Stated Meeting 1 3/3/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 3, 2022 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 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 2 3/3/2022
Thank you very much, and good morning to everyone. Thank you for joining us today. Before we begin the Council session today, I would like to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, 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, the Inquirer, the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I will now note that the hour has come. Mr. Decker -- I want to ask the Clerk please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, say a couple of words to make Stated Meeting 3 3/3/2022 image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the Philadelphia viewing public. Good morning, everyone.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues, and on this first Thursday of Council in the month of March, to the City of Sisterly Effectiveness and Brotherly Love.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Sending prayers out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, viewing public. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the public. I'm present.
And good morning to all. Thank you all for being here. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Bill Waters of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Stated Meeting 8 3/3/2022 today as the guest of Councilman Squilla. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your head for the invocation.
Almighty and eternal God, you've revealed your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, judgment is decreed. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude that members of the Philadelphia City Council, that their affairs may be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful to the people of Philadelphia. May they encourage through respect your virtue and religion. May they execute the laws with justice and mercy. May they seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct deliberations of the City Council as they seek to preserve peace, Stated Meeting 9 3/3/2022 the blessings of liberty and equality. We pray that the members of the Philadelphia City Council, who are entrusted to guard our political welfare, may be enabled by your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability. We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy all the citizens of Philadelphia, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law. Loving God, in a very special way this morning, we pray for the people of Ukraine. We pray for all those who are making decisions concerning this war. We pray that their decisions may be made in a way that brings about peace and respect the lives and dignity of all involved. Loving God, as we celebrate today the feast of one of our own Philadelphians, Mother Katharine Drexel, Stated Meeting 10 3/3/2022 to be canonized from Philadelphia, we pray that through her intercession, there may be a decrease in the crime in the City of Philadelphia. We pray that through her intercession may all become more attentive and responsive as she was to the needs of the homeless and those marginalized in the City. In conclusion, Lord, we pray in thanksgiving that the members of the Philadelphia City Council are willing to be of service to us. We pray in thanksgiving for their sacrifice that they make so generously and selflessly being public servants. We pray that all of their decisions be for the common good, their decisions will respect the life and dignity of each citizen of the City of Philadelphia. We bring all of this to you, our Lord and God forever and ever. Amen. (Amen.) Stated Meeting 11 3/3/2022
Thank you so much, Father. We really appreciate you being here today. Thank you for your invocation.
Thank you, and thank you for wanting to have the sense of God's presence here at the meeting. That's tremendous. Thank you.
Thank you. You're welcome. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 24th, 2022. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 24th, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 24, 2022 Stated Meeting 12 3/3/2022 in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is the request for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were Stated Meeting 13 3/3/2022 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, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or 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 Stated Meeting 14 3/3/2022 to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And our next order of business is communications, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any additional communications that he may have in his Stated Meeting 15 3/3/2022
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 220005 and 220052. And I am pleased to advise you that on February 25, 2022, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on February 24, 2022: Bill Nos. 220001, 220002, and 220077. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to assign 2032 East Lehigh Avenue located in the First Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting 16 3/3/2022 title to 2609 through 27 Sears Street, 3014 through 26 Wharton Street, and 1308 through 14 South 26th Street located in the Second Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the Third Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Brandywine Street, Olive Street, Melon Street, North Shedwick Street, Wallace Street, North 33rd Street, and North 35th Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Monument Street, North Sydenham Street, and North 31st Street; and Stated Meeting 17 3/3/2022 amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Aviation, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to the operations of the City's Airports to the newly-created Department and to provide for additional duties of the Department; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Aviation, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to the operations of the City's airports to the newly-created Department and to provide for additional duties of the Department, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate Stated Meeting 18 3/3/2022 officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election; and An ordinance amending Section 11-505 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners," to authorize the Streets Department to collect fees for costs incurred in reviewing plans for and constructing ADA-compliant sidewalks, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Appreciate it. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate Stated Meeting 19 3/3/2022 opportunity for the public comment. I'd like to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by our members.
Yes, Mr. President. Councilwoman Parker offers one bill and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Community Development," by adding new provisions related to workforce housing programs, amending the applicability period, and making other technical changes.
And on her own behalf, a resolution congratulating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States and urging the U.S. Senate Stated Meeting 20 3/3/2022 to confirm her nomination.
And a resolution commending the City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement for their prudent actions over the years to increase the Pension Fund's actuarial funding ratio.
And a resolution calling on Mayor James F. Kenney and his administration to conduct an annual review of how the City's elimination of the Rule of Two has impacted workforce diversity in both hiring and promotion.
Mr. President, Councilwoman Parker would like to be recognized on the bills and resolutions.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for Stated Meeting 21 3/3/2022 all of her resolutions that she introduced today.
Thank you so very much, Mr. President. First, on Ketanji Brown Jackson being nominated to the Supreme Court, it is a high honor to congratulate Ketanji Brown Jackson on being nominated to the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court. One of my favorite rulings of hers, Mr. President, is the 2018 American Federation of Government Employees, the AFL-CIO ruling, where Jackson invalidated provisions of three executive orders that would have limited the time federal employee labor union officials could spend with union members, the issues that unions could bargain over negotiations, and the rights of disciplined workers to appeal disciplinary actions. Judge Jackson concluded that the executive orders violated the right of federal employees to collectively Stated Meeting 22 3/3/2022 bargain and guaranteed by the Federal Service-Labor Management Relations Statute. Judge Jackson is the real deal. She is the most qualified person for the job. She attended Harvard and Harvard Law and was the editor of the Harvard Law Review. She has come up through the ranks and would be the first Justice who has served as a Public Defender. Even more notable if confirmed, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and it's about time we had such representation in such an esteemed position. The Philadelphia City Council congratulates her on her nomination and, of course, urges a speedy confirmation. I want to note for the record, Mr. President, that this resolution is sponsored by all of the women of Council - Gauthier, Sanchez, Bass, Brooks, Gilmore Richardson, and Gym, yourself, Mr. President, and Stated Meeting 23 3/3/2022 Councilmembers Squilla, Johnson, Jones, O'Neill, Domb, Green, and Thomas. Thank you, colleagues. Next, Mr. President, is the Rule of Two. In November of 2021, a majority of the voters in Philadelphia voted to eliminate the Rule of Two. Now, data shows that standardized testing of all kinds is skewed out to favor for test-takers of diverse backgrounds. That is why I introduced the ballot question to eliminate the Rule of Two, which stated that for City hiring and promotions, HR managers can only choose from the first or second top-scoring candidates. The Rule of Two practice did not take into account a person's years of experience, their expertise, their training, or their passion for their role. Other cities don't use a Rule of Two. In a 2017 comparison with 35 other peer cities, it was found that no other municipality adhered to a Rule of Stated Meeting 24 3/3/2022 Two. All had more expansive rules like a Rule of Five or a Rule of Ten. And approximately 20 percent used the varying rule, which is what Philadelphia chose to do by eliminating the Rule of Two. Eliminating the Rule of Two will help correct a barrier that prevented many Black and Brown and women civil service workers from being hired or moving up the chain as it relates to City jobs. However, what we do need to do now is analyze the data around the new hiring and promotion processes and see, let's measure whether or not they are working. So this is why today, Mr. President, I've introduced this resolution calling on Mayor Kenney and his administration to conduct an annual review of how the City's elimination of the Rule of Two has impacted workforce diversity in both hiring and promotions. With this resolution, I am asking the Stated Meeting 25 3/3/2022 Administration to run a report on the numbers. They should tell us how many people of color and women were hired since the Rule of Two was eliminated, how many employees of color and women were promoted since the Rule of Two was eliminated, and how do these figures compare to when the Rule of Two was still in place.
Finally, are there any adjustments that need to be made to help level the playing field when it comes to putting the right people in positions regardless of their standardized test-taking skills. While we know it is our duty to combat institutional racism wherever it occurs and I've heard from multiple people, they've demanded, as Chair of Council's Committee on Labor and Civil Service, that they want a city government that is reflective of the population and they want fairness in pay. Let's prove to them that eliminating the Rule of Two is a step towards equity. Stated Meeting 26 3/3/2022 Now, Mr. 1 percent. That's how much it increased, the highest market value for the Pension Fund in over 20 years. A reduction in investment fees, saving over $90 million; long-term stability; the 2020 Government Finance Officers Association Award for Excellence. And they're on track to reach 80 percent funding by 2028 and 100 percent funding by 2031. The Pension Fund has achieved all of this because of the leadership of the City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement, along with the combined efforts -- truly an intergovernmental effort -- the City Administration, Philadelphia municipal unions, our City Council, Mr. President, Stated Meeting 27 3/3/2022 under your leadership, and the State Legislature, some members who are no longer elected, and all other interested parties. This is why today I am proud to have introduced a resolution commending the City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement for their prudent actions over the years to increase the Pension Fund's actuarial funding ratio. For the record, Philadelphia, this resolution is co-sponsored by our Council President, Darrell Clarke, and Councilmembers Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Bass, O'Neill, Brooks, Domb, Gilmore Richardson, Green, Gym, and Thomas. According to the Pew Charitable Trust in 2019, the collaborative efforts to shore up our Pension Fund have proved that improved funding of a municipal pension system is attainable. These extraordinary and prudent efforts benefit City retirees, current City workers, taxpayers, and the City's operating Stated Meeting 28 3/3/2022 budget, and it will likely improve the City's credit rating. I want to give some credit to some folks - Fran Bielli and James C. I called you that because I didn't want to chop up your name, James. Treasurer Jackie Dunn; Rob Dubow; Roosevelt Poplar; Tumar Alexander; Diana Cortes; Rebecca Rhynhart; Carol Stukes-Baylor, the first Black woman to ever be elected Vice Chair of that Board; Brian Coughlin; Paul Reed; Mike Zaccagni; Sade, who is no longer here; Matt Stitt, who is no longer here; and Bob McDermott. Special thank you to each of you and our workers. Thank you for your measured actions over the years that have led to this outstanding result. You all are to be commended and applauded. Our Pension Fund used to be attacked, people claiming that it was mismanaged, but we showed that we could take care of ourselves, do the right thing, and preserve retirement security Stated Meeting 29 3/3/2022 for municipal workers, and for that, we should all be proud. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. A lot of good work. Next week's Calendar. Mr. Decker, next.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution celebrating Author Mollie Elkman and Her Children's Book, The House That She Built, on the Occasion of Women's History Month."
And a resolution recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of women and girls throughout history on the occasion of Women's History Month.
Next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting 30 3/3/2022
Councilman Jones offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis for her unwavering commitment to the advancement of the careers and goals of women and minorities in the field of medicine."
Councilman Johnson offers one bill and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Aviation, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to the operations of the City's airports to the newly-created Department and to provide for additional duties of the Department.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting 31 3/3/2022
Also on behalf of the Council President, a resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Aviation, to transfer the functions of certain City agencies with respect to the operations of the City's Airports to the newly-created Department and to provide for additional duties of the Department.
On his own behalf, Councilman Johnson offers a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 2609 through 27 Sears Street, 3014 through 26 Wharton Street, and 1308 through 14 South 26th Street located in the Second Councilmanic District.
Next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting 32 3/3/2022
And a resolution honoring Reuben Jones, executive director of Frontline Dads, for his dedicated leadership in promoting public safety and justice reform in Philadelphia.
Councilman Green offers a resolution calling upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Tom Wolf to raise or remove the cap on the amount of tax credits available under the Film Production Tax Credit Program.
Councilwoman Brooks offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring and commending the life and memory of Jennifer Bennetch and the impact of her housing activism on the City of Philadelphia."
Next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting 33 3/3/2022
Councilman Domb offers a resolution honoring and congratulating Drexel University President John Fry on his 2021 receipt of the William Penn Award from the Greater Philadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce, and for his many contributions to Drexel University, the local community, and the entire Philadelphia region.
Thank you, Council President. I'd like to congratulate today Drexel President John Fry on being selected for the William Penn Award by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The William Penn Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a business Stated Meeting 34 3/3/2022 executive in Greater Philadelphia, and it's been awarded annually since 1949, and recipients are chosen for their significant contributions to the business and civic advancement of the region, their professional accomplishments, their leadership experience, and their commitment to charity as well as to the community. John Fry has certainly helped our city and region thrive over this time he's been here. I'd like to thank my co-sponsors, Councilmembers Gauthier, Parker, Quinones-Sanchez, Jones, Squilla, Gilmore Richardson, Green, Bass, and Thomas. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill and one Stated Meeting 35 3/3/2022 resolution, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 269 and abandonment of a portion of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes and water main purposes in the vicinity of the northwesterly side of Civic Center Boulevard, northeast of Osler Circle."
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the Third Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Brandywine Street, Olive Street, Melon Street, North Shedwick Street, North Wallace Street, North 33rd Street, and North 35th Street.
Councilman Thomas Stated Meeting 36 3/3/2022 offers one bill and one resolution. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Section 11-505 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners," to authorize the Streets Department to collect fees for costs incurred in reviewing plans for and constructing ADA-compliant sidewalks.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Thomas offers a resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week NBC10's Miguel Martinez-Valle and Augustine Conte III for representing Philadelphia in Beijing as the only Philadelphian reporters and photojournalists to cover the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Councilman O'Neill offers one bill, entitled "An Stated Meeting 37 3/3/2022 ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by revising the annual fee for neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services and exempting owner-occupied duplexes from the annual neighborhood sanitation and cleaning services fee requirements."
Councilman Squilla offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the conveyance of an interest in and the assignment of the redevelopment agreement for 2032 Lehigh Avenue located in the First Councilmanic District."
Councilwoman Bass offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2919 North 23rd Street located in the 8th Councilmanic Stated Meeting 38 3/3/2022 District."
Councilman Oh offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing Darrell K. Choates Sr. for his ongoing success and contributions in the fields of business and community development as CEO of the Choates Family of Companies."
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Streets and Services and Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold hearings on the Administration's plan for public electric vehicle charging.
And a resolution Recognizing and Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Stated Meeting 39 3/3/2022 with the Theme "Gifted to Give."
And a resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to terminate all contracts and financial ties with Russian businesses and investments.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions by our members, and our next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Council Stated Meeting 40 3/3/2022 President, the Committee on Rules reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 210807, 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 Penn Street, Morris Street, Coulter Street, and Priscilla Street"; and Bill No. 210829, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending certain provisions of Section 14-502, entitled '/CTR, Center City Overlay District,' to create a new subarea of the Old City Residential Stated Meeting 41 3/3/2022 District"; and Bill No. 210957, entitled "An ordinance to approve amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Walnut Street, 34th Street, Spruce Street, and 40th Street, related to the Graduate School of Education building at 3700 Walnut Street"; and Bill No. 220005, 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 Girard Avenue, 54th Street, Westminster Avenue, Haverford Avenue and 56th Street"; and Bill No. 220076, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 9th Street to the east, 11th Street to the west, Cumberland Street to the north, and Susquehanna Avenue to the south," respectfully Stated Meeting 42 3/3/2022 the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 210807, 210829, 210957, 220005, and 220076. (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. 210807, 210829, 210957, 220005, and 220076. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 43 3/3/2022
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Finance reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 210827, entitled "An ordinance authorizing an increase in the non-electoral indebtedness of the City within the Pennsylvania constitutional Stated Meeting 44 3/3/2022 limit; authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; and authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds"; and Bill No. 220116, entitled "An ordinance approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Revised Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027, as amended," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting 45 3/3/2022
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 210827 and 220116. (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. 210827, 220116. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be Stated Meeting 46 3/3/2022 Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 220114, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 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 Stated Meeting 47 3/3/2022 offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 220114. (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 Bill No. Stated Meeting 48 3/3/2022 220114. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 17 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Wow. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was Stated Meeting 49 3/3/2022 210478, entitled "An ordinance establishing a parking regulation in the vicinity of: Frazier Street and Spruce Street; Ludlow Street and South 58th Street; Yewdall Street and Larchwood Avenue; Reinhard Street and South 47th Street; South 48th Street and Reinhard Street; Baring Street and North 32nd Street; Brandywine Street and North 34th Street; Hamilton Street and North 35th Street; Haverford Avenue and North 32nd Street; Haverford Avenue and North 40th Street; Wallace Street and North 33rd Street; Mandela Way and North 46th Street; Mount Vernon Street and North 33rd Street; Preston Street and Baring Street; St. Malachys Way and North 46th Street; Spring Garden Street and North 40th Street; North 31st Street and Hamilton Street; Sansom Street and South 49th Street; South 61st Street and Walnut Street; Irving Street and South 51st Street; Ruby Street and Market Street; Pine Street and South 46th Street; Mount Stated Meeting 50 3/3/2022 32nd Street; North 42nd Street and Baring Street; and State Street and Powelton Avenue"; and Bill No. 210800, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parking Regulations and Penalties,' to add a new section entitled 'Parking for Qualified School Employees,' to provide parking for certain school employees at certain locations"; and Bill No. 210801, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 170002) approved May 22nd, 2017, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating the easterly houseline of University Avenue, from a point approximately five-hundred forty-five feet north of Curie Boulevard to a point approximately two-hundred thirty-six feet further northwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 210804, entitled "An Stated Meeting 51 3/3/2022 in the vicinity of: Mentor Street and Windrim Avenue; Pelham Road and Mower Street"; and Bill No. 210805, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Sulis Street and North 2nd Street; Ashdale Street and North 4th Street; Rittenhouse Street to Wissahickon Street"; and Bill No. 210806, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Tioga Street and North 15th Street"; and Bill No. 210828, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive,' by extending the period for Stated Meeting 52 3/3/2022 and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 210927, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' to authorize a bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Chestnut Street from South 63rd Street to South 45th Street; and to remove a travel lane on Chestnut Street within the same limits"; and Bill No. 210955, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North Daggett Street from Callowhill Street to Vine Street"; and Bill No. 211019, entitled "An ordinance establishing no truck or trailer parking regulations on North 60th Street between West Oxford Street and Clifford Terrace, both sides; North 61st Street between West Oxford Street and Clifford Terrace, both sides; and West Columbia Avenue between North 60th Street Stated Meeting 53 3/3/2022 61st Street, both sides"; and Bill No.
220045, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Overbrook Avenue from 64th Street to 66th Street"; and Bill No. 220053, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Horning Road from Roosevelt Boulevard to its terminus further northwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 220111, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-215 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Streeteries,' to revise and add additional permitted locations"; and Bill No. 220119, entitled "An ordinance authorizing an existing bulk window at 2519 Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 220143, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-215 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Streeteries,' to add additional permitted locations"; and Stated Meeting 54 3/3/2022 220144, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-205 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Market Street"; and Bill No. 220145, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Designation of Bicycle Lanes,' to authorize a bicycle lane on West Market Street from 34th Street to 30th Street; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so to permit the Stated Meeting 55 3/3/2022 of the 17 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (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 the 17 bills that were just read by the Clerk. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just Stated Meeting 56 3/3/2022 from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the 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 resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
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 resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. They are Resolution Nos. 220169, 220170, 220171, 220172, 220173, 220174, 220175, 220176, 220177, 220180, 220181, 220182, 220183, and 220184. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be Stated Meeting 57 3/3/2022 2ND READING suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions 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 Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Stated Meeting 58 3/3/2022 Calendars today. They are Nos. 220178, 210956-A, and 220051-A. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Our next order of business is our public comment. Before we proceed with the consideration of our public comment, we're going to take a brief five- to ten-minute break to allow our technology professionals an opportunity to connect our speakers for today for public comment session. Thank you. We'll be right back. (Short recess.)
Thank you. Good morning again, everyone, and thank you so very much for your patience. Stated Meeting 59 3/3/2022 Before we proceed with our public comment period, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I just, for the record, want to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. I know that there's a long list of people who will be speaking and I might not be here at the end. So for the record, can I please be noted as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember Squilla. Whenever you have to depart, leave is granted, and the record will reflect that you have voted aye on all bills and resolutions. Thank you.
Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will Stated Meeting 60 3/3/2022 consider public comment as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker of any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for 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 of or against the legislation, and then 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. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold Stated Meeting 61 3/3/2022 faithfully to the established time limit. Once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks. 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, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded. Because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. By continuing to be in the meeting, you are Stated Meeting 62 3/3/2022 consenting to being recorded. With this in mind, I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Yes, Madam Chair. The first speaker is Abron Ash, commenting on 200051 and 200176.
Good morning, Abron. Are you connected and ready to proceed? (No response.)
Mr. Decker, can you state that name again for the record, please.
I'm being told he's not connected, Madam Chair. I apologize.
Okay. Stated Meeting 63 3/3/2022 Thank you very much. The next person.
The first speaker is Regina Hairston, commenting on 200051-A [sic].
Good morning. Are you connected and ready to proceed, Ms. Hairston?
Thank you so very much. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
My name is Regina A. Hairston, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of Philadelphia City Council. I Stated Meeting 64 3/3/2022 am also the representative of the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia, which was formed by the AACC, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Independence Business Alliance, and the LGBTQ+ Chamber for Greater Philadelphia, and I'm here to provide public comment on Bill 220051-A. I thank the sponsor of this iteration of the bill, Councilmember Brooks, for instructing this Council to further examine an issue that continues to plague our city. I understand that this Council cares deeply about the safety of our communities and the impact that COVID-19 has had on our small business environment in Philadelphia. Therefore, it is imperative that we delay a final vote on this bill until a more effective and efficient strategy is established in order to provide further participation of small businesses. Stated Meeting 65 3/3/2022 At a time when COVID-19 restrictions are being scaled back, our focus needs to be helping small businesses recover. Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we must continue to reinvest and support them during this time of recovery. As the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia stated before during the February 14th hearing, there has not been an adequate nor meaningful opportunity for those small businesses affected by this measure to discuss the impact that COVID-19 leaves on its recovery. Even with the latest amendment, which raises the threshold to those with 25 to 49 employees, would affect nearly 2,800 local businesses that would now have another regulation, which would act as a hurdle to surviving this recovery. As such, approximately 60 businesses met with Councilmember Brooks earlier this week urging her to rescind this bill. Stated Meeting 66 3/3/2022 Our businesses hardest hit by the pandemic cannot afford another barrier to doing business effectively in the City of Philadelphia. The goal should be centered on efforts to develop initiatives and legislation that will protect our workers but will also leave the businesses that employ them in the best shape to scale and survive this recovery period. Hundreds of business owners have entrusted the organizations that make up the Diverse Chambers Coalition to be their voice. Our members constitute the backbone of the City's commercial corridors, (unintelligible) of our economy, and they are a source of jobs and wealth creation in the neighborhoods that need it most. Failing to hear their voices to meet their needs undermines the strong and equitable inclusive recovery that we all seek to achieve. With this in mind, I respectfully ask the Council to delay Stated Meeting 67 3/3/2022 taking a vote on this Bill 220051-A until the small business community has a chance to have meaningful input in the process. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Hairston. Will the Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
The next speaker, Madam Chair, is Queen Judith Robinson, commenting on 210848 and 210170.
Good morning, Queen. Are you connected and ready to proceed? QUEEN ROBINSON: Yes.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your comments. QUEEN ROBINSON: Good morning. Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson testifying on 200170 [sic]. If I could be so bodacious on Women History Month, I'm going to give Stated Meeting 68 3/3/2022 myself an award today, Queen of Citizenship. Yes. Judith Robinson, Queen of Citizenship. There is no citizen that has testified to this body more than Judith Robinson in the history of City Council. I'm going to call it modern history of City Council. So I'm going to give myself an award, citation, bigger props, all that, because it's Women History Month and we're celebrating women, and I just want to make myself very distinct in that manner. So Queen of Citizenship to Judith Robinson of North Philadelphia. Yeah. Welcome. In addition, another queen of the Fifth District in North Central Philadelphia, Dianna Montague. Black history, she's the owner of Iron Ladies Enterprise. You're talking about untraditional careers. She is the first woman ironworker in the history of Stated Meeting 69 3/3/2022 ironworkers to graduate as a union ironworker in Philadelphia's 100-year history. Say her name. Dianna Montague. Happy Women's History, y'all. Let's get the history straight. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Queen Judith Robinson, for your comments. Would the Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
Good morning, Susan Windle. Are you connected and ready to proceed?
Please state your name for the record and proceed with your comments.
Good morning. My name is Susan Windle and I'm testifying in support of Bill No. 210956, which would establish a Philadelphia Public Stated Meeting 70 3/3/2022 Financial Authority, the first step to creating a Philadelphia public bank. I am Chair of the Philadelphia Public Banking Coalition, and in this Coalition, I represent POWER Interfaith as well as Philadelphia Neighborhood Networks. And as a poet as well as Chair, I'm in charge of the poetry of public banking. So I'd like to offer a poem as my testimony today. The Poetry of Public Banking the poetry of public banking, the way the words kiss, public and banking, it is not what you expect, this joining, this yoking together of seemingly separate, seemingly disparate things, public banking. Here is a compound beauty, a deep underlying truth, public and banking, people and profits. Why not let the bankers belong to the people and the people the bankers in holy union. Here, the heart sings a unifying song. Here, the profits Stated Meeting 71 3/3/2022 themselves rejoice and a new light beams, and a new light beams from the City of love. Councilmembers, please pass this bill by unanimous consent. Help Philadelphia grow into the beacon of love and justice that is in her good name. Thank you.
Thank you so very much for your comments. Would the Chief Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
Good morning, David Backer. Are you connected and ready to proceed?
Yes, I can hear you. Just please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony -- your comments rather.
Thank you. Yes. Stated Meeting 72 3/3/2022 My name is David Backer. I'm a Professor of Education Policy at West Chester University. I live in West Philly. I'm a member of Philly DSA and I'm a parent of a two-year-old who will attend Philly public schools. As a scholar of school finance and a parent, I'm thrilled to support the creation of a Philadelphia Public Finance Authority. The connection between school finance and this authority might be a little obscure, so my testimony tries to make this clear. Philadelphia school buildings are in dire need of transformative financing. A public finance authority such as the one considered today would help. How? When the District does large projects in schools, it has to take out loans through a for-profit market called the municipal bond market. Getting one of these loans is like going to a big party. There's a lot of people there. Stated Meeting 73 3/3/2022 There's the District, who needs money for things like school HVAC systems, but there are investors who might front money for this loan. There are consultants, lawyers, rating agencies, institutions helping make sure the deal is kosher, and the bank, who is like the party's host. At this municipal bond market party, everyone is there to make money, except the School District. Investors are there to make money on the loan's interest. Private banks are making bank, consultants and lawyers charging high fees. Even the credit rating agencies charge for their services. The District is like a nerd at a football team rager. School districts gets taken advantage of in these situations. On average, municipal bonds are rated worse and incur higher fees than private ones, because Securities and Exchange efforts don't see public financial deals like school bonds as real business. They're not wrong. Education is a public good. Stated Meeting 74 3/3/2022 It's supposed to serve everyone, not make the rich richer. So the School District gets ripped off by bullies and maybe the host. The bank notices this, but she's got all kinds of things going on, saying hi to everyone, not really looking out for the District. Now imagine the District has a wing person at this party. This friend is like a nerdy football player who has the respect of everyone but is there to advocate and protect the District. This person's goal is to make sure the nerd doesn't stand out and doesn't get ripped off. That friend is the Philadelphia Public Finance Authority. So I am excited about this Authority coming into existence in Philly, a city that's been pushed around and bullied enough when it comes to (unintelligible). Also, passing this legislation (unintelligible) creating a public bank, Stated Meeting 75 3/3/2022 which should be like the School District going to a party hosted by their wing person, which would be amazing. I urge you all to vote in favor of that legislation.