Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 19, 2020 10:12 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Good morning. We're going to get started. I understand the state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, Inquirer, Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance will please indicate that you are present when your name is called. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the viewing public. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and the viewing public.
Good morning, Council President. Good Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 morning, colleagues. Happy to be here today.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, members of Council. And good morning to the viewing public.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning. Good morning to you all. We have established a quorum. We will now come to order. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 great need, there will be no invocation today. We will, however, observe a very brief moment of silent prayer for our city, its leaders, and citizens during the current public health crisis. And I can't emphasize enough to everyone, please be safe. Please follow the safety guidelines that have been established. Let's have a brief moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 12th, 2020, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 12th, 2020 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 12th, 2020 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. And our next order of business is communications. Mr. Decker, would you Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 from the Mayor and any other communications that you may have in your 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 an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bicycle Lanes," by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a bicycle lane, in the southbound direction, on North 8th Street, from Vine Street to Race Street, and to remove a travel lane, in the southbound direction, on North 8th Street, from Vine Street to Race Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 supplies in future fiscal years; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by clarifying definitions to provide that new construction containing a certain combination of residential dwelling units with commercial or industrial units shall be deemed residential construction for purpose of the tax abatements available under that chapter; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Axon Enterprises, Incorporated for purchase of tasers by the City, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. By way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. We'll do a little something different. The Clerk will please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Councilwoman Parker offers three bills and two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, she offers an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by modifying the amount of certain tax abatements; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Axon Enterprises, Incorporated for purchase of tasers by the City. Also for Council President Clarke, a resolution recognizing and honoring the dedicated and loyal service of Marcel S. Pratt, Esquire. And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on the state of Philadelphia's neighborhood commercial corridors.
Mr. Decker, I just want to do something a little different, and I'll ask my Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 colleagues to please indulge me. I rarely ask for such indulgence. I would like to speak on a particular bill that was introduced on my behalf by Councilwoman Parker. So to keep along with the time-honored tradition of Council, I would have to, I guess, virtually step down as the Chair in order to give my comments. So I would ask Councilwoman Parker to virtually take the Chair for a moment so I may speak on this particular bill. Again, I ask my colleagues to please indulge me. I rarely do this. So I'll ask for your indulgence in terms of the time. Councilwoman Parker, can you please take the virtual Chair while I make these comments on the bill that I introduced.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Darrell Clarke from the Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 mighty Fifth Councilmanic District.
Wow. Folks, I just want to let you know, I didn't ask for such a very awesome introduction, but I thank you. Thank you so much, Councilwoman. So real quick, I'll try to be as quick as possible, but for me to do this, I've only done it a couple of times, but it is something that I am passionate about. Over the last couple of years, we in Council have been looking at issues as it relates to our neighborhoods and the continued changes in our neighborhoods, the continued concerns about gentrification, the continued concerns about lack of investment, the continued concerns about opportunity in our communities at-large. We have attempted to do something for the last couple years, as last year we actually introduced a construction tax that would in our minds Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 put a significant amount of stimulus -I'd like to call it what it is -- in our local economy, particularly as it relates to opportunities for neighborhoods. Unfortunately, last year we were not able to get that done, so as you all know, we introduced a construction tax bill again this year, and it is before us as soon as we determine to have a public hearing. Today, we introduced legislation that reduces the tax abatement on commercial tax abatement, and essentially it is a comparable number when you look at the dollar figure as to the one percent construction tax. It is an option based on multiple conversations that I've had with individuals, particularly individuals from the industry with respect to concerns about one thing or another. But I have to say that I'm very concerned about the level of conversation that we've had over the last couple of Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 months, and I know all of you have talked to a different person, and I want to say that I'm disappointed in the pushback in the need and the willingness to do something to make sure that our entire city benefits in a meaningful way to keep pace with the significant market-rate development that has been happening in our communities and the concerns about not only gentrification but the concerns about lack of opportunity. Those opportunities and those disparities have been magnified as a result of the pandemic and the recent unrest, and a lot of people have recognized it, things that a lot of us have known for a long, long time. I mean, this is not new. People have been challenged for a long, long time. And when you talk about those disparities, you talk about an increasing wealth gap. You talk about a decrease in lack of opportunities. As things become more challenged in the country, those opportunities become more challenging for Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 those that have not traditionally had those opportunities. So during these conversations in our attempts to stimulate our local economy -- because, frankly speaking, as much as we like to think that the federal administration, President-elect Biden and Mitch McConnell will hopefully hold hands and gleefully walk down the primrose path, the likelihood that that may or may not happen is very uncertain. So as that conversation happened, I want to start off by saying I really want to thank the BIA, the Building Industry Association, for their longstanding tradition of having a conversation and having significant input. I also want to thank Ryan Boyer. Ryan has stood out as a person that has been willing to have conversation, understand the need to invest in our communities broadly, and there was a couple of other individuals from the industries whose name I won't say at this Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 point. But during that conversation, there was a number of things that were said to me.
I'll just give you a couple, and I know we're in the middle of the session, so I will be as brief as I can, and I'm not going to say no matter how long it takes, as my mentor used to say. We talked about -- they talked about some say that we're picking on one particular industry, the development industry, and I'm like, well, you know, I hear what you say, but others might say, well, why does that particular industry get so much incentives over the course of the year? And I'll lay out some of those tax incentives and other opportunities that they've gotten over the years. And we understand the need to increase opportunity in development and real estate across the City, because it does stimulate a local market. Then some say the economic impact on that industry is devastating. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 I actually heard that yesterday on call, and I don't think people understand the devastation that has happened in these neighborhoods across the City of Philadelphia way, way before the pandemic, and it's much more devastating because you're starting at a much lower threshold. Then they talked about -- there was a conversation about looking at the jobs and the new development in these communities. It was such a great thing, but the simple reality is that a lot of these communities, the people in those communities aren't getting the jobs. The people in those communities are not getting an opportunity to live in the new developments, because they are way priced too high. So the benefit to those local people is just not there. So as we move ahead, let's talk about the industry. And I did not want to do this, as I indicated to the individuals that I know and have worked Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 with for a long, long time, but the fact of the matter is, this particular industry over the years has gotten significant and lucrative benefits. Keystone Opportunity Zones, and on the surface you say, well, that's a great thing, but there are limited requirements in those Keystone Opportunities, such as being able to require participation levels that all of us would like to see, to require certain things that small businesses would like to get as a result of that, the lack of flexibility, the ten-year tax abatement. Again, limited requirements as it relates to that. The state fashioned a bill, and we appreciated it because we asked for it, but the reality is is that there are limitations in terms of what we can require for a person or developer to take advantage of that ten-year tax abatement, such as participation, such as local hiring, and such as local purchasing. We can't require that. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 The most recent entity -- and, again, I pointed this out to the members from the industry that were continuing to push back on any opportunity for them to have skin in the game and to deal with these neighborhoods -- the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, very lucrative tax breaks for the real estate developers, and this is one that I didn't know the level of specificity as it relates to the incentives, so this is not my words. So in the contract to American homeowners and contracts, which actually all of you if you own a home, you've noticed that your exemptions have dwindled significantly, your ability to write off certain taxes. You may have seen in your paycheck in the Tax Act of 2017 that your taxes have gone up because of the category that you find yourselves in, but as a result, in an estimate issued by the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, four new tax breaks will result in a stunning $66 billion windfall for Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 real estate developers.
These new tax breaks include $30 billion windfall for new passthrough in real estate dividend deductions, $16 billion windfall for real estate exemption for limitations on interest deduction, $22 billion windfall for real estate exemption from like-kind exchange repeal. This also includes the capital gains tax breaks for the developers who build in Opportunity Zones. And you'll see across the City buildings reaching up to the sky. They're in Opportunity Zones, where those zones get substantially reduced capital gains tax and eliminates them on any profit from the sale of property they own for ten years. I mean, this is some extremely lucrative tax breaks that this industry has gotten on top of what we've done on the local level. So my concern is when we ask for them to simply put a little bit of skin in the game to help us rebuild our Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 communities across the City -- and it's not just affordable housing, it's investment in neighborhoods, formerly choice investments, it's investment in the people, it's providing real jobs for real people in neighborhoods -- we're getting all this pushback. So, Madam Chair, I just want to say thank you all for your indulgence, because I don't do this, but I am very passionate about this issue, and I hope in speaking not only to you, colleagues, because you've been real good about understanding the need, but to the individuals who may be listening to this from the industry, that they need to step to the plate and be supportive of what we're trying to do, because this is a local stimulus. This is not a CARES Act where we have to beg the Senate and the House and the President to enact. This is something that we can do locally. So I ask all parties involved, all parties in impact, to be serious Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 about this, to step up to the plate, put some skin in the game, and allow us to borrow $400 million under the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative and get this movement in the City of Philadelphia. So, Madam Chair, thank you again. Sorry for taking so long, but I really needed to say this, and I promise I won't do it again during the course of the year.
Thank you, Councilmember Clarke. I am now stepping down off the rostrum. It will take me a few seconds. And, Mr. President -Councilman Clarke, I am now back in my seat.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Council Majority Leader Parker. Sorry about that, but I needed to say that, and I needed to say it in a meaningful way. Mr. Decker, can you please read Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 those again so I can make sure that I refer those bills and resolutions to the appropriate entity.
Yes, because I don't think I referred them to committee.
On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Parker offers three bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by modifying the amount of certain tax abatements."
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 energy supplies in future fiscal years.
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment agreement with Axon Enterprises, Incorporated for purchase of tasers by the City.
And also on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution recognizing and honoring the dedicated and loyal service of Marcel S. Pratt, Esquire.
And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on the state of Philadelphia's neighborhood commercial corridors. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a resolution declaring the intent to prioritize climate action and environmental justice in the ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort.
Councilman Jones offers five bills, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation, or otherwise, in parcels of land along the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek for public recreational purposes."
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 010267, entitled "An Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Lancaster Avenue, from Fifty-Second Street to Sixty-Third Street, both sides" to include and establish tow-away regulations for trucks on Lancaster Avenue, from Fifty-Second Street to Sixty-Third Street, both sides.
And an ordinance authorizing the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Upland Way and Berks Street.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck park regulation on Parkside Avenue, both sides, from 50th Street to Belmont Avenue, 50th Street, both sides, from Parkside Avenue to Jefferson Street, Jefferson Street, both sides, from 50th Street to its terminus and 49th Street, both sides, from Parkside Avenue to Jefferson Street. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
And an ordinance establishing a no truck park regulation on Henry Avenue, both sides, from Allegheny Avenue to Abbotsford Avenue.
Councilman Johnson offers one resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine options for expanding the pipeline of Black male teachers and staff in Philadelphia schools.
That will be on this week's Calendar. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Councilman Domb offers a resolution recognizing Thursday, November 19, 2020 as Children's Grief Awareness Day and honoring the work of Uplift Center for Grieving Children to meet the emotional needs of grieving children in the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, Councilman Domb has asked to be recognized on this resolution.
Oh, I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to take a moment and first thank the co-sponsors of this resolution. I'd also like to briefly highlight just how important Children's Grief Awareness Day is and honor the work that Uplift is doing day in and day out for our children and families in Philadelphia that are Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 struggling right now and for the last 20 years. Grief and loss of life are two things that are unavoidable in this world, but generally we shield our children from it as much as we can until it actually happens. In Philadelphia and many places all over the country, our children are often suffering in silence, because grief is difficult for everyone, and perhaps the adults in their lives can't manage the grief themselves, so the children's emotional needs get left behind by mistake. In the wake of the loss of life, we forget our children haven't developed the right tools yet, those tools that they need to navigate the difficult feelings that come with grief and loss. So we see kids act out in all sorts of ways, some good and some not so good. Uplift Center for Grieving Children helps provide our children with Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 those emotional tools they need to process the feelings and develop positive ways they can communicate what's going on inside their young minds. In the City of Philadelphia, our children are seeing things others can't even imagine. They're experiencing loss of life due to COVID-19, losses from violence, and especially gun violence, loss of life from substance use disorder and overdoses, and a complete loss of normalcy in their everyday life right now. We have to ensure our kids, our children have the supports they need if we want them to be okay. So Uplift continues to work with our children and families through the Philly HopeLine and referrals from the School District, medical providers in our community members, and I hope everyone here today will join me in recognizing their commitment to our children and appreciate the important work Uplift does to take Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 care of the emotional needs of our young people. For those of you looking for more information on Uplift, you can visit their website, upliftphilly.org, or contact my office for more information. In recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Day, Uplift is hosting an event this evening, tonight, from 6:00 to 7:30 where they'll present a partial viewing of the WPSU, Penn State's public radio, documentary called Speaking Grief. They'll hold a live stream panel discussion thereafter via Facebook and Zoom. Thank you again for everyone's support today, and please, to anyone in the public who is listening or if you know somebody or if you know a child that needs help managing after a loss of a loved one, call our office at 215-686-3414. We'll help you find the resources that you need. This is an important matter. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Domb also offers a resolution honoring and expressing gratitude to the University of Pennsylvania for pledging one hundred million dollars to the School District of Philadelphia over the next decade.
Thank you, Council President. This is a happier one. I want to thank the co-introducer, Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who is our Chair of our Education Committee, and all the co-sponsors of this resolution today, Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson, Thomas, Green, Gauthier, and Squilla. As we recognize the University Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 of Pennsylvania for this incredible donation to help Philadelphia's public schools, we have to acknowledge President Amy Gutmann's ambition and determination to go above and beyond and to make Philadelphia a better place for our youth, families, educators, and everyone that is proud to call Philadelphia their home. The City and the School District have been deliberating for years on a financial strategy to address the serious infrastructure needs of our aging schools. Now we're presented with a possible sustainable solution over the next decade that will go a long way, not the full solution, it will go a long way to solving the environmental hazardous conditions inside many of our school buildings. Some of these facilities are more than 70 years old. These facilities are older than me. This is truly a commendable action and donation made by the University of Penn. In fact, it's Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 the single largest donation to the School District ever. It's another prime example, though, of how we will move our City forward through collaborative public-private partnerships, and we need to recognize the efforts that our leaders and our business and education sectors make to improve our city. In my opinion, we don't do enough to honor these individuals and institutions for their efforts to make Philadelphia a better place to live and work. I spoke with President Gutmann yesterday and personally thanked her on behalf of Council for her work and dedication to our schools, and she was actually elated to hear from us, and we have more to do to build more coalitions and partnerships at this time, and so by reaching out, we showed our sincere gratitude. We have so many anchor institutions in our city that are truly Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 unsung leaders that don't seek the public spotlight for doing everything they can to make Philadelphia a first-class city. They provide economic opportunities to many underserved neighborhoods and go above and beyond the call of their own mission to support communities across the entire City. Please always continue to keep our city in your minds and hearts. This is to all Philadelphia residents, businesses, and institutions. Constantly seek ways to help us and go beyond your own mission and put Philadelphia first. With Thanksgiving, Council President, right around the corner and on behalf of all of us in Council, I can't think of a better Thanksgiving present to be bestowed upon the School District than the University of Penn, President Amy Gutmann, Chairman of the Board David L. Cohen providing this tremendous gift of $100 million to the Philadelphia schools. Thank you on behalf of all of Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 us. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you much. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of structural artwork consisting of metal manhole covers and traffic signs located in the vicinity of 6200 Osage Avenue, and authorizing the City of Philadelphia to accept ownership of such encroachments.
Councilman Thomas offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution honoring and congratulating Ed Hurtt for his work with youth in the community and for being awarded the 76ers Jr. NBA Coach of the Year Award. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
And on his own behalf, Councilman Thomas offers a resolution honoring and congratulating the Northeast High School Boys Soccer team, on their successful 2019-2020 season and overall 12-1 and 1 record in the Philadelphia Public League.
Councilman O'Neill offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of a portion of the premises located at 11311 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."
Councilman Squilla offers one bill and one Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Bicycle Lanes,' by authorizing the Department of Streets to designate a bicycle lane, in the southbound direction, on North 8th Street, from Vine Street to Race Street, and to remove a travel lane, in the southbound direction, on North 8th Street, from Vine Street to Race Street."
And a resolution proclaiming November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out seven resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 200132, entitled a "Resolution appointing Gosia Primavera to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 200133, entitled a "Resolution appointing Valerie Lyons to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 200134, entitled a "Resolution appointing Kathryn Bittner Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 200135, entitled a "Resolution appointing Jonathan Dubrow to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 200271, entitled a "Resolution appointing Jack Soloff to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 200272, entitled a "Resolution reappointing Randall Scott to the Board of Directors of the Center City District"; and Resolution No. 200567, entitled a "Resolution appointing Angela Val to the Board of Directors of the Center City District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. Resolutions No. 200132, 200133, 200134, 200135, 200271, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 200272, and 200567 will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Rules reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read that report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 200416, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Buckius Street (extended), the Delaware River, Orthodox Street (extended), and Richmond Street," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
Move for the suspension. Councilman Johnson, I just need you to move for the rules of Council to be suspended.
I'm sorry, Council President. Council President, I move for the rules of Council to be suspended to permit first reading of this resolution at the first reading of Council.
And that's Bill No. 200416, and I second your motion, Councilmember Johnson. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 200416. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Decker, please read the report.
The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 200588, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by amending Chapter 17-100, entitled 'Procurement Contracts,' to add disclosure requirements related to prior contracting experience and the demographic characteristics of employees and board members of contractors and subcontractors for City contracts for competitively bid goods"; and Bill No. 200589, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-100, entitled 'Procurement Contracts,' by adding requirements related to the provision of information regarding the demographic characteristics of the employees of, and the labor force used by, City contractors and subcontractors in the performance of work under certain Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 bid services"; and Bill No. 200590, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by amending Chapter 17-100, entitled 'Procurement Contracts,' and Chapter 17-1400, entitled 'Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance,' to add disclosure requirements related to prior contracting experience and the demographic characteristics of employees, other sources of labor, and board members of contractors and subcontractors for City contracts for public works, other competitively bid services, and professional services, and by adding reporting requirements," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 200588, 200589, and 200590. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 200588, 200589, and 200590. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. They are Nos. 200481, 200387, 200599, 200600, 200182, 200254, 200537, 200539, 200561, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 200562, 200572, 200591, 200115, 200412, 200420, and 200421. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 200491-A, 200629, 200631, 200632, 200633, 200634, 200637, 200638, 200640, 200093, 200162, 200353, 200544, 200574, and 200425. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, I would like to take a brief five- to ten-minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers we have for today to the meeting. We will take a brief recess. (Short recess.)
Thank you very much, and again good Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 morning. So now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider public comment as follows: The public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 5:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support or against the legislation, and we will add you to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, they will each have three minutes to speak, Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 but because we have a significant amount of people today, we will have two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. Once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, we will remind you of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks. Shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same matter and to limit the scope of testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. So please be aware that the Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 public meeting is being recorded. Because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Mr. Decker, I guess we'll move on and maybe we can reconnect.
Good morning. Thank you. Thank you. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you very much. Thank you, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Kris Soffa and I'm a member of Toxic Free Philly. We have a quiet public health and environmental justice emergency here and we are sincerely grateful to the Health Committee Chairman Cindy Bass for her leadership as well as to the Health Committee members for your unanimous passage of this bill out of committee. You may know, Toxic Free Philly is a volunteer grassroots advocacy group and we volunteer hundreds of hours for Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 our park systems, our community, and the City, and we are speaking with you today with new information and a relatively easy way the City can pivot to keep us all safe, no matter what our zip code. And we represent a growing coalition of over 28 state, local, and national organizations as well as over 2,600 folks who signed our petition, and you've been provided with a hard copy of the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces briefing book and over 800 pages of scientific peer-reviewed medical evidence of the dangers of toxic herbicides. So what does this bill (connection interrupted) weeds. It's not really about cash or how we spend it. It's about cancer. It's about public health and fixing environmental and racial injustice. We urge you to let the science drive the policy. It's a free country, and everyone is allowed to make a profit, but we respectfully ask you to choose people Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 over products, which we've been told are safe but now we know they are very dangerous, and we're reminded that they are legal but, sadly, we all know from experience that just because it's legal doesn't mean it's safe, and it's very hard to argue for using our taxpayer dollars to poison our land, our water, and all of us without our permission or knowledge. We see this bill providing the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Thank you.
Yes. Good morning, Doctor. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Hi. I'm Sarah Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Evans. I'm an Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. As a public health professional with expertise in children's health and the environment, I, along with my colleagues, advocate against the use of synthetic pesticides in areas where children play, live, and learn, and we support the passage of Bill 200425. We're particularly concerned about the unique vulnerability of children for the health effects of pesticides. Children play close to the ground where pesticides settle. They put their hands in their mouths and breathe more rapidly than adults, increasing inhalational exposures. So it's not surprising that the CDC finds that children have higher levels of pesticides in their bodies than adults. Low levels of exposure that are experienced by the general public have been associated with Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 increased risk of birth defects, asthma, certain cancers, learning behavior problems, and autism. We're also greatly concerned about the impacts of pesticides on children in black communities, who are disproportionately impacted by both harmful exposures and chronic illnesses. The CDC again finds higher pesticide exposures in black and Hispanic individuals. We have several lines of evidence that show toxicity of common herbicides that are used for cosmetic purposes. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is a probable human carcinogen, with recent studies showing an up to 43 percent increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma in glyphosate applicators. No studies have examined the effects of long-term exposures to glyphosate on children. Because many communities are replacing glyphosate with Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 other herbicides such as 2,4-D, a known neurotoxin and hormone disruptor, and greater than 95 percent of pesticide formulations consist of inert ingredients also classified as respiratory irritants, neurotoxins, and carcinogens, we recommend against the ban on -- we recommend against the use of all cosmetic herbicides in public places. Unfortunately, the common practice of allowing 24 or 72 hours to pass before allowing play on fields is not sufficiently protective. The half life of glyphosate is 47 days. However, some studies estimate it to be as long as 197 days. Likewise, for 2,4-D that half life is ten days in soil. Given the propensity of children to play in soil and the fact that pesticide half life is lengthened by temperature and weather conditions as well as soil and microbial content, it's difficult to accurately predict when safe play can resume. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Children's risk of pesticide exposure and associated harms could easily be mitigated by restricting the use of synthetic herbicides in favor of organic methods proven to be safe and effective. For this reason, we urge you to pass Bill 200425 to protect the health of your most vulnerable constituents. Thank you.
Star six to unmute yourself, Dr. Stern. I see you are on mute.
Yes. Good morning. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony. Stated Meeting November 19, 2020
Yes. We can hear you. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. Dr. Linda Stern. Good morning, President Clarke and members of City Council. Thank you for the opportunity to make public comment on a critical public health issue. My name is Dr. Linda Stern. I strongly support passage of Bill 200425. Medical scientific evidence of harm from herbicides is overwhelming. I know what herbicides can do. Most of my medical career was served at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center where I treated veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The United States government acknowledges 14 diseases that Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 were caused by this herbicide. Yet the Philadelphia Parks Department continues to spray 2,4-D, one of the two active ingredients in Agent Orange, for weed control where children play in parks, on grounds, on ball fields. Acute exposure to 2,4-D can cause coughing, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, diarrhea, coma, and even death. Over time and at low levels it's been linked to Parkinson's disease, liver disease, reproductive abnormalities, and much more. I'm sorry. Can you folks hear me?
Oh, okay. Fine. Someone told me you could not. Okay. And as you heard, the Parks Department also sprays glyphosate. A 2019 study by the University of Washington showed that glyphosate increased the risk of non-Hodgen's Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 lymphoma by more than 40 percent. Philadelphia is the fourth worst city for asthma in the country. One in four children in West Philadelphia suffer from this disease. There are many causes, but herbicides are proven to be both the cause and a trigger for asthma. There are no established safe levels of herbicides. Health and harms have been demonstrated at very low levels, and they can even be passed to future generations. Golf courses use 47 times the amount of pesticides per acre than agricultural land. A mortality study of golf course operators found elevated levels of cancer, respiratory, and neurological diseases compared to the general public. Anyone on the golf course or nearby is at risk. Herbicides don't stay put. The risk of airborne pesticide particles and dust puts children at particular risk. You have the opportunity to pass legislation to ban the use of toxic Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 herbicides on our public lands. The citizens of Philadelphia deserve no less.
Thank you, Doctor. Thank you for your testimony.
The next speaker is Julie Snell, commenting on 200425. (No response.)
Star six to unmute yourself, Ms. Snell. I see you are still on mute. (No response.)
Okay. Yeah. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony, please.
Thank you. This is Julie Snell. I'm co-founder and principal of a landscape architecture firm in Philadelphia and co-owner and operator of a native plant nursery in Media, Pennsylvania. This bill is an opportunity to examine how we manage public land. This bill is an opportunity to take stock of current authorization and focus on restorative and sustainable practices. It's an opportunity to focus on education and transparency, an opportunity to focus on soil health, vegetation, and water management. Now more than ever, our public landscapes are vital to our health and well-being. Safe and healthy parks, playing fields, natural lands can have a Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 direct impact on the public health. I think we need to start from a premise of a precautionary principle to do no harm, meaning we should do everything we can to eliminate the use of synthetic herbicides and pesticides in our public land. Although I do understand that it's a tool in the toolbox thinking, this tool should not be used as a matter of convenience. The use of synthetic pesticides is more like a surgical instrument. The problem has become the overreliance on this method versus its use as a strategic and targeted means of control after other non-toxic methods have been exhausted. I do think this bill is necessary to shift the overall approach to land care. I also think it won't be successful without the support of PPR. I don't think rushing to add amendments to this bill now would be helpful. Instead, there should be a collaborative and Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 thoughtful process following the passage of this bill where PPR and other experts in the field, not pesticides lobbyists, can develop the new rules to implement land stewardship. I'll close by acknowledging that this effort will require increased funding. Caring for our parks, playing fields, and natural land is skilled work and it has value and it requires investment. Thank you very much.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Stated Meeting November 19, 2020 Yeah, we can hear you.