Stated Meeting 1 03/14/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 03/14/2024
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will now come to order. Will members please take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I would ask all those present to please set their cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes my good friend, Dr. Kevin Johnson, Pastor of Dare to Imagine Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Cindy Bass. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. Stated Meeting 3 03/14/2024 (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Shall we pray. God, give us leaders. A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands. God, give us leaders, visionary leaders, leaders that have a vision to address the rising crime and violence in our city, leaders who have a vision to educate our children and leave no child behind, leaders who have a vision to represent the poor and disenfranchised and not just those who live in the right zip code or are represented by a well-healed lobbying firm.
God, give us leaders like Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall. Give us leaders like Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan. Give us leaders like Bill Gray, Gussie Clark, Cecil B. Moore, Leon Sullivan, Stated Meeting 4 03/14/2024 Tasco, Wilson Goode, Sr., Kenyatta Johnson, and, yes, like Cherelle Parker, the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Philadelphia. God, help us to remember the words of that great public education advocate who once said, let us not be content to wait and see what will happen but rather give us the determination to make the right things happen. When we see only 50 percent of our children graduating from high school, God, give us leaders. When we see schools are crumbling and children have lost hope and are shooting one another, God, give us leaders. And, God, give us leaders because our city needs them now more than ever. Guide them, lead them, direct them so that policies will create a stronger and more prosperous Philadelphia. It is in your precious name that we pray, and all of those who believe say amen. Stated Meeting 5 03/14/2024 (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Pastor for his invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March the 7th, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 7th, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March the 7th, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 6 03/14/2024
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. On the behalf of the minority, there is no request for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Stated Meeting 7 03/14/2024 now recognizes Councilmember Katherine 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 circulated prior 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 re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion Stated Meeting 8 03/14/2024 bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson may 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.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 9 03/14/2024
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will now dispense from 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, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We also certainly invite you to come again. At this moment, I want to acknowledge Congressman Dwight Evans, who is in attendance. I also want to also -(Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge City Commissioner Omar Sabir, who is in attendance. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 10 03/14/2024
I want to also acknowledge our Sheriff, Rochelle Bilal, who is in attendance. (Applause.)
I want to also acknowledge the Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, Morgan Cephas. (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge State Representative Bellmon, Anthony Bellmon. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge State Representative Jason Dawkins. Give him a round of applause. Stated Meeting 11 03/14/2024 (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge City Commissioner Seth Bluestein. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge City Representative Jazelle Jones. Let's give her a round of applause as well. (Applause.)
We thank you for taking time out of your schedule and joining us here today. As there are no presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages Stated Meeting 12 03/14/2024 the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the President and the 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 transfers in 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. An ordinance amending Bill No. 230145, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Stated Meeting 13 03/14/2024 2024 Capital Budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance amending Bill No. 230144, entitled "An ordinance To adopt a Capital Program for the Six Fiscal Years 2024 through 2029 Inclusive," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget Ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions. A resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029, and incorporating revisions with respect to Fiscal Year 2024, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority pursuant to an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement by and between the City and the Authority. Stated Meeting 14 03/14/2024 Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate; and amending Chapter 19-1300, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the City real estate tax; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2025 Capital Budget. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission approved this ordinance on March 12th, 2024. An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2025 through 2030 inclusive. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission approved this ordinance on March 12th, 2024. Stated Meeting 15 03/14/2024 Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 809 North 40th Street, 827, 830, 843, 847, 849, 851, 865, 867 40th street, 1105, 1115 North 41st Street, 607, 625 North 53rd Street, 3927 Folsom Street, 3946 and 3948 Folsom Street in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. And the Mayor wishes to advise that she signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on March 7th, 2024: Bill No. 240064. There are no more communications in my possession, Council President.
Stated Meeting 16 03/14/2024 will be printed in the Journal. I want to also take a moment to acknowledge City Controller Christy Brady who is here. Christy, where are you? (Applause.)
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our District Attorney, Larry Krasner. (Applause.)
And representing the Register of Wills Office, Chief Deputy Bob Stewart. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting 17 03/14/2024 Councilmember Phillips.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues, and good morning, viewing public. This is a wonderful day, and I just want to say we have no bills or resolutions today coming from our office. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I offer two non-privileged resolutions and nine bills.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Hoffman Street between Stated Meeting 18 03/14/2024 South 19th Street and South 20th Street; Pierce Street between South 17th Street and South 18th Street; Pierce Street between South 21st Street and South 20th Street; Sigel Street between South 22nd and South 23rd Street; McClellan Street between South 18th Street and South 17th Street; McClellan Street between South 19th Street and South 18th Street; McClellan Street between South 20th Street and South 19th Street; Jackson Street between South 15th Street and South 16th Street; Jackson Street between South 19th Street and South 20th Street; McKean Street between South 20th Street and South 21st Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: South 18th Street between Reed Street and Wharton Street; South 18th Street between Dickerson Street and Stated Meeting 19 03/14/2024 Reed Street; South 18th Street between Tasker Street and Dickinson Street; Oakford Street between South 24th Street and South 25th Street; Oakford Street between South 22nd Street and South 23rd Street; South 19th Street between Dickinson Street and Tasker Street; South 21st Street between Tasker Street and Morris Street; Manton Street between South 20th and South 19th Street; Bancroft between Tasker Street and Morris Street; Alter Street between South 22nd Street and South 21st Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allocate full funding for Governor Shapiro's proposed Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the anti-violence initiatives that the Office would coordinate to address the epidemic of gun violence across the Commonwealth of Stated Meeting 20 03/14/2024 Pennsylvania.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in 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 will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 230145, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all Stated Meeting 21 03/14/2024 under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 230144, entitled "An ordinance To adopt a Capital Program for the Six Fiscal Years 2024 through 2029 Inclusive," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget Ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029, and incorporating revisions with respect to Fiscal Year 2024, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Stated Meeting 22 03/14/2024 Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority pursuant to an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement by and between the City and the Authority.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate; and amending Chapter 19-1300, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to establish an equivalent reduction in the Stated Meeting 23 03/14/2024 tax rate for the City real estate tax rate; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2025 through 2030 inclusive.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Today I have two non-privileged resolutions.
Thank you. Stated Meeting 24 03/14/2024 Will the Clerk please read the non-privileged resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution also naming the 5400 block of Woodland Avenue as "Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson Way" to honor the life and legacy of community service of Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson to the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 809 North 40th Street, 827 North 40th Street and 830 North 40th Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
I'm sorry, Stated Meeting 25 03/14/2024 Council President. Part of the title got cut off, so let me finish reading it. 843, 847, 849, 851, 865, 867 North 40th Street, 1105, 1115 North 41st Street, 607, 625 North 53rd Street, 3927, 3946 Folsom Street, 3948 Folsom Street in the Third Councilmanic District.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Mr. President. On today's historic occasion, no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Rue Stated Meeting 26 03/14/2024 Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and guests. No bills or resolutions today.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Good morning, Council President. One bill with an amendment.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses", by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of service establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the Stated Meeting 27 03/14/2024 appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffery J. Young.
Good morning, Mr. President. First, I want to acknowledge my former State Senator, Shirley Kitchen, here as my guest today, and I have one bill for introduction today. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
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.
This bill will be referred to the Stated Meeting 28 03/14/2024 appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. I have two resolutions to introduce today and one bill to introduce on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," to allow interested parties to require open bidding when the Land Bank seeks to exercise special authority to acquire property at a Sheriff's sale and allow prior owners to redeem property when such special authority is exercised, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated Meeting 29 03/14/2024
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to conduct hearings concerning the rapidly evolving and worsening crisis of overdose deaths and their impact on neighborhoods, particularly in Black communities across Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to conduct hearings to examine ways to better connect low-income homeowners to the tax relief programs they are entitled to, including door-to-door outreach and automatic enrollment.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting 30 03/14/2024 Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicholas "Nick" O'Rourke.
Good morning, Council President and the viewing public. I have one privileged resolution to introduce.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating Da'Vine Joy Randolph, a proud Philadelphia native, for her Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and for her exceptional journey and contributions to the fine visual and performing arts.
This resolution will be placed on today's Stated Meeting 31 03/14/2024 Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philadelphia, Councilman Mark Squilla.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Montrose Street between South 7th Street and South 8th Street; Stated Meeting 32 03/14/2024 Montrose Street between South 9th Street and South 10th Street; Montrose Street between South 10th Street and South 11th Street; Beulah Street between Montrose Street and Carpenter Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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. Stated Meeting 33 03/14/2024
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Jackson Street between 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 Johnston Street and Oregon Avenue; Moyamensing Avenue between South 5th Street and South 6th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Norris Street between Belgrade Street and Gaul Street; Ritter Stated Meeting 34 03/14/2024 Street between Dauphin Street and Norris Street; York Street between Mercer Street and Thompson Street; Hagert Street between Cedar Street and Gaul Street; Wishart Street between Frankford Avenue and Emerald Street; Delancey Street between South 2nd Street and Front Street; Front Street between Spruce Street and Pine Street; Spruce Street between South 2nd Street and South 3rd Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the bill and the non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance approving the fifth amendment of the Stated Meeting 35 03/14/2024 redevelopment proposal for the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Hunting Park Avenue on the north, Broad Street, Germantown Avenue, Venango Street, Fifteenth Street, Allegheny Avenue and Germantown Avenue on the east, Glenwood Avenue and Lehigh Avenue on the south and Twenty-third Street, Allegheny Avenue and Twenty-second Street on the west, including the fifth amendment to the urban renewal plan, which provides for changes that would make it consistent with the Tioga Redevelopment Plan and generally consistent with the most recent Comprehensive Plan approved by the City Planning Commission of the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Stated Meeting 36 03/14/2024 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title --
Sorry. Fee simple title to 61 East Ashmead Street, 65, 77, 23, 24, 44, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 67, 73, 78, 89, 93, 106 East Ashmead Street, 18, 34, 61, 87 Collom Street, 69, 71, 89, 91, 93, and 95 East Wister Street in the Eighth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to The Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you. Stated Meeting 37 03/14/2024 morning, Council President, colleagues, and guests. I have no bills or resolutions at this time.
Thank you. At this moment, I want to take a matter of personal privilege to acknowledge the Chairman of Appropriations of the State of Pennsylvania, Chairman Jordan Harris. Give him a round of applause, please. (Applause.)
State Senator Nikil Saval. Give him a round of applause, who is here. (Applause.)
City Commissioner Lisa Deeley. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 38 03/14/2024
State Representative Donna Bullock. (Applause.)
And the Honorable Jannie Blackwell. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out five resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Stated Meeting 39 03/14/2024 Chief Clerk please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 240075, entitled "Appointing Paul Levy to the Board of Directors of the Center City District," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation -- resolution with a favorable recommendation. The Committee on the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 240078, entitled "Appointing Louis Tice to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution with a favorable recommendation. To the Committee of the Whole, which was referred Resolution 240079, Stated Meeting 40 03/14/2024 "Appointing Elizabeth Woods to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation. The Committee of the Whole, which was referred Resolution 240029, entitled "Confirming the appointment of Adam N. Geer as the Chief Public Safety Director," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation. And the Committee on the Whole, which was referred Resolution 240038, entitled "Confirming the appointment of Renee Garcia, Esquire, as the City Solicitor," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Stated Meeting 41 03/14/2024 Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the consideration of the resolutions that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Stated Meeting 42 03/14/2024 240029, 240038, 240075, 240078, and 240079 will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Before we get into the consideration of the Calendar, now elected officials, y'all know I like to start on time so I can move my process through efficiently by a matter of report and respect, because I'm very fond of you. I want to take a moment to acknowledge my good friend from the state, the Appropriations Chair of the Center for the Minority Party, State Senator Vincent Hughes. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to take a moment to also acknowledge my good friend, State Senator Sharif Street. Let's give him a round of applause as well. Stated Meeting 43 03/14/2024 (Applause.)
I also want to give acknowledge to State Senator Jimmy Dillon from the great area of the Northeast Philadelphia. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
And I also want to give acknowledge to my good friend and my big brother from Laborers District Council 332, Mr. Sam Staten, Sr. (Applause.)
And to all the other union representatives who are here. And also out of respect for our new Administration, let's give a round of applause to the Mayor's cabinet, please. Stated Meeting 44 03/14/2024 2ND READING (Applause.)
And the Superintendent of education, Dr. Tony Watlington. Give him a round of applause as well. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240161, 240169, 240020-A, 240066, 240010-A, 240008, 240009, 240011, 240014, Stated Meeting 45 03/14/2024 240016, 240089, 240013, 240029, 240038, 240075, 240078, and 240079.
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. 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, this time limit may vary from session to session. Due to today's budget address on behalf of our Mayor, the time limit today will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold Stated Meeting 46 03/14/2024 faithfully to the one-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 one minute 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.
Kate Perez, 240013, business hours in Kensington. Kate Perez. Stated Meeting 47 03/14/2024 We have a public speaker up in the balcony. Reverend Greg Holston for 240161, Cheyney and Middle States. (Witness approached podium.)
Just state your name for the record, Mr. Holston.
Reverend Gregory Holston. I'm speaking on the resolution regarding Cheyney. Very personal in the fact that both I and my wife went through the teacher certification program at their urban office of Cheyney University. It allowed us to transition our careers. It allowed us the opportunity to be able to provide for our very young children at that time, and it gave us a sense of nurturing. It projected her on a 30-year career in teaching that led her from different places like elementary schools and middle schools, the Youth Study Stated Meeting 48 03/14/2024 Center, even at the prison, and then ending her last ten years at Central High School. I just want to keep saying the accreditation process is filled with structural racism, and we need to acknowledge that schools like Cheyney and other schools that are historically Black are victimized by that process. So I appreciate this resolution. Just really standing with Cheyney for all what Cheyney has done for me and my family and for so much for this community. Thank you so much.
Did Kate Perez make it down from the balcony? We have Kate Perez and Judith Robinson. (No response.) Stated Meeting 49 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
That concludes today's public comment. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240161.
A resolution introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson. A resolution urging Middle States Commission on Higher Education to reverse its decision to place Cheyney University on probationary status and calling on the Commission to work collaboratively with the University's leadership to restore the historic HBCU's academic status.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240161.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting 50 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240161 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Shout-out to Michael Coard, for all my WURD listeners. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240169.
A resolution introduced by Councilmember Lozada. A resolution authorizing the Commissioner Stated Meeting 51 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2147 North 5th Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240169.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240169 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting 52 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 240164.
240014, introduced by Councilmembers Lozada, Harrity, Driscoll, and Phillips, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending in the 54th Ward; 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 Clerk please call the roll. Stated Meeting 53 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Stated Meeting 54 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Stated Meeting 55 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240016.
An ordinance amending Chapter 11-708 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Calming Measures for Schools," by authorizing the Department of Streets to additionally install traffic calming measures in the vicinity of recreation centers, playgrounds, parks, and libraries; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting 56 03/14/2024 3/14/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.