Stated Meeting 1 9/29/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING City Hall, Room 400 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 29, 2022 10:26 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 9/29/2022
Good morning. We're going to get started shortly, if everyone would take their seats. We're ready to go. I'd just like to ask all attendees to please silence your cell phone or turn it off as we start. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. I note that the hour has come. We have clearly established a quorum, but to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Myah Abrams of the Church of Christian Compassion. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Good morning, Council and all who have assembled to offer solutions today to meet the needs Stated Meeting 3 9/29/2022 What a privilege it is to come together in prayer and ask God's wisdom as we face the demands of today. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we greet you with gratitude on this day, and we're so appreciative because today holds new possibilities, new opportunities and promises, but we also know that today we face different and new challenges, but we're grateful because you give us new grace and new mercy to meet those challenges. We pray together for our city. We pray for doctors and nurses and hospitals. We pray for law enforcement. We pray for schools and teachers and our children. We pray for families who have suffered from violence, God, that you would just give them peace in their heart today. God, I pray that this great city would live up to its creed of Stated Meeting 4 9/29/2022 affection. Continue to guide us through this day as we make decisions. Thank you for it. In Jesus' name, amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Pastor. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much and, again, Pastor, thank you for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate it. Again, I would like to thank the members that have come to witness their government in action today. I would like to recognize the individuals who may be here, our municipal workers from the Art Museum. Thank you for coming down today. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 5 9/29/2022
Hopefully we'll get some resolution real soon. So we're going to move on. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 6 9/29/2022 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, President Clarke. On behalf of members of Council, a leave of absence has been requested by Member Johnson.
Thank you, Councilman. Leave shall be granted to Councilmember Johnson. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla 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 Stated Meeting 7 9/29/2022 Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on the amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the consideration 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 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 that arose too late to be included in the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 8 9/29/2022 been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. 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 or any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
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 Stated Meeting 9 9/29/2022 the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 220418 and 220447, and I am pleased to advise you that on September 28, 2022, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on September 15, 2022, except Bill No. 220239, which I am returning without my signature. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 650 North Conestoga Street, 658 North Conestoga Street, 662 North Conestoga Street, 5436 West Girard Avenue, 5552 Harmer Street, 653 North Sickels Street, 534 through 36 North 54th Street, 538 through 40 North 54th Street, 546 North 54th Street, 550 North 54th Street, 623 through 33 North 55th Street located in the 4th Councilmanic District; and Also a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of Stated Meeting 10 9/29/2022 1309, 1324, 1347, 1348, 1410, 1412, 1421, 1424, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1433, 1437, 1443, 1451, 1452, 1454, 1457, 1459, 1463, 1512, 1516, 1519, and 1534 North Myrtlewood Street; 1330, 1458, 1460 and 1500 North Hollywood Street; 1218, 1511, 1513, 1521, 1523, 1525, 1537 North 28th Street; 1257, 1253, 1402, 1457, 1648, 1652 North 30th Street; 2713, 2922 West Thompson Street; 1240, 1265, 1271, 1304, 1318, 1446 North Dover Street; 1330, 1332, 1334, 1336 North Marston Street; 1339, 1416, 1446, 1455, 1632 North Newkirk Street; 3000 West Oxford Street; and 2815 Jefferson Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 525 West Norris Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1952 South Redfield Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and Stated Meeting 11 9/29/2022 Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 759, 761, 763, 773, 779 and 783 Pallas Street; and 4041 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2317 Ridge Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3812, 3826, 3834, 3846 and 3850 North Camac Street; 3861 North 13th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3548 Germantown Avenue in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to Stated Meeting 12 9/29/2022 the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3001 Martha Street in the First Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2843 through 2861 Janney Street and 2842 through 2860 Weikel Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2214 North Orkney Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the measurements of zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Avenue, Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Stated Meeting 13 9/29/2022
OF BILLS Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our communications and our messages from the Mayor, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one privileged resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing, honoring, and congratulating Saleem Chapman on his appointment as the Director of the Office of Stated Meeting 14 9/29/2022 Sustainability."
Councilwoman Gym offers two resolutions, two privileged resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Rita Addessa, a fierce and fearless activist for social justice and a transformative leader, who as the longtime Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lesbian and Gay Task Force played a critical and impactful role in the fight for the rights and opportunities for LGBTQ+ Philadelphians."
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating students, educators, staff and families of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School for their selection as a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, a significant and well-deserved honor, and affirming their Stated Meeting 15 9/29/2022 hard work to create a vibrant, inclusive, and academically rigorous school built upon on the pursuit of social justice and the arts.
Councilman Thomas offers a privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia's first group of Black Male teachers in core subjects, the freshman teacher cohort of Martin Luther King High School, and the staff and administration for prioritizing the issue of underrepresentation of Black Male teachers in Philadelphia.
Councilman Jones offers six bills and four resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Animal Husbandry Use" -- on behalf of Council President Clarke, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Animal Husbandry Use on a certain location within an area bounded Stated Meeting 16 9/29/2022 by Reservoir Drive, Fountain Green Drive, Kelly Drive, Girard Avenue, and 33rd Street."
On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing -- an ordinance also on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Avenue, Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue.
On behalf of Councilman Johnson, an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan Stated Meeting 17 9/29/2022 No. 45-S and abandonment of a certain right-of-way reserved for water main and gas main purposes extending from Seventeenth Street to Eighteenth Street, north of Hartranft Street.
On behalf of Councilman Johnson, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Naudain Street from Fifteenth Street to its terminus eastwardly therefrom and striking from the City Plan and abandoning a right-of-way for drainage, water main, and gas main purposes which extends eastwardly from the said terminus of Naudain Street.
On his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance establishing a no truck parking Stated Meeting 18 9/29/2022 regulation on both sides of North 75th Street between Brookhaven Road and Brentwood Road.
And an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawnton Street.
On behalf of Councilman Johnson, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1952 South Redfield Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
On his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers a non-privileged resolution also naming the 4100 Block of Monument Road as "Jim Gardner Way." Stated Meeting 19 9/29/2022
And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of John Izzard, Jr., one of the first Black members of Philadelphia's rowing community and the first Black captain of the Undine Barge Club.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 650 North Conestoga Street, 658 North Conestoga Street, and 662 North Conestoga Street.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Service to hold a hearing investigating the mapping out of trauma centers across the city and how Stated Meeting 20 9/29/2022 they are selected when transporting shooting victims; and inviting the House Democratic Policy Committee and Senate Democratic Policy Committee to participate in these hearings.
Councilwoman Brooks offers a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania State Senate and Governor Tom Wolf to pass House Bill 1419, known as the "Dignity for Incarcerated Women" Act, intended to improve conditions and treatment of pregnant people in Pennsylvania's jails and prisons.
Councilman Driscoll offers an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 291 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Shelmire Avenue Stated Meeting 21 9/29/2022 from State Road to the centerline of the Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad, under certain terms and conditions.
Councilman O'Neill offers three bills, 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 Cottman Avenue, the Montgomery County Line, the Bucks County Line, Interstate 95, Grant Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard"; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Pine Road from Bloomfield Avenue to Shady Lane; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Philmont Avenue from Byberry Road to Bustleton Avenue.
Those three bills will be referred to committee. Stated Meeting 22 9/29/2022
Councilman Squilla offers two resolutions, entitled a non-privileged "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3001 Martha Street in the First Councilmanic District."
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2843 through 2861 Janney Street and 2842 through 2860 Weikel Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilman Oh offers three privileged resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the 30th Anniversary of FunTimes Magazine, a community-driven magazine focused on the African Diaspora." Stated Meeting 23 9/29/2022
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Jesse Bermudez who is remembered as a "local patriarch of Latin music" for his humility and commitment to uplifting marginalized, multicultural communities through the power of music.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the 250th Anniversary of the Society of the Sons of St. George for its longstanding contributions to the English American community in Philadelphia.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. I do have business outside of the Chambers, and I Stated Meeting 24 9/29/2022 would like to request a leave and also to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Let the record reflect that Councilman Oh has been granted leave of absence and is voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, does that conclude the introductions?
Thank you very much. There are no reports from committee today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, so the Chair recognizes Stated Meeting 25 9/29/2022 Jones for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda for the following resolutions on Final Passage Calendar: Resolutions No. 220745, 220747, 220748, 220749, 220750, 220751, 220754, 220755, 220756, 220757, 220758, 220759, 220762, and 220763.
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilman Jones. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 26 9/29/2022 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you again, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being considered -excuse me. Start again. Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered for the Consent Agenda today, the following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 220599, 220692, 220693, and 220746. All other bills and resolutions are being held. Stated Meeting 27 9/29/2022
Thank you very much, Councilman. We will now move to our public comment session, but before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider the public comment session. It will go as follows: Your public comment session must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table set up for this purpose in the hallway just outside the Council Chambers. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Today I'm going to do three minutes. Yeah. Today we don't have a Stated Meeting 28 9/29/2022 significant volume of people, so we're going to do three minutes today. So you will each have three minutes to testify. However, the time limit may vary from session to session based on the volume of speakers. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, we intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. So 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. So we ask you to get right to your remarks when you step up to the podium. Once three minutes have passed, the light will turn red, and the Sergeant-At-Arms will disconnect the microphone, and at that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker, if you have not already done so. We also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit Stated Meeting 29 9/29/2022 repetitious comments on the same subject matter. So I would ask Mr. Decker, he will start reading the first name. And, again, I want to thank you so much for your willingness and your interest in participating in your government in action. So thank you for your participation today. Mr. Decker, please call the first witness to testify today.
The first speaker we have today, Mr. President, is Winnifred Taylor, commenting on 220762. (Audience member talking without microphone.)
She's out here? Okay. Just go get her. We'll just do the next name. Mr. Decker, read the next name.
The next speaker is Jerome Moore, commenting on 220762. (No response.)
Stated Meeting 30 9/29/2022 Mr. Moore? (Speaker approached podium.)
This is my first time here, so I don't know how to establish protocol.
My first name is Jerome L. Moore, Jr., from the Mount Olive Baptist Church. We're speaking on behalf of my pastor, the Reverend Harry Moore, Sr., who has been pastoring at Mount Olive Baptist Church for 28 years. We just celebrated his 28th year at 638 North 37th Street where he has been a monstrous leader and the pillar of Mount Olive Baptist Church in West Philly. This man has been a pillar of leadership both inside the walls of Mount Olive as well as outside of the walls of Stated Meeting 31 9/29/2022 Mount Olive Baptist Church. He has taken the Baptist creed outside in terms of even funeralizing a building on Melon Street, one of the first times we've ever witnessed that in our community. He is a giver, he is a teacher, but most of all he is a man of God who has been steadfast and unmovable in making sure that he undergirds us with our belief as baptized believers in our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. We just stand in asking that you consider naming the 600 block of 37th Street in honor of Reverend Harry Moore, Sr., so that while he can do and see the things that he's accomplished yet while he's still yet alive.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We really appreciate it. Thank you. Is Ms. Taylor -- did Ms. Taylor come in? She did not? Okay. Stated Meeting 32 9/29/2022
The next speaker is Danyel Hillian, Danyel Hillian, commenting on 220762. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Danyel Hillian. My name is Daniel Hillian. I am here to represent Mount Olive Baptist Church and the Trustee Ministry. We are in the process -- we would like to name the 638 block of North Stated Meeting 33 9/29/2022 37th Street after Pastor Harry Moore, Sr. He does a lot for the community. He does a lot for the people, and not only for the congregation but more than the people that are not members of our church. We are asking that you approve this resolution so that we can honor him and the neighborhood in which the church resides.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate you coming in.
The next speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 220756. (Speaker approached podium.)
Great morning to everyone. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I really want to just concur with the resolution honoring and celebrating the life of Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, the Lion of Zion, but I want to just remind people exactly what the Stated Meeting 34 9/29/2022 Reverend Sullivan was about. You know, he created the Sullivan Principles, and I really want to ask this body if they're living up to those principles of Reverend Leon Sullivan. It's good to acknowledge him and the hundredth anniversary of his birth, but I just want you to recognize what he actually did and not just say, oh, I'm going to recognize Reverend Leon Sullivan because there's a plaza named after him and all of that. One of the things -- one of his principles or a few of his principles was the equal employment practices, community development, equal pay, which I see that the union here from the Art Museum is here, and they need equal pay. (Applause.)
So if we're going to celebrate, if we're going to celebrate Stated Meeting 35 9/29/2022 Leon Sullivan, let's research what the Reverend Leon Sullivan was about and let's implement those things in the bills that you present in honor of the -- on behalf of the City. He did this in relationship to apartheid in South Africa, but there's a lot of apartheid or apart-hate happening right here in Philadelphia, and we need to examine that as a body. The City Councilmembers need to examine the separation of people from the way the communities are being gentrified, to our education system. We need to acknowledge that and not just acknowledge Brother Leon Sullivan. Again, my name is Ogbonna Hagins. And one other thing too. He spoke out. He wasn't very quiet. That's why he was called the Lion of Zion, because he spoke out against injustices. And you guys know what the injustice here in Philadelphia is, from the dumping, to Stated Meeting 36 9/29/2022 people driving crazy, to there being a lawlessness in the City. So I thank you for listening, and I really expect some action and not just looking at me and acknowledging my presence, but to actually do something about these problems that are happening in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate you being here today.
The next speaker is Amanda Bok -- I'm sorry. The next speaker is Winnifred Taylor.
Oh, Ms. Taylor is here? Okay. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning. My Stated Meeting 37 9/29/2022 name is Winnifred Taylor and I am here on behalf of Mount Olive Baptist Church speaking in reference to my pastor, Reverend Harry Moore, Sr. I have been blessed to work as an administrative assistant to Reverend Harry Moore, Sr., for the past 14 years. During this time, I have been privy to observe him in various situations. I admire who he is, and I'm very proud to call him my pastor. What I have observed is that he is an intelligent, resourceful, and energetic preacher that is respected and accepted by members of all ages as well as co-laborers in the ministry. Also he is a very determined leader who is passionate about serving God's people. I have found Reverend Moore to be faithful, an authentic witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is an enthusiastic Bible scholar when discussing and studying the word of God. Some characteristics in which I Stated Meeting 38 9/29/2022 believe speaks volume about him are: Reverend Moore allocates time to study, plan, and prepare his sermon. His sermons are spiritually based, as well as they are creative, focused, but yet relevant and timely enough to meet the needs of God's people. He is a leader with a vision who has the ability to convey his goals to collaborate and is flexible enough to work with his members to achieve them. He possesses a warm, charismatic demeanor, which is evident through his empathetic and humble spirit. He is a lover of people, but also he is loved by his people for his dedication, his devotion, and his unselfishness. He is respectful but also respected by both his members and his community. This is by far not a complete list, but it will provide a snapshot and an insight as to why we believe the Stated Meeting 39 9/29/2022 Reverend Harry Moore, Sr., who is our pastor, should receive this prestigious honor of having a street named after him. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony today. We appreciate you being here.
The next speaker is Amanda Bok, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. My statement today is in reference to Resolution 220599 urging the City of Philadelphia to reconsider the terms of the Atwater Kent Collection's transfer agreement between the City and Drexel University in order to ensure adequate stewardship of the Collection and protect the interests of the citizens of Philadelphia. I speak to you today as a Stated Meeting 40 9/29/2022 curator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, who in the six years I've served in this position understands well the importance of safeguarding cultural objects and making them accessible to the people of Philadelphia and to visitors to the City that we call home and love. Unfortunately, right down the street from Drexel University at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, management is failing to protect the interests of the citizens of Philadelphia by creating untenable working conditions for people like me who are charged with stewarding their collections. They are failing to offer everyone but their top executives competitive salaries, paying their union-eligible workers who join me here today on average 30 percent less than peer institutions pay them. They are failing to provide meaningful salary increases in a hostile economy to a workforce who hasn't seen a Stated Meeting 41 9/29/2022 pay increase in over three years. And they are failing to provide a healthcare plan that workers can afford to purchase and to use. I love my job at the Museum and it's why I moved here, but I could walk three blocks down the street and take the same job at the Barnes Foundation for 20 percent more pay. My colleagues could do the same at the Barnes, at PAFA, Penn, and elsewhere, and they have been doing so. We've been on strike now for four hard days. Sorry. After two years of solid negotiations and numerous unfair labor practices committed by our employer, we unfortunately were left with little choice. It hurts me to be out on a picket, unpaid, and letting collections sit untended to and stalling out projects I have put my whole heart into, but there Stated Meeting 42 9/29/2022 comes a point when the prestige of working at the Philadelphia Museum of Art can't outweigh the financial burden of the soaring cost of living in Philadelphia and stagnant pay. It's time for City Council to please step in and help the working people of Philadelphia win a contract that we deserve. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Zoe Cohen, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
Thank you, Council. My name is Zoe Cohen. I'm speaking in support of 220599 and the Philadelphia Museum of Art union. Stated Meeting 43 9/29/2022 I'm an artist, an educator, an organizer with United Academics of Philadelphia, AFT Local 9608. I've been proud to be a Philadelphian for over 20 years. I'm also a former museum educator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I taught in almost every type of educational program the Museum offered from around 2001 to 2007. I started working at the Museum less than a month after moving here as a young adult. During that time, I fell in love with the collection and with the City while teaching in the galleries and also working on outreach programs in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. I learned that the Museum is one of the City's greatest resources, just like the Atwater Kent Collection, and that its staff are dedicated to making it a resource available to all Philadelphians, just as the Atwater Kent Collection should be. Stated Meeting 44 9/29/2022 The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the greatest gems of Philadelphia, but it is a true stain on the City that some Museum staff are currently making the same hourly wage that I was being paid over 20 years ago. PMA workers, like all workers, deserve the respect and stability of a strong union contract in order to be able to continue to serve Philadelphia. Councilmembers, in addition to reconsidering the terms of transfer of the Atwater Kent Collection, I urge you to support the PMA union and compel the PMA leadership to meet their reasonable demands for sustainable pay and benefits. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker Stated Meeting 45 9/29/2022 is Adam Rizzo, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Adam Rizzo and my statement is in reference to Resolution 220599. As a museum educator, I'm glad to hear that City Council shares my commitment to ensuring that public collections continue to be conserved and made accessible to the citizens of Philadelphia. My own employer, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, has made several public statements recently about the importance of serving our community. However, they do not seem to consider those who work at the Museum as part of that community. Workers at the PMA union are currently on strike for a living wage and affordable healthcare. We are the Philadelphians that the management at the Stated Meeting 46 9/29/2022 Museum have the most power to impact in a positive way, but instead they treat us like we are separate from the communities we serve. They are happy to emphasize the importance of our work, to criticize our choice to strike, but they don't think our work is important enough to pay us a living wage. If City Council believes in the importance of the arts being accessible to Philadelphians, I hope you will help ensure that Philadelphians who work in the arts are treated with dignity and respect. The City and State give the Museum millions of dollars every year. I urge you to make sure that money is used to support rank and file workers at the Museum and not the bloated millionaires in senior management. I'm a museum educator, and I want to get back to work to continue serving the wonderful students of the Stated Meeting 47 9/29/2022 School District of Philadelphia, but I won't do it until management comes to the table. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for coming in.
The next speaker is Joseph Hu, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Joseph Hu. I'm a museum photographer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. My statement is with reference to Resolution 220599 urging the City of Philadelphia to reconsider the terms of the Atwater Kent Collection transfer agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University in Stated Meeting 48 9/29/2022 order to ensure adequate stewardship of the Collection and protect the interests of the citizens of Philadelphia. As a museum worker at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I know firsthand the enormous and complex responsibility that encompasses the administration and guardianship of a collection of this importance. At the PMA, that responsibility falls on the union members of AFSCME DC47. We're the curators, conservators, photographers, educators, visitor services and retail associates, IT professionals, art handlers, development officers, the list goes on. The point is, we are the ones that take care of the Museum and its collection. And we are fighting at this very moment for better pay and affordable healthcare from the Museum management. We're on strike because the Museum refuses to adequately compensate its highly skilled and knowledgeable staff Stated Meeting 49 9/29/2022 that takes great care in preserving and sharing its world-class collection with the citizens of Philadelphia and the world. We urge City Council to advise the management and board of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to negotiate with the union in good faith and come to an agreement. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Adrienne Atiles, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Adrienne Atiles. I am a grants manager at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and I'm here as a proud member of the PMA Stated Meeting 50 9/29/2022 union. I thank the City Council for hearing my statement in reference to Resolution 220599 regarding stewardship of the Atwater Kent Collection. It is in the interest of the citizens of Philadelphia that institutions such as Drexel University, who stewards the collection, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, who stewards other distinguished art collection bequeathed to the City of Philadelphia, the John G. Johnson Collection, among others, take appropriate measures to ensure adequate stewardship. For instance, significant City funds bolster the Philadelphia Museum of Art, yet at this very moment, its workers, including conservators, curators, installers, and registrars, are on strike fighting for fair pay, reasonable healthcare, and our first union contract after two years of negotiations. We are professionals who love Stated Meeting 51 9/29/2022 our jobs and are committed to making sure such esteemed works of art are accessible to Philadelphia taxpayers. We too are the communities we serve, yet many of us work several jobs, cannot afford healthcare, and are in a housing crisis due to stagnant wages and tone-deaf leadership. The pay disparity within the Museum is staggering, leaving those of us who actually put art on the walls and lead children's programs to have to strike as a last resort. Meanwhile, the City's assets in the form of important collections, such as the Atwater and the Johnson, languish while Museum executives bring home salaries ranging from $200,000 to $700,000 a year. It's shameful, and Philadelphia taxpayers deserve better. Thank you.
Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 52 9/29/2022
Before we call the next speaker, I just want to let the record reflect that Councilwoman Gym is present. Thank you, Councilwoman.
The next speaker is Peter Winslow, commenting on 220692. (Speaker approached podium.)
My name is Peter Winslow. I'm a resident of Philadelphia. I speak to you today as President of A Smart Collaboration and as a candidate that you recommended to Mayor Kenney for appointment to the initial Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority. Thank you, President Clarke and members of Council, for this opportunity to speak in support of the 12 resolutions that pertain to the acquisitions and dispositions by the Philadelphia Land Bank. Stated Meeting 53 9/29/2022 If I had time, I would like to give my support to my union colleagues who are fighting for fair treatment by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, because they deserve it. If I had time, I would also like to speak about the shooting in Roxborough, which is near my home, and also about Hurricane Ian and what the implications are for Philadelphia from climate disruption, but I've got three minutes, so I'll talk about the Land Bank. President Clarke, I recall I think it was in 2011 that Rob Stuart and I spoke with you and also, Councilmember Jones, with you at length about the need for a land bank, and thank you very much for now giving us that land bank and how much we appreciate not only the work that the Land Bank does, but that the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, the Redevelopment Fund, the Department of Public Property, all of the Stated Meeting 54 9/29/2022 agencies do in trying to recycle the properties that we have that are underutilized. Of these properties that are mentioned in the resolutions under consideration today, I counted 260, which is a lot. This takes up a big part of your Calendar and a big part of your mental process here on Council, but remember there are 42,000 properties in Philadelphia that are vacant and we're barely keeping up. So when Mayor Kenney tells us that everything is fine and we don't need any additional help because everything is going along fine with the way things are, I take exception to that, because I think we can do much, much better, and one of the ways that we can do better is with the implementation of the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority. Among other things, the ability to dispose of property, drawing down the inventory provides more funds for Stated Meeting 55 9/29/2022 additional acquisitions, and the way to do that is to support land trusts. We don't have -- there are 256 land trusts in the United States. We have several of them here in Philadelphia, but they're small and they need help. The Financial Authority can provide that kind of help, and I look forward to working with you to find ways in which we can implement that together. Thank you for your attention to this matter once again.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Kathryn Casey, commenting on 220599. (Speaker approached podium.)
-- City Councilmembers. Thank you, sir. My name is Kathryn Casey. I'm a resident of Philadelphia, trained as an art historian, with a Ph.D. from Bryn Mawr College. I am here to strongly voice my support in favor of the resolution to reconsider the terms of the Atwater Kent Collection transfer agreement. In reference to the art collections, however, I would like to point out an embarrassment for the City of Philadelphia that is taking place on a world stage. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a world-class collection of art, and people come from all over the world to view it. As an art historian, I can vouch that the art world is abuzz with news of the recent strike, and it is known in that world that the PMA treats its employees poorly and does not pay them well. I will repeat, this is an embarrassment for the City that is taking Stated Meeting 57 9/29/2022 place on a world stage. Now, from the news, I learned that the PMA sits on City property, which it leases for a dollar a year, and that all the PMA utility bills are paid for by my tax dollars as allocated in the budget that you pass. Given this stake, your stake in it, I urge the City Council to take whatever action you can to persuade the Museum to resolve this dispute and enter into a fair contract. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate you being here today.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. Stated Meeting 58 9/29/2022 That concludes our public comment session, and hopefully in the next couple of days we'll get some resolution to the Art Museum workers. I understand that there are discussions currently taking place. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just really wanted to, number one, thank the Museum workers for coming down today and for making sure that the public is aware of what's actually happening. I know that they were speaking primarily on my Resolution 220599, and I'm going to speak to that, but I just also wanted to mention really quickly that the Art Museum does have a huge endowment and receives considerable freebies from the City of Philadelphia in terms of no taxes, some of the services that they receive freebies from the City on some of the most valuable real estate Stated Meeting 59 9/29/2022 in the City of Philadelphia, and to be $300,000 a part on a $6 million budget is just ridiculous. So I just really wanted to put that out there. But on Resolution 220599, I wanted to make sure that everyone who spoke on it is made aware that we are actually going to withdraw that particular version of the resolution and introduce a revised version based on some technical changes that need to be made to the actual resolution. So the substance will still be there, but based on some technical changes, we need to withdraw and reintroduce. So thank you so much, Mr. President.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman, for that information. Okay. That concludes our public comment session. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Stated Meeting 60 9/29/2022 would ask Mr. Decker to please read the titles of all of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 220745, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1600 through 40 North 9th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220747, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1000 Stated Meeting 61 9/29/2022 1026 through 36 Fairmount Avenue (including the former 671 and 681 through 87 North 11th Street and 1015 through 29 Melon Street); 1005, 1007 and 1013 Melon Street; 1019 and 1021 Wallace Street; 647 through 67, 662 through 68 and 670 through 72 North 10th Street; and 667 and 677 North 11th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220748, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3812, 3826, 3834, 3846 and 3850 North Camac Street; 3861 North 13th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220749, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1402, 1403, 1405, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1417, 1418, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 1427, 1429, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1435, 1436, 1438, 1441, 1443, 1445, 1446, 1447, 1449, 1457, 1462, 1513, Stated Meeting 62 9/29/2022 1514, 1532, 1536, 1547, 1559, 1561, 1611, 1613, 1629, 1631, 1633, 1635 and 1641 North Marston Street; 2712, 2714, 2810, 2836 and 2838 Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 1316, 1318, 1400, 1406, 1408, 1414, 1418, 1422, 1426 through 32, 1434, 1436, 1438, 1444, 1448, 1450 and 1634 North 27th Street; 1544 and 1546 North 26th Street; 1602, 1608, 1614, 1632, 1637 and 1639 through 41 North Bailey Street; 1420, 1444, 1450, and 1453 North Etting Street; and 2704, 2705, 2710 and 2720 Jefferson Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220750, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1309, 1324, 1347, 1348, 1410, 1412, 1421, 1424, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1433, 1437, 1440, 1443, 1451, 1452, 1454, 1457, 1459, 1463, 1512, 1516, 1519 and 1534 North Myrtlewood Street; 1330, 1458, 1460, 1500 North Hollywood Street; 1218, 1511, 1513, 1521, 1523, 1525, 1537 North 28th Street; Stated Meeting 63 9/29/2022 1257, 1253, 1402, 1457, 1648 and 1652 North 30th Street; 2713, 2922 West Thompson Street; 1240, 1265, 1271, 1304, 1318 and 1446 North Dover Street; 1330, 1332, 1334 and 1663 North Marston Street; 1339, 1416, 1446, 1455 and 1632 North Newkirk Street; 3000 West Oxford Street; and 2815 Jefferson Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220751, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3861 North 13th Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220754, entitled a "Resolution also naming Christian Street, between Broad and 20th Streets, 'Black Doctors Row,' to recognize its designation as Philadelphia's first African American historic district"; and Resolution No. 220755, entitled Stated Meeting 64 9/29/2022 "Resolution also naming the 900 block of South 17th Street 'Geraldine Graves Way,' to honor the life and legacy of Geraldine Graves"; and Resolution No. 220756, entitled a "Resolution celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, 'The Lion of Zion,' on the occasion of his 100th Birthday"; and Resolution No. 220757, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 759, 761, 763, 773, 779 and 783 Pallas Street; 4041 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No.
220758, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1834, 1837, 1840, 1846 and 1848 South Allison Street, 4322 Lancaster Avenue, 767, 769 and 771 Pallas Street, 5517 Paschall Avenue, 3909 Stated Meeting 65 9/29/2022 Street, 642 North 39th Street and 713 North 43rd Street in the Third Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220759, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5112 Ludlow Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. , for his work as a faithful spiritual leader and servant of his community"; and Resolution No. 220763, entitled a "Resolution adding 'Joseph A. Ferko Memorial Boulevard' to the street signs on Bridge Street between Tacony Street and Richmond Street in recognition of the positive impact that the Joseph A. " Stated Meeting 66 9/29/2022
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of each of the resolutions on today's Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Resolution Consent Stated Meeting 67 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Agenda has been adopted. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220599.
A resolution urging the City of Philadelphia to reconsider the terms of the Atwater Kent Collection transfer agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University in order to ensure adequate stewardship of the Collection and protect the interests of the citizens of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Resolution No. 220599 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 68 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 220599 be withdrawn. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and Resolution No. 220599 has been withdrawn. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220692.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3217, 3241, 3248, 3253 and 3257 North 15th Street, 3305, 3333, 3340, 3342 and 3346 North 16th Street, 3314, 3316, 3320, 3327, 3331, 3342, 3344, 3346, 3412 and 3414 North 17th Street in the Eighth Stated Meeting 69 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmanic District.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, Resolution No. 220693.
A resolution Stated Meeting 70 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 6131 Baynton Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting 71 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220746.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1942, 1944, 1946, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956 North 3rd Street; 1923, 1927, 1934, 1935 North 4th Street; 1925 North 5th Street; 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 433, 437 and 537 West Berks Street; 2004 North Bodine Street; 401, 405 and 407 West Hewson Street; 1916, 1922 and 1940 North Leithgow Street; 313, 421 West Norris Street; 1910, 1923, 1926, 1927, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958 and 1961 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 72 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution recognizing, honoring, and congratulating Saleem Chapman on his appointment as the Director of the Office of Sustainability, introduced today by Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption Stated Meeting 73 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Rita Addessa, a fierce and fearless activist for social justice and a transformative leader, who as the longtime Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lesbian and Gay Task Force played a critical and impactful role in the fight for the rights and opportunities for LGBTQ+ Philadelphians, introduced today by Councilwoman Gym.
The Stated Meeting 74 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating students, educators, staff and families of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School for their selection as a National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, a significant and well-deserved honor, and affirming their hard work to create a Stated Meeting 75 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING vibrant, inclusive, and academically rigorous school built upon on the pursuit of social justice and the arts, introduced today by Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring Philadelphia's first group of all Black Male teachers in core subjects, Stated Meeting 76 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING the freshman teaching cohort at Martin Luther King High School, and the staff and administration for prioritizing the issue of underrepresentation of Black Male teachers in Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. In a time where we need to encourage as many Black males as possible to be in our schools, I energetically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting 77 9/29/2022 9/29/22 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of John Izzard, Jr., one of the first Black members of Philadelphia's rowing community and the first Black captain of the Undine Barge Club, introduced today by Councilman Jones.
On behalf of all of the members of the Council rowing team, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)