Councilmember Ahmad was aye. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President Johnson.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. A majority of the all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240661.
An ordinance amending Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/FDO Fourth District Overlay District," to include certain areas of land within Morris Park neighborhood, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in affirmative the bill passes. Would the Clerk please read 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Bill No. 240613.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1100 of ("Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800, ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Regulations") of The Philadelphia Code, making revisions to disability parking space standards and procedures, creating an application process for residential disability parking spaces, limited for use by a specific person with a disability, creating a new administrative hearing process and amending applicable penalties.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Squilla, I would like to offer an 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING amendment to Bill No. 240613. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 240613 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240662. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-6300, ("Consumer Protection Ordinance") of The Philadelphia Code to clarify the statute of limitations and provide for retroactivity, 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 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings required pursuant to Chapter 17-2300 of The Philadelphia Code, ("Public Hearing 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Prior to Execution of a Labor Agreement Concerning Police Employees Represented by the Fraternal Order of Police"), which Code Chapter requires that the Council hold a hearing in connection with the City's contract proposal in anticipation of collective bargaining between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be 10/31/24 - 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 next title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Domestic Violence Unit in the City of Philadelphia during Domestic Violence Awareness Month for their exemplary service and commitment to the fight against domestic violence. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Before I do, Mr. President, I want to acknowledge that you and Member Greenlee first raised this issue some years ago by putting your money where your mouth was by getting 100 new beds for this issue. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you very much. It has been moved and properly seconded the res -- all those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of the next resolution.
Congratulating Director Keli McLoyd, Noelle Foizen and the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity on the success of the Overdose Prevention and Awareness Canvassing Program, which has knocked on over 100,000 doors in Philadelphia and for earning recognition from the White House for its innovative and evidencebased public health approach to combating the overdose crisis. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) for its 50th anniversary and ongoing commitment to serving Black journalists, increasing the number of Black media professionals in the 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia area and combating racism in the media. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I do move for the adoption of that resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
There are no other resolutions in my possession, Council President.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Brooks.
Today I introduced a resolution congratulating Keli McLoyd and Noelle Foizen and the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity for earning recognition from the White House for the success of Overdose Awareness and Prevention Canvassing Program formerly known as Philly Counts. Canvassers in the program trained to be trusted community messengers have knocked on over 100,000 doors in neighborhoods most impacted by the recent surge in fatal overdoses. This program stands out for meeting people where they are in their homes. There is a common misconception that most overdose programs recognize the ongoing fear of the war on drugs instilled in Black and Brown communities. Many people in our communities avoid seeking services because they are afraid of outing themselves as drug users and they don't want to risk arrest, incarceration and family separation. To counter this fear, the canvassing program centers on private nonjudgmental conversation that brings resources and information directly to people's was recently recognized by the White House as a national model for combating the overdose crisis, making Philadelphia a leader in our country's continued effort to save lives and address racial disparities in health outcomes. As I've said before, we can't continue the same failed policies of the past and expect new or different outcomes. We must address this crisis with innovative, evidence-based solutions that respect people's dignity, humanity and lived experiences. According to recent data, overdose deaths have dropped significantly in the past year. But this good news does not extend to all groups. Among older Black men, fatal overdoses have increased fivefold over the past decade and times higher than the national average. In other words, the same people who were targeted during the war on drugs are now suffering from the highest rates of overdose deaths in our country. Before the data was even available, I saw this trend playing out in my own community and I'm grateful to the Opioid Response Unit for jumping into action when my office reached out for resources. Thank you also to Albert Knight for sharing his story today. If we strengthen and expand programs that provide immediate nonjudgment support for people in need, I know we'll be able to hear more and more stories like Albert's in the future. He didn't get a chance to do his full testimony, but we'll have it on my social media page if people would like to much, Council President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. There is another word from the Minority today. Today that word is action. We have seen last week, I guess, the conclusion of the fourth quarter of this election season. I'm grateful to know that the word election season or phrase is catching on so that we remember that it isn't just one day, but it's a whole cycling season. And as regular as our elections are, nothing actually activates our country like this particular regular ritual of civic religion year-after-year spring and fall, but also every four years it seems like the wheels get going. What I want us to remember as we are drawing this season to a hopeful close is just how important we, Philadelphia, is. As the Commonwealth goes, the nation goes. As you've heard us and others say to us, remind us we are the keystone state for a reason. So if we drive turnout in the most important state in presidential politics, Philly could once again truly shape the face of the nation more than any peer cities could ever lay claim to. That's power. And our power resides in and certainly beyond the ballot box. So I want to encourage folks to vote on Tuesday, but also recognize that we wake up ready to continue the daily work of democracy on Wednesday to step into expectations that have been raised, maybe sometimes framed by media, on Black men would be reciprocated in service to Black men after election day. No matter who wins we have a lot of work to do to build a stronger country, stronger Commonwealth, even a stronger city. Actually on that point, let me just say that today we kickstarted again the arena-sized elephant in the room. And let me just say that we're being asked to kickstart the procedures that bring this body closer to approving an arena that has not had enough public input, that we still have many commonsense questions about some of which were spoken and given voice to over the last two weeks, and that frankly for many folks clearly is a bad deal for the city. And I cannot is the reason why I did vote no today. People are as always in our system appealing to democratic consent. That's not just voting. That is the engagement, the civic engagement that gives democracy its full body. In this election season especially we need more of that. And so, I hope that we are learning how to be democratic and remember that this is what democracy looks like. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. quick, happy birthday again to you. But I do not want to get in trouble. Today is my wife's birthday and she is here in the room. So please join me in wishing her a happy birthday. I will not divulge her age. I don't want to tell her I had her three years younger though when I was picking out the candles until I called her daughter who informed me that I missed three years along the line somewhere, but that's just me. Appreciate everybody. And happy birthday, baby.
Okay. Smart man. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. Happy birthday, Marnie.
Thank you, Council President. First, I'd like to begin by saying thank you to all of you and reached out to me along the course of the last several weeks with words of encouragement as I work alongside with many other Latino leaders in the 7th Council District and across the city of Philadelphia to increase Latino voter participation in our city, of Puerto Ricans specifically, right. I want to say thank you. Sometimes this path kind of feels lonely, but I'm grateful to all of you who have reached out and to all of those who are doing extra work during this time to make sure that voter participation increases in our city and across the Commonwealth. Puerto Ricans are here. We're here to stay. And so, Puerto Ricans -(Applause.)
Our place to visit. Some amazing people come from our island. And for those of you who think that my island is a garbage can, I'm going to refrain from telling you what I feel and how I feel, but you should know that Puerto Ricans will show up on November 5th. In addition to that, I'd like to invite all of you -(Applause.)
And I want to say -- before I move forward, I want to say that there are a lot of people on the other side that I really, really, really respect and have huge admiration for. And so, please don't think that I believe that everyone falls in that same bucket, right. My love for you is still there. I'd like to invite all of you to join me for Justice Day on 19th. Since I've opened the District Office in the Frankford community, I've had people walk in who are re-entering into society and who have shared with my staff and the challenges that they experience after re-entering into society around homes, finding housing and education and just an opportunity to be able to move forward. And so, we decided that we would have a day where we could partner with our colleagues at the federal and state level and hear from them directly what their challenges are and work together in a real collaborative way to figure out how we connect those who are re-entering a real opportunity. And so, I'd like to thank Councilmember O'Rourke and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for your partnership on this. And I a great discussion, but more so a real opportunity to connect folks with resources. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Happy belated birthday to you.
I want to thank all of the organizers from the Sunrise Movement Philadelphia for coming out today. It was an honor to recognize them. They're a group that embodies the spirit and hope for a sustainable future. Their work in confronting the climate crisis is an inspiration and today we celebrate fighting for a more equitable, sustainable and vibrant city that all Philadelphians can call home. Their advocacy has reshaped how Philadelphia thinks about climate justice and community welfare. This past year Sunrise played a key role in promoting State Representative Fiedler's Solar for Schools bill, which aims to help schools across our state fund solar panel installations. It's a meaningful step forward toward making clean energy accessible to all and a testament to the positive changes that local advocacy can achieve. I also want to just take a second to address the two resolutions around the proposed arena that were put forth today. I do feel like there was a lot of confusion by the public and part of at which this is moving. These are significant proposals that are being put forth to us, and I think we need to make sure that there is meaningful time to discuss them. I for one also have not taken a position on the arena yet. But to be clear, I need significantly more information about it to make a final determination and vote. I remain steadfastly committed to ask questions of and get answers from the Parker Administration, the Sixers organization and other stakeholders before making a final decision. We must ensure that vulnerable communities are heard and protected and that they and the larger public have a say in a project that, if approved, would significantly impact the entire city. Finally, as I promised last week I want to take a moment to encourage everyone to please vote. The last chance to vote is on Tuesday, November 5th until 8:00 p.m. and the voices of Pennsylvanians will make a lasting impact on the whole nation. It's not simply a matter of who is the one leading us but making sure that we exercise our democracy when given the opportunity. Make sure you get out to vote. Final reminder to colleagues, there's a briefing from Habitat for Humanity waiting for us across the hall so we can learn about their great housing work. And to my colleague Quetcy Lozada, Viva Puerto Rico. I'm with you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Let me again say publicly happy birthday to you. You are 51 and a day. Aww, man, I put it out there, didn't I. Well, you know it's on Wikipedia too somewhere. All right. I'm done. I'm done. Y'all got me going.
All right. I just had to say this. I just, you know, this -- I can't even remember what I want to say. All right. This is serious business. All right. So with that being said, I really want folks to know that I represent Philadelphia's 9th District. And having worked in the 9th District, I have observed and read about the history and connected with people White, Jr., actually worked with and mentored by Marian Tasco, and many people know that I have worked closely and been supported and mentored by Cherelle Parker. I just want folks to know the following: That there's been conversations around our sanitation workers and our 33 Union, and I want you to know that not only do I understand the importance of working, making sure there's a fair contract for our sanitation workers, our Mayor undoubtedly knows that. And I have full faith, full trust more so than more people than I know in our District who knows her thoroughly. She truly cares about our sanitation workers and our blue collar workers. And I know and I'm confident that a deal is going to get done that everyone's going to about, and she wants it more than anybody else so I'm looking forward to that. And I just want the public to know to have confidence in that and support her in that regard. I also want to note that even on today's resolutions, yes, there will be more conversations. Our Mayor is open to those conversations. Our Council President is open to those conversations because he's been getting some ends on this too for whatever reason. But I just want you to know our Mayor is open to this. And I trust that our Mayor has a strong plan and we're going to get this done right. So for our public workers and also for the arena, we're going to do the right thing regardless when this happens. And just to remember that contingency of people who supported her to become Mayor and they still trust her and we do too. So we're going to make sure that we find ways to bring everybody together to make this work, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes about. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Jamie, your light was on and went off. Would you like to be acknowledged?
Okay. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a moment to thank the colleagues who with, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and Councilmember Brooks. We might have a lot of different things on our plate right now, but every once in a while we still come together for different initiatives. And this morning we came together for something that I think is really important to democracy. A lot of people in the city of Philadelphia are not talking about the fact that we have thousands of people in the city of Philadelphia who think that they've cast their vote in this November's election. And the reality is their vote is flawed. Today we stood together to encourage the citizens of Philadelphia to check the Commissioner's website. We gave a QR code that people can scan. And even if you yet, there may be a name on that list that you recognize that you can call to let them know that their ballot is flawed, it needs to be cured and they need to go to the closest satellite office, which also includes City Hall between now and election day to put themselves in a position where their vote will actually count. Black people, people of color are three times more likely to have a flawed ballot than our White counterparts. We've seen the biggest issues as it relates to these ballots that need to be cured being a missing signature and/or a missing date. So something as small as that for those who decided to vote by mail can put people in a position where their vote might not necessarily be counted. We also know based on the were requested through the Commissioner's Office that a lot of them, over 100,000 ballots, have not yet been returned which is significantly lower than our numbers in 2020 this time during that election. So with that being said, Council President, we just want to make sure that people understand the importance of this issue. Please check the City Commissioner's website. Make sure that you make a plan to vote if you haven't voted. And if you did vote by mail, make sure your vote counts. Check the website, check the QR code, put yourself in a position to help further democracy. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to echo the sentiments of my colleague Councilmember Kendra Brooks in honor of Philly Counts. That initiative that they've -- I want to congratulate them as well. That initiative is something that's very close to me. I've always been public about the drug use in my family. Always been public about the fact that one of my childhood friends, a Black man, 38, overdosed recently this past year. And so, that is a very important issue in the Black community that we must meet head-on and stop trying to run and hide from the fact that it's our community who is dying at disproportionate rates from drug echo the sentiments of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas when it comes to the mail-in ballot issue. We received this information, my office has taken upon itself to reach out to individuals that are in the 5th Council District that we received the information that their mail-in ballots has some deficiency. So we've been calling the folks that we have phone numbers for. We're also going to be sending letters out to the folks as well, so we encourage everyone to reach out to the Commissioner's Office if you have filed for a mail-in ballot, to make sure that your mail-in ballot is correct. There are a couple of initiatives tonight. I say Happy Halloween. I have a 6-year-old so we're going trick-or-treating so, we're going to have fun in the community tonight. And I just want to put on the record a couple of events in North Philadelphia if you have younger children and you want a safe place to go to trick-or-treat and get candy. The 2,000 block of Ridge Avenue where the grocery outlet is, in that parking lot they're having a trunk-or-treat there. 18th and Girard there's a trunk-or-treat in partnership with St Joe's Prep that's there. On Cecil B. Moore Avenue between Broad and 17th, some of those stores will be participating in trick-or-treating with the help of a Beech Interplex, and also at 23rd and Berks at the Helen Brown Community Center there's also some trick-or-treating events there. I want to stand in the Streets and Services Committee and ViceChair of Transportation and Public Utilities, I want to stand in solidarity with AFSCME District Council 33. I'm wearing my AFSCME pin today for their right to seek a fair contract, and also with TWU Local 234 and their right to seek a fair contract as well. Both of those unions play a significant role in keeping our city going and keeping our city moving, so we want to make sure that we are supportive of them and their members. And finally, tomorrow will be a grand opening of my neighborhood satellite office. (Applause.)
Yes, thank you. It's at 2815 Ridge Avenue, which is in the plaza where Dollar General is, Sedgley Plaza. It's just significant for me literally two blocks away from the projects -- well, excuse me, the public housing where my maternal and paternal grandmothers lived, right. And so, it is very important for me to do this for that community, so I hope you all can show out. Tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. we'll be at Sedgley Plaza at Ridge and Sedgley. So thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. As there are no more speeches, just as we move forward we won't be here next Thursday due to the election so we'll be here the following Thursday. And then we'll actually begin the actual real process of moving forward and having the opportunity to address arena. The process is set up similar to how our budget process from 10:00 to 4:00 every day, so I expect for everyone to attend and have a real robust conversation on what this looks like moving forward. And I also would just let everyone know in terms of members, we have a tech team that if anyone needs any assistance in terms of evaluating the process, actually evaluating the proposal, they are at your disposal to help you and your staff take apart the proposal to answer your issues and address your concerns and to come up with recommendations. Some members have actually did their homework and actually provided recommendations in terms of what they wanted to actually see in terms of this proposal in terms of the actual process. And so, I terms of the actual process whether you're for or against to do your due diligence in terms of you and your team, but also we have a tech team to help you address your issues and concerns regarding this process. But we expect after vacation to come back with a very, very robust discussion regarding this particular proposal. But this is democracy in action. And thank you for your birthday well wishes. Everyone have a good one. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
and properly seconded that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. ) 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. P. A. m. org.