House Bill 1032. Solar for Schools would help schools in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth install solar panels on the roof or if they have land next to the building. These solar panels would help the schools generate their own electricity. If you didn't know, energy is the second highest cost for school districts, a very big price tag when they're trying to balance their budgets and when energy costs keep rising. When schools generate their own electricity, it helps them to be able to not just save millions of dollars but to have financial stability and to be able to budget for decades to come. Solar energy would boost our production of renewables, it would create good union jobs and it would help us to be part of the growing green energy movement. Under our legislation Solar for Schools, the cost to schools would be minimal. The state would cover 50 percent of project costs while the Federal Inflation Reduction Act would cover 30 to 50 percent. I am proud to report that this legislation passed the State House with strong bipartisan support back in June and now awaits a vote in the Senate. I am also incredibly proud that Solar for Schools has the support of labor, environmental, education and faith groups across our City and across the Commonwealth. I will say finally that I know we are no strangers to the school funding crisis that affects our schools here in Philadelphia. This is incredibly personal to me as the parent of two Philly public school kids who are sitting in class right now. They asked me where I was going today. And I proudly told them that I would get to be speaking with our City Council colleagues today about Solar for Schools. Our schools need so many improvements to their physical buildings and they need to be equipped for the dramatic weather events to come as temperatures rise. We believe that House Bill 1032, Solar for Schools, is an important piece of that pie. It's a money-saving program for schools and another toolbox in the toolkit of the Philadelphia School District to be able to fund building repairs, increase staff, fund educational opportunities and more while contributing to a healthier planet. Thank you so much to Philadelphia City Council for your support today and for your support of schools, students, workers and a greener city. I appreciate your time. (Applause.)
Elowyn Corby for Solar Schools Act. (Witness approached podium.)
Can Elaine McGuire and Shannon Crooker also make their way to the podium please.
Thank you so much for having me. Thank you to Representative Fiedler for leading the effort to advance this important legislation in Harrisburg -- oh, better. Okay. Can you hear me, great. And to Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson and Gauthier for introducing this resolution in support of Solar for Schools. My name is Elowyn Corby and I am the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Vote Solar and Vote Solar Action Fund. We are a nonprofit that works state-by-state to accelerate 100 percent clean energy transition that puts the interests, health and well-being of people at its center, and we are proud to lend our voice and support of this important legislation. Solar energy can lower the cost of living, create local jobs, reduce health-harming pollution and build a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come. And what better way to invest in those future generations than to make it easier for schools to model the future we want to see. Our schools deserve all of the support we can give them and helping them to become hubs for clean energy generation, education and resilience is a goal worth fighting for. A 100 percent clean energy system is now an achievable reality thanks to technological advances, a rapidly falling cost of renewable energy which is now the most affordable energy to bring onto the grid, and overwhelming support from people across the country, including here at home in Pennsylvania where our 2022 polling showed that over 80 percent of Pennsylvanians support rooftop solar. That's not even to begin talking about the incredible federal investments in clean energy that are now helping us to accelerate the transition. Helping our schools to go solar is a perfect way to invest in clean jobs, increase resiliency, save schools money which can then be invested in other critical programs. So excited to be here today. Thank you for your time and I'm excited for this legislation that will help our children to literally experience the clean energy future that we are working together to build. Thank you. (Applause.)
Elaine McGuire. And can Shannon Crooker and Taussy Valcarcel also make their way to the podium. (Witness approached podium.) MS. McGUIRE: Good morning. My name is Elaine McGuire, proud member of IBW Local 98. As a proud resident of Pennsylvania, I wholeheartedly support House Bill Solar for Schools. This initiative not only promises to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for our communities but also serves as a beacon of hope for our local economy and workforce. By implementing solar energy systems in schools across the state, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create invaluable job opportunities for our skilled workers, including the members of IBW Local Union 98. These electricians known for their expertise and dedication stand ready to put their talents to work, ensuring the successful installation and maintenance of solar panels in our educational institute. Moreover, this bill offers a much-needed boost to our school districts injecting new life into their budgets and resources as our communities continue to strive for sustainability and resilience. Investing in solar energy for schools is a crucial step forward. Let's embrace this opportunity to support local jobs, empower our residents and build a brighter future for generations to come. Thank you.
Shannon Crooker. Can Taussy Valcarcel and Paul Birdsong also make their way up. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Shannon Crooker. I'm with Generation 180, a nonprofit to inspire and equip schools to go solar. All schools and communities in Pennsylvania regardless of their geography, wealth or size should have access to clean, affordable energy. We monitor and track the solar schools movement and just released a report that indicated that solar had nearly tripled on schools in Pennsylvania in the last decade. That sounds like a lot and it is. It's 39 megawatts, which is enough to power 7,000 homes in Pennsylvania. To put that into relation, here in Philadelphia there are over 700,000 homes. That's only 1 percent of homes that could be powered by solar energy through our schools. We demand more. We expect more and we would love to see more schools reap the benefits of clean energy. Because not only would they save money and create cleaner environments, healthier environments, they are also able to learn directly from the energy and enhance their curriculum and develop workforce development programs for their students and create an onramp for students to get jobs in the solar energy, which provides family-sustainable wages. We urge you to support this as residents of Philadelphia, as Councilmembers who represent the constituents here. Not only could Philadelphia be put on the map and enable more schools to go solar through Representative fiedler's amazing program, Solar for Schools, schools across Pennsylvania would be able to benefit and invest in what matters, the students, their buildings and the future. I thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, everybody. Good morning, everybody. I'm here to speak about the Resolution of 240286. Good morning. My name is Taussy Valcarcel. I'm an activist AfroLatina in the Panther Party and concerned citizen from Philadelphia. I would like to thank the great men and women who has taken the challenge and risk of redevelopment in our city. But hear me out, City Council. Our streets are bleeding hard and I would like for you to rethink hard. How we want to rebuild our city. Instead of rebuilding the buildings, we should rebuild our community. Do we need new buildings, stores to keep in the property or do we need our sanity, integrity, respect to rebuild our brotherly powerful people united and in peace. What we really want and need is closure for the mothers that are waiting for an answer from the forensic labs. And one more thing, leave the unions alone. All power to the people. (Applause.)
My name is Paul Birdsong. I'm the National Ambassador for the Panther Party New Age, not to be confused with the New Black Panther Party. As our forefathers previously stated, the original Black Panther Party for defense, there's no legitimacy to the New Black Panther Party and we don't have anything to do with it. Now that I've said that, I'm here to speak on the same bill as the sister, the same resolution. It's funny how we focus on making new buildings and new businesses. And I know from doing this in other states that there's a live-stream that Mayor Cherelle Parker is watching, right, so I know she sees what I'm saying and hears me. We don't need to continue to build businesses in the unsafe community. We don't need to continue to try to lure people here to spend money just so they can owe you when they have to leave because it's unsafe. We don't need to continue to work on the infrastructure that's made out of stone. We need to work on the infrastructure that's made out of people. We don't need to redevelop the buildings over there on 53rd Street between where the shootings happened at the Eid celebration and the shootings on Chancellor and 53rd. Why are we working on them buildings instead of working on the people. I still don't see that civilian force out there. I still don't see a forensics lab that is not obsolete. We don't need none of that. We need to work on the people of Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love, right, but all our brothers keep killing one another. That's what we need to work on. So until that forensics lab is available and when it actually works and until we stop making resolutions and bills about buildings instead of people, the Panther Party will continue to come. We won't just come here. We're going to start coming to the offices. We're going to get less and less friendly until the people become the priority. I don't care about people saying give us numbers. I don't care about the mic. I don't care about none of this stuff we're doing outside. I don't care about the circuses we turn this place into every Thursday morning, celebrating stuff while people are out here dying. I care about what's happening to the people. And like the sister said, leave the unions alone and leave the people who are part of the union alone. (Applause.)
We're fighting for this and we fighting with them too. All power to the people. (Applause.)
Fred Motley, Lamont McDowell, then Carlton Epps. (Witnesses approached podium.)
For the record, my name is Fred Motley. For the past decade, I've been a dedicated cook at Aramark in all three houses -- all three stadiums in South Philly. In September I found myself facing a medical mishap that had been causing me a lot of stress. I must have health care coverage to address this issue and ensure my well-being. Additionally, I have a son who's right now recovering from an aneurism and a stroke, both of which occurred simultaneously in 2009 at the age of 2-and-a-half. Despite these challenges, we've managed to navigate his recovery journey with therapy and health Care. However, it hasn't been easy because I had to basically pay out of my own pocket. I love the job at Aramark, but there have been moments when I've had to make tough choices between essential expenses, my son's therapy, primary, rent also primary. It shouldn't be this way. With a company as large as Aramark, for workers to only be offered a $0.25 raise is ridiculous. We shouldn't have to struggle to afford basic health care necessities. We need familysustaining wage increases. Aramark has the power to make a difference in our lives by providing us with the wages and the health care that we need. We're not asking for the world. We're just asking for an opportunity to live healthy lives without constant financial worry. It is an honor to be here amongst these hollowed halls. Thank you for your time and for standing with our Aramark workers. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Lamont McDowell, Carlton Epps and then Rosslyn Wuchinich. MR. McDOWELL: Good morning. My name is Lamont McDowell. And I'm a cook for Aramark at Wells Fargo Center and the Lincoln Financial Field. I stand before you not only -- I stand before you not only as a worker but as a proud resident of Philadelphia, a city where life can be often be challenging. I believe in the value of hard work. I take pride in the meals I prepare, the smiles I bring to fans and the memories I create for fans at the stadiums. But the truth is the wages I currently earn are simply not enough to keep up with rising costs. The cost of living in Philadelphia is high and without health care, the burden is heavy. I went on strike with my coworkers last week, not only for myself but for the countless others who like me are struggling to make ends meet. Since this strike, Aramark has yet to make health care more accessible to us. I have conditions that I haven't been able to get checked in several years because I don't have health insurance. This isn't just about a paycheck. It's about my health, my well-being and my life. In 2015 I lost my father and my fiancee within one month of each other. The pain of their absence is sometimes something I carry with me every day. But despite the hardships, I continue to persevere because my mother needs me. And I know that I'm not alone. This resolution to support Aramark workers mean a lot to me and having all of you at the City Council standing with us means even more to me. Thank y'all.
Carlton Epps, then Rosslyn Wuchinich and Katie Bartolotta. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President, esteemed members of City Council and all guests here. My name is Carlton Epps and I work at all three stadiums for Aramark. I'm here to talk about the disrespect that Aramark is giving us during our negotiations. Not only to us, but the disrespect that they give to all residents of this wonderful state of Pennsylvania that we live in. During our negotiations, the lawyer was asked how does he feel about majority of our workers who we get our health care through government-assisted programs. I get mine through the Marketplace, Pennie as we call it now in Pennsylvania. When asked this question about how we're working for a multi-billion dollar company -- and you can quote me on his response -he was asked how does he feel about that. He said, so. Literally that's what he said to us. Some of our workers were in there and wanted to cry when they heard that. Another management member of Aramark when we were talking about paid time off, we get no paid time off, no sick time or anything of that nature, workers come to work sick getting other workers sick. When we were asking this manager how does he feel about that, his response was, I don't know, I get PTO. This is some of the things they say to us. Now, this part here really, really upset us because we've lost a couple workers over these last couple years since the pandemic and they have no health care. We have a worker, I think her surgery is today, she's having a tumor removed from her head. She's getting health care through her brother and she worked for a multi-billion dollar company. When he was told this part, the lawyer said, oh, so what. And you can quote me on that. He said, so what. I mean, that's very disrespectful to the residents of this City and state considering that this is Aramark's home. They just built their headquarters a few years ago here in Philadelphia right across the river. And I'm sure they got a lot of tax breaks, you know, on that building. But they don't care about our workers. And I just want to thank City Council for your support. And at this time, I want you to know that we are fans of the team. I, myself, I travel to a basketball game and a football game every year. My son and I go to a game. We're also going to add baseball this year. But we are fans of the team. But I must announce at this time we will be starting another strike again on Thursday for the playoffs. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Rosslyn Wuchinich. I'm the President of UNITE HERE Local 274, the union for the Aramark workers at the three stadiums in South Philadelphia. I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 240295. We want to on behalf of the whole union thank the Council President and Councilmember Harrity and the entire body of City Council for introducing this resolution in support of these brave workers that are fighting for family-sustaining and community-sustaining jobs and health care for all of us. We also want to thank everybody from this body that joined us on our picket line last week and that came to our press conference as well in support. We need your support. Because of the union down in South Philadelphia, we have had tremendous victories over the years. So we have transformed these jobs from seasonal jobs that are only a few months out of the year that cannot sustain a family to year-round jobs, to full-time jobs working for Aramark, a multi-national corporation headquartered here in Philadelphia. And we're proud of that and that has transformed people's lives. However year-round jobs for our members need to look like yearround jobs for everybody else. Just because our membership is majority women, majority Black and Brown, does not mean we deserve anything less from a year-round job. It also means that as Philadelphians we shouldn't be getting anything less than workers in other cities. Workers doing the same kind of work at the United Center in Chicago, when they work 910 hours between the United Center where the Bulls and the Black Hawks play and Wrigley Field, they get free yearround health insurance, but not here. Workers at the Cap One Arena and the United Center, the Cap One Arena down in Chicago -excuse me, down in D.C. where the Wizards and the Capitals play, workers in those two places are making -- the lower paid workers right now in 2024 between $20.50 and $21.55 an hour, and here it's $6 to $7 less, so $14 to $15 an hour. So we say shame on Aramark. We're thrilled that the Sixers won last night, but we are very, very sad that we are going to have to strike during these playoffs because Aramark can't do what it needs for the City of Philadelphia.
Katie Bartolotta, Harris Metzer and then Tiffany Cherry. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Katie Bartolotta and I'm Vicepresident of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. PEA is a quasi governmental entity working to build a robust, equitable, clean energy economy in Philadelphia. We enable energy project development for the City and School District and run a variety of consumer and workforce programs that support the growth of our market and our communities. To date, we have supported over $900 million in energy projects and created over 7600 jobs. I'm here in support of Resolution No. 240284 sponsored by Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson and Gauthier that calls on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt the Solar for Schools Act, and thanks Representative Fiedler for her tireless advocacy in Harrisburg and foresight in capitalizing on all of the opportunities solar schools bring, including reducing and stabilizing energy costs for cost-strapped school districts, creating familysustaining local jobs and leveraging federal tax credits via the Inflation Reduction Act that are available to offset the upfront costs of solar. PEA is excited to continue our long partnership with the District both in supporting clean energy education and providing operational and technical support on solar schools. Over the last four years, we've helped launch a high school career and technical education program that is training Philadelphia's next generation of solar installers and we're excited to add solar training to Mayfair's Middle School Construction CTE Program this school year. Installing solar on schools will create new career opportunities for Philadelphia public school grads, have educational value for current students through curriculum enhancements and connect students to real action for climate change, all while creating jobs for their futures. Philadelphia schools will also save money with solar through lower school bills and long-term budget certainty. Solar is a win-win for Philadelphia schools and school communities in every corner of the Commonwealth. We're grateful to Representative Fiedler for her leadership on solar schools and to Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson and Gauthier for urging the legislature to act. We support the passage of this resolution in City Council. Thank you.
Harris Metzer, Tiffany Cherry and Jeremiah Worsley. Harris Metzer, Tiffany Cherry.
Good morning. My name is Tiffany Cherry. I've been a worker at the Bellevue for 13 years as a 32BJ SEIU cleaner. Our members also clean the Chambers of Commerce, which is in the same building -- 32BJ has helped us see a steady pay increase under the union contracts. I've gone from $15 an hour to $22. One side of the Bellevue is the hotel. The other side is commercial. I work on the commercial side. We went from 10 floors of commercial to now only four floors of commercial. Six floors is under renovation to become residential. The Bellevue once had 23 workers. We are now down to 5 workers in the Bellevue. We just recently switched over to a new cleaning company and thanks to the legislation that we have to protect our jobs with switching with their company, we was able to keep our benefits, our pay, our pension where I'm at. However, if the building closed completely for renovations, I would be out of a job all together. I would lose my seniority when it comes time to reapply or when it reopens. The threat of losing our jobs is a threat of losing our wages. It could also lead to us losing our health insurance, our pension, our benefits. These changes are not being made due to our work performance. They are being made -- they are being made based on the circumstances outside of our control, which is why this displaced worker legislation is important for us. If I lose my job, it will affect my life in a major way. Taking care of my children, my bills. We live in the community. We support small business. The passage of this bill not only means job security but also protect our ability to support local economy. The owners of the buildings will be will be taken care of no matter what, however it plays out. We need your help to protect our jobs. We must fight to maintain our rights, wages, working conditions. Thank you for hearing. (Applause.)
Jeremiah Worsley, Barbara Cherry and Daisy Cruz. Is there a Jeremiah Worsley? (No response.)
Good morning. I'm Barbara Cherry and I'm a cleaner at the Fashion District at 9th and Market. This will be my fifth year in September. Now, after working over 20 years as an educator, I'm close to retiring and I don't want to start over in a new place due to no fault of my own. A lot of people come through the building and tell me what a great job we're doing keeping the building clean. They appreciate coming through a nice, clean place and smells the part. These developers are coming in and trying to wipe out our workforce and our hard-earned benefits. There are many changes happening downtown with buildings being sold or converted into residential. I'm very nervous that if this bill doesn't pass, I could join the growing list of people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Now, we need this bill to be passed to ensure job security and support our families. Some of us have been doing their jobs for over 25 to 30 years. Some of us are close to retirement. Now, our union just negotiated a new contract with a 401(k) and that could just be taken away from us with no fault of our own. Now, we are trying to set a future for our families. Put yourself in our place. How would you feel if you were in our shoes, losing your job and your family's livelihood is destroyed, maybe making less money and you don't have the benefits you worked so hard for, you have to start all over, how would you feel? I just want to leave you with this. With this, our livelihood is riding on this bill to be passed. Just put yourself in our place. What would you do? Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Jeremiah Worsley. I'm a proud member of 32BJ. I've been working in Center City District cleaning the outside of the buildings for 17 years. In that time we negotiated pay raises and maintained great benefits and support for our family. Honestly, the benefits are what keep me here. It take care of my health care as far as my medical, my high blood pressure medicine and make sure my own kids got their own dental. Let me tell you about what being a frontline hero is all about. I worked outside cleaning the buildings, but the threat of getting sick was still very real. We worked during the pandemic. We worked during the riots, cleaning up the glass, everything outside. A lot of the times it felt like nobody cared about us being a frontline worker. To be honest, it was very scary. People was outside. I was scared to get sick. We were wearing masks, but we were still continuously coming to work, maintaining the integrity of the buildings for people to see that downtown was a really good place to be. So I emphasize with y'all to please pass this bill because it's very important to me, my family and all of my members of the 32BJ. As people slowly started trickling back into the buildings, our cleaners, guards, they ensured they returned to a very clean environment as far as downtown. We understand that the landscape is changing downtown, but it's essential protecting our workers while that is happening. Let us move forward in a brighter future downtown, especially those who work so hard to keep things together during the tough times. We all deserve a future where we can feel comfortable and retire with our families and everybody. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Daisy Cruz. I'm the District leader for SEIU Local 32BJ. We represent over 12,000 workers in Philadelphia in the tri-state area. Several thousands of them who work in Center City are cleaners, security officers, building engineers and other service workers who ensure that the buildings are secure, clean and well-maintained every single day. Many of these workers are now experiencing a threat to their livelihoods as commercial buildings are being sold and converted. We're here today to ask that you amend the Displaced Contract Worker Protection ordinance and extend job protections to workers when the building changes ownership or closes for renovations or when the work is being brought inhouse. The amendments will require that the new employer to retain the existing workers for 90 days as well as give workers the right to get their old jobs back once a retrofitted building reopens. Contrary to the Chamber of Commerce misinformation campaign, employers will still be able to terminate a worker for just cause or determine that fewer workers are needed. The current ordinance which protects workers only during a contract or switch has been very successful in protecting the good wages and benefits that our members have fought so hard for in their contracts. They've been able to raise their families, pay for their children's schools, buy homes and most importantly support local economy. We need more stability, not less. What we don't need is a revolving door of workers guarding public areas, sanitizing buildings and other crucial services. We must adapt to the changing times of our city and ensure that we close the loopholes that leave thousands of workers vulnerable to be displaced. These amendments are win-win for the public, the workers and the businesses that they serve. We thank you in advance for voting for this bill and sending a clear message that we're all in this recovery process together. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Mayor Parker, Councilmembers. Thank you for having me. My name is Frank Lamar Slayton. I'm a community activist in the 52nd and Market Street area. And as for -I work in conjunction with Timothy Henry and his mother Geraldine Brown, who is a member of the Philadelphia Police Advisory Board. As for Bill No. 240176, I am in support of that along with the New Age Black Panther Party. We need to bring closure to these mothers. Also, you have individuals who may be incarcerated where forensics may help to exonerate them. We have people who need to know the cause of death for their loved ones. As for resolution 240286, I am in opposition of that. Instead of investing in buildings and infrastructures, I will suggest that we invest in community centers. I spoke with some of the youth in the barbershop in the neighborhood around 52nd and Market. We have an issue with dirt bikes, riding through red lights and things. How about a dirt bike park. It could generate revenue for the City. We have a community center on 51st and Arch that needs to be rehabbed. A brother told me about the Bike Works program after school that was abolished. Bike Works program, we need to bring that back for the youth. Civilian patrols, we have to learn how to patrol ourselves. We have an issue in West Philly. Real quick, we have somewhat like a cult-like following with our youth funded by people impersonating law enforcement officers. I'm bringing it to the floor so you guys can get a headstart. It's funded by former Police Officer Linwood Norman, Big Trey from 7th and Snyder and Mr. James of 109 North 54th Street, they're posing as law enforcement and they're manipulating our youth into crimes of violence. You saw what happened at the Masjid so I'm putting you guys on notice. Okay. We need help out there. They develop a (inaudible) stop the violence. They engaged in artificial intelligence, manipulation of it, tech savvy, very -- and I need help. These guys are having our youth into all type of heinous crimes and I need help out here. Leave the unions alone. We need our unions.
Lynn Landes, Daniel Dielle, Jeremy Blatstein. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org. I'm commenting on the resolution to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current policies in Kensington, which is similar to last week's Bill requiring reports on illegal camping. Why are we still studying these things? What is happening in Kensington and other parts of Philadelphia, including my neighborhood, is against the law, and the people doing it generally speaking are the mentally ill and drug addicts. Why are not the police getting these people off the streets and into some sort of mandated care and secure facilities until they are cured, healthier and not violating our laws. More importantly, as the parent of a mentally disabled son, allowing the mentally ill to live on the streets amounts to neglect and abuse of the disabled and is therefore a violation of the American with Disabilities Act. These people need to be in longterm care and in some cases lifetime secure facilities. In many of the reports and discussions about this tragic situation, there is strong support for preserving the privacy of these individuals. Many nonprofits don't take down any personal information if the person is unwilling to provide it. That sounds considerate, but it isn't because many, if not most, of these individuals are mentally ill. So by not identifying them, the City will never know if relatives or friends are looking for them, if they escaped from prison or a mental institution or if they qualify for Social Security disability and other services. Instead and all too often, City agencies and nonprofits enable the homeless to live on the streets instead of providing the mandated care that is actually needed. This is not a complicated situation. The City doesn't need more studies. The City needs to provide more housing for the homeless, build facilities for the mentally ill and drug addicted, and there should be zero tolerance for people living on the streets and breaking the laws of Philadelphia. It's illegal, unhealthy and unsafe for all concerned. Thank you.
Daniel Dielle, Jeremy Blatstein, then Kate Perez. Daniel Dielle. (No response.)
Hello, Philadelphia City Council. Councilmember President Johnson, where's your boa, but that's beside the point. All right. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. Just to be sure this is not lost on certain well-known publications in this city, I am the nephew of Lee Blatstein, worldrenowned urologist in Philadelphia. Let's make the record straight and not publish incorrect facts about me in the paper of record. But I'm here today talking about Bill Nos. 240121 and 240122. Shout-Out Councilmember Squilla. I know he can't do a split, but he knows how to pop some champagne. But everybody should be able by-right to have streeteries. There's no need for these bills to be passed. Shout-out to Councilwoman Rue Landau for having this legislation to be able to have this conversation, but it's not happening quickly enough. So that really needs to happen fast, because these businesses should not have to go through this process to have bills introduced just to be allowed streeteries in front of their restaurants. Shout-out to Councilwoman Gauthier. I know she's enjoying Austria, shout-out to that. But it's the one good thing I guess she has done for her District is allowing it by-right. And the last thing I'll say is about 240287 is my favorite thing, Turn the Key. Stop getting in the way of Turn the Key. Put it on steroids. The average AMI that was just released today by PHDC is the average homebuyer is at 50 percent of AMI. That is with zero taxpayer funding, no direct taxpayer funding. So instead of making it more difficult and trying to get in the way, put the land in the Land Bank, get that land moving and let's start building houses. If housing is the number one priority right now, Turn the Key is a program that will make this work. And as some would say, I'm not a crazy right-winger. Someone said that to me today, so I just want to say thank you for giving me the ability to come here every week to speak because I want to make Philadelphia a better place to live. And I think that each and every one of you do as well. Thank you.
Enshrining abortion rights is enshrining human rights. We know that banning abortions does not stop abortions, but it stops safe ones. People will go right back to dangerous self-induced abortions and suffer horrific, preventable deaths. Criminalizing abortions also includes language to criminalize those who have stillborns and miscarriages. Miscarriages are an awful, shattering experience for many parents and it's something that has increased 300 percent under Israeli bombing in Gaza. I feel ashamed to be in a country where the House passes a bill to restrict free speech while having some of the worst maternal mortality rates of any first world country. We are remiss to talk about human rights without acknowledging the humans in Gaza who are giving birth in streets overflowing with sewage because Israel bombed all the hospitals and the doctors are reusing scalpels on patients with no anesthesia because Israel blockades the borders. This is in a time where 10 children a day are losing limbs to the constant bombardment. With five weapons manufacturers headquartered in our City, we are directly responsible for every death. Abortion rights are human rights. This past week protesters shut down 30th Street, I-76 south and northbound, slowed down traffic on 95 North and South, shut down Market Street and they even shut down City Hall while calling for a ceasefire. What more will it take for you to listen. How many more kindergartens should Israel bomb until you feel like speaking up. Locking the doors and pretending that a genocide isn't happening won't save anyone. Philadelphia has the chance to lead more cities into passing actual ceasefire resolutions. The ethnic cleansing of Palestine could not be happening without the backing of our tax dollars. If we want to acknowledge the genocide, call for a permanent ceasefire. And we need an armed embargo against Israel --
Ms. Perez, I know where you're going. Just talk about some abortions more in there as well, maternal rights.
All right. Every time we're silent we're saying that it's normal for mothers to carry the flesh of their children in plastic takeout bags because bombs tore their children's bodies apart. Silence is compliance. Ceasefire now. (Applause.)
That concludes the public comment period. We will now consider the Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 240066, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wood Street, 4th Street, Vine Street and Lawrence Street. Bill No. 240159, an the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sedgwick Street, Ardleigh Street, Upsal Street, Belfield Avenue and Sprague Street. Bill No. 240021, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Gravers Lane and Millman Street. Bill No. 240022, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Rockland Street and North 2nd Street; Lawrence Street and Rockland Street; Ruscomb Street and North 2nd Street; Ashdale Street to North 3rd Street. 240086, an ordinance amending Sections and of Ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled, "An Ordinance authorizing the and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from 34th Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two rights-of-way for drainage purposes within the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Lane and Health Sciences Drive and authorizing the acceptance of the grant to the City of the said rights-of-way for drainage purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the beds of the areas proposed to be placed on the City Plan as portions of Convention Avenue, by adding additional necessary plan changes and revising the terms and conditions stated therein. Bill No. 240090, an ordinance establishing parking vicinity of Old York Road and Courtland Street. Bill No. 240100, an ordinance establishing parking regulations, one-way regulations and a closure of the public rightof-way to motor traffic regulations in the vicinity of Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Water Street, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 240121, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2401 East Norris Street, all under certain terms and conditions. 240122, an ordinance authorizing Norris Street Holdings, LLC to install, own and maintain a streetery in the right-of-way adjacent to 2401 East Norris Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19125-2913 under certain terms and conditions. 240123, an ordinance authorizing Pat Olivieri, d/b/a Pat's Kings of Steaks, to vend from a location in the right-of-way adjacent to the Pat Steak's location in the vicinity of 9th and Morton Streets, under certain terms and conditions. 240155, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of North 20th Street and Fairmount Avenue, Tioga and Old York Road, Westmoreland Street and North 13th Street. 240156, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: North 30th Street and Master Street; North 29th Street and Master Street and Oxford Street; Oxford Street and North 30th Street and 29th Street; North 15th Street and Parrish Street; Swain Street and North 17th Street. Bill No. 240158, an 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by providing for parking prohibitions for motor vehicles with sunscreening devices and for penal -- I'm sorry. That is not on the consent agenda. I apologize. Bill No.
240186, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Pacific Street and North Broad Street; North 13th Street and Allegheny Avenue; Marlborough Street and Thompson Street; North 4th Street and Master Street. Bill No. 240188, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Montrose Street between South 7th Street and South 8th Street; Montrose Street between South 9th Street and South 10th Street; South 10th Street and South 11th Street; Beulah Street between Montrose Street and Carpenter Street. 240189, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: South 12th Street between Jackson Street and Wolf Street; Emily Street between South 6th Street and South 5th Street; Winton Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Mercy Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Sigel Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; South 4th Street between Mifflin Street and McKean Street; McKean Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Sigel Street between South 5th Street and South 4th Street; South 3rd Street between Mifflin Street and McKean Street. 240190, an ordinance in the vicinity of Jackson Street between South 12th Street and South 13th Street; Snyder Avenue between South 13th Street and Juniper Street; Jackson Street between South 6th Street and South 7th Street; Mercy Street between South 7th Street and South 8th Street; Watkins Street between South 11th Street and South 12th Street; South 7th Street between Johnson Street and Oregon Avenue; Moyamensing Avenue between South 5th Street and South 6th Street. 240212, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Green Street and North 40th Street; North 41th Street and Spring Garden Street; North 41st Street and Powelton Avenue; North 32nd Street and Haverford Avenue; Brandywine Street and North 36th Street. 240213, an ordinance authorizing Rekhaben Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand, under certain terms and conditions. 240214, an ordinance establishing parking regulations on Hazel Avenue and South 55th Street; Cedar Avenue and South 54th Street; Cedar Avenue and South 55th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 46th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 47th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 48th Street; St. Bernard Street and Pine Street; St. Bernard Street and Spruce Street. 240217, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in Parrish Street between North 16th Street and North 17th Street; Perkiomen Street between Vineyard Street and North 19th Street; Gratz Street between Jefferson Street and Harlan Street; Cambridge Street between North 30th Street to a dead-end; Jefferson Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; Newkirk Street between Thompson Street and Stiles Street; Brown Street between North 16th Street and North 15th Street; Seybert Street between North 24th Street and North 25th Street; Flora Street between North 29th Street and North 30th Street; Olive Street between Shirley Street and North 19th Street.
240218, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Watts Street between Cambria Street and Rush Street; Camac Street between Glenwood Avenue; Cambria Street between North 13th Street and North 12th Street; Silver Street between North 13th Street and Broad Street; Rush Street between North 12th Street and North 13th Street; North 12th Street between Cambria Street and Somerset Street; Marvine Street between Susquehanna Avenue and Diamond Street; Thompson Street between North 27th Street and North 28th Street; Montgomery Avenue between Uber Street and North 20th Street; North 19th Street between Montgomery Street and Berks Street. And Bill No. 240219, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Bailey Street between Poplar Street and Parrish Street; North 20th Street between Oxford Street and Jefferson Street; North 27th Street between Girard Avenue and Thompson Street; Folsom Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; Uber Street between Parrish Street and Poplar Street; North 19th Street between Master Street and Jefferson Street; Harold Street between North 22nd and North 23rd Streets.
These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bills pass finally. The Clerk shall call the roll. And upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills, will indicate those bills for which the Member is voting aye and those bills for which the Member is voting nay. Will the Clerk please call the roll.
Aye on all bills. The majority of all the members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the consent agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240284.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt the Solar for Schools Act, House Bill 1032, and thanking Representative Fiedler for her commitment to reducing the energy cost of public schools, expanding renewable energy 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING production and creating familysustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240284.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of our children in our Philadelphia public schools, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240284 be adopted. All those in favor the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240286.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 607, 625, 633, 635 and 637 North 53rd Street, and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Liberty53 LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240286.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240286 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Resolution No. 240287. The Chair recognizes -
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708, 710, 714 and 723 North Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240287.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240287 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240294.
A resolution authorizing the establishment of a "Special Committee on Kensington" to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current policies to further develop data-driven solutions and restore stability in the Kensington area. 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240294.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240294 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Resolution No. 240295.
A resolution expressing Council's support for food service workers at the Philadelphia Sports Complex and urging Aramark to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and health care coverage.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240295.
Council President, on your behalf I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240295 be adopted. All those in favor of the 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240297.
A resolution urging the United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240297.
Thank 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240297 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted.
Yes. For the record, Councilmember O'Neill will be recorded as a nay. Will the Clerk please read 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Bill No. 240176-A.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and to the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Okay. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240177. 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Bill No. 230145, an ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240178.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 230144, entitled "An Ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the Six Fiscal Years 2024-2029 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to the amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget ordinance, all under certain terms 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having been voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240158.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by providing for parking prohibitions for motor vehicles with sunscreening devices, and for penalties and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240088.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-2300 of The Philadelphia Code, protection of displaced contract workers, to provide protections for service employees including laid-off employees, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Aye.
The ayes are 13. The nays are 2. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, For The Culture Clothing, for their collaboration with --
Hold on one second, Liz. Hold on. Congratulations. Now, could y'all be quiet as y'all exit please as we conduct the business of the people. Thank you. Will the Clerk now please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, For The Culture Clothing, for their collaboration with Ebbets Field Flannels on their Philadelphia Stars Collection, 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING which celebrates the City's championship-winning Negro League Baseball Team.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Law Department, the Gifford Law Center, to prevent gun violence and the Hausfeld Law Firm for their work in upholding public safety for all Philadelphians by ensuring accountability for ghost gun suppliers.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Just briefly, Mr. President. Yesterday you couldn't be down there because you were handling the business up here, but I will remind you of a 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING trip to Oaks, Pa that you, former President Clarke and I made on our day off that set this in motion. So I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. With the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones honoring the Life and Legacy of Edgar Sonny Campbell, former Leader of 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia's 4th Democratic Ward, for his decades of service to the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Mr. President, can we move this resolution by a standing vote?
Yes, we can, Member Jones. Everyone, please stand. (Everyone stood for vote.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones honoring and recognizing the City Avenue Special Services District on the occasion of their 25th anniversary.
04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of the Council President recognizing April as "Fair Housing Month" in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark federal civil rights bill that protects individuals and families from discrimination in the housing market.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Young, authorizing the Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City, Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING April 14th through the 20th, 2024 as a National Public safety Telecommunicators Week in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, again I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the School District of Philadelphia's All City Orchestra for their outstanding performance at WrestleMania XL, where they displayed musical excellence and proudly represented the City of Philadelphia on an international stage introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, you know I couldn't let this go by without 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING saying a few words about the good WrestleMania but also the young students who had a fabulous performance on an international state truly on a great day for our city. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly body-slammed -- it has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the next title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Sapphira Cristál, Philly's Crown Jewel, for her outstanding representation of Philadelphia's unique queer performance art and drag scene culture on MTV's RuPaul's Drag Race, introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Again, I appreciate all of my colleagues today and move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating the return of Tianjin Delegation on April 23, 2024 introduced by Councilmembers Driscoll and Squilla.
The Chair recognizes the Councilmember Squilla -- the Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Mr. President, I'd like to be excused for important Council business. I'd like to be recorded as aye on any remaining 04/18/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolutions. Thank you.
Will the Clerk please read the next title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating 75 years of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia introduced by Councilmembers Driscoll and Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
There are no more resolutions on the Calendar for consideration, Mr. President.
Thank you. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. And thank you to all my colleagues who joined Councilmember Landau and myself in recognizing Sapphira Cristál today. I don't claim to be glued to each new episode of Drag Race, but I know plenty about the deep importance of cultural leaders like Ms. Cristál and what her work means in Philadelphia. This City has been at the forefront of so many critical moments in LGBTQIA history, and the community that exists here has so many sources of sustenance from parties to protests and so much more, but I imagine few sparked as much joy as we saw today as the work of Philly's Crown Jewel. Still I want us to remain cognizant of the moment we're in. Beyond the stigma and subtle discrimination that is basically pervasive no matter where you are, LGBTQIA people are under explicit attack around the country and certain parts of this Commonwealth too. Philly for so many is a relatively safe haven as we heard from Ms. Sapphira today and it's on all of us to maintain that reputation, to earn it every single day, to make law that shapes a city where we have safety, not just that we can see but that we can feel, that when we come to this building week after week, that we're coming to work with intention to create a city, to shape a city in a world really where everybody belongs. They don't have to question that. And I thank again to my colleagues for their participation in this morning's presentation in that spirit. I also recognize the Philadelphia School District's All resolution today. That's because 100 of Philly star student performers graced about two weekends back WrestleMania 40 and they did it at the drop of a hat. These students only had a week's notice I found out before they performed, a week's notice. So to put it all together and represent the City so well on such short notice is something that's simply incredible and they should be commended for that. And then one last thing and I'll be quiet. I just want to remind my colleagues and the public of our office's Civic Salon that our office is hosting along with the Mural Arts people's budget office. It's one week from today right after the people's budget team finishes a presentation with all of us members of Council. reminder on behalf of Minority Leader Brooks in light of her absence. But the salon is a way for community organizers, interested residents and the City Council staff writ large to casually convene, converse, a way to kind of invite the people to their house which is City Hall, and give folks a chance to interface with Councilmembers and their teams. So that's next week from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Just swing by our office on the mighty third floor, and also check out our social media for all the hard details. Can't wait to see folks there. Thank you so much.
You're welcome. You said the mighty third floor, right?
Y'all got some things going on down there. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. I just want to quickly say please join our office immediately after Council today as we host Graduate Philadelphia in the Caucus room for a legislative briefing where lunch will be served. Malik Brown, President and CEO, a graduate of Philadelphia and his team have been at the seams of post-secondary education, workforce development and community empowerment to address the immediate and long-term economic needs of families and households. Just so you know, there's Philadelphia has an innovative model that creates a seamless transition from high school to employment and from training to livable wages, livable-wage jobs. North10, Philadelphia, Uplifts Solutions and Graduate Philadelphia formed the collective impact partnership to launch the Impact Center to transform East Tioga and Hunting Park. The mission is to provide economic mobility for a diverse low-income adults and North10's transformative services for community well-being. So I'd like for everyone, staff and Councilmembers to join us after session today for Graduate Philadelphia, and also want to thank all of those who came out last week on April 15th for a very robust and fruitful Council in the meeting led by no other, our Council President Johnson and hosted by myself and Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Thank you all.
Thank you. 200-plus people. Hey, Mark, I thought South Philly was rough. Northwest folks, passionate is what y'all call it. Okay. Forget about it. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, colleagues, I want to alert you to a tip of an iceberg, particularly my At-large colleagues but all my District colleagues as well. There is a -I want you to imagine a place when you were coming up when you were putting your money together early in your life that you said if I money, I'm moving to this neighborhood. Don't shout it out but think about where that was, and then maybe somewhere along the way that neighborhood changed for the worse. And you said, you know what, I'm not going there. I'm not raising my family there. I raise this tip of the iceberg to cite Center City's developers, literally some building owners are throwing back the keys saying, I don't care about the debt, interest rates went up or whatever happened. I'm walking away from this deal. And many of us thought it was just a Center City problem. Tip of the iceberg, it is not. In a bucolic part of the community called Wynnefield Heights, there are several buildings that were established in the '60s, some HUD buildings, some deals that were trying to put affordable housing up, these individuals that live there are veterans. They're seniors. They're the handicapped that are in these buildings. And right out of the scene of Casino where they move into a restaurant, they burn out all the lines of credit, they get all of the loans that they can get on the building and then the fire happens. We're at that point. I talked to you about the Pavilion. I talked to you about Brith Sholom, and there's another building which I will remain nameless because we are working out a deal to try to get transfer and receivership for. But this ain't a 4th District problem. If you look around your neighborhoods, you're going to see a chain reaction of these types of So what is left. Some of these people are stranded and stuck, can't move. These are their familiar surroundings. They know who's on the 5th floor, 7th floor. They know where to get that Friday night meal, hair did, friendly poker game. These are their familiar surroundings. They know the bus routes to their doctors' offices. To disrupt them, to lose them means disrupting their lives at this point in time. Worse, because these investors walk away, took the money out but did not maintain the buildings, major systems are failing. I want to thank Amen Brown, state-repping the 10th District. Before he went to the 10th District, the electric went out in one of the buildings. He had to go up like 10 floors. Kathy was out there, right, and helped people down that had walkers with only the use of their cell phone flashlight. So what I'm saying is that we want to help, but it's creating dangerous situations and risking a catastrophe. So now Gas Works wants to cut off these people's gas, half a million dollar bill, because the owners refuse to pay the bills. So what I'm calling is a state of emergency. I'm looking at the tip of the iceberg, and I'm saying to my At-large people, if you've never been to Wynnefield Heights, I'm going to take you up there because they need you. They need your re-assurance that they're going not to wind up the homeless. These people are too elderly in many cases to face this. So we have this much coming out of nowhere with this, that we've sent to the last Administration saying, this is coming down the pike, buildings like this around the City are coming offline. We have to establish a mechanism, a blueprint, to deal with these buildings.
So if you walk away, who receives them, who takes care of them, who maintains them. We passed the bill in 2021 saying that L&I can remediate these buildings because if there's electrical failure, if there's no HVAC, then we can go in and then put liens on these buildings so that when they are sold, we can recoup the City's dollars. But guess what, no money in it. So I'm asking my colleagues, take a look at this so that we can put money to restore in one of those buildings there's no security. They walked away. So the drug dealers walked in. Many of these individuals are being captive in their familiar surroundings. So I've called upon a stakeholder's group made up of HUD, made up of the state. My colleagues at the state level are part of it, and the Mayor's Chief housing person John Matlack, I hope I pronounced his name, because we can't kick this can down the road. These are your neighbors, my neighbors. These are your constituents that need to know that you represent them. So as a District Councilperson, I'm all in. I'm on the front line, but I need some help lifting this because it's coming to a neighborhood near you and we need to build a blueprint, a methodology of when people abandon properties, what the City can do to stabilize them. Thank you, Mr. President. )
Thank you, Member Jones. And also, I'm going to have our Tech Team reach out to you on, one, the Director of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative which is Janaye Mumford and our new combination of Herb Wetzel and Mike Combst, Nick Dema, who've been around here forever, to be a part of that conversation to help us get to the next level on addressing that particular issue.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President, colleagues. I want to first start off by saying thank you to the sponsors of the Displaced Workers bill and all my colleagues who voted for this bill. I know there was a lot of questions and it wasn't an easy thing to do. But I'm so proud of this body for voting for the working families of Philadelphia. Philadelphia was one of the first cities to protect dedicated experienced workers from being arbitrarily let go through no fault of their own. The law has been incredibly successful in maintaining a stable work environment for these hard-working women and men so that they can provide for their families, pay taxes, buy homes and contribute to local economy. These amendments adjust to the changing times of our city, reducing training and hiring costs for businesses. Again, I just want to thank everybody. And just so everyone knows, that this isn't something I took lightly. I took every comment and every idea under consideration, and I just thank this body for doing the right thing for workers. Thank you.
You're welcome. Good job. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you. Councilmember Harrity, glad to be a part of it. Thanks for doing it. And, Councilmember Jones, we are -- I'm all in on trying to help fix this housing crisis that we see in Philadelphia. And none I wanted to speak for a moment on our resolution that I introduced with Council President Johnson and with Councilmember Gauthier just recognizing Fair Housing Month. That's April, Fair Housing Month. And we are now commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. So we introduced a resolution that emphasizes the Act's protections against housing discrimination and highlights the urgent importance of protecting our most vulnerable communities and providing equal housing opportunity. Sadly, Philadelphia still suffers from the long painful history of discriminatory laws and policies going back to redlining in the 1930s that made it difficult or impossible for people of color, applicants, to get mortgage loans as their White counterparts were doing. Today Black homeowners still get denied mortgage loans far more frequently than White homeowners, and this has caused Philly's Black homeownership rate to be declining over the past three decades. What does this all mean? Even with the Fair Housing Act that was passed in 1968 and our local Fair Practice Ordinance law that was passed even before that in 1963, we still have a strong racial wealth gap that must be rectified. We must ensure equal access to safe and affordable housing for all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or any other protected aspects. So while today we celebrate past achievements in rights, we have to advocate for stronger enforcement and continued expansion of housing protections. This is an emergency. We should not be in this position right now. It has to be urgent. It is a state of emergency in housing. So thanks for this opportunity. And then on a lighter note, I just want to say thank you again. We're so happy to introduce the resolution commemorating Sapphira Cristál on the eve of what we believe will be a victory tomorrow. See you on Broad Street. Sapphira is just absolutely Black queer excellence at its best. I could not be happier to have her in my life, and she has shown with her journey that she exemplifies the power of embracing one's true self without apology, a principle as the first openly LGBTQ Councilperson elected. Today I am honored to recognize her accomplishments. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. First, I'd like you all to join me in wishing my legislative Director Mike Cameron a happy birthday. He celebrated yesterday. (Applause.)
We had a town hall meeting and everyone was extremely busy and I completely forgot to recognize him on the floor during the session, but I wanted to make sure that he got his shout-out today. Thank you so much. Wishing you many, many like to invite everyone to an event that we're having this week in the District, Philadelphia Youth Future Fair April 27th. It's co-hosted by both State Representatives Giral and Burgos and the City Commissioners. We are hoping to share with youth between the ages of 14 and 24 employment opportunities as well as connecting them with colleges and universities. There's going to be resumé writing workshops and interview workshops. And so, there is no excuse for young people to stay home this year. I think that across the City of Philadelphia in collaboration with this legislative body and the Administration we are working very hard to make sure that young people are connected to something positive. And so, I invite all of you come, to participate as well as to share the information with your respective constituents. Immediately after the Youth Your Future Fair at Feltonville Recreation Center between 10:00 and 2:00, we will be hosting a GoTV event at Compare and Save Supermarket and that is located at I and Tioga. Again, everyone is welcome to attend. We will be doing onsite voter registration, updating voter registration and talking to community residents about the importance of their vote. So thank you very much.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your vote and for the unanimous vote of this thank Councilmember Squilla and always the leadership of Councilmember Jones on these quality-of-life law enforcement issues that we're trying to get on the books so that as Mayor Parker and Police Commissioner Bethel say, this is another worthy tool in the box to fight crime. These tinted windows are used to conceal identity, allow for a parking ticket to be issued for tinted windows, used to hide identity when speeding, reckless driving, preventing law enforcement from inspecting vehicles and too often far worse. As we know, recently the getaway car used in the Northeast High School shooting where eight children were shot in Councilmember Phillips' District, those children get home, but that car had tinted windows. This body must give law enforcement every tool to make it harder to commit crime. Making it easier to enforce tinted windows is another step in the right direction, and I thank each of you Councilmembers for supporting this. And thank you, Mr. President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. President. And first, I wanted to thank Councilmember Jones for introducing the resolution commemorating the life of Mr. Sonny Campbell, someone who was so important to the political fabric I know particularly it was very important to me in 2019 and just throughout my career and beyond and to so many other African American judges. And so, thank you for that resolution. They had a wonderful memorial service for Mr. Sonny at St. Thomas yesterday. And I was privileged to have the opportunity to attend along with our other colleagues. I also want to let you know, Councilmember Jones, I'm all in. I'm all in for Wynnefield Heights. You know I'm born and raised in Wynnefield, have never lived anywhere else. You know we love Wynnefield, and we really have a tremendous opportunity while we're dealing with this challenge around these older buildings that have years and years of deferred maintenance, many that have our seniors and our veterans living so, I'm all in to work with you, Councilmember Jones, on that very important issue. We have so many seniors that will be displaced. I remember the nights that we were out there in the cold and trying to get seniors on the SEPTA buses, get them down the staircases and stairwells. And it was very, very disheartening to see so many seniors be displaced, many of whom do not have family to help them with some of the challenges that living in those buildings bring. And so, I look forward to working with you, with our Council team and also with the Administration to bring resolution to that important issue. And finally, colleagues, I want to remind each of you about our SEPTA briefing at 2:00 p.m. today in the room, the updated briefing relative to the Bus Revolution Plan. We've had the additional sessions with SEPTA in a variety of our Council districts, including Councilmembers Lozada, Young, Bass and Phillips. And so, we want everyone to come to hear about the updated Bus Revolution Plan to bring any additional questions or concerns that you may have so that we can bring a resolution to the Bus Revolution. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. There are no more speeches on behalf of the Majority. With that, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that City Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. C. m. org. V.